Aardvark
I’m old enough to remember paper straws from the days before everything began to be made of plastic. So I was delighted to see the revival of the paper straw on this website. “ They’re Safe And FDA Food Grade Compliant Approved. Aardvark® only uses materials that are non-toxic, BPA-free and ELEMENTAL chlorine free. In fact, many straws made overseas claim to use safe inks, but the colorants and the processes used to dry the inks are anything but safe. Aardvark® doesn’t use un-safe dyes or materials in our straws, and we have had independent, 3rd party testing done to prove it. We’re proud to say that Aardvark paper straws are the strongest, longest lasting on the market. All other paper straws on the market are made in China. But Aardvark straws are 100% Made in the USA — and they always have been. Ours is the original paper straw, based on a design patented by Marvin Stone in 1888. ”
Stamba Superfoods
Three award-winning organic superfood blends that make each food more powerful in combination.”What is the force that gives trees the strength to endure the harshness of winter, then foliate, blossom and flower come spring? What is the power held within Earth’s soil that germinates seeds and nourishes them to burst forth into flourishing plants that nurture the environment and living beings? At STAMBA, we create products to harness and deliver an experience of the pure power of Nature. Unlike fleeting experiences derived from synthetic, artificial and isolated sources, the experience of STAMBA stamina is rooted in the life-giving certified organic and sustainable harvesting environments from which our blends are born. The true superfoods in STAMBA products are the treasures of the plant kingdom. We source all of our ingredients from pristine environments, worldwide. At STAMBA, certified organic is just the beginning of our requirements. We partner with farms and organizations that have a commitment to sustainability and fair-trade practices. We choose not to source any ingredients from China due to questionable quality assurance standards and agricultural business practices perpetuated by many companies in the nation. After sourcing, we are deeply committed to preserving the life force and nutritional integrity of our ingredients – freeze or slow dried, we preserve their raw state. As such, they maintain their vital beneficial properties in a form that is easy to assimilate, integrate and utilize by your body. Each ingredient is nutritionally robust. In unison, they provide a full spectrum of prized health benefits, far beyond those of any individual agent. All our whole food ingredients are: Certified Organic. Vegan. Gluten and GMO Free.”
North Bay Trading
A variety of natural and organic dried and freeze-dried foods for everyday eating and emergency storage. Wild rice, beans, soup mixes, freeze-dried fruits and vegetables.
Earthsake
The very first retailer of natural fiber organic mattresses and bedding – made & grown in the USA. Since 1990, they have offered innerspring mattresses handcrafted from local PureGrow wool and organic cotton inside soft organic covers, along with all natural bedframes and organic bed linens. PureGrow wool fill is naturally fire retardant – so Earthsake Organic Mattresses and bedding do not contain chemical fire-retardants. In addition to their organic cotton mattresses, they also have natural latex mattresses and vegan mattresses made from 100% hemp . “Our PureGrow wool is locally and organically farmed in Sonoma County, Northern California from free and “happy” sheep.”
KD Frames
Unfinished platform beds and futon sofa frames crafted from Tulip Poplar. “All of our frames are made of kiln dried Tulip Poplar hardwood grown in responsibly managed Virginia forests. We do not apply chemicals of any kind in our factory, and the wood is smooth, sanded, and unfinished. KD Frames has been in business since 1987.” I saw one of these frame in a local store and it was very solid and had excellent craftsmanship.
Mountain Valley Growers
A good selection of USDA certified organic herb, vegetable, and perennial seedling plants, grown in the Central Valley of California. Available in 3-inch potted plants and 128-plug trays. You’ll find both common and unusual plants here, including sweet stevia.
Chattanooga Butter Co.
Grassfed real cream butter mixed with coconut oil—plain and flavored (honey and cinnamon, roasted garlic, brandy soaked Bordeaux cherry…) “Our cream comes from grass fed cows, making the saturated fats pure and nutrient-rich…We use only extra virgin, refined and filtered coconut oil which is neutral in taste…Since our butters are 100% natural and our fruits & spices are organic, they are free of any industrialized toxins common to processed foods…We source many ingredients for our various spreads from local or neighboring state farms when possible. They are grown and harvested the old fashioned way, from nearby farms, to our kitchen, to your family dinner table!” Unrefined sweeteners.
The Clean Bedroom
Everything you need to create a toxic-free bedroom all in one place. Organic mattresses and bedding, organic crib mattresses and nursery bedding, and bedroom furniture–nontoxic, chemical-free and hypoallergenic. They provide personalized service to fit the health and comfort needs of each customer. Articles and blog posts provide helpful information for allergy sufferers and patients with multiple chemical sensitivities, and product comparisons assist customers in making the right purchase decisions.
Marketplace: Handwork of India
Really beautiful, colorful clothing made of cotton and other natural fibers in India. All women’s sizes, including plus sizes. “MarketPlace: Handwork of India is a pioneering nonprofit that empowers women in India to break the cycle of poverty, as they become leaders in their work, their homes, and their neighborhoods, and effect lasting change in their communities. In MarketPlace’s comprehensive and creative organization, economic development is only the first step for these brave and resourceful women. We work with over 400 artisans who are organized into 11 independent co-operatives that produce high-quality women’s apparel and home decor. They learn skills such as sewing and embroidery, and participate in all aspects of running the cooperatives. In addition, programs offer educational and enrichment opportunities designed to help the artisans overcome personal, cultural and financial obstacles. ”
On the Plus Side
An entire site dedicated to plus sizes for women 1x-8x. “For over 30 years, On The Plus Side has been perfecting the fit and style of our plus size clothing for women. Over 90% of our clothing is made from natural fiber and designed to celebrate your curves.” You’ll need to check fabric content carefully, but I wanted to include this for the plus sizes, which can be difficult to find in natural fibers. While you have to sift through the blends, this Long Sleeve Oversize Shirt in the photo, for example, is 100% cotton and comes in 30 colors sizes 1x-8x. And it’s hand-dyed with eco-friendly dyes. So consider this site to be a treasure hunt.
