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Archive for July, 2012

Eco-Friendly Flip Flips for the Family

Monday, July 30th, 2012

By Wendy

Flip flops are my favorite thing to wear in the summer. It’s the next best thing to going barefoot. They’re essential for every summer wardrobe; perfect to wear to the park or the beach; and super affordable so you can buy a few in some fun colors. And they’re great for the whole family. But with so many brands selling flip flops, how do you know which ones are actually good for the environment and also environmentally responsible?

Here are 4 flip flops options that are good for the environment and looks for ways to be a sustainable company.

Kinder Soles Prima Line Flip Flops- Kinder Soles are made from recycled water bottles, these flip flops have a new ergonomic design that’s supposed to increase your comfort. Not only are these ergonomic flip flops made out of recycled water bottles, every pair you buy, Kinder Soles will donate 5 pairs of gently used shoes to a family in need with your purchase

Planet Flops Cotton Candy Kid Flip Flops- Planet Flops are made with super soft and durable natural rubber, these flip flops come in so many fun colors, its hard not to buy more than one pair.

Splaff Lazy Boy Flip Flops- Splaff is the original, classic flip flop made of authentic recycled race car tire sole complimented by recycled bicycle inner tube straps lined with natural hemp fabric. They’re also completely vegan!

Havaianas Baby Chic Sandals- Havaianas participates and contributes to many organizations that support our planet. These cute kids’ sandals with tiny bow detail in the center of the flip flop.

So whether you’re making a trip to the grocery store, in the backyard doing some gardening, or going to the movies to see the latest release, put on some eco-friendly flips flops!

What are your favorite eco-friendly flip flops to wear?

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Wendy Yu is a digital marketing professional living in New York City. When she’s not using the power of social media to share ideas on how to be more environmentally friendly, she is exploring the city, trying local foods, and learning more about how she can reduce her carbon footprint.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Green Halloween® or our partners.

DIY Organic Avocado Hair Mask

Friday, July 27th, 2012

By Wendy

It’s so difficult to keep your hair shiny and healthy. And with all the time you’ve probably been spending outside in the heat and sun this summer, you’re noticing your hair looking a little drab. Put some bounce back into your hair with this great do it yourself organic avocado hair mask. All the ingredients are easy to find in your supermarket, and you may already have some in your kitchen already. Best part, this all natural hair mask should only take about an hour to complete the whole process.

What you need:

1 ripe avocado

½ cup coconut milk

3 tsp olive oil

What to do:

Mash up your ripe avocado in a medium sized bowl

Add in coconut milk and olive oil with the avocado and stir in until well blended

Heat up the hair mask ingredients on the stove until warm

Apply the mask ingredients from roots to ends, massaging into your scalp

Leave in for 30 minutes

Rinse out, and wash hair as usual

So postpone that hair appointment at your salon and try this inexpensive homemade hair mask out. This organic hair mask will bring back some of that missing volume, shine, and health back into dull, limp hair, and give your hair smell delightful coconut smell.

If you’re ready to try some other do it yourself beauty fun at home, try these homemade face masks. These DIY face masks are quick to make and you can do this while you have your homemade hair mask on!

What other do it yourself hair masks have you tried and loved?

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Wendy Yu is a digital marketing professional living in New York City. When she’s not using the power of social media to share ideas on how to be more environmentally friendly, she is exploring the city, trying local foods, and learning more about how she can reduce her carbon footprint.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Green Halloween® or our partners.

 

Organic Ice Cream, Please!

Wednesday, July 25th, 2012

By Wendy

“Ice cream is happiness condensed.”  - Jessi Lane Adams

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month.  This gives us more reason, as Americans, to indulge in that creamy frozen dessert that can be enjoyed anytime throughout the year. But what’s the difference between the regular supermarket ice cream you see in the freezer aisle and organic ice cream next to it? It’s the tons of additives and preservatives they add to give ice cream its sweet flavors and increase its shelf life!

Instead, try these organic ice cream options that are most likely in your supermarkets freezer. Not only are they USDA Organic, which means that more than 95% of your ingredients are organic ingredients and less than 5% are approved per the “National List” approved by the USDA, they’re better for your entire family.

Julie’s Organic Ice Cream- a small family owned business, Julie’s Organic not only do they offer organic ice cream, but also organic frozen yogurts, organic sorbets, organic ice cream sandwiches, organic ice cream bars, and organic non-dairy options.

