Archive for the ‘Sustainable Products’ Category
Thursday, December 8th, 2011
While shopping for gifts this time of year, you may be carrying around a list in your head of special people you shouldn’t leave out this holiday. You know the type: don’t forget to pick up something for your mom and dad, for your significant other, your adorable baby nephew, your hairdresser…But who might you be forgetting? Your pet! Whether you have a furry puppy or kitty at home, don’t forget to pick up something nice for them this holiday. After all, they listen to you when you need to complain, they love you unconditionally, and pet owners are even known to live longer than non-pet-owners! And if you’re stumped as to what to get them, we’ve got some great, green gift ideas right here.
This versatile pet bed by West Paw Design is not only perfect for both cats and dogs, it’s also good for them and the environment! The Eco Nap Pet Mat comes in five different sizes and six different color schemes, is covered in organic cotton, and is stuffed with 85% recycled IntelliLoft™ fibers, made from recycled plastic bottles. It’s incredibly soft and cuddly (just like your pet!) and comes with the added bonus of being machine washable and dryable (which your pet probably is not). Either way, it’s a thoughtful and practical gift for this holiday season!
If your pet is more of the canine persuasion, then they’ll love this chewy, flexible, floatable toy: the Zogoflex Bumi by West Paw Design! It’s the perfect toy for any size dog and its non-toxic, pet safe, and 100% recyclable body is guaranteed tough, so it’ll last through playtime after playtime.
To delight the kitten in your life, get them this fuzzy fish toy this holiday! Like our other West Paw Design products, it’s constructed out of organic cotton and 85% recycled IntelliLoft fibers, but since it’s made specifically for cats, it also has a sewn in bell and is filled with USDA-certified organic catnip, guaranteed to set their whiskers twitching!
Last but not least is this durable, eco-friendly Twist by West Paw Design. It, too, is constructed out of the same recycled and organic materials and, although it’s marketed for fun-loving dogs, we think it would be a great toy to entertain frisky kittens, too! Plus, it’s available in two sizes and a variety of colors, so you’ll be able to pick the perfect combo for your favorite pet.
To search for other green gift options for adults and children alike, head on over to the Olive & Myrtle website. We’ve already posted our 2011 holiday green gift guide for her , our 2011 holiday green gift guide for him, and the perfect 2011 green gift guide for children and babies!
Tags: cotton, eco-friendly, ecofriendly, environment, green, Holidays, pets, product, recycle, sustainability, sustainable
Posted in Eco-Friendly Tips, Green Living, Pets, Sustainability, Sustainable Products | No Comments »
Monday, December 5th, 2011
Holiday shopping is hard enough without worrying about whether or not the product you’re buying for you loved one is safe for them. That’s why this green guide for kids and babies is entirely comprised of organic, sustainable, renewable, and child-safe gift ideas. So not only will you feel good about the smile you bring to your little one’s face, but you’ll also rest easy knowing that they’re having the time of their life with a toy that is truly eco-friendly.
Now, if this isn’t cute, we don’t know what is! These adorable stuffed geese by Lana aren’t just soft, cuddly, and brightly colored, they’re also made with 100% organic cotton and certified safe dyes. Lana toys are also produced without chemical outfits or flame retardants, making them totally pure. And since these sweet geese come in two sizes and two different colors, you can get just the right friend for your child!
This colorful lunch tote by Mimi The Sardine is friendly, fun, and practical. It’s also PVC-free and 100% lead-free, which is just how you probably want your child’s lunchbox to be. There are four different fun, colorful options so you can find just the perfect fit for your child’s personality, and the sturdy zipper and durable yet soft handles will ensure that they will get to enjoy it for years to come.
Looking for a toy that’s not only fun to play but also provides a learning experience? Then the award-winning Pandabo Bamboo Strategy Game may be the perfect option for you. This balance game teaches children fine motor skills and strategy, plus it’s easy to learn. Players simply take turns rolling a die and placing different shaped bamboo sticks on JingJing the Panda’s belly. The challenge comes in placing them in the suggested spot while still maintaining balance! Pandabo is made using renewable bamboo and safe, water-based paint, so not only is this balancing game a cute and creative addition to your child’s toybox, it’s also an eco-safe one.
This inspired little cup by Earthlust is more than meets the eye. Not only is it constructed out of durable BPA-free and food grade stainless-steel components, but it’s also a great tool for helping little one’s transition from bottle to sippy. Included with the cup is a nipple top for babies and a sippy top and detachable handles for toddlers, so this will be one gift they won’t grow out of right away. Plus, it comes in two different designs and is dent-resistant and won’t leach chemicals, so it’ll definitely stand up to even the toughest toddler around.
