Worried about GMOs?  Or just want to learn more about them?  Watch this film, now available on iTunes.  Have you seen the photos of the rats fed gmo corn that are full of tumors?  What will happen to us?  There is an urgency to this, we have to get gmos out of our food.  I know I'm singing to the choir, but you can watch it with those who aren't yet in the know. 

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Dyson's Next Generation Fans: Just in Time for Summer

Dyson's Next Generation Cool Fans are out, just in time for summer.  Significantly improved acoustics, re-engineered air flows and a lower power motor makes the new fans up to 75% quieter and more energy efficient.

Just like the last fans, these are blade free and have remote controls (awesome for the bedroom) that magnetically attach to the top of the fan so they won't get lost.  Ten airflow settings and a new sleep timer make it customizable.  I love that these fans are super safe for kids and animals and that they don't accumulate hard to reach dust.  These are easy to clean and great for those with allergies. 

And--look at them, they are cool looking!  They are modern and will look nice in your room on par with functional art.  Find them HERE. 

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Fragrance is the New Second Hand Smoke

A few cities have initiated Fragrance Free zones (such as the workplace, certain restaurants, waiting rooms, etc).  Fragrance contains some of the exact same chemicals that are harmful in cigarette smoke.  It also contains pesticides--that's right, the same chemicals in pesticides are in many synthetic fragrances.

Like smoke, fragrance is loaded with carcinogens and toxins, but it's actually much harder to get away from second hand fragrance.  Smoking is banned almost everywhere and easy to avoid.  If a smoker shakes my hand, rarely does my hand then reek of smoke, and if it did, I could easily wash it off.  When someone wearing fragrance does the same, I can scrub with a brush and can't get that stuff off, then I'm forced to smell it all day.  If someone sits on my furniture wearing fragrance, guess what?  It doesn't come out.  If I go to someone's house that uses fragrance, I have to strip down and put everything I was wearing in the wash when I get home. The stuff is the devil. And when you don't wear synthetic fragrance, you can smell it a mile away. 

Is this what people are trying to achieve with their perfumes and colognes?  Do they want to smear pesticides and carcinogens all over their bodies to marinate in that stuff all day?  Do they want to give others headaches and asthma attacks?  Do they want to contribute to the toxic burden in our water supply, the prevalence of hormone disruptors, do they want cancer?  Of course not.  They think they are making themselves more appealing and they think they smell nice.  They have no idea they are making people gag.

They ban trans fats and smoking, and now I'm hearing the same is happening with perfumes and fragrance.  For more, read THIS and THIS.  

Does fragrance bother you or make you sick? Email me your thoughts at ecomamasguide@gmail.com and I will share your stories (anonymously) in a follow up post.

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Nourish Organic Body Lotion

There's a new organic lotion that comes in scents appropriate for men.  My little man loves his Nourish Organic body lotion in Lavender Mint.  Spiced Citrus and Lemon Lime would be two other great options.  The tube is great to put in your gym bag or bedside table to help combat wintery dry skin.

I love having body products that are non toxic and smell good, but don't contain unhealthy synthetic fragrance.  Nourish does contain nourishing ingredients like argan oil, maca root, vitamin E, and aloe.  Find it locally at Whole Foods and HERE.

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Dyson's Awesome New Vacuum: DC65

Dyson's got a new vacuum out, the Animal Complete DC65, and I think it's their best one yet.  Of course it's beautiful.  It has a fucsia top and some bright purple accents, paired with a charcoal gray body, it's functional art like everything else Dyson makes.  So they had me at first glance.

Now for the function.  I've tried several of their vacuums, and this is my new favorite, they just keep getting better and better.  They redesigned the airflow and brush bar to be more powerful by 25%, and they've updated cyclone and ball technology, and the new motor is 150% faster.  It comes with three different brushes, a tangle-free turbine tool and--something I really appreciate--they included a bag for all the accessories.  

I notice a difference in quality.  Not that I wasn't already satisfied with previous models, frankly, I didn't think it could get any better short of the vacuum taking the initiative on it's own and vacuuming my house without me.  And don't think that's not on Dyson's mind, I bet they have robot vacuums one of these days, and they will be gorgeous too.

Dyson is so well known for over the top suction that some carpet manufacturors won't warranty your carpet if you use them becuause they can pull out the threads.  I've been using Dyson vacuums for years and have never had this happen, but it does speak to the power of these machines.  They are the only vacuums to be allergy certified, so you don't get that little cloud of dust that sometimes comes out of other vacuums re-polluting the air.

