Valentines’ Gifts For Dads

best gifts for dad
Wondering what to get dad this Valentine’s Day? Here are some great ideas, no matter what kind of dad your’s is.
For the Working Dad
Price: $229.99
For the business traveler dad, the NOMATIC Messenger Bag is the perfect shoulder carry bag designed for everyday use. Each NOMATIC Messenger Bag includes two customizable panels, allowing you to decide what and how you pack. Our custom magnetic fidlock buckles give 360 degree rotation, and can be removed to carry like a briefcase. The magnetic water bottle pockets, full perimeter zipper, adjustable strap, and TSA-ready laptop compartment are just a few of the 20+ noteworthy features that make this bag the most functional messenger bag ever.
blue light glasses
Price: $75
For the techie dad, safeguard your eyes while wearing stylish blue light glasses from Pixel Eyewear. Pixel Eyewear provides breakthrough lens technology that filters 50 percent of blue light and up to 95 percent at the strongest wavelengths, without the yellow tint. Lenses also contain nanotechnology that reduce smudges and repel water and dust. For comfort, each lens has an anti-reflective coating, eliminating computer glare and reducing the stress on your eyes.
For the Eco-Conscious Dad
Price: $155
Raum Goods crafts bespoke footwear that loves mother earth. The company makes ethically-sourced shoes with all-natural materials conductive to the earth. Each shoe is handmade by a skilled group of artisans in Southern Turkey that have been making shoes for more than five generations. All products are shipped in natural linen bags and an outer shipping envelope that is biodegradable, made from corn. The company has partnered with 1% For The Planet to donate 1% of yearly sales to a variety of approved nonprofits and charities that align with their values. Follow them on Instagram @raumgoods
Opolis Optics is a socially-driven lifestyle brand at the forefront of upcycled eyewear. Protect your beautiful eyes from UV rays while feeling good by knowing that each pair is from recycled plastics and materials from our oceans and landfills.  One water bottle equals one upcycled pair of sustainable Opolis sunglass frames.  Its goal is to contribute globally to the effort of reducing plastic polluters. The trailblazing founders traveled the world, fell in love with the planet, and found a way to make sustainable sunglasses along the way.  Teaming up with local recycled plastic material manufacturers based in Bali, Manila, and Nairobi, Opolis Optics also donates to environmental NGOs through 1% For The Planet.  Be the first to know more.
For the Active Dad
ice pack
Available on Amazon.  Made in the USA.
A veteran-owned business, Cooling Cuff is solely focused on helping your body cool down properly.  Wear it on the wrist, the optimal place to cool the body due to specialized skin that releases a disproportionate amount of heat.  Cooling the body at the wrist can alter thermoregulation, rapidly lower core body temperature, and quickly restore temperature homeostasis.  Designed for a full range of motion to remove heat from the skin much faster than sweating, it’s perfect for workout sessions, outdoor activities, or just staying cool all summer long.
Price: $12.95
For the dad who has his furry sidekick to trek on adventures with, these socks are not only comfortable and stylish, they also have an option to get a matching collar and harness for their best bud. Wolfgang Man & Beast creates American-made leashes, collars and harnesses for your pup and outdoor-inspired gear for mankind. Every purchase helps a dog! Read more about their giveback partners here: https://wolfgangusa.com/pages/wolfgang-give-back-partners