To search for other green gift options for adults and children alike, head on over to the Olive & Myrtle website. We’ve already posted our 2011 holiday green gift guide for her and our 2011 holiday green gift guide for him, but be sure to check back in the upcoming weeks for gift guides pets, too!
Tags: creative, eco-friendly, ecofriendly, environment, green, Holidays, sustainability, sustainable
Posted in Eco-Friendly Tips, Green Living, Kids & Baby, Sustainability, Sustainable Designers, Sustainable Products | 1 Comment »
Monday, November 28th, 2011
If you’re still stumped as to what to get the men in your life this holiday, consider one of these eco-friendly gift options from Olive & Myrtle. Not only will he appreciate the gorgeous craftsmanship and sleek designs, but he’ll also be pleased by the low environmental impact and use of reclaimed materials.
Think these grilling utensils aren’t special enough? Think again! This set of six grilling tools by Outset are made from recycled stainless -steel and farm-raised bamboo. They even come in 100% sustainable packaging, and since the set includes a spatula, locking tongs, fork, grill brush, flex griddle spatula and 3-in-1 locking claw tong, he’ll never need to buy another grilling tool again. It’s the perfect gift for any grilling-enthusiast in your life!
This reclaimed wood cribbage board by Wood from the Hood is a great gift; it’s not only fun to play, but it’s also made from sustainable materials and crafted to last generations! The board is made from reclaimed ash trees, which would have been chipped and buried otherwise, and even the metal game pegs come from recycled materials. Small magnets in the board ensure that the pegs stay securely in place. We recommend that this board be given only to guys ages 8 and up, as the small pieces may present a choking hazard.
This 1 liter, stainless-steel, BPA-free water bottle is the perfect gift the green guy on the go! Made by EarthLust, each water bottle is crafted by hand from high-quality food-grade stainless steel, which is naturally safe unlined, and each is decorated with non-toxic paints in a variety of designs, then topped off with a BPA-free safe polypropylene #5 cap. He’ll definitely appreciate the convenience of this durable, handy, and attractive bottle, just as he’ll appreciate how it helps him eliminate plastic-bottle waste and stay green year-round!
This set of six coasters is the ultimate in sophistication meets sustainability. These functional coasters are made with 100% industrial wool felt from factory excess and cut and sewn in a modern design. They make the perfect gift for the sustainable man and are guaranteed to protect his furniture while looking stylish in the process.
To search for other green gift options, head on over to the Olive & Myrtle website. From November 25th to November 28th, the entire website is up to 25% off! We’ve already posted our 2011 holiday green gift guide for her, but be sure to check back in the upcoming weeks for additional gift guides for children, babies, and pets!
Tags: barbecue, cooking, eco-friendly, ecofriendly, green, grilling, Holidays, recycle, sustainability
Posted in Art & Design, Green Living, Home Décor, Kitchen, Sustainability, Sustainable Products | No Comments »
Friday, November 25th, 2011
This holiday season, it may seem like getting the perfect gift for the eco-friendly woman in your life is an impossible task. Sure, there’s a lot of gorgeous stuff out there, but you know that she’d appreciate getting something that’s not only beautifully designed, but also sustainably crafted. If that’s the case, getting a gift may be easier than you think. Simply head on over to the Olive & Myrtle website, where you’ll find tons of options that we guarantee will be chic and environmentally responsible. And if you’re still stumped as to what to get her, here are a few ideas.
This refreshing Artemisian Lemongrass Kobo Candle not only has a fine fragrance to stimulate the senses, but it’s also made of pure soy wax, which means that it will burn longer and cleaner. This beautiful candle has notes of lemongrass, thyme leaves, and sage, and will encourage her to take a moment for herself to relax this hectic holiday season.
Another great option that she’ll love is this beautifully textured, ivory cotton blanket by Loop Organic. This soft, durable throw is the perfect wrapper to cuddle up with this winter, and it’ll warm her heart knowing that this sustainable blanket is 100% organic, as well.
These beautiful ash frames come in a variety of sizes and are beautifully designed with a slight taper, offering the best viewing angle for your loved one’s photos. In addition to their sleek and timeless design, these frames are also about as sustainable as it gets! They’re made by Wood from the Hood, a company which salvages trees which are otherwise headed for the wood-chipper and turns them into these gorgeous picture frames. Even the glass is recycled and comes from old windows! They’re the perfect choice for any woman in your life.
