Green Home and Family Magazine

 
 
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Matt and Nat have used recycled PCP pipes to create this magenta Jorja bag. This bag is pure fashion and function. Interior includes zip pocket, cell phone and PDA pockets, and detachable key chain. Check them out online at www.matandnat.com

 
Tough Guy! 09/10/2009
 
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It might look like leather but Heather English got the idea for English Retreads when she was floating down Boulder Creek on, you guessed it, an inner tube. Truck stops in the Boulder area supply Heather with the used inner tubes - each of which probably has more than 60,000 miles on it before it gets reinvented. Cruelty free and vegan : no animal products are used in making thses cool bags. Pick one up at www.allgreenthings.com or stop by their store in Woodland Hills.

 
 
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Fun meets function from this great manufacturer. Their vegan bags have everything you need and nothing you don't need. Check out their website at www.gama-go.com

 
 
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If you are in need of a new purse but want to make an ethical decision not to have leather used in your handbag, you used to be stuck with a recycled sack that looked like something you pick-up at the supermarket, but no more. There are non-leather purses perfect for every occasion: work, a night on the town, casual and sporty use, minis, clutches, casual, and more.

 
Belt It Out 07/16/2009
 
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Unique and trendsetting, this belt made of reused and recycled materials that would otherwise be overlooked or thrown away is too cool. The perfect assessory to complete your ecofashion look. The Tattoo Cap Belt is all about attitude and looking good. Tatoo Bottle Cap Belt by eco-friendly designer Little Earth sells for $30.00.


 
 
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Men's organic pants in classic denim with a relaxed fit. The perfect pair of jeans for all occasions. Rebel Jeans are made by eco-friendly pants designer Twice Shy. They are made of 100% organic cotton. Starting at around $100.00 you can dress dad just by looking on-line for Rebel Jeans.


 
Great Ghandi 06/19/2009
 
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You have to check this out! Beloveforall.com has organic Gandhi t-shirts that will be sure to make dad see the light - perfect for yoga wear. Available in natural, ocean, bark, & mulberry for $35.00


 
 
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Father's Day - The Tiebreaker

Organic cotton in Raven or Clay from Crow Clothing. $35 - $65. Fresh and distinctive, this item gives one of a kind style through off-kilter stitching and crooked points. Choose between high  contrast clay on raven or the more subtle clay-on-clay stripes on an organic cotton jersey. Not an easy item to find. Crow ties are becoming a must have in the organic dad market.


 
 

Synthetic yarns are bad for the earth, since they are made from petroleum. Industrially-produced cotton brings environmental problems, including water and soil pollution. Many green knitters are beginning to discover the many unique benifits of Alpaca Yarn. Most people do not realize this natural fiber is as soft as cashmere but much warmer and 5 times stronger than wool. Alpaca are native to the  high Andes Mountain of South America. Domesticated for centuries by the Inca of Peru, heir precious fleece was worn only by royalty.  Alpaca produce over twenty natural shades of a fiber that is soft as cashmere and stronger than wool. The unique hollow core fiber is extremely light and also warm. Locally there are Alpaca farms scattered throughout the county and the California area. For a list check out www.calpaca.org
 Designer Rachel Comey is a true alpaca fan. Her alpaca and silk scarves combine color and consciousness in a fashionable alternative to the standard accessory. The soft and luxurious over sized scarves are a light-weight, woven blend of silk and alpaca. Rachel Comey is based in New York City, where most of her line is porduced. Pricey but worth the splurge, these scarves retail around $280.00.


 
 

Your spending your money on thoughtfully buying organic clothing from sustainable manufactures. But when was the last time hat you  thought about the detergent you wash your clothing in? Caldrea's products provide an effective alternative for people who are concerned with the environmental effects of conventional cleaning products. Their formulas combine long-trusted essential oils with leading-edge cleaning know-how to provide a pleasurable, safer laundry experience. All of their liquid products are biodegradable and do not contain ammonia, chlorine, phosphates or petroleum distillates.  Caldrea's earth-friendly practices mean they make intelligent, responsible, raw material choices, and whenever possible, obtain materials from renewable plant resources such as olive, cocnut, corn or soy. Their Green Tea Patchouli Laundry Detergent contains powerful, plant-derived surfactants and Borax to get your whites white and colors bright. It is safe and effective for all types of washable fabrics at all water temperatures, in hard water or soft. You can find Caldrea and many other responsible cleaning lines at Tri Valley Vacuum and Cleaning Supply in Thousand Oaks. Call them at 805 495-8259 or try online at www.trivalleysupply.com