» Green

Tips How To Have An Eco Friendly Green Valentine’s Day

Tara Burner — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:30:35 +0000

It’s been awhile since I posted green tips and with Valentine’s Day being one of the largest wasteful holidays (other than Christmas) I figured now would be the time to share some green how to’s.

Not that I am celebrating Valentine’s Day but to those who do…

Pass on giving store bought cards…I know the thought of it…but really how many cards truly say exactly what you mean anyhow? Make your own.

source
Make a heartfelt gift like this 52 Reasons I love you card book

Buy living flowers or a plant instead of flower bouquets that will die in a few days anyhow.

Give organic chocolate.

Stay home and prepare a romantic dinner of organic local foods rather than going out to an over priced, over crowded restaurant. (check out these natural vegan aphrodisiacs!)

Give the gift of memories & experiences instead of material things. Go for an excursion to the beach, woods, somewhere secluded and romantic.

Take a couples yoga class.

Get a couples massage.

Question of the day
How are you spending Valentine’s Day?

Copyright © 2012 . This Feed is for personal non-commercial use only. If you are not reading this material in your news aggregator, the site you are looking at is guilty of copyright infringement, and has stolen the content. Please contact so we can take legal action immediately.
Plugin by Taragana Pin It

Green Apple Active Review

Tara Burner — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 14:03:27 +0000

This was an instant love affair for me…

green, peace sign in the logo, eco friendly, active wear and a slogan of “Eco active lifestyle for free souls”
I’m seriously having a crush over this clothing line!
Green Apple Active speaks to me!
I mean really…those of you who know me know that everything about that is me.

They had me at the description, slogan, logo and packaging!

I mean, really….
At Green Apple we are very passionate about health and the wellbeing of our planet. We use only organically grown plant-based materials in all of our apparel & utilize the most eco-friendly, non-toxic processing methods available.

How could one ask for more?!

Even the packaging speaks to me.
Biodegradable bio plastic…

Oh, and they’re not green-washing like so many other companies do…
check out all of their eco certifications!

I got to try the most awesome Support Tank top (I cannot stress enough how hard it is for me to find tank tops that support the big girls, but this tank DID!)

Our Rise Up tank is your perfect workout & yoga companion. This streamlined support tank is flattering & functional, with slimming princess seams & a full shelf bra liner with removable inserts for optimum performance. Contrast neckline & embroidery logo on back. Fitted.

and WOW I really need to get some better lighting at night when I’m taking pics, but here’s pic of the model who’s really rocking the tank and then… me *sigh*
but with the model you can see the true color of the tank and how good it looks!

I wore this doing everything…yoga, biking, running and of course just running around doing errands!
It has awesome support, feels soft and is one of my fav tank tops now.

I also tried the Essential Balance Fitted Flare Sweat Pants which are the softest pants ever.

Super cozy & comfortable, this flattering pant is made to fit like our best-selling yoga flare pant. This luxuriously soft sweat pant is made in our signature stretch bamboo french terry for maximum comfort & breathability. Self drawcord & rib trim waistband, tonal stitch detail, & tonal logo embroidery on back leg. 33″ inseam with adjustable raw edge hem that allows you to cut to your own perfect length. Natural Fit.

And, when you read the Company Bio, you’ll see why their active wear rocks!
here’s a teaser for you but go read the rest, Over the past twenty one years, Green Apple founder and veteran athletic designer Cristofer Smith has pioneered over 13 brands with wild success, winning several international design awards for his unique fusion of comfort & style. As the brand architect behind names such as Urban Flex, Avia, and So Sporty, Cristofer has earned a reputation and respect within the active apparel industry for mastery over his craft.
In 2004, Cristofer turned his attention to the GREEN movement and founded a new company called Green Apple. The company was pioneered with the vision to innovate and create new organic products for the active lifestyle arena.

Five star products & company…
more than happy all the way around in every aspect with Green Apple Active!

