apr 21 little bits of green | binth.

posted on Apr 21, 2008 10:43 AM


It seems we have reached the point where green efforts are becoming standard, many of which you may not even notice. Like granola now refers to cereal and not a person type. Or am I just saying this because I live in Portland?

Take Binth. Binth produces amazing pieces that are both organic (the pillow, pictured right) and recycled (the print, pictured left). Did you know?!

The original, modern pillow designs are screen-printed on organic linen using water-based inks, hand sewn in the USA and filled with luxurious down. The pillows, available in 5 different designs, would look quite lovely in any room, including the nursery. 

The prints, such as the abc letter print in "w", above, is inspired by Mid-Century Danish wood toys and is perfect for the modern nursery and children's room. Each letter is printed on recycled paper stock, with its luxurious feel and palette of soft, contemporary hues.

apr 15 little bits of green | argington organics.

posted on Apr 15, 2008 11:01 AM


The fantastic duo that make up Argington, the designers of the Fuji toy box and the much loved Sahara crib among other peices, have been at it again. This time with 100% organic crib, toddler and twin bedding. Nothing too fancy or super-designy, but patterns + visuals it seems all little boys + girls dig: butterflies and dinosaurs. 

And not that you'll be overwhelmed with an outrageous color palatte. Thankfully. Using the natural creamy color of organic cotton as a background, dino + butterflies are in a peaceful color palatte of soft pink + violet and sky blue + brown.  The prints are done with low impact dyes using a low impact printing process on 200 thread count 100% organic cotton sateen. The comforter and pillows are filled with Eco-Spun 100% regenerated polyester fill that does not off gas or emit any traceable VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Yes!

 

 

apr 10 little bits of green | kate quinn organics.

posted on Apr 10, 2008 12:17 AM

Kate Quinn Organics covers all the basics in clothing for the youngins' in the coziest color palette + simplest designs. Instant classics + totally comfy. And all pieces are made from 100% organic cotton. Hello green!

Kate Quinn Organics prides itself on their commitment to fair trade and the earth. Using only certified organic cotton, grown using sustainable farming practices that maintain and replenish soil fertility without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers. KQO garments are made of ultra soft, all-natural, organically produced cotton certified by Control Union Certifications (formerly SKAL), a USDA Accredited Certifying Agent. KQO is also certified Fair Trade. Every little garment supports their vision and hope of a cleaner, kinder earth.

And as a little FYI on organic cotton, click here. 

 

mar 19 meet my organic friend.

posted on Mar 19, 2008 12:07 AM

 

A Speesees Organic Friend would be an excellent gift for a new Mom.... and baby! Made of super soft 100% organic cotton sherpa and filled with lavender for the loveliest smell + lentils for nice weight + floppiness. Safe for baby as the eyes are embroidered on + certainly fun for toddlers to throw around + cuddle with. 

I appreciate the color palette Speesees has used. The friends are available in a muted mustard yellow, oaty natural and not too bright orange (much more subdued than in the product photo). Each friend measures about 8" in length for extra coziness. 

mar 6 organic sleep | natural mat + naturepedic.

posted on Mar 06, 2008 01:12 AM


Two companies, Natural Mat and Naturepedic (pictured above, left + right) provide the organic answer to the toxicity of conventional crib mattresses. In a nutshell conventional crib mattresses are downright nasty. They are generally composed of vinyl (polyvinyl chloride or PVC), phthalates, polyurethane foam, harsh chemical fire retardants, and other chemical additives. In doing a bit of googleing, you will find studies linking SIDS with the toxicity of the conventional crib mattress as well as the multitude of other health effects it has on our babies and children. 

Below is a list, taken from Naturepedic, that clearly illustrates the insanity of conventional (non-organic) crib mattresses. Amazing + disgusting at the same time. 

  • Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), the surface material used in nearly all crib mattresses, is widely considered to be one of the most toxic and environmentally unfriendly plastics in use today.
  • Phthalates, associated with asthma, reproductive effects, and cancer, make up 30% by weight of the PVC surface of a typical crib mattress. Phthalates are not bound to the plastic and leach out.
  • The FDA and Consumer Product Safety Commission have issued general warnings regarding the use of phthalates, yet the PVC surfaces of crib mattresses still contain phthalates.
  • DEHP (the most commonly used phthalate in crib mattresses), together with several other phthalates, have already been banned across Europe for use in many children’s products.
  • The PVC surface of a typical crib mattress is also treated with toxic fire retardant chemicals such as antimony. Various biocides are often added as well.
  • Polyurethane foam, the predominant filling material used in crib mattresses, typically contains various problematic ingredients including chemical catalysts, surfactants, emulsifiers, pigments, and other chemical additives. These frequently include formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, and other well established toxic chemicals.
  • Polyurethane foam (essentially solid petroleum) is extremely flammable. To combat this hazard, industrial toxic fire retardants are added. The most common chemical fire retardant used to treat polyurethane foam has been pentaBDE, a toxin associated with hyperactivity and neurobehavioral alterations. PentaBDE is not bound to the foam, and leaches out into the surrounding air.
  • PentaBDE has recently been banned in Europe. It has also been banned by the State of California as of 2006. However, there is currently no planned government action to recall the millions of crib mattresses presently in use that contain pentaBDE.
  • Other common materials found in crib mattresses include shoddy pads made from scraps swept off the floor of textile mills or “hair” pads made from pig hair.
  • Children are far more vulnerable to toxic chemicals than adults, especially within their first few years of life. Considering that children spend over 50% of their early life on a crib mattress, it would be prudent to use materials that don’t contain such dangerous chemicals.

 

To continue reading the article on the 5 Major Problems With Conventional Mattresses, click here. To see the full selection of organic mattresses + accessories, click here. Image on left is an organic Natural Mat mattress, image on right is an organic Naturepedic mattress.

mar 3 gift idea | organic bath.

posted on Mar 03, 2008 12:11 AM

 

Last week's Baby Shower Week was a lot of fun + made me think: what's a good baby shower gift, anyways? Practical or endearing, the possibilities are quite endless.

As shown above, I have assembled the perfect organic bath gift set: a clover green organic hooded towel + organic washcloths by KQO and organic, unscented bubble bath by Little Twig.  And while a newborn is not likely to take a bubble bath (organic unscneted baby wash is also available) these three items are not only what mom will need for the monumental first bath, but for many many bubble baths to come. 

Plus, it's all organic + yes, gift wrapping is available. 

feb 21 top 10 | hotslings.

posted on Feb 21, 2008 12:15 AM

 

Meet the all around most basic + simple to use sling, the Hotslings. Hotslings are a pouch style sling designed to carry your tiny newborn and wiggly toddler. As a first time Mom, I originally became a sling convert out of desperation. Due to acid reflux as a newborn, my son would relentlessly cry unless he was held. 24/7 for almost the entire first year. Needless to say, Eliot + I had endless hours for major bonding. I'm thankful and the Hotsling quickly became the most used piece of baby gear. Ever. 

Available in 2 designer prints (shown above right, top + bottom and at left), natural organic (shown middle) and 2 solid colors (chocolate + black) and in 3 sizes. As with all pouch style slings, wearing the correct size is important  and size chart is shown on each product page. If you need help, don't hesitate to ask.

You know what Eliot says now? "I cry, momma hold me." Indeed.

feb 20 amenity | organic bunnies.

posted on Feb 20, 2008 12:05 AM

 

Babies + bunnies. Organic style. Organic cotton is gaining popular especially for the pint-size crowd as conventionally grown cotton is one of the dirtiest, chemically-dependent crops. It's hard to imagine laying your newborn on a bed of pesticides,  insecticides, + formaldehyde, perhaps. Amenity has created a charming nursery collection + it's completely organic. The nostalgic woodlands designs are printed in a neutral + refreshing citrus palette of green, yellow + orange. And thankfully, the collection doesn't scream "nursery" so these bunnies (or deer + turtles) won't look out of place in the guest room in 10 years. 

Amenity uses 100% hemp/organic cotton + organic cotton percale fabrics,  eco-friendly pillow inserts (made of high-quality polyester fiber created from plastic bottles rescued from landfills) and crib bumper insert (filled with organic wool, renowned for its temperature-regulating qualities). All inks + dyes are all water-based and environmentally friendly. 

The Amenity Nursery collection is available in pillows, crib blankets + sets and wall art. The happy bunnies make me smile.