Alden’s Ice Cream- Inspired by his mother, maker of Julie’s Organic Ice Cream, and her passion to make the best purest ice cream for her family as well as being better for the environment, Alden’s offers many light and delicious flavors of organic ice cream, like Blackberry, Mint Chip, and Butter Brittle.

Stonyfield Ice Cream- Stonyfield began as a farming school teaching sustainable agricultural and environment protection practices and sold yogurt to fund their school.  Now it has expanded to include not only their yogurt, but also organic smoothies, organic soy yogurts, and organic ice creams. They also continue to support hundreds of family farms and keep tons of agricultural acres free of chemicals and pesticides.

So as this month comes to an end, help protect the environment and support sustainable agriculture with the entire family. Pick up a box of organic ice cream, getting your favorite spoon, and eat up! It’ll definitely be the sweetest way to protect the planet this month!

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Wendy Yu is a digital marketing professional living in New York City. When she’s not using the power of social media to share ideas on how to be more environmentally friendly, she is exploring the city, trying local foods, and learning more about how she can reduce her carbon footprint.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Green Halloween® or our partners.

Make Your Own Play Dough

Friday, July 20th, 2012

By Wendy

Rain showers are great in the summertime. With the high temperatures these past few weeks, it’s very much a relief to see some rain in the forecast. But with the kids at home from summer vacation, what can you do to keep them busy? How about making your own play dough!

Play dough is one of those toys that have been around for decades. They’re easy to play with, can be molded into lots of different forms, and keep kids busy. There are a lot of different play dough’s on the market, most made out of flour, salt, boric acid, and mineral oil. But why not make your own in the kitchen and from ingredients you already have in your cupboard. Not only is it super easy to make with your kids, its non-toxic.

What you need:

1 cup flour

3/8 cup salt

1 tbsp cream of tartar

1 cup water

1 tbsp oil

1-2 tsp food coloring

What to do:

Mix together the dry ingredients (flour, salt, and cream of tartar). Add all ingredients into a medium saucepan and cook under medium heat for 3-5 minutes, or until a ball forms and most or all the moisture is gone. Turn out play dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic. Wrap in plastic wrap and let it cool. Store in an air tight container.

What other diy projects do you like making with your kids?

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Wendy Yuis a digital marketing professional living in New York City. When she’s not using the power of social media to share ideas. She is exploring the city, trying local foods, and learning more about how she can reduce her carbon footprint.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Green Halloween® or our partners.

5 Quick and Easy Smoothies to Make

Wednesday, July 18th, 2012

By Wendy

It’s hot out and you can’t seem to think settle on something to eat. You don’t want something too heavy that’s going to sit in your stomach and raise your body temperature, but you want something light and refreshing. Why not make yourself a smoothie. Smoothies are an easy way incorporate fruits and vegetables into your diet, especially if you have little ones who don’t quite enjoy their greens. And they’re easy to take with you on the go.  Usually made fruits, milk, sweetener and ice, these cold blended drinks are great to enjoy during those hot sweltering days. Here are 5 quick and easy smoothie recipes you can make:

Lynn’s Quick and Easy Fruit Smoothie- use any type of fruit and sweetener you have available in your kitchen with this versatile recipe using only fruit, milk, yogurt, ice, and a little bit of sweetener

Tropical Treasure Smoothie- filled with tons of healthy tropical fruits and a touch of spinach, this smoothie will give you the nutrients you need to get through the day

Pumpkin Smoothie- fall will be here before you know it. Try this healthy pumpkin smoothie if you’re in an autumn mood and in the need for a fruity drink with a little bit of spice

Banana Smoothie- because bananas are so rich and creamy, they’re great to use in smoothies. Use fresh or frozen smoothies to make this recipe

Raspberry Avocado Smoothie- avocados may sound a little odd at first, but it’s a great ingredient to add into smoothies

If you find that you made more smoothie than you can finish, don’t pour it down the drain! Repurpose them! Try pouring them into a popsicle tray and stick them into the freezer for a healthy popsicle snack to enjoy later.

What’s your favorite smoothie recipe?

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Wendy Yu is a digital marketing professional living in New York City. When she’s not using the power of social media to share ideas on how to be more environmentally friendly, she is exploring the city, trying local foods, and learning more about how she can reduce her carbon footprint.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Green Halloween® or our partners.