Check them out online at GreenAppleActive.com
Follow @greenappleactiv on Twitter
Like Green Apple Brand on Facebook
Make sure to sign up for their newsletter

oh, and I did wear my tank top during the video for the Fit for 2012 Challenge
I gave a shout out and url is on screen around minute 2:50

– Disclaimer: I, Tara Burner, personally reviewed the product(s) listed above. I didn’t receive any monetary compensation for the review on this blog. Free (most awesome) product was received by me so I could experience it for the review. My opinions are honest and unbiased.

Natural House Probiotic Cleaners Review & Giveaway

Tara Burner — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 12:37:54 +0000

I received a 30 day supply of Natural House’s first three products (Flushy, Trashy, and Sinky)

I tossed one of the Sinky down the disposal and let it do it’s thing!
Scrubbing probiotics scours your drain and disposal clean driving out odors at their source. Eco-Friendly, non-toxic, biodegradable

I personally think Flushy was the best product I used.
Just toss in toilet bowl and it did all the work!

Benefits of Flushy
Cutting-Edge Probiotic Action
Convenient foaming water soluble pouch application
Naturally digests odors at their source leaving a fresh botanical scent
Removes stains, hard water rings, rust streaks leaving the water a clean, aqua blue color
Promotes healthy septic tank; breaks down waste
1 bag lasts 30 DAYS

Lastly was Trashy which came in handy for the kitchen garbage can.
It naturally digests odors at their source leaving a fresh botanical scent.

Product Highlights
Our products use an eco-friendly cleaning method of probiotics that create a beneficial, odor eating ecosystem to naturally drive out and digest odors at their source.
Natural House’s plant-based ingredients are eco-friendly, non-toxic and biodegradable to naturally fight the toughest problems you face in your house.
Our products, Sinky and Flushy even break down and digest fats, oil, grease, and solid waste to ensure your disposal, pipes, drain lines or septic tank run smoothly.
Our cleaners contain good probiotics which continue to scour, clean, consume odors, grime, grease, and germs, and they continue to do so until your next weekly treatment!
We earned the coveted Retailers’ Choice Award” at the 2011 National Hardware Show!

How it works
The surfaces in your house are like a garden. If you don’t seed with good plants, weeds will grow. You have the same choice with your household surfaces: sanitize for a moment with harsh chemicals leaving your surface open to recontamination or seed with probiotics to continuously weed out the bad micro-organisms.
Traditional cleaners “clean” a surface for a moment in time; the second the rag is finished wiping the surface, that surface is almost instantly polluted once again with ambient dust, dirt, and micro-organisms.
Natural House probiotics creates mini-ecosystem on a microbial level that produces enzymes which break down odors, dirt, fats, oil, grease, food scraps, waste and toilet paper products on a continuous basis between applications. This creates a natural, clean, balanced environment that is safe for even the most sensitive members of your natural house.
The action is in the foam! When using your Natural House products be sure and let it foam first to release the cleaning agents before going to the next step on the package directions.

Watch this quick video to learn more about how Natural House probiotic cleaners work.

You can purchase Natural House products directly on their site: http://www.naturalhouse.com/products/

Or you can get your Natural House goods via Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=bl_sr_hpc?_encoding=UTF8&node=3760901&field-brandtextbin=Natural%20House which is cool option for those of you who use Amazon perks like “Free Super Saver Shipping” or “Amazon Prime.”

Winner will receive the 3 items pictured above

Open to US Residents Only

Contest open until Dec 8, 2011 11:59 p.m.
Winner will be announced on Dec 9, 2011 via email.

Mandatory Entry
Visit naturalhouse.com and comment on one thing they learned about the products.

Additional Entries:
For each thing you do here, you must put it in a new comment for it to count as an entry.
Please do not combine things you do or it’ll only count as one entry in the contest.