For the New Dad
Price: $98
The perfect gift for the new dad, this carrier is perfectly proportioned to hold babies 7 to 18 pounds. Holds baby skin-to-skin, and hands-free in a revolutionary way for babies to bond with Dad. The built-in tank top needs to fit snug against the adult’s chest, and the outer shirt-carrier should fit tighter than an ordinary shirt.
Price: $49.95.  Available on Amazon.
The new dad is going to need all the sleep he can get. LectroFan Classic is perfect for those sleepless nights (for dad and baby). This personal white noise and fan sound machine to ensure a better night’s sleep and peaceful rest. The LectroFan offers twenty unique digital sounds to mask noises, and you can choose from ten different electric fan sounds and ten variations of pure white noise (including pink and brown noise variations). All sounds can be personalized with pin-point volume control to select across a wide range of sound levels — from a whisper to many times louder than mechanical fan-based conditioners.
For the Coffee Enthusiast Dad
eco friendly mugs
EcoVessel creates modern designed, performance-driven insulated stainless steel water bottles, mugs, tumblers, and growlers. These award-winning hydration vessels combine fashion and performance and keep your drinks hot and cold for hours. EcoVessel’s mission is to reduce single-use plastics and protect the environment.
bourbon coffee
Price: $24.99. Available on Amazon and https://donpablocoffee.com/.
Don Pablo Coffee introduces its bourbon-infused roast, crafted in small batches that creates an intense, full-bodied blend that definitely isn’t your average cup of joe.  The flavorful, aromatic roast has quickly become a sought-after blend among those with a love for specialty coffee that’s nonalcoholic.  With intense tasting notes and superior beans, the brand has taken the art of roasting to new levels. By soaking the coffee beans in real Kentucky Bourbon, they then are roasted to perfection for a delicious infusion of flavor without the alcohol.
For the Foodie Dad
Caramel gift box
Price: Starting at $4.99.  Gift Box: $50.00 
For the dad with a sweet tooth, Southern Caramel bakes up melt-in-your-mouth, handmade, small-batch caramels with a variety of unique flavors to choose from.  The fresh ingredients are simple – sugar, cream, and butter – but in the hands of an experienced candy confectioner, founder Sarah Smith, they turn into golden gourmet delights. The method for caramelizing sugar makes all the difference. No one could keep their hands off of these, I had to hide the box so we didn’t all get diabetes from eating it all in one day, LOL. Truly, truly delicious.
Gift Box Includes (1) 1 lb. box Sea Salted Caramel; (1) 1/2 lb. box Old Fashioned Caramel; (1) 1/4 lb. box Bourbon Caramel; and (1) 8 oz. jar Caramel Sauce.
Price: $95
For the dad with a fine palette! The Caviar Co. is the San Francisco-based purveyor of fine caviar opening your palate to one of the finest delicacies in the world. For those who think caviar retails for thousands of dollars might be surprised to know certain varieties of this salted roe come $10 per ounce—that’s cheaper than most glasses of wine! Whether you’re new to the caviar experience or consider yourself a connoisseur, The Caviar Co. is taking their business from the restaurants and into your home hosting virtual events to enhance your luxury experience.

