Esperanza Threads
An interesting and unusual source of clothing for men, women, and children, made from organic cotton and other natural fibers. This is attractive, useful, clothing made from natural fibers in styles that are hard to find, including flowing, natural styles in sizes up to women’s 3x. And… “Esperanza Threads can provide clothing for you if you have moderate chemical sensitivities. We strongly suggest that you first test our fabrics. Look for our Chemical Sensitive Safe Logo next to fabrics which are safe for individuals with moderate chemical sensitivities.” These clothing items are handmade in the USA through a program that trains low-income individuals in industrial sewing, including immigrant refugees.
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Listen to my interview with Esperanza Threads Executive Director Lucretia Bohnsack. |
Kasper Organics
“Affordable and socially responsible organic cotton clothing and accessories for men and women.” All the items I checked were 100% organic cotton (except socks), with no synthetics. Many low-impact dyes and natural Colorganic cotton. Some latex-free. Some items are from brand name manufacturers, others handmade by the owner. Also bedding and bath towels. “If I was buying organically grown food for my family, why was I buying toxic clothing?”
Natural Furniture
A large selection of real wood furniture, made in the USA to last for generations. This “ready-to-finish furniture is available in a wide cariety of hardwoods, each with its own distinctive grain patterns and colorations.” Use the nontoxic finish of your choice. They have hundreds of pieces for every room in your home, made from many types of wood.
Green Planet Paints
A gorgeous palette of colors made from natural mineral and clay pigments, in a plant-based (soy), zero-VOC paint. “Green Planet Paints was conceived in 1993, when Meredith Aronson, materials scientist and expert in clays and historic pigments, moved to Patagonia, Arizona. Surrounded by the blazing ochres of canyon walls, the electric greens of waterfall mosses, the shifting silvers of high-desert grasses and the multicolored hues of migrating birds, she was inspired to create a paint that not only reflected the beauty around her, but respected it. Combining her expertise in materials science with her knowledge of ancient pigment technologies, she began formulating a new kind of paint founded on three principles: beauty, performance, and sustainability. With the birth of her son in 2000, Meredith realized that her paint not only had to be beautiful, sustainable and durable, it had to be safe as well–with no exceptions. She began to experiment with simple, natural recipes for milk paints and clay paints, guided by her friends Bill and Athena Steen, renowned innovators in natural construction. Over time, she reformulated these simple paints to improve their performance and manufacturability. She incorporated her knowledge of Mayan Blue pigment technology to create stunning blues, and soon had a rich palette of colors inspired by the natural landscape around her.”
Sweet Harvest Farms
Luxurious soaps, handmade using “the tried and true cold process method of making soap – entirely from scratch with certified organic oils that your skin actually craves….Our soap is made in small batches, from scratch, with each bar being individually cut and hand-wrapped to insure quality control. Natural colorants are used in our wonderful soaps to bring out the beauty of each bar and organic and natural herbs are added to some of the recipes. Shea Butter, Olive Oil, Jojoba Oil, Flaxseed Oil, Palm Oil (sustainable) and Coconut oil are just a few of the rich oils used to create this luxurious line of soap. Rosemary extract is used in every batch because it is a natural preservative and can extend the color and scent of the soap for up to two years.” Also unscented laundry soap and body lotion, scribes, and salts.
Good Shepherd Wool Insulation
Natural wool for wall insulation, treated with the natural mineral boron to repel mice, moths, mildew and insects. They also make WEKA, “a wool-based building insulation incorporating a sheep wool and lime which allows the panels to be installed as a semirigid insulation on top of existing dry walls to retrofit homes.”
Teatulia
“Organic single garden teas…We grow all of our teas in our single USDA-certified organic garden in northern Bangladesh, and they benefit from perfect growing conditions: The soil is developed with the use of organic cover crops and mulching, while the growing area is irrigated by rainwater. And from growing to packaging, Teatulia gives tea lovers only the best and most responsibly cultivated product; the canisters are completely compostable, while the labels are made of recycled post-consumer paper. When you choose Teatulia, you’re choosing teas that nourish the body as well as the environment…Like a fine estate wine, single garden teas ensure a purity, accountability and freshness factor.” Good information on the health benefits of tea, tasting notes, and tea recipes.
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Listen to my interview with Tetulia’s Director of Marketing and New Product Development Chris Olsen.. |
A beautiful selection of black, green, and white teas, plus herbal infusions, sold loose leaf and in tea bags.
Uncle Harry’s Natural Products
Here’s something completely different in bodycare products: “Hand crafted products with natural native ingredients by Uncle Harry, based on traditional recipes from native cultures.” These are traditional body care products and remedies with “absolutely no toxic ingredients.” There is an astonishing amount of information on this site about each of their products, the native ingredients used, and why. A very interesting site to explore. Mouth care, skin care, hair care, aromatherapy oils, henna and incense, nutrition.
Crazy As a Loom Weaving Studio
One-of-a-kind area rugs, handwoven using leftover products of the textile industry, old blue jeans, and millends. She will also make rugs to order using your own fabric. Also bags and totes, stuffed monkeys, and an everchanging variety of handwovens shawls, baby blankets, kitchen towels and “whatever else my muse has decided to weave. All woven in the weavers home on old looms.
Swanson Soapworks
I found this soapmaker at my local farmer’s market and was immediately drawn by the artistry of the simle swirls on the edge of each soap bar–akin to the swirl of frosting on top of a cake. Then I learned they make their soaps with a vegetable-based blend of water, olive oil, sustainably produced coconut oil, sustainably produced palm oil, vegetable shortening, sodium hydroxide (lye), essential oils (if scented), clays (if added) & spices. They make our bars in small batches using the traditional “stir the kettle” cold press method and use only pure essential oils, natural clays & powders, herbs from their garden and filtered water. I bought a bar, of course: Spicy Peppermint with Green Tea. Other scented varieties are more citrus and herbal than floral, also unscented.