Follow @naturalhousepro on Twitter (shoot them a tweet and they’ll follow you back)
Like Natural House on Facebook
Give @naturalhousepro Klout

Copy & paste this tweet, then when you’re done come back and comment with the link of your tweet
win 30 day supply of @naturalhousepro probiotic cleaning supplies http://wp.me/p1XoKe-2oZ @taraburner #giveaways #green

Follow this blog via Google Friend Connect (right menu midway down)
Follow me on Twitter
Friend me on Facebook
Give @taraburner Klout
Sub to this blog via RSS Feed
Follow me on Tumblr
Follow me on Pinterest
Connect with me on Posterous
Add me to your circles on Google+
Comment on any other post on this blog
Add www.TaraBurner.com blog to your blog roll
Add the Tara Burner button and link to www.taraburner.com to your site
(right click to save or use image link of http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii127/taraburner/taraburnerbutton.jpg)

Or if you prefer this button, add it and link to www.taraburner.com on your site
(right click to save or use image link of http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii127/taraburner/taraburnerblogbutton.jpg)

Sign up for the free Balancing Healthy Body, Mind, Soul online paper
Like Tara’s fitness page on Facebook
Subscribe to my YouTube channel

Like the Recipes For Eating Well Page on Facebook
Follow @ForEatingWell on Twitter
Give @foreatingwell Klout
Add RecipesForEatingWell.com to your blog roll
Add the Recipes For Eating Well button and link to www.recipesforeatingwell.com to your site
(right click to save or use image link of http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii127/taraburner/recipesforeatingwellbutton.jpg)

– Disclaimer: Tara Burner has personally reviewed the product(s) listed
above. Tara has not received any monetary compensation for her review on
this blog. Free product was received by Tara so she could experience it
for the review. Tara’s opinions are honest and unbiased. Tara is not responsible for shipping winning products.

Ways you can recycle or reuse packing materials

Tara Burner — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 03:56:50 +0000

Ways to Recycle or Reuse Packing Materials

With the holidays upon us that means an abundance of shipping and packing materials!

Shipping Peanuts
Fortunately a lot of places are now using biodegradable shipping peanuts so you can use in your compost pile if you have one.
If you don’t have a compost pile, put them in your planters for filler then the soil then the plant.
If you’re making pillows or a pet bed you can use them for stuffing–though after time they’ll get smashed down and you’ll need to refill with something else.
You can also reuse them when you ship or pack something.
Some shipping, packing stores accept peanuts…like UPS Store, Mail Boxes etc.
You can also call the Plastic Loosefill Council at (800) 828-2214 for a list of drop-off centers in your area that will accept plastic peanuts.

Recycling Bubble Wrap
IF you can control the urge to pop the bubbles, you can reuse bubble wrap when you need to ship something or pack something yourself.
If you do cave and pop pop pop away you can recycle the de-bubbled wrap in normal recycling.

Recycling Cardboard
If you have curbside recycling then the majority of those accept cardboard for recycling. So this is easy for you!
You can also use large pieces of cardboard for building forts and houses out of (if you have kids), or use to slide under your car to work on it (change the oil).
If you do cake decorating you can double up (or sometimes you’ll need more) to make cake boards to put your cakes on (way cheaper to do this than to buy expensive cardboard cake boards at the store just to trash them when cake is gone).

Recycling Foam (Polyethylene) Packaging

Polyethylene foam, also known as PE foam, is most commonly used to cushion products in packaging applications. PE foams are designed to provide maximum protection with a minimum use of material, reducing the amount of packaging required. via http://www.recyclepefoam.com
You know the white foam that small appliances, computers, electronics come packaged in that’s nearly impossible to get out of the box!
Most places you cannot recycle this (except via the link above) but you can use it in your compost pile or in planters.
I’ve used some as bases for cakes and crafts projects as well.

Recycling Wooden Crates or Pallets
If you get something large delivered or are remodeling the home and items come on wood pallets, you have a few options as far as reusing or recycling.
If you happen to have need for firewood (Sorry I’m in SE Florida, so no need for that here), you can use the wood from the pallet.
Simply remove the nails and break down into pieces.
I personally would use to make this vertical garden but that’s just me.
You could also use the wood to make other stand alone planters or book case, shelves…

So, there are just a few ways you can recycle or reuse some of the insane amounts of packing materials you’ll most likely encounter during the holidays (or any other time as well).