Valentine Gift Ideas for the Fitness Fanatic

If you are like us, you may have put on a few pounds during the past year and a half. Covid did a lot of damage to many people’s health, waistlines included. Now that we are starting to move toward normalcy, it might be a good time to start to get your body back. After all, the better you look, the better you feel- and the better you feel, the better you will look. It’s a win-win. You know how active we are here, and we are looking forward to getting back to ourselves as much as anyone.

Here are some items that can help you get back on track!

fitness

Whirly Board – Balance Board
Whirly Board is the most versatile gift to give your favorite fitness lover (or get one for yourself). Use it at home or while working out, it’s perfect for board sports training or yoga. Keep moving for better overall health! It has 500+ positive reviews on Amazon, so a lot of people are having fun with this one. My husband in particular likes it.  Add a little fitness, agility, and fun to your routine with Whirly Board. The Whirly Board allows you to spin 360˚ and engage all your body’s core muscles, so it is an excellent training tool for any skill level (even kids). It’s a fun addition for your home or gym. Whirly Board is a great option for core training and home fitness without the need for bulky gym equipment that takes up tons of space. An indoor training tool, it improves strength, balance, and agility. Practice spin and tricks and take your twirl to a whole new level.
hot cold bottle
Price: $29.95
This is one heavy bottle, let me tell you! Use it as a weapon if you’re ever backed into a corner, haha. Keep your fitness enthusiast hydrated through whatever they do with The BOULDER. The BOULDER vacuum insulated water bottle is the flagship bottle of EcoVessel that will keep your drinks hot or cold all day long. Made from premium 18/8 stainless steel, it features the signature TriMax® triple insulation and keeps drinks cold up to 60 hours and hot up to 12 hours. The BOULDER stainless steel water bottle also includes a removable strainer for tea, fruit, and ice cubes, which is pretty handy for tea drinkers (or those of us with sensitive teeth- no more ice cube smacking you in the mouth). Available on Amazon
phone charger
Also sold on BestBuy
My husband has loves this, and it was great to have around during the recent storm. We lost power for 20 hours, and it held a charge super well. We’ve also taken it out hiking, and John goes long distance running on weekends- it’s never had an issue with the rain or snow or any other weather, and he’s definitely dropped it more than once. No problems as of writing this.
For the past five years, Poseidon has built a reputation for being the best portable charger on the market. Introducing the new Poseidon Pro by Dark Energy, an upgraded portable charging system that is fully waterproof (IP68), drop-proof, and crushproof, and is certified to military standard MIL-STD 810G. Recently upgraded to add more advanced tech enhancements, you can’t go wrong with this handy device by your side and never be stranded without power again (even in the extreme cold).
ice pack
Price: $34.95
I’ve got to say, this was hard to wear on your wrist. It was bulky and made it hard to move your hands, as well as didn’t keep the ice/gel pack on the wrist well. Not on my hand, nor on my husband’s. However, when you take the gel pack and put it in your bra- it’s the perfect size, and was instantly cooling. I’m not joking, it was great, and it fit great on the pressure point between your breasts. Guys….well, can’t help you on that one, not sure how you’d keep it there. It also worked if you put the gel pack on your wraparound headband if you have one, right at the back at the point where your neck meets your head. Temples, too. The ice gel packs were the perfect size for so many spots that cooled your down- However, this is off topic.
As for the cuff, here is the info via the company- it is available on Amazon, and a Veteran-Owned Business, made in the USA.
The Cooling Cuff is solely focused on helping your body cool down properly. Wear it on your wrist for the optimal place to cool down during or after a workout. Cooling the body at the wrist can alter thermoregulation, rapidly lower core body temperature and quickly restore temperature homeostasis. That means athletes can train longer, run faster and recover quicker without their bodies using all their energy to cool down.
U-Konserve
Price: $21.95
Sold on Target ($19.99)
These are super useful. Easy to clean, store, and durable, you will find a million reasons to use them. As with a traditional bento box, these divided to-go containers from U-Konserve are easy to separate food and great for portion control. Perfect waste-free solution for daily lunches, takeout, picnics, travel, outdoor adventures, bulk shopping and salad bars. Pack snacks, lunches and main meals while reducing single-use packaging. These square containers are also ideal for kitchen organization, pantry makeovers, meal prep and family leftovers. I also use them for my friend’s daughter when she comes over to eat, who doesn’t like her food to touch. The barrier in the middle keeps them separate, and that keeps us all sane, LOL.
packable luggage
Super useful, and the price is right at $23. Ever been on a trip, and you accidentally buy too many souvenirs? or when you try to repack your bag with the dirty laundry, it just doesn’t fit properly? This will be a lifesaver, I literally do not travel without one anymore- you just never know when you will need it! This bag (an in my past, bags like it) take up no room really in your luggage, but are big on value when you find yourself up a creek, LOL.
Of course, you can just use it as a normal duffle bag in the meantime.
Whether it be a trip to the gym or an outdoor adventure, the 22 L Nomad Packable Duffel allows you to take what you need and more- it’s very roomy. Constructed from durable reinforced nylon, it stuffs into its own pocket so you can travel with it easily. When it’s time to stash it, turn the interior pocket inside out. Then stuff the entire duffel into the pocket, and zip it closed. (It’s as shockingly easy as it sounds, really.)

Simple Ways To Lead A More Natural, Eco-Friendly Life

With ultra processed food, gas guzzling vehicles and super fast fashion, it would seem near impossible to exist in today’s society without amassing an enormous carbon footprint. So many aspects of the modern world are damaging the planet, but it isn’t too late to put an end to such harmful practices. Thankfully there are a number of alternative pathways that you can explore which are far more sustainable and ethical, allowing you to lead an eco-friendly lifestyle that preserves the wonder of nature. So, if you’re interested in finding out more, then simply read on to uncover some of the best earth-friendly ideas that can make the most of today.

