Sunday 16 October 2011

Eco- friendly Bedtime Stories




“When you read a book as a child it becomes part of your identity in a way that no other reading in your whole life does.” Well, Meg said it there in You’ve Got Mail, every RomCom girl’s favourite New York love story, and I believe it. I remember parts of my childhood in association with characters I’d read in stories at the time. I remember holidays by the books Mum read to me, I learnt lessons and values from a football playing gorilla, a honey- eating bear and characters in a land entered through a wardrobe.
            But one thing I don’t remember learning, was the ethics behind caring for the environment. I think for me, that really came later. Why not make that lesson earlier?
In Todae’s online eco store there are some fantastic books you can read to your young ones in the sunshine in the backyard or even just before they pop into bed.
            Let’s Turn It Off is a beautifully written and illustrated resource which will encourage kids to read and to consider the importance of energy conservation and sustainable living from get go. Let’s Save Water is in a similar vain, with the aim of instilling respect and value for the environment. Both books are ideal for any children ages 3 and over- a prime time to teach them about caring for the beautiful world we live in.
            Our children can be so easily influenced by anything and everything around them, let’s get ahead of the game and teach them about things that matter.

Sunday 9 October 2011

Organic in your sight


With warmer weather approaching, I’m getting the urge to re-vamp my summer wardrobe. New swimsuit, new sandals, new sunnies! Have you ever considered an organic alternative to these summer essentials?

Organic sunglasses are increasing in popularity and demand. Like regular sunnies, organicsunglasses offer quality, great design and protection from harsh sun exposure. There is a large range of fashionable styles to choose from and colours too. World designers in glasses are now developing organic alternatives to their mainstream range.

Organic sunglasses are however eco- friendly. They are made from bamboo and tea wood, offering durability, quality and lightness. They offer great protection for your eyes from the Sun with stylish renewable fashion. Consider the organic alternative when you’re hunting around for sunglasses. You won’t believe your eyes!

Wednesday 5 October 2011

Take away, take a coffee cup!


I have a take away coffee nearly every morning. I really love the taste of coffee, but I know that part of the enjoyment also comes from the routine. Even if you’re not a coffee drinker, maybe you indulge in a morning tea from your favourite café? Anyway, a couple of years ago I purchased a Hookturn Re-Useable coffee cup, after seeing the rubbish bin in our office piled high with polymer lined (code for non-recyclable) take away coffee cups. They come in different sizes – I got a medium which is 350ml.Since I enjoy using eco products, I decided to try. My main concern was that the coffee would somehow become infused with the silicone smell/flavor, but that certainly hasn’t happened. And another amazing thing about the cup is that it manages to keep the contents at a warm-drinkable temperature for at least an hour! Sometimes I buy a coffee but get distracted when I arrive at work and end up leaving it on my desk. No problems. Most take away cups end up in landfill. It takes 0.55MJ of energy to make a regular paper cup, whilst the equivalent grams of silicone uses 1.24MJ so after just 10 uses, the cup breaks even in terms of your environmental footprint. Fantastic! And they come in range of cute colours which never hurts :).

Grow a garden in your pocket


I’m not sure if I am alone in this (I’m guessing not), but I remember so fondly those class activities at school and even before, where we planted seeds, watered and watched them grow. I loved that preschool activity where we made little heads out of stockings stuffed with soil and seeds inside.
            Well, I’ve found something that even younger kids can enjoy. The Pocket Garden Kids is so simple, you cut it open, add seeds and water and watch it grow. It really does seem that one of the greatest things you can do as a child (and arguably at any age) is create. The excitement and satisfaction your child is guaranteed to experience is a must.
            The fantastic thing about activities such as these is that it is not simply entertainment for your child. It’s not even about trying to keep them occupied for a while. In encouraging them to plant seeds, to water and watch them grow, you will be encouraging your children to consider the environment. When they plant seeds and care for them as they grow, they are seeing the importance of caring for the environment. This is a great way to get your kids thinking, from the earliest of ages, about the environment, nurturing it and living in an eco- friendly way.

