Vita Futura
An impressive selection of PVC-free shower curtains made from nontoxic PEVA plastic with more than two dozen different colorful designs! They also carry organic cotton towels.
Baltimore Soaps and More
Truly unscented soaps, butters, scrubs, and balms, handmade by a woman who understands the meaning of the word. “I developed MCS in 2005 and now make unscented natural soaps from scratch. I don’t use any dyes or anything artificial. Body butters, lip balms, and bath teas too – all made without added fragrances in my scent free, smoke free, pesticide free home. Please warn MCS folks not to purchase handmade soaps from soapmakers who use essential oils or fragrance oils because their hands, molds, storage areas, packaging, etc. will all be fragrance contaminated. Although I add a variety of botanicals for beauty, variety, and skin loving properties, the lye process zaps 99% of the scent of anything I add (I note exceptions in my write-ups) and so most smell simply like a fresh bar of soap. I can no longer work outside of the home due to my MCS and so purchasing my soaps helps support my family.”
Natural Earth Paint
Eco-friendly paint kits using pure nontoxic earth pigments for adult artists and children. “Millions of years in the making,” these naturally-colored clays are collected from the ground, dried, crushed and sifted into pure pigment. The standard water-soluble children’s kit includes six natural earth colors (red, orange, yellow, green, blue and brown), biodegradable mixing cups, complete directions, and nature-based activity ideas. Their oil painting kit–for artists of all ages who want to eliminate unnecessary toxics from their painting practice–includes the same six colors plus a 4 oz. bottle of refined walnut oil for mixing. Individual pigments (including white, black, and violet) also available for purchase. “This beautiful paint has greater UV resistance, longevity, purity, and luminosity than synthetic paints, and it yields a rich, unique luster on the canvas. Enjoy the satisfaction of painting with actual Earth while avoiding any harm to yourself, your child, or the environment.”
USAlpaca Company
Pachmana Alpaca Pillows are bed and nursing pillows made of 100% US organic cotton with 100% US natural alpaca fill, an organic, luxurious replacement for pillows usually made of toxic styrene. “Pillows are the worst offenders in the bedding industry because we breathe in their toxic out-gassing every night for hours. The Pachmana pillow allows your body to rest at night, because it has no toxins to fight off. It is as peaceful as the animals it comes from…I was so alarmed at the recent reports on toxins in nursing pillows and pillows in general that I designed a new company where we are using only 100% US organic cotton and only all-natural alpaca fill.” Alpaca fiber has a semi-hollow core, deterring dust mites, the leading cause of asthma and allergies in the bedroom. This porous alpaca fiber creates an extra insulation value for a constant balance of temperature when we are in contact with it. Unlike wool, alpaca does not contain lanolin, it is hypoallergenic and does not itch or prick like wool. Because alpaca is naturally fire resistant, no toxic chemicals are used. Lifetime guarantee. Buy this pillow once and you can send your pillow back at any time to have it adjusted, refreshed or get a brand new cover for only $25. They also sell organic cotton sheets and alpaca blankets made especially for them by Pendelton.
 |
Listen to my interview with USAlpaca Company Founder and Owner Robbin Martinelli. |
Young Living Essential Oils
“According to historical account from fifteenth century France, there was a band of thieves who anointed themselves with various aromatics such a cinnamon and clove, prior to robbing the homes of plague victims. The thieves never became ill and once captured were forced to relinquish their secret formula.” Today Young Living has created a whole line of household cleaners and personal care products that utilizes therapeutic grade essential oils to provide an effective natural disinfectant without the negative, harmful side effects of synthetic chemicals. It destroys not only harmful bacteria, but also viruses and other microbes, and is so safe for us to use that a warning label is not required. The line includes original Thieves essential oil, household cleaner, foaming hand soap, toothpaste and mouthwash, hand sanitizer, and lozenges. Young Living grows most of their plant ingredients on their own organic farms and makes a practice of sustaining the supply of the wildcrafted ingredients from which their products are made.
|
Listen to my interview with Young Living Essential Oils distributor Jackie McLaughlin. |
HoneyBeGood Quilting and Supply
Quilting supplies—organic, fairtrade, and sustainable fabrics and thread, recycled batting and felt, and other supplies. Lots of colorful organic fabrics with interesting designs, batting and pillow inserts, long staple cotton thread in colors, patterns to make crafts…a great selection! “Karen is a long-time quilter with a passion for returning the art of quilting to a simpler, purer form, away from the harmful effects of conventional cotton to human and environment alike; away from the frenzy for mass-produced fabric that simply isn’t sustainable.”
Glass Dharma
“The Original Glass Straw.” You’ll never buy another plastic straw again. These beautiful glass straws come with a life-time guarantee against breakage- if they do break, they will be replaced for free. The straws come in four different diameters and various lengths…you can even order a custom straw for your favorite glass. They also have straws with various colored glass dots, for identification and to keep them from rolling off the counter. And they supply right-sized cleaning brushes and hemp soft sleeves, so you can carry your glass straw wherever you go. I have a set and I love them!
weangreen
I’m always looking for glass food containers, and these are my current favorites. Cute, practical, and stackable, these tempered glass food containers have the purity of glass touching the food, and the practicality of a secure silicone lid that snaps on tight (and doesn’t rust like metal lids). Lids come in blueberry, raspberry, carrot, and pea, in sizes from 4 ounce to 16 ounce.
SmartSilk
Silk-filled cotton-covered hypoallergenic bedding: mattress pads, duvets/comforters, pillows and pillow protectors. Created by two friends who found they were allergic to dust mites who wanted something other than “synthetics or chemically treated products that were either too stiff, too heavy, or felt like you were sleeping on plastic.” They committed themselves to developing a chemical-free, all natural and luxurious bedding collection that would provide a comfortable, clean and uninterrupted night’s sleep. Millions of strands of silk—processed only with mild soap and water— are laid layer on top of layer. Silk does not harbor odors, acts as a barrier to dust mites and allergens, and is resistant to mold and mildew. It is naturally flame retardant, and naturally adjusts to your body to create the perfect temperature. Machine wash and dry. Adult and crib sizes. NOTE: the pillow contains a nontoxic polyester fiber fill at the very core, surrounded then by silk and cotton. All the other pieces are 100% silk and cotton.
Cook on Clay Flameware
Flameware cooking vessels made with a “flameproof” clay that is designed to withstand extreme temperatures. These pots can go directly from the refrigerator to a hot oven and back again without cracking. Can be used on the grill and stovetop. “We make flameware pots for slow food aficionados, lovers of fine food, appreciators of quality kitchen tools, cooks, chefs, and everyone who enjoys the pleasures of cooking and eating. We believe that beauty does not belong on a shelf, and that cooking and serving in handmade pottery brings connection and beauty to the simple act of sharing a meal with family and friends.” Flameware pottery stays hot longer requiring less energy and “does not leach metals or other chemicals into food or the environment.” Microwave and dishwasher safe. Baked-on foods can be removed by simple scrubbing with soap and water.
