In My Weekend Bag

Off to spend one more long weekend at the beach before the end of summer. Below is my eco packing list!

1. Deodorant is one of those things I always forget to pack, thus it always goes at the top of my packing list. Crystal is great because it does a good job of keeping you dry without aluminum chlorohydrate.

2. Chemical-free sunscreen is a MUST for a beach weekend. 

3. Woodies solid bamboo sunglasses (just purchased these via groupon goods!)

4. A weekend at the beach also requires nail polish in order to quickly repair chips in your pedi caused by playing in the sand. Butter London is a great nontoxic nail polish choice. 

5. Since I'll be avoiding wrinkle-causing UVA/UVB rays with my chemical-free sunscreen, I'll also need a paraben-free self tanner so that I can fake a post-beach glow. I love Fair by FakeBake.

6. Salty seawater gets my lips all chapped, so I'll def be bringing my organic eos lipbalm.

7. Tom's strappy wedges are perfect for apres-beach parties. 

Organic Cork Handbags

Ingrid Heinkel and Jetta Hanover owners of Cork Design have released a new line of eco-friendly cork handbags and other cork fashion and home accessories that are stylish as well as functional. Cork is a natural, organic, sustainable product that is soft to the touch, feather light yet durable, fire resistant and waterproof.

Cork is a renewable resource, non-animal product. The most predominant cork oak forests in the world are in Spain and Portugal. Cork harvesting is one of the best examples of a sustainable agro-forestry system where people use the natural resources, without disturbing or destroying nature.

Cork Design bags and products retail at $2.00 to $185.00.

For more information visitwww.shopcorkdesign.com

Review: Avalon Organics Lavender Hand & Body Lotion

Pros                                                                           Cons                   

-Good consistency, effective                                       -Rated a 5 on EWG (moderate hazard)

-Avalon is Champion Status on Compact for               -Has multiple "moderate hazard" level ingredients

  Safe Cosmetics                                                         -Not sold at most drug stores (try Whole Foods)

-Doesn't test on animals

-Good price ($12)

-Bottle made from 100% recycled materials

-Company has sustainability commitments

-Smells amazing

-No artificial fragrances, GMOs, petroleum products

-70% of ingredients are organic

Conclusion - I am bummed that this product has a "moderate hazard" rating on EWG because other than that, this product is perfect! It smells fantastic, is relatively cheap, and really works to keep skin moisturized but not greasy. I also love Avalon Organics' thorough commitment to sustainability and health. I'm not sure if I'll buy this again or not - its hard to find products much better than this, but if I do, I'll let ya'll know ASAP!

Thanks Boloco!

Boloco is setting a great example for restaurants in Boston. Not only are they green certified, but they also promote sustainable behavior:

 Their burritos are TO DIE FOR and they accept LevelUp!

Taranta for Boston Restaurant Week

This week and next week are Boston Restaurant Week(s)! My roommate, Liz, and I decided to use this opportunity to check out an upscale green certified restaurant. So last night we went to Taranta on Hanover St. in the North End. I've been meaning to check out Taranta for a long time, not only because they compost, have organic menu options, and serve biodynamic wines, but also because their fare is quite unique - it is Peruvian/Italian fusion! 

We started with mussels and beef anticucho, then for our main courses, we had the Salvadorian Influenced El Pollo and the Grilled Skirt Steak: 

However, by far the best part of the meal was dessert: lucuma tiramisu and a guava cannoli!!! Dinner was fabulous and it felt great to support a restaurant with sustainable practices.

Taranta and Miel are the only Green Certified restaurants participating in Boston Restaurant Week. 

Review: Nature's Gate Tea Tree Shampoo

Pros                                                                          Cons                       

-Effectively cleans hair & soothes scalp.                     -Rated 5 on EWG (moderate hazard)

-Lasts a long time                                                      -Doesn't smooth out knots well

-Company is partnered with WaterAid                       -Has artificial fragrance

-Innovator on Compact for Safe Cosmetics                -Has COCAMIDE DEA

-Not tested on animals                                               

-Reasonable price ($10)

-No parabens or phthalates

Conclusion - I am disappointed that this product has a "moderate hazard" rating on EWG. I purchased it at Whole Foods and thought, therefore, that it would get a good score. I appreciate that Nature's Gate is associated with charities and is part of the Compact for Safe Cosmetics, but I am still searching for a shampoo that is rated 0-3 on EWG.

Bead for Life at Equal Exchange Cafe

On my walk home from work the other day, I stopped at Equal Exchange Cafe on Causeway St. and was thrilled when I noticed that they sell BeadforLife products! Now I know where to buy my eco/ethical soaps (and get a to-die-for latte at the same time)!

FYI - Equal Exchange accepts LevelUp!!!!