Slip Slop Slip the natural way


As the months warm up the summer glow many of us long for feels as though it is within arms reach. And so is that painfully awkward red-raw glow. As I have re-learnt every summer since I was old enough to apply my own sunscreen- the sun can hurt a heck of a lot. It can also do a lot of damage we might not even be aware of as we walk around in sun-kissed skin.
            As we are well aware, sunscreen is the obvious choice. But with endless brands and great variety it can get a little confusing. Well, you’ll be pleased to know that I found UV Natural SPF15 Sunscreen whilst scouring Todae’s online eco store. The light and pure product protects the skin and reduces the signs of ageing. If you have sensitive skin like me, you’ll be pleased to note that the natural ingredients of this product means a chemical- free vacation for your skin.
            And in summer we should really be applying sunscreen everyday, so to know what’s going onto your skin, all the goodness of zinc oxide, macadamia oil, natural vitamin E and many other natural ingredients, makes a big difference to the daily wear of our skin. So, now that our sunscreen is sorted, all we need is some warm weather and the ocean before us!

Organic Recipes for your Bub


It’s so satisfying to cook an entire meal, particularly if it’s a nutritious one. And how much more satisfying is it when you know that all the ingredients used are organic! It’s a nice idea isn’t it?
            However, if you’re anything like me, exciting new meals can soon turn into ‘day of the week’ meals, and a routine ends up being established and creativity diminished. If you’re anything like me, you forget about the importance of organic food and go for the produce closest to you at the time.
            I suppose that’s one thing, when looking after yourself, but when you have a baby to consider, it makes sense to think carefully about the food you feed them.
            The Baby & Toddler Organic Cookbook is full of recipes that are easy and natural. And for busy mums and dads, it’s important to note that they quick meals, whilst still be tasty and nutritious.
            The book gives helpful explanations about what is organic and why it is important. The recipes are divided up into age groups, from 4-7 months to preschool. What’s more, it contains great information about health issues, nutrition, pregnancy and breastfeeding, vegetarian babies and children and a seasonal produce guide.

Time to consider a paper watch?


I don’t know about you, but I love those gifts with a difference. Those gifts that demonstrate thought, gifts that are a little kooky, a little bit fun. I also love to get creative, to draw, paint and decorate different things that come my way.
            So you can imagine my glee in discovering the Paper Watch in Todae’s online eco store. At $19.95 this is certainly a watch with a difference. It can be decorated, coloured, stenciled, painted, the sky is the limit on this blank canvas of a watch. You could buy one for yourself and a friend, you could customize them together, or give it custom- made for that special someone.
            It’s also good to know that the watch is made from tear- resistant paper- style material (Tyvek) with a built-in digital watch. What I love about finding the funky range of things by Todae, is that you’re guaranteed that they are eco- friendly. We can purchase these products knowing that they have been produced in a way that hasn’t damaged this beautiful world we live in.
            It’s these sorts of presents that make you so aware that someone’s cares for you, enough to put thought into creating a gift that will make you smile.

Magazine Beading


In my lounge room is a basket full of old magazines and newspapers, in my parent’s house there exists a similar basket and in my grandparent’s house is the pile of newspapers without the basket.
            I recently stumbled across an ingenious way to use these old mags and papers, the Green Creativity Recycled Paper Beads Maker. What the kit contains is a tool to turn the mags and papers into unique beads that will keep kids engaged for hours.
            What a productive use of what would otherwise become waste. This tool is a fantastic way to educate you kids about the value of recycling, and will inspire them to stop watching the box for more creative endeavors. At $24.95 it’s a steal, and so good to know that it will be cost free in the materials that it requires to make the beads.
 The buzz you get from making something yourself is something that all kids should experience throughout their childhood- and it’s fun for parents too. If you’re anything like me, you will be keen to decrease the amount of papers in your basket- so make sure you pick one of these up from Todae’s online eco store and pass on the value of recycling and getting creative to your kids.