Change The Way That You Eat 

The most effective way to lead a more natural, eco-friendly lifestyle is to change the way that you eat. There are so many different food practices that have a disastrous impact on the environment, and it appears to be getting worse with each year that passes – the Amazon rainforest is being destroyed to make way for meat farms that will use masses of water and create a seemingly endless river of toxic waste, while foods from every corner of the globe hop from country to country racking up thousands of miles before they reach your plate. The animal agriculture industry is doing real harm to the natural world, not only by consuming an excess of resources and making unmanageable waste, but also by releasing enormous amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Choosing to eat a more plant based diet that’s made up of fruit, vegetable and grain based foods is far more environmentally friendly, but if you’re a content carnivore then you can still get your meat and fish fix in a more sustainable way. Choosing to hunt for or catch your own food is a natural way to eat, so visit a fishing store like tailored tackle to get a rod and a net or head to a hunting store to purchase a rifle and gain the relevant licenses. Utilizing your local surroundings in this way is the most environmentally friendly option when it comes to meat and fish. Opting for local fruits and vegetables that come from within your country will help even further, as this way it will only have to travel by truck rather than racking up miles on a plane or ship. Focusing on local produce will teach you how to eat seasonally too, which will allow you to better connect with nature and the world around you. 

Change The Way You Travel 

Walking beside a busy road tells you all that you need to know about the state of our world since the dawn of cars, trains and trucks – choking on the fumes as they fog up your vision and leave a chemical taste in the air, it’s clear that almost all forms of transport are devastating the environment. Each day there are many ecological and social disasters that take place as a result of modern transport options, whether this means horrifying oil spills from ships that decimate the ocean or child miners forced to dig for cobalt in the Congo for car chips and batteries. It might not always be possible to avoid cars, trains and boats altogether, but if you want to lead a more eco-conscious existence then you need to reduce your consumption of modern transport! Choosing instead to walk or ride a bicycle is the perfect alternative, as you’ll be creating no toxic fumes whatsoever along the way. If you need to go further afield, then choose to take a bus that’s more efficient or car pool by getting a lift from someone who is already heading in the same direction. Even smaller, unexpected journeys can be more environmentally friendly, as making the choice to walk up the stairs rather than use a lift can cut your carbon footprint noticeably over time! The world has enough smog and smoke clouding up its atmosphere, so it’s up to each individual to do their bit and make a change to the way they travel.

Leading a more natural, eco-friendly life isn’t always easy, but it can be one of the most rewarding and inspiring changes that you can make. Deciding to protect and preserve the planet rather than going to destroy it will give you a sense of pride and connection that you will never get elsewhere, so there’s no time like the present to make a few beneficial adjustments to your daily life.

ECO-FRIENDLY STEEPED COFFEE GIVES BACK – 20% OF SALES DONATED TO FEEDING AMERICA

For thoughtful gift ideas that check all the boxes, look no further than Steeped Coffee (www.SteepedCoffee.com). The innovative startup is committed to premium coffee, convenience, and environmental stewardship in equal measure. So, when you introduce the coffee lovers in your life to Steeped, it’s a win-win for them and the planet. And, in an effort to fight hunger in America, the coffee company has launched its Packs for Good program, committing 20% of all sales to Feeding America for hunger relief (steepedcoffee.com/packsforgood).

What sets Steeped Coffee apart is its proprietary brewing method that does not require machines or brewing equipment, made much like tea. The coffee comes in single-serve bags that are nitro-sealed to ensure absolute freshness. It’s a uniquely “unplugged” coffee experience, from the award-winning packaging made using compostable and renewable materials to the non-GMO filters. All it takes to brew a perfect cup is hot water and a few minutes, and at the end of the day, there are no wasteful plastic pods accumulating in waterways or landfills.

Best of all, each Steeped Pack contains hand-roasted, ethically sourced, Direct Trade coffee that’s precision ground to showcase the distinctive flavor profile of every crafted blend. Whether you’re looking for light, medium, dark, French roast, or even decaf, there’s something for you.

So instead of racking your brain for the perfect gift, visit the Steeped website and make someone’s day while also being eco-conscious! With plenty of one-of-a-kind items, it’s the simplest way to give the gift of Coffee without Compromise this holiday season. Here are 5 gift ideas for the coffee lovers.