My floors are cork and bamboo, and I have area rugs, so lots of variation.  This vacuum is self-adjusting and rolls over each surface seamlessly.   The DC65 maneuvers with ease and turns on a dime.  The suction wand is great for cob webs and hard to reach dust bunnies and debris.  It's a dream to use, and did I mention how fun it is to use a vacuum with a happy fuscia canister?  Find it HERE.

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FLOR Eco Friendly Carpet Squares

FLOR carpet squares are a great rug and carpet option, especially for families and homes with pets.  The interchangeable tiles come in hundreds of colors, patterns, and variations, and they're made from recycled materials.  The concept is modern, versatile and easy to maintain.  

Since the squares are removable, they're a breeze to clean.  You can just pick up the one that is soiled, rinse it off in the sink, and replace it.  This also makes FLOR super versatile when you want to change the mood of the room.  When you are ready for a change, just swap out a few squares for a different color or design. From bright fuchsia, to bold orange, stripes, organic shapes, all the way down to muted grays and browns, the options are endless. 

FLOR's latest collection is inspired by global design and animal prints.  What a great way to add a pop of color or interest to your room.  Different squares have different textures and FLOR recommends getting samples before deciding on a design.  Choose from tons of fabulous options HERE. 

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The FRESH ENERGY Cookbook

I've been sitting on this for a long time.  Natalia Rose is one of the most enlightened nutritionists/food and healthy lifestyle-thinkers out there and I wanted to do her cookbook, THE FRESH ENERGY COOKBOOK, co-authored with Chef Doris Choi, justice.  I've decided I can't do it justice--it's that good.

It's a brand new year and I know a lot of us are looking for ways to spice up our healthy living repertoire.  Well here you go, an excellent cookbook and resource book that will help you to achieve clean eating and more energy.

I LOVE this book.  It's simple, straighforward, and all the recipes I've tried are delicious.  It's full of glossy photos (a must, I think for any cookbook), uncomplicated recipes, and some good advice on how to optimize your food intake for maximum pleasure and health benefits.  Natalia's approach to health is a common sense, sort of back-to-basics approach that resonates on a deep level.  I've had success with her method and would strongly recommend any of her books, but this, it's a must-have cookbook.  If I could only have one, it would be this. 

The focus is on nutrient dense, easy to digest, colorful yummy real foods.  Absent are grains, faux meat alternatives, and soy.  These recipes are not intimidating and they don't require hours of preparation or hard to find ingredients.  They are creative though, and inspiring, and cause you to look at food in a new way.

The cauliflower pizza crust is yummy, and a great alternative to gluten free crusts.  Salads are hearty and filling, and the 150 recipes will give you plenty to work with.   Fresh juices, salads, entrees, snacks, and desserts offer plenty of options for optimal, life affirming meals.  Find it HERE. 

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Happy 2014

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Best Last Minute Gift for the Beach Bum

Do you have a beach lover on your holiday list?  Who doesn't love the beach, right?  Well here's the perfect last minute gift--Dune Jewelry's Digital Gift Card.   Dune's jewelry is not only beautiful, it's meaningful, even aspirational.  Can't go to Tahiti this year?  Well, you can wear the sand from Tahitian beaches and transport yourself with a glance.  Even better--you've been to Fiji and brought back some sand.  Now you can have your own little time capsule.

The applications for this jewelry are as endless as your imagination.  I'm totally in love with this concept.  Dune Jewelry has the most gorgeous, unique and fabulous gifts for the traveler, the outdoorsy person, and people who appreciate the one-of-a-kind.   For people living in colder climates, how fun is that to have a piece of the beach for comfort all winter?   If your New Year's resolution is to go to Cote d'Azure, how cool would it be to wear the sand until the trip, like a talisman?

Each piece is custom made with your own sand that you send in, or from Dune's sand bank, with sand from all over the world.  It's solid, well made jewelry that feels wonderful in your hand.  It comes packaged beautifully in a box with a small description. 

While I think the presentation would be much better with the actual jewelry, timed just right--it's not too late to give an awesome and meaningful gift.  Get yours HERE. 

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Easy Gift: Smartwool Diamond Hat & Scarf

Smartwool has so many wonderful holiday gift options for all ages.  Even a pair of their colorful socks would make an excellent gift or stocking stuffer, there are so many great things to choose from, and their products scream quality.  I love their stuff especially for outdoorsy types because wool is the ultimate choice for travel and outdoor activity, keeping you comfortable by regulating body temps.

