Go Green: Re-Usable Bags

Following Oakland and San Francisco, Los Angeles will be banning plastic bags starting on January 1, 2014. The ban in San Luis Obispo county started on October 1, 2012.

We probably have at least 20 re-usable bags stashed in both of the cars and in the house. This really makes it much easier for me to remember to bring them along. Some are more durable than others. I’ve had better luck with the ones made out of canvas. The plastic ones at Trader Joe’s are convenient, but I’ve had a couple rip open rendering them useless (and defeating the purpose of reducing plastic trash).

Vine Street Market – $60-65

These are a bit pricier, but big and durable. It’s also nice to see they recently made these color safe. I have one from a couple years ago that is really faded from washing. Not sure if they do groupons anymore, but that is how I got a better deal on my first bag. The second was a gift from a friend.

Surfrider – $8.50

This one is available on the Swell website and you can also sometimes find Surfrider bags at their booths at various events like the Earth Day Fair. I have a Rise Above Plastics bag from them and it’s lasted me three years already.

Envirosax® – 5 for $39.95 or $8.95 each

I bought five of these in 2010 and they are still in great shape. They are also easy to wash.

Go Green: Shampoo Bars

One way to reduce your use of plastics is to start using a solid shampoo bar instead of shampoo that comes in a plastic bottle. My favorites are Seanik (left) and Karma Komba (right) from Lush. Both smell amazing and get a really good lather. And each bar lasts me about a month.

Cruelty-Free: The Honest Kitchen

The Honest Kitchen is one of those pet food companies that seems to do everything right. They are cruelty-free (meaning they don’t test on animals) and eco-friendly at the same time! Needless to say, I’m a big fan.

Products We Use
My dogs are crazy about Beams (dried catfish sticks) and they get Ice Pups (frozen treats) as a special treat during the summer. I also sometimes supplement their normal dry food with Honest Kitchen’s dehydrated food (Thrive, Love or Preference). We also used their supplement, Perfect Form, during a time when one of my dogs was having tummy troubles.

Benefits of The Honest Kitchen
– 100% human food grade ingredients
– No GMOs
– BPA-free/recyclable packaging

Recipes
The Made Out of Love recipe book is a favorite in these parts too. The recipes are easy to make and a huge hit with the doggies.
– Feed Your Way to a Healthy Pet – Free e-book
– Made Out of Love Recipe Book – $14

Cruelty-Free
For more information about cruelty-free companies, check out PETA’s list of Cruelty Free Companies and Products.

Go Green: Re-Usable Coffee Mugs

Starbucks has collaborated with two fashion designers to create these re-usable ceramic mugs. I’ve been using the Rodarte mug (left) and I’m really happy with it. And Charlotte Ronson has a cute one that should still be available in most stores (right).

Vera Neumann for Target

Vera Neumann is one of my most favorite designers. I first came across her prints when thrifting and I fell in love. Today, I walked into Target and there was something familiar looking about the scarves and I realized there is a Vera for Target collection! Holy crap, how did I miss this until now?! I want one of each.

“Known for her bold use of color and brilliant designs, the late American artist Vera Neumann believed that art was not only for the walls, but that it should surround people in all aspects of their lives.” – Target

If you want to know more about Vera Neumann, I highly recommend this book: Vera: The Art and Life of an Icon.