The Mug and More

Start with a vessel they’ll love and fill it with packs of Steeped Coffee. Selections include the ceramic Steeped Diner Mug (perfect for homebodies) or the Steeped Miir Insulated Camp Mug (for the adventurous type).

The Steeped Lineup Sampler

A great way for newcomers to discover the roast that suits them best, the Steeped Lineup includes five alluring blends ranging from Light, Medium, Dark, and French Roasts to the Swiss Water Processed Decaf.

The Steeped Coffee Subscription

What could be more convenient? They can choose their favorite roast and have it delivered straight to their doorstep as often as they like with the ultimate flexibility to switch roasts or pause their subscription at any time.

Steeped Home Kits

This indulgent gift has everything they need to make the perfect cup: a “smart” electric kettle or elegant stove-top kettle, a Steeped Coffee Subscription, and two high-end mugs.

Two Double Wall Tasting Glasses

Experience coffee like never before with this set of two double wall tasting glasses. The flared lip delivers coffee to your entire palate in order to taste the full spectrum of coffee flavors.

These Fellow double wall tasting glasses are cool to look at and cool to the touch, even while you’re drinking your hot cup of Steeped Coffee.

Features of Steeped Coffee include:

  • Hand Roasted Specialty Coffee: no instant powders, just delicious coffee
  • No Machines Required: unplugged single-serve convenience
  • Guilt-Free Packaging: made using fully compostable and renewable materials
  • Nitro-Sealed: removes oxygen, stopping the clock on freshly ground beans
  • Full Immersion Filter: renewable plant-based non-GMO compostable filters that regulate ideal water-in and maximum flavor-out
  • Ultrasonically Sealed: no glues, staples, or wasted materials for max steeping
  • Precision Ground: consistent water-cooled grinding to the micron
  • Pre-Portioned: optimal SCA recommended water-to-coffee ratios
  • Barista Approved: continuously tested by multiple independent specialty coffee Q-graders for freshness, quality, and taste
  • Just + Water: a simple cup

About Steeped Coffee

Steeped, Inc. based in Santa Cruz, California, is a Certified B Corp and Benefit Corporation focused on every detail from farm-to-cup and beyond, to bring people the most convenient, high quality, ethically sourced, and sustainably packaged products available. Steeped Coffee is the new single-serve coffee standard helping to make quality coffee accessible within Guilt-Free Packaging. The proprietary Steeped Brewing Method delivers 100% freshly roasted, precision ground, and nitro-sealed specialty coffee pre-portioned within Steeped Full Immersion Filters. Steeped Coffee is the simplest way to make a perfect cup of coffee by just adding water, with no machine needed.

Steeped Coffee is available on Amazon with Prime Free Delivery, at premium supermarkets, luxury hotels, and offices with craft coffee and at-home services. Through licensed partnerships, Steeped, Inc. works with over 200 specialty coffee roasters to share its technology and brewing method around the globe. For more information, visit steepedcoffee.com

6 Bathroom Hacks to Help in Reducing the Carbon Footprint

Bathroom Hacks That Will Cut Down on Your Carbon Footprint

Carbon footprint is defined as the amount of carbon dioxide freed into the air as a result of human activities. Carbon dioxide is known to be the foremost contaminant and leading cause of global warming. It leads to a destructive effect that pollutes the planet.

First, let’s explain what global warming is. Pollution from carbon footprint has caused the surface of the Earth to endure high temperatures. In scientific terminology, it is referred to as global warming. More so, the oceans become acidic, and we experience harsh weather conditions. 

Due to the change in the ecosystem, we all must intercede with climate change and adjust our lives. No more than simple hacks will reduce our carbon influence noticeably. The strategies that will lead us to reducing carbon emission should start with how we live our daily lives. That is why we have committed the rest of this article to covering 6 simple bathroom hacks that you can apply to reduce your carbon footprint.

Use of Refillable Soap Dispensers

The first bathroom hack to reduce carbon footprint involves using refillable liquid soap dispensers. This will manage soap spillage, hence saving you some cash and conserving the environment. However, you can cut carbon footprint by using a non-disposable soap dispenser.