Check out their Diamond Popcorn Scarf and matching Hat.  I am madly in love with the Polar Purple, which is a soothing periwinkle purple-blue.  I don't see it on their site at the moment, but a quick google search shows you where to find it.  It's two-toned and looks great and comes in other colors, even basic black. 

This would be a fabulous set for the person you're not quite sure what to give.  You can find Smartwool online or locally at shops like REI, and food co-ops (it doesn't get easier than picking up a gift while you're grabbing groceries).

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Travelon Colorful Gifts for Travelers

Need stocking stuffers for your favorite traveler?  Check out these colorful new Zig Zag bag tags from Travelon.  Aren't they fun?  Wouldn't it be cool to get these along with some plane tickets?  A girl can dream.  Something like this can help you find your black bag, even if it's a carry-on, you'll spot it faster in the overhead bin, and make it less likey someone else will grab it by mistake. 

On a more serious note, Travelon's Safe ID Colorblock RFID Wallet will keep your identity and credit card information secure.  Since your passport, id, credit cards, etc, are chipped with RFID (radio frequency identification that are broadcast), the bad guys can use a scanner to get your personal info and get into accounts, steal your identification, etc.  So now we need RFID blocking wallets to keep our info safe.  Ridiculous, right?  But if you don't do this, someone walking past you with a scanner can cause some serious mayhem for you, better to play it safe. 

Travelon's leather Colorblock Wallet is black and unassuming on the outside, and cheery green, yellow and blue on the inside, it's a great looking wallet and would make a substantial gift for the traveler.  Thirteen slots hold your license, and credit cards, and there's a space for your passport.  There's a zippered coin compartment that would be great for separating currencies, and has all the features you want in your everyday wallet, with the added bonus of peace of mind. 

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Monsanto = Snow White's Evil Queen

So now Monsanto is literally playing the role of Snow White's Evil Queen by trying to pass off poisoned apples as a good idea.  If it weren't so terrifying, it would be funny.   Like non-organic apples weren't bad enough already--they're on the dirty dozen and are so polluted I wouldn't eat one--but this takes it to an even more sinister level.  Seriously, if we don't stop this, pretty soon everything will be GMO.  The deadline is December 16, please take a second and let the USDA know that we don't want gmo apples.  You can read more and sign the petition HERE.

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Patagonia Wintertide Boot

Patagonia's new Wintertide Boot is as good looking as it is warm.  Not only that, but the sole means business, these are boots you can walk in comfortably for a long time, perfect for winter travel and adventure.  They are lace-up boots, so you can customize the fit, but they are easy to get on and off.  You can lace them in such a way that you slip your foot in and out without having to fool with the laces.  They come in different colors, but I love the silvery gray furry fleece contrasted with jet black, which look fabulous with skinny jeans.

They're waterproof, and a recycled foot bed wicks away moisture to keep feet dry.  There is plenty of cushion in the recycled EVA Patagonia Air insole, and I think there's something to this, because for the warmth and comfort, there's not a ton of bulk.  Anyone looking for a lower profile winter boot would probably be very pleased with these.  The outer sole is recycled content too, this is Patagonia, they'll be as eco friendly as possible. 

Sizing for me ran short.  I'm a true 8.5, and normally get 9's in athletic footwear.  With these, I actually needed 10's, so you might want to go up a size to start.   These are awesome boots (and would make a killer holiday gift), find them HERE. 

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Uncommon Goods: Compass Necklace

Do you have any outdoorsy people on your holiday gift list?  Travelers?  If you're reading this, I know you do.  Or you're one yourself.  Check out this fabulous Compass Necklace from Uncommon Goods.  What a perfect gift for hikers, travelers, and explorers.  And, really not just for those types, because compasses symbolize finding your way in life and the value of your journey, and it's a sweet sentiment for the people you love.  I can think of a hundred different ways this would be a beautiful gift.  It would make a great talisman for the new year, for instance, for embarking on a new project, adventure or goal. 

The actual piece of jewelry, made by artist LeeAnn Herreid, using eco friendly recycled materials, is very substantial in person.  It's small, about the size of a dime, but has a tiny heft to it--it feels solid in your hand.  The globe is glass, though, so be careful not to slam it down or be overly rough with it. The glass and shiny sterling silver make give it a quality look and feel, and it's about the size of a dime.  The compass is functioning, but not necessarily accurate, so not meant for self reliance out in the woods.  Find this awesome necklace and other great holiday gifts at Uncommon Goods, probably one of the top online shops for the best gifts you'll find, and full of eco friendly options. 