The O bowl by perch! is a multi-functional, gorgeous ceramic vessel made by hand using entirely non-toxic glazes. This bowl is the perfect green holiday gift because it really is up to the recipient how they want to use it. It looks beautiful holding an arrangement of flowers, lovely as a catch-all on an entry-way table, or stunning when displayed as a piece of art on a shelf. The eco-conscious woman in your life is sure to love this versatile ceramic piece!
To search for other green gift options, head on over to the Olive & Myrtle website. From November 25th to November 28th, the entire website is up to 25% off! And be sure to check back in the upcoming weeks for gift guides for men, children and babies, and pets!
Tags: eco-friendly, ecofriendly, green, Holidays, product, seattle, sustainability
Posted in Art & Design, Bed & Bath, Green Living, Home Décor, Sustainable Designers, Sustainable Products, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
Tuesday, August 16th, 2011
When we think about materials that can harm our planet, we often think about dangerous chemicals, carbon dioxide emissions, and garbage waste. What we don’t think about is soap.
Soap? You mean the stuff we use to clean our clothes, homes, and bodies?
Believe it or not, most of the store-bought soap we use on a daily basis can negatively impact the Earth in ways we never thought about. It just never occurs to us because we always associate “soap” with “clean,” because that’s what soap is used for!
Even antibacterial soaps you can find at any grocery store can cause damage. Antibacterial soaps may kill harmful bacteria, but they contain chemicals such as methylisothiazolinone, triclosan, and tricloban which have been known to kill animal and sea life. This goes to show that whatever goes down the drain has to come out somewhere.
Thankfully, there is a safer alternative: natural soaps. Natural soaps are made from natural ingredients derived from plants and essential oils. Soaps free from phosphates, ammonia, and chlorine (among other chemicals) leave behind a smaller environmental impact.
Unfortunately, it is very difficult to make soap that is 100 percent safe for the environment. That is why Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day, a manufacturer of natural eco-friendly cleaning supplies, are also committed to making soaps that are biodegradable, not tested on animals, follows Good Manufacturing Practices, and are shipped in bottles that are recyclable and made from 25 percent post consumer plastic.
So if you want to stay clean while keeping our planet clean, consider the advantages of purchasing natural soaps. Check out Olive & Myrtle’s inventory of cleaning products made from Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day.
Tags: antibacterial, biodegradable, clean, eco-friendly, GMP, mrs. meyer's, soap, sustainability
Posted in Cleaning, Sustainability, Sustainable Designers, Sustainable Products | No Comments »
Friday, August 12th, 2011
And you thought toys were just for play.
As it turns out, on a developmental level a child can benefit from playing with a toy. A high quality toy can help a young child’s fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, cognitive abilities, and problem solving aptitude improve.
Puzzles, matching games, and sequencing games can help develop the brain of a young child in their early stages of life. One example is the Colora Bamboo Magnetic Mosaic Game by Hape International. This puzzle asks you to restructure a simple mosaic by color and pattern recognition. These skills will definitely come in handy later in a child’s life.
Or consider the Trapecolo Bamboo Mosaic Puzzle Game, also by Hape. Recommended for children ages four and up, finishing the bamboo puzzle requires knowledge of shapes, geometry, and basic planning.
Think about the advantages of a child getting a head start on strategic thinking at a young age.
Hape, an international toy and game company that began in 1986, focuses on developing creative and extraordinary product designs that offers new possibilities for creative and imaginative play. Committed to both excellence and social responsibility, Hape is one of the first toy companies to receive the ISO 9001 Quality Management and ISO 14001 Environmental Management Certificates.
Additionally, Hape has built two schools, offers award scholarships to international students, and provides support to small and medium sized entrepreneurships across the globe. Within the past two years they’ve set up business in Shanghai to explore the emerging Chinese market. Not bad for a toy company.
If you know a young child who has a birthday right around the corner, look into these smartly designed toys sold at Olive & Myrtle. They will thank you later.
Tags: brain, child, childhood, cognitive, development, game, hape, memory, parenthood, puzzle, toy
Posted in Kids & Baby, Sustainable Designers, Sustainable Products | No Comments »
Wednesday, August 10th, 2011
It’s that time of year when kids across America hear those dreaded three words:
Back to school.