It is more beneficial and eco-friendly to use glass as opposed to plastic. There are also health benefits to using glass soap dispensers. You can buy them online or in shops near you. Learn more about different soap dispensers recommended by GiftWits and pick one that best suits you.

Use of Low-Flow Shower Heads

According to the New York Times, we need to drastically change our lifestyles if we want to lessen the carbon footprint. One way to do this is through the use of low-flow showerheads while taking a bath. Showering for a long time using standard showerheads will waste a lot of water. What is more, the low-flow option will save you some cash too.

It is a good idea to purchase a low-flow showerhead that will save water while minimizing your water bills. It’s advised that you also shorten the showering time, making it no longer than 5 minutes. Make sure to purchase the best low-shower heads from the best dealers.

Avoid Bathroom Leaks

Another idea would be replacing your old fittings through renovating your bathroom and using greener eco-friendly fittings. Here, the plumbers’ work will be to overhaul and check the broken or aged fittings to make sure your bathroom water pipes are not leaking. Also, check for any old or broken fittings, valves, shower pipes, bathtub, and sinks.

Calling plumbing and remodeling services regularly will save water and energy, hence reducing the carbon footprint. It will also reduce the cost of replacing fittings with brand new ones repeatedly. Apart from that, it will minimize carbon footprint in the form of car emission that would be necessary to deliver new fittings for your bathroom.

Use of Energy-Efficient Products

Refining your home is a good way to save money, and more so, shield the environment by reducing the carbon footprint effects. This is an easy and simple task that you can do yourself by changing your bathroom appliances with energy-efficient counterparts.

These electric devices include the LED lighting and energy-efficient water heater. To learn more about energy-saving products, make a point of reading this review from Forbes. By using energy-efficient products, you will be reducing your electricity bills, improving the environment, and reducing the carbon footprint in an effective way.

Recycling in the Bathroom

Another effective and efficient hack for reducing carbon footprint in your bathroom is through recycling and reusing bathroom items. If you are not using certain items again, especially when remodeling your bathroom, you can opt to sell or donate them to other people.

Fittings such as sinks and taps can be resold or donated as opposed to being disposed of. This will help reduce the amount of waste in the environment. The use of eco-friendly bins for waste is also a brilliant way because almost any trash can be used in a reusable manner, as opposed to disposing of it carelessly.

Use of Eco-Friendly Bathing Soaps

The use of bar soap compared to liquid soap is more eco-friendly and will reduce carbon footprint. Moreover, it is very pocket-friendly. And remember: those tiny bar soap leftovers shouldn’t be thrown away.

You are supposed to store those little bits in a container. You can choose to make a liquid bathing soap, or just mold the leftovers together and get a reusable bar of soap. By doing that, you will reduce the carbon footprint impact.

Final Remarks

The above hacks are just a few of go-green tips that will help in reducing the carbon footprint by a wide margin. We must save our environment starting with the homes we live in. There are many ways to do that, and your bathroom is just the start of the journey.

There are other energy-saving methods like fitting special heat-recovery systems, using dual flush and fixing eco taps. These too are very efficient bathroom tips that will help you do away with the carbon footprint.

Radically changing the status quo of your bathroom may be too much for most of us. So take your time and implement one hack at a time. Trying to do everything at once may actually lead to the opposite effect – giving up on this eco-venture entirely.

It is our responsibility to involve ourselves in activities and lifestyles that will reduce the carbon footprint. As mentioned above, you shouldn’t stop at your bathroom. Spread your new eco-friendly ways to other rooms in your home and beyond. There’s plenty of work to be done if we want to save our planet, and there’s no better way than starting with yourself.

Eco Lips for Beauty and Compassionate Choices #GiftGuide

Are you a beauty enthusiast, but also an animal lover? If you are anything like me, you care deeply about the environment and the sanctity of life, and wouldn’t consider buying from brands that test on animals or willfully destroy the environment. Not to mention, why would you want to slather chemicals all over your face?