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Amber Lotus: New Eco Calendars for 2014

 

Are you still using paper calendars?  I am.  I need the visual on paper I can touch.  Amber Lotus makes fabulous calendars all on recycled paper with non toxic ink.  They have a ton of wonderful options with a theme of do-gooding, living healthy, and respecting the environment.  I like those sentiments and enjoy seeing this imagery around the house.  It also serves as inspiration.  How about the graphically bold and colorful Green Patriot Wall Calendar which reminds you to vote for no gmos, grow your own food, bike for transportation, etc.  I love this for the workplace, or school where it can educate while adding to the decor. 


Simply Raw is a nice option for the kitchen, with gorgeous photos of healthy foods that look like master works of art. This is art--nature's art.  Recipes by raw food chef Matthew Kenney, like January's Frisee and Fennel Salad (with fresh basil and maple syrup) are an added bonus.  It's fresh and perfect to start the new year off on the right foot. 

Meditation is a daily goal at our house, and these soothing images and inspiring quotes from the Mediation Wall Calendar is a good reminder.  You can use a calendar like this to chart your progress, as well as Amber Lotus engagement calendars.  Those also work great for recording your physical activity, meditation, and eating habits.  I struggle with migraines, and I'm always tracking my food intake for answers, but even if I weren't doing that, I still like the idea of charting my food intake, just to keep on track and make sure I'm eating enough nutrient dense food. 

I like to mark my calendar for various things, like a green highlighter over the date for every day I drink my green juice.  Seeing a whole month of green dots gives me a sense of accomplishment.  You can do this with your meditation practice, your running or swimming, etc.  It's really nice to see it all add up at the end of the year.  These calendars would make a thoughtful holiday gift, find a ton of options HERE.

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Thanksgiving Alternative: Adopt a Turkey

The Adopt a Turkey Project, which gives people the opportunity to sponsor one of the rescued birds who reside at the group’s shelters in New York and California, has provided care for more than 1,000 rescued turkeys over the last 25 years. For a one-time donation of just $30, adopters receive a special adoption certificate complete with color photo and fun details about their new adopted turkey friend.

Turkeys are, in fact, intelligent and social animals, who form lifelong bonds and possess unique abilities to communicate with one another. Just as “Free Birds” brings to life the personalities of each of its animal characters, caretakers at Farm Sanctuary know that real-life turkeys possess distinct personalities and exhibit a joy for life. Among the adoptable turkeys are:

Tulip, who lives at Farm Sanctuary’s New York Shelter; she is sensitive and kind to her flockmates and loves grapes and cranberries, 

Minerva, an attention-loving turkey with a passion for sunflower seeds, who resides at the rescue group’s shelter near Los Angeles, and

Tibbott, an outgoing guy who resides at Farm Sanctuary’s Northern California Shelter; he loves to meet new people and snack on lettuce and grapes.

“After more than 25 years of caring for rescued turkeys through our Adopt a Turkey Project, we’re delighted to team up with Reggie and Jake this Thanksgiving,” says Farm Sanctuary President and Co-founder Gene Baur. “We hope their amazing adventure will inspire even more people to adopt a turkey as part of their holiday tradition.”

To learn more about the Adopt a Turkey Project, visit adoptaturkey.org or call the Turkey Adoption Hotline at 1-888-SPONSOR.

This is a guest post from Farm Sanctuary which operates three shelters in New York and California that provide lifelong care for nearly 1,000 rescued farm animals, works to change laws to decrease abuse of farm animals, and promotes compassionate vegan living.

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Things to Make Your Holiday Guest Comfortable

Expecting company for the holidays?  If you live in a small space, it can be tricky.  You want to give your guests as much of their own space as possible, and a comfortable bed.   Even if you don't have a dedicated guest room, you can still make visitors feel comfortable and extra special. 

The Serta Raised Air Bed pops up in just a couple of minutes (deflates quickly too), and has a never-flat feature.  The height, at 18 inches, is really nice for guests who might have a harder time getting up and down from a camp pad set up, and it really makes into a bed that resembles a regular twin bed.  When you're done, it packs into a carry bag and goes right in the closet until the next visit. 

An amenities kit like the Hugo Naturals Travel Kit, which uses non-synthetic fragrance and eco friendly plant based ingredients is a great welcome gift.  I love the orange-vanilla, which is comforting and soothing, and something like this might help to keep guests from using their synthetic products.  I personally have a no synthetic fragrance rule and make no bones about it because I get terrible migraines from perfumes.  Essential oils are wonderful though, and I think a little gift like this makes a fun introduction to healthy body products, and a treat for those already on board.