Question of the day
Do you recycle or reuse/repurpose items?

Bottlehood Sushi Plate Review & Giveaway & reader discount

Tara Burner — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:34:34 +0000

Thanks Rachel for the wine bottle sushi plate to review.

These sushi plates are made from wine bottles and create a reclaimed perfectly curved glass dish.
Ideal for sushi!

If you click the image to see it bigger, you can see the detail better of this great repurposed wine bottle plate.

I love my sushi dish and use it for more than just sushi…
pretty much anything that I want to snack on that fits on this great plate!

and of course, it’s green…
my favorite way of life and color too!

DID YOU KNOW…
Glass takes more than 4000 years to decompose. BottleHood glassware is made bottles reclaimed from local restaurants, bars, and restaurants, much of which was on its way to a local landfill. We repurpose these bottles using local craftspeople, turning them into great looking glassware which we sell at farmers’ markets, and local retailers. In the process we create local jobs, stimulate neighborhood economies and keep a lot of glass out of landfills.

It’s simple, BottleHood is good for the neighborhood.

In addition to sushi plates they have some awesome repurposed glasses too (I personally, like the IBC Root Beer Soda Glass Juice Glasses) along with wine barrel boards and trays and even candles along with a slew of other repurposed items..even recycled glass jewelry!

If you happen to be in Colorado or San Diego, check out their events listings.

Reader discount!
From now until the end of the year 12/31/11, Bottlehood would like to offer you, my readers 10% off purchases via their site
use promotion code: bloggerdise

Win a recycled wine bottle sushi plate of your own

Contest open until Nov 29, 2011 11:59 p.m.
Winner will be announced on Nov 30, 2011 via email.

Contest only open to the US

Mandatory Entry
Visit www.bottlehood.com and come back and comment with the name of a product you’d like or something you learned.

Additional Entries:
For each thing you do here, you must put it in a new comment for it to count as an entry.
Please do not combine things you do or it’ll only count as one entry in the contest.

Follow follow @Bottlehood on Twitter
Like Bottlehood on Facebook
Give Bottlehood +K on Klout

Copy & paste this tweet, then when you’re done come back and comment with the link of your tweet
#win #repurposed glass sushi plate from http://wp.me/p1XoKe-2ki @bottlehood @taraburner #giveaways #green #recycled

Sign up for the free Balancing Healthy Body, Mind, Soul online paper
Like Tara’s fitness page on Facebook
Subscribe to my YouTube channel

Nalgene reusable bottle from Reuseit.com review

Tara Burner — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 17:13:29 +0000

I love reusable water bottles, since I’m always harping about drinking enough water and being green

I received the Nalgene wide mouth 32 oz bottle.

Some of this Nalgene reusable water bottles features are:
Wide mouth fits ice cubes and makes it easy to clean
It’s light weight
Stain & odor resistant
BPA-free
Phthalates-free
Dishwasher-safe
Attached loop-top screws on and off easily
Made in the USA
Of course, it’s reusable!

It also has easy to read numbers so I can see just how much water I’ve drank.

About two bottles full and I’ve drank my daily water requirements.
Love this bottle!

You can like ReuiseitStore on Facebook
Follow @Reuseit_store on Twitter
And, of course find them online at Reuseit.com

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Care for Creation book review

Tara Burner — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 10:17:52 +0000

This is an easy to read and apply book for children who love the environment and God as well.
It’s refreshingly illustrated and the pages contain ways for children to respect the environment and what could happen (and in fact is happening) due to others not conserving and protecting our resources.
The children learn these facts and they are reinforced with Bible scripture that applies to the specific situation so they can be good stewards of God’s planet He entrusted us to take care of.

At the end of the book there are suggested activities and topics of discussion to further help reinforce what He says about taking care of Earth and what He has provided for us.