Eco Lips gives you both quality makeup as well as the environmentally safe ingredients you demand. 

no animal testing

The Lip + Cheek Tints collection makes for the perfect multitasking beauty balm to add to your routine this season. The collection is a line of three beauty balms that add color and hydration to every look. Eco Lips uses organic jojoba, coconut oil, organic and fair-trade cocoa butter, and sunflower seed wax, making it vegan-friendly, and cruelty-free as well as lightweight.

The Lip Food collection was curated using organic food-grade ingredients like spirulina algae, pumpkin seed, and chamomile mushroom that nourish, protect and plump the lips. The formula is also organic, fair trade.

The latest line, Ecolixir, boasts the power of oil to improve the skins’ overall health. As part of a natural wellness regimen, its the perfect gift for the clean beauty advocate.

All of Eco Lips‘ collections feature nothing but the best natural ingredients. Their Bee Free Vegan Lip Balm is perfect for vegans and green lifestylists. Their Specialty line is perfect for those who know that only the best will do. And of course, their newest Lip + Cheek Tints collection is the perfect multitasking beauty balm to add color all over.

More About Eco Lips

The story behind the Eco Lips brand is essentially a love story. As the creators of the first USDA-certified original organic lip balm, the family-owned company has expanded their line over time to encompass lifestyle and beauty products. All Eco Lips products are made with wind power offsets, fair trade, gluten-free, and cruelty-free. As a B-corp, they take customer satisfaction, product effectiveness, and good-for-the-world ethos seriously.

StrawSleeves- The Next Step in Sustainable Living @StrawSleeves

500 MILLION single use, plastic straws are used and discarded in the USA every day! Reusable straws provide a solution to this environmental problem as straw users learn the importance to refuse plastic and opt for sustainable straw choices. StrawSleeves provides a practical way to carry reusable straws while traveling, shopping, or eating out.

straw sleeves

Bring Your Own Straw – Packing your reusable water bottles, coffee cups, and utensils promotes the practice of “reuse” over accepting single use plastics in our daily routine. Straw users can choose from the many types of reusable straws on the market and now have a way to pack and carry their personal straw easily in the cloth sleeves. The sleeves are designed to keep the straw clean and protected from contact with other items in their tote-bag, glove-box, pocketbook, backpack, or picnic basket.

Hemp and Reclaimed Fabrics – Materials used in the making of the sleeves are sustainable, plastic free choices.  100% Hemp Fabric from Romania is offered in four colors. Hemp is a sustainable resource, not requiring pesticides, and has natural anti-bacteria and anti-fungal properties that benefit food utensil storage. Triple washed reclaimed denim and denim weight fabrics are used for making the sleeves as an additional choice and are offered in earth-tone colors. All straw sleeves are self-lined, triple stitched and have an “invisible inner cuff” that prevents the straw from sliding out of the pocket, requiring no ties or fasteners, a convenient choice to transport and access your straw. The fabrics and sleeves are designed to withstand frequent laundering by hand or machine and are ideal for many types of reusable straws including stainless steel, titanium, copper, bamboo, sterling silver, and glass.

New Multi-Utensil Packs – Cloth carriers with four sections are now available as an additional StrawSleeves line. These packs hold a number of straws, chopsticks, utensils, and cleaning brushes as well as other items such as art supplies or makeup brushes. Fabrics used are 100% cotton. Or reclaimed materials.

Sleeves Bearing Store Brands – Current StrawSleeves sales are mostly business-to-business with several straw manufacturers and eco stores branding the sleeves with their own business logo.  Wholesale and Distributor pricing is based on the quantity of each order. Selecting the highest standing businesses that promote plastic free solutions is the object of the StrawSleeves Company in the effort to promote solutions to the environmental issues of plastic waste.

Social Media Love – To learn more about StrawSleeves and see photos and videos, please go to the StrawSleeves Instagram and Facebook pages where you will find @StrawSleeves and the StrawSleeves community engaging in discussions and ideas that encourage us all to take that next step toward a sustainable lifestyle.

Plastic Free Donations – StrawSleeves considers requests to donate sleeves for worthy plastic free causes. Please email inquiries to strawsleeves@gmail.com for consideration.