If you want to be really generous (and keep shoes out of the house), some cozy slippers or slipper socks from Acorn would be fantastic.  I love the Chinchilla slides that are my go-to slipper right now.  Your feet feel like heaven in these things; they are extremely luxurious.  If you get them from a place like Zappos, and you order  the wrong size, they can have a new pair to you the next day.  Any slippers would be nice, but I'm partial to these. 

Additionally, I'd be aware of dietary restrictions (are they gluten free?  Vegetarian? Nut allergic?) and have a few things on hand.  Do they like coffee in the morning?  Tea?  If they're sleeping in a bright room, an eye mask would be nice (I like this one), and maybe some ear plugs.  Some nice organic chocolates or cookies on the night stand, a carafe with water, a clutter free space for them to put their stuff and charge electronics are a few thoughtful touches to make someone feel a warm welcome. 

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DYSON DC47 Animal Ball Canister Vac

Dyson has a new canister vacuum and it's....well, I have to say this, it's super cute.  It's very compact, so it's kind of like a baby vacuum.  It may be adorable, but it packs a punch and I'm amazed at what a good job this little vacuum did on my floors.

My house is small and open concept, so the shorter cord worked fine for me.  It probably wouldn't make sense for a large home, but an apartment or studio or small place like mine would be ideal.  I have bamboo floors and wool rugs and it glided over all surfaces with ease.  The ball makes it very maneuverable and it's light weight saves your back while vacuuming stairs. 

The good looks set this far apart from other vacuums, it really is nice to look at with a vibrant violet top and charcoal gray body.  I would not recommend this for anything other than small jobs.  Nothing hard core.  This vacuum does not have the suction and power I've known in other Dysons, if you're sucking up things larger than lint, dust bunnies, and dirt, then stuff can get trapped on the way to the canister causing you to stop and empty it out.  So for smaller jobs, yes, but heavy duty--go with a bigger Dyson. 

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Get Cozy with Horny Toad Blushfire

Starting to get chilly?  Horny Toad has the most wonderful fleece for cold weather coziness.  Their Blushfire Fleece is so butter soft, furry and plush, it's sure to become a winter favorite.  The Blushfire Pant is comfortable and warm, perfect for hanging out at camp or at home.  The fit is true to size, a tiny bit long on me with a 31" inseam (I'm 5'5), but doable, especially with shoes.  I wear an 8/10 and the medium is a good fit.  There's some give, and a drawstring inside to adjust the waist.  Two pockets on the back add style and make them less sweat-pant looking and more street-wear.

The Blushfire Hoodie is super cuddly, so prepare for people wanting to touch you when you wear it.  The hood comes up in the front to keep your neck warm.  And I do mean Warm.  This thing is toasty, so wear a layer underneath so you can take it off if you get too hot.  I love the Dark Smoke, which is a soothing gray blue slate color, and the softness is just pure heaven.

Both are really nice post-swim.  I swim laps on weekends and when I'm finished, I love slipping into this warm soft fabric before heading out with wet hair.  They are bulky pieces, particularly the hoodie, so I wouldn't recommend them for travel if you are doing carry-on, but for car camping, and winter weather, they are divine.  Horny Toad is an eco-minded company with well made stuff; find Blushfire fleece and more wonderful pieces HERE. 

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Companies that side with Monsanto vs. the Good Guys

You might be surprised to learn who is backing Monsanto in trying to stop the 522 initiative to label GMOs.  A lot of companies supporting Monsanto are no surprise, Pepsi, Coke, Clorox--companies we know have zero interest in our health.  But it's the ones that we thought were looking out for us that are so disappointing.  The ones that sell organic food and promote health.  Companies we trusted.  Shame on them!  No more Lara Bars for us.  No more Alexia (love their organic french fries), no more Burts Bees, Santa Cruz Organic, and Horizon.  Moms buy this stuff for their families thinking they are making healthy choices, and it's a betrayal that these same companies don't even want us to know what's in our food.  Read more HERE and HERE.

On a positive note, look who's supporting 522:  Brad's Raw, Clif, Amy's, Annie's,  Coconut Bliss, Theo, Barleans, Tony's Coffee, Patagonia, and MORE.   This totally strengthens my loyalty to these brands and I'm grateful they're getting behind this.  If you're in Washington, please vote YES on 522.

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