While summer vacation may not be able to last forever, there are plenty of reasons why sustainability-minded parents should be excited for back-to-school shopping. Mimi the Sardine, a manufacturer of environmentally-friendly eating accessories for children, offers a whole host of lunch totes perfect for your kid!
The lunch totes sold by Olive & Myrtle feature fun designs of flowers, monkeys, airplanes, lady bugs, dots and stripes. Based just north of San Francisco, Mimi the Sardine is a small family-owned business that opened in 1988. Committed to environmental sustainability, the lunch totes sold by Mimi the Sardine are made from organic materials that are easy to wash and PVC-free.
By using 100 percent acrylic-coated organically grown cotton, these lunch totes are free from harmful chemicals as determined by the CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008) and the Oeko-Tex Standard 100. You can be assured that your child’s lunch tote will be strong, durable, and friendly to the planet at the same time.
So as you start to think about back-to-school shopping, consider purchasing a Swedish-designed lunch tote from Mimi the Sardine. It can help relieve the sting of homework, essays, spelling tests, and math quizzes!
Tags: back-to-school, cotton, CPSIA, lunch, mimi the sardine, organic, pvc-free, shopping, tote
Posted in Kids & Baby, Sustainable Designers, Sustainable Products | No Comments »
Wednesday, July 27th, 2011
Food isn’t the only thing that you can buy organic. The very fabric that makes up your clothes, bedding, and towels can also be produced with eco-friendly care.
Organic cotton, for example, provides a more sustainable alternative to the production of conventional cotton. According to the Organic Trade Association, non-organic cotton can use up to 2.03 billion pounds of synthetic fertilizer and 84 million pounds of pesticides per year.
Organic cotton provides many advantages to the planet: reduced use of toxic pesticides, special attention paid to soil fertility, increased biodiversity, and the regulation of genetically engineered seeds. All these measures ensures growing cotton will have the lowest environmental impact possible while still upholding high quality standards of safety and health.
One company that specializes in designing organic cotton products is LOOP Organic, a distributor of modern, style-conscious home products made from high quality organic cotton fiber. A member of the Organic Trade Association and Green America, LOOP Organic produces its cotton free of carcinogenic chemicals and without the help of unethical sweatshops.
Olive & Myrtle sells many products from LOOP Organic, including a green thistle pillowcase, a sandstone organic Turkish cotton towel, or an ivory woven organic cotton blanket. Sleep tight tonight knowing you’re resting on comfortable sheets that take care of the planet.
Tags: bath, bed, cotton, ecofriendly, green america, loop organic, organic, organic trade association, pesticide, sustainable
Posted in Bed & Bath, Sustainable Designers, Sustainable Products | No Comments »
Monday, July 25th, 2011
Seattle shopping website NWSource was so kind to feature Olive & Myrtle again this past weekend. This July 22 article on outdoor summer entertainment and style ideas suggests using a Big Bamboo Bowl and Reclaimed Cocoanut Shell by Bambu to serve your salads or pastas.
Big thanks goes to writer Caitlin King and NWSource for featuring our sustainable products.
Tags: bamboo, bambu, dining, entertainment, food, media, nwsource, press, summer
Posted in Home Décor, Press, Sustainable Designers, Sustainable Products | No Comments »
Friday, July 22nd, 2011
Is there a poet inside of you waiting to come out? Or an aspiring writer ready to craft the next great American novel?
If so, do you have the tools necessary to make your dreams into a reality?
Fear not. Check out Olive & Myrtle’s selection of recycled paper 5×7 and 6×9 journals produced by Ecojot. Ecojot is an environmentally-conscious stationary brand based in Scarborough, Ontario. Since 2007, designer Carolyn Gavin and her family have created products ranging from calendars to sketchbooks to note cards to journals that respect the ecosystem while incorporating creative design.
Using 100% post-consumer recycled paper, Ecojot has worked with design companies to ensure every product looks unique to customers worldwide. They have also donated school supplies to students as part of their dedication to giving back to their community.
Ecojot’s journals feature nature-themed designs, including one celebrating Earth Day. Other designs display eco-quotes, gardens, trees, leaves, flowers, and spring time.
So the next time you’re sitting in a café and inspiration for a clever haiku strikes, you can make sure your next masterpiece is written on stationary that looks neat and reduces paper waste. As every aspiring writer knows, getting original work published can be difficult; so a little karma here and there never hurts!
Tags: creative, design, ecojot, journal, paper, product, recycle, stationary, writing
Posted in Sustainable Designers, Sustainable Products | No Comments »