You can get your copy at CareforCreationBook.com.
It’s available in a variety of formats…hard cover, Kindle, pdf, Nook, iPad

You can meet the author, Christy Baldwin on Facebook
Christy Baldwin Bio:
Writing has been a passion of Christy’s since she was very young. As a child, she loved to write stories for her grandfather and poems just for fun. She lives in Mason, Ohio with her family and is active in church, Boy Scouts, Girls Scouts and volunteering with various organizations. Christy has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Cedarville University and a master’s degree in Special Education from the University of Scranton. She is a stay at home mom who enjoys spending time with her kids and being involved in their schools. Her previous children’s titles include Nine Things Nathan Noticed at Night and Remembering Wilma.

You may also want to visit Tribute Books website or their Facebook page or follow @TributeBooks on Twitter

—————————

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Tropical Traditions Coconut Dishwasher Detergent Review & Giveaway

Tara Burner — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 12:11:15 +0000

Washing dishes just got better…
With Tropical Traditions powder dish detergent with enzymes.

I’ve used this for a couple of weeks now and have to say my dishes and glasses are coming out cleaner than they did with another eco-friendly brand I was using prior to this.
The silverware is no longer splotchy and the glasses are clear again!
And, while this may not be a big deal for others, there is no funky chemical smell or aromas!
That’s huge with me since I’m mega sensitive to fragrances and even some essential oils, but with this there is no smell at all (natural or chemical).

Easy to use, just like regular detergent..just safer!

Because it doesn’t have any of the following:
Chlorine
Phosphates
Fillers
Fragrances

It’s also non-toxic and environmentally safe with no harmful by-products upon decomposition–more benefits of using this!
And, now you can enter to win some for yourself!

Enter now for your chance to win Powdered Dishwasher Detergent with Enzymes
Retail value: $19.99

Contest open until Nov. 11, 2011 11:59 p.m.
Winner will be announced on Nov. 12, 2011 via email.

For Canadian entries: Tropical Traditions is not responsible for customs or duties that Canada may charge if you decide to participate in this Tropical Traditions sponsored blog giveaway.

Mandatory Entry:
Visit TropicalTraditions.com and then come back and comment on one thing you learned about them or their products.

Additional Entries:
For each thing you do here, you must put it in a new comment for it to count as an entry.
Please do not combine things you do or it’ll only count as one entry in the contest.

Friend them on Facebook
Follow them on Twitter, when you do come back and let me know you did and include your twitter ID.
Subscribe to their email Sales Newsletter
Visit the free recipe page and come back & comment which recipe you’d like to try.

Copy & paste this tweet, then when you’re done come back and comment with the link of your tweet
win Powdered Dishwasher Detergent With Enzymes from @troptraditions via http://wp.me/p1XoKe-298 #coconut #giveaways

Follow this blog via Google Friend Connect (right menu midway down)
Follow me on Twitter
Friend me on Facebook
Give @taraburner Klout
Sub to this blog via RSS Feed
Comment on any other post on this blog
Add www.TaraBurner.com blog to your blog roll
Add the Tara Burner button and link to www.taraburner.com to your site
(right click to save or use image link of http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii127/taraburner/taraburnerbutton.jpg)

Like Tara’s fitness page on Facebook
Like the Recipes For Eating Well Page on Facebook
Follow @ForEatingWell on Twitter
Give @foreatingwell Klout
Add RecipesForEatingWell.com to your blog roll
Add the Recipes For Eating Well button and link to www.recipesforeatingwell.com to your site
(right click to save or use image link of http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii127/taraburner/recipesforeatingwellbutton.jpg)

Disclaimer: Tara Burner has personally reviewed the product listed above. Tara has not received any monetary compensation for her review on this blog. Free product was received by Tara so she could experience it for the review. Tara’s opinions are honest and unbiased. Tara Burner is not responsible for delivery of any giveaway items won from companies and people on this blog.

Reusable bags from Textiles By Teal Review & Giveaway

Tara Burner — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 15:33:40 +0000

I received a set of 3 reusable bags from Textiles by Teal.