StrawSleeves on Etsy – Individual retail StrawSleeves sales are active on Etsy.  http://etsy.com/shop/StrawSleeves

Valentine Gifting From Companies that Give Back #ValentinesDay #Sustainable

If you want to shop sustainably this year, support small business, or like to avoid big box stores, I’ve got a shop for you. If you just like unique and high quality products at a reasonable price- this is a shop you will love. Marketplace Africa has clothing, bath and body products (and I’m in love with some of these already), purses, bags,- really, gifts for everyone on your list. Thoughtful gifts anyone would love to receive.

African body works

This website lets Africans can sell their one-of-a-kind handmade goods to the entire global market.  Anyone looking for a unique gift for the holidays can feel as good as the products they are buying, since they are purchasing directly from the source. Buying from small business owners in Africa boosts not only the store owner, but also the economy.

For more information on Marketplace Africa and to choose some fantastic gifts,  visit www.marketplaceafrica.com

Sudara creates ethically and sustainably sourced clothing for men, women, and children. This brand came about because of a desire to help women escape sex trafficking in India. 12 years ago, Sudara’s founder partnered with a sewing center in India and taught six women how to sew a pattern for pants.The year prior, she had been to India and heard story after story of women who were sold into sex slavery or were at high risk of being. The company was created to give woman the chance to have an education, a job with livable wages, and to be free.

ethical clothing

Sudara is a Certified B Corps company, which means they meet “the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability, and aspire to use the power of markets to solve social and environmental problems”. You know, the best of the best- the “good guys”.

The clothing is beautiful, as well. High quality, unique designs with fun colors and patterns, lots of options available. If you have not yet shopped with Sudara, I hope you take the time to give them a look now. Check them out on social media while you are at it, see what they have to offer- sudara.org  facebook  twitter  instagram

ethical clothing

Peace Frogs is a brand that encourages you to get outside, enjoy nature, and practices what they preach. They are helping to preserve the environment and giving back with purchases. Peace Frogs has been around for more then 30 years, and have “a long track record of giving back to charitable causes” while creating eco-friendly clothing and gear.  They have also  launched a #spreadthepeacecampaign that looks to bridge a divided nation. As per the company, “Today, in America, the country stands more divided than ever before, with constant fighting, name calling and general unrest, with social media and the news not doing anything to slow down the chaos. The Spread the Peace Campaign is a way for Peace Frogs to motivate people to be kind to one another and stop the hate, fighting and lack of tolerance. Peace Frogs wants to bring a sense of calm, peace and community back to a tense country that has forgotten how to love thy neighbor.”  The fun clothing, gear, stickers, and more promote joy, living in harmony, a healthy environment, and peace. For more information on Peace Frogs items or to purchase #spreadthepeace stickers, please visit: www.peacefrogs.com

ethical jewelery

Statement Peace (no relation to Peace Frogs) creates their “high vibration wooden jewelry” line designs and hand produces all of their “pieces of peace” in their South West Florida studio.  The company believes that energy is transferable, and that when you operate out of peace and love, that it is felt by all and creates a statement of peace. They want to transfer “passion, high vibrations and good juju with the intention that you feel our vibes” into the items they create. Each piece of jewelry is considered to be a work of art, and they convey this by including a custom designed wooden display stand with each item purchased. There is something special for everyone (men and women), from yoga lovers to outdoor enthusiasts. Rings, bracelets, and more are available. For every item purchased, they plant one tree.   Check out options at https://www.wearstatementpeace.com

show the love

Show the Love offers items that are each designed to showcase and inspire a specific sentiment. The jewelry is meant to inspire and to uplift the person who wears it. From feminist inspiration items to those inspiring others to speak up, to beautiful animal inspired themes, there is something everyone will love. Give a gift that is not only lovely but also inspiring and show the recipient that you are really thinking about them. Whatever they love, or perhaps would like more of in their life (happiness, calm, passion, etc) you can find something that will show your sentiment.

This company cares, and they show it not only with their designs, but also with the materials they use as well as the donations they give. Show The Love jewelry is made with recycled metals and ethically sourced stones. They also donate 25% of their proceeds, which they give to humanitarian and environmental causes. There are items for every budget, from $50 to a big splurge. These are fun, funky, unique, lovely items that your Valentine will cherish always. Visit the site at https://showthelove.com and see what you like best.