As everyone knows by now, I’m an eco lover and don’t believe in using things and throwing them out.
Additionally I always have some type of snack, food with me since I’m often on the road and on the go through the day.
I’m loving these bags since they’re ideal for my lifestyle…green and active!

I can throw some nuts, trail mix, etc. in a bag and off I go!
Which comes in especially handy since I have huge bags of trail mix and this helps with portion control as well.

These are tooo cute!
They come in a variety of designs too.

The bags are made of a 100% cotton exterior and 100% nylon interior.
They have a velcro seal.
There are no exposed seams to conceal crumbs or food particles which is cool making cleaning a snap!
For a simple everyday clean, turn the bag inside out and wipe with a damp cloth.
And if they need a real thorough tough clean they’re machine washable too!
Just toss them in the washer and hang dry.

The sizes of these bags:
Quart – 7″x9″
Sandwich – 6 1/2″x6 3/4″
Snack – 6 1/2″x4″

Enter to win a set of reusable bags
design of your choice

Contest open until Nov 6, 2011 11:59 p.m.
Winner will be announced on Nov 7, 2011 via email.

Mandatory Entry
Visit http://textilesbyteal.storenvy.com/, look around and then come back here and comment on something you learned or an item you’d like the best.

Additional Entries:
For each thing you do here, you must put it in a new comment for it to count as an entry.
Please do not combine things you do or it’ll only count as one entry in the contest.

Copy & paste this tweet, then when you’re done come back and comment with the link of your tweet
win a set of 3 reusable snack & lunch bags via http://tinyurl.com/3tctv4j @taraburner #ecofriendly #green #reusable #giveaways

Like Tara’s fitness page on Facebook

– Disclaimer: Tara Burner has personally reviewed the product(s) listed above. Tara has not received any monetary compensation for her review on this blog. Free product was received by Tara so she could experience it for the review. Tara’s opinions are honest and unbiased. Tara Burner is not responsible for delivery of any giveaway items won from companies and people on this blog.

J. Fein Designs- Artisian Crafted Eco-Friendly Jewelry Review & Giveaway!

Tara Burner — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 12:15:30 +0000

If you like urban organic vintage eco friendly jewelry you have to check out J.Fein Designs.

From their site:
We recycle beauty by using reclaimed vintage jewelry, buttons, cameos and other findings to create our eco-friendly line of vintage and wood rings.
Our signature style incorporates sustainably harvested sono wood rings hand-carved by craftsmen and polished to a smooth finish. We upcycle to bring timeless heirloom materials up-to-date with a thoroughly modern twist perfect for the eco-conscious fashionista!

I received the Black Rose Ring as seen below.
I love rings, especially ones that are upcycled or use sustainable materials…it’s the green in me.

Notice the detail of this ring.
It’s made of a lucite rose and the ring shank itself is handcrafted from sonokeling wood. (sonokeling wood that is sustainably grown in Indonesia)

Of course the ring looks much better on my daughters hand since she has nice long fingers!
(notice it even matches her dress)

J. Fein Designs offers earrings and necklaces in addition to their ring collection.

Enter to win a Black Rose Ring

Contest open until Nov 7, 2011 11:59 p.m.
Winner will be announced on Nov 8, 2011 via email.

Mandatory Entry
Visit JFeinDesigns.com and then come back here and comment on which jewelry piece you like best (besides the one I reviewed)

Like J Fein Designs on Facebook
Follow @JFeinDesigns on Twitter

Copy & paste this tweet, then when you’re done come back and comment with the link of your tweet
Win #eco-friendly #jewelry – a black rose wood ring at http://tinyurl.com/3lhmru7 from @JFeinDesigns @taraburner #giveaways

Like Tara’s fitness page on Facebook

– Disclaimer: Tara Burner has personally reviewed the product(s) listed above. Tara has not received any monetary compensation for her review on this blog. Free product was received by Tara so she could experience it for the review. Tara’s opinions are honest and unbiased. Tara Burner is not responsible for delivery of any giveaway items won from companies and people on this blog.