This guest post was written by Kyle Simpson (shot bio below).  Though many of us are familiar with eco-friendly or green fashion, this post serves are a good reminder for all of us.

There are many ways in which you can enjoy an eco-friendly lifestyle. You can start eating organic fruits and vegetables that are grown without the use of harmful chemical pesticides and meats that are raised without hormones or antibiotics. And a green home can incorporate planet friendly building materials, a strong dependence on natural light, energy-saving appliances and electronics, and of course, a recycling center. You can even do your part to make the Earth greener by volunteering to plant trees, work at a community garden, or educate kids about the benefits of recycling, re-using, and renewing. However, one area that you may not have realized has the potential to go green is your fashion shopping. And here are a few ways you can get on board with all that is eco-chic for your wardrobe.

1. Clothing. Eco-friendly clothes are no longer limited to the sad-sack offerings of old. An entire industry has sprung up around the idea of fabrics that are not only sustainable and treated with low-impact dyes, but are also comfortable and on par with the fashions of the day. To that end, you can find a variety of options when it comes to feel, from organic cotton (including super-soft jersey) to hemp silk to bamboo fiber. Not only that, but famous designers like Stella McCartney and Linda Loudermilk offer full lines of eco-friendly fashions.
2. Shoes. If you thought eco friendly shoes came only in a small variety of cork sandals and hemp sneaks, you were so wrong. Green kicks can be found in every style a woman needs from pumps to boots to strappy high-heeled sandals. If you’re skeptical, check out the huge selection at Planet Shoes, and eco-friendly e-tailer, to find the green footwear you’ve been yearning for (even Crocs offers some cute wedges for summer!)
3. Accessories. From handbags to headbands to bangles and eyewear, you can accent your outfits in eco-friendly materials that will leave you looking and feeling great. You can find products made with eco-fabrics, humanely-treated animal leather (or leather substitutes), and even wood. Many companies also employ production processes that cut down on waste and recycle, in addition to donating a portion of proceeds to green organizations or charities.
4. Gas vs. electricity. There are two ways to shop. You can go to the store or do your browsing online. If you visit a physical outlet, you will burn fuel (unless you prefer mass transit) and support an industry that pumps tons of power into well-lit and outrageously air-conditioned malls. Certainly there are some items that need to be tried on in person, but most online stores offer a standard return policy (30 days) and by shopping online, you are using far less electricity.
5. Recycle. When you are ready to dump your old outfits, consider sending them off for a second life at a thrift shop that caters to homeless and battered women’s shelters. And when you go to buy, try out the other end of the recycled clothing spectrum by shopping for vintage pieces that give you a uniquely retro style.

Kyle Simpson writes for Medical Coding where you can find information on a career in medical billing and coding industry.

Photo by: tanakawho

Leslie Douglas is a freelance writer who is passionate about the environment and leaving a legacy of appreciation for the outdoors to future generations.

If you live in an area with a heavy mosquito population, you know just how annoying the pests can be. Outdoor activities aren’t much fun when you’re dodging biting insects. Many commercial mosquito repellents are available, from chemical sprays like the popular Off! brand, to mosquito traps like the Mosquito Magnet. However, if you’d rather avoid those chemicals, and save some money, try natural mosquito repellents. Whether it’s including a certain plant in your garden, or mixing your own personal repellent, you can find a natural solution that works for you.

Marigolds

These flowering plants are often included in gardens for their fiery reds, oranges, and yellows. The great thing is, many insects, including mosquitoes, find their scent objectionable. In fact, a lot of people don’t like how they smell either, which is why they’re planted for their colors and not the way they smell. Plant them in your garden, or place pots of them at regular intervals around your patio or deck to keep mosquitoes at bay.

Catnip

Several years ago, the Iowa State University Department of Entomology performed a study on catnip. Their findings indicated that the oil in catnip is a mosquito repellent ten times more effective than DEET, the active ingredient in most chemical insect repellents. It’s possible to make a repellent spray from catnip oil, but growing the plant around outdoor activity areas seems to work pretty well too. Just be sure your cat doesn’t uproot it!

Tea Tree Oil

This essential oil is very strong and can actually cause a rash if applied to the skin at full strength. It’s best to dilute it in another oil, called a carrier oil. Grapeseed oil is an excellent choice for this because it has very little scent, and is a light oil, easily absorbed by the skin. Tea tree oil is also good for treating mosquito bites should one or two get past your repellent. Apply the diluted oil directly to the bite to alleviate itching and redness.

Rosemary and Sage

Rosemary oil is another good mosquito repellent when mixed properly, but a quick and easy solution requires either or both of these herbs in their fresh state. When barbecuing, simply toss a few sprigs of rosemary and sage onto the coals. As they burn, they’ll release their oils and scents, which will be dispersed into the air with the smoke. Mosquitoes will keep their distance, allowing you to enjoy your barbecue pest-free.

Lemongrass

Thai lemon grass also contains citronella oil, and is generally thought to be more effective than citronella grass-derived oil as an insect repellent. To keep mosquitoes away, you can break a stalk off the plant and rub it between your palms until it releases enough juice to rub over exposed skin. It can also be made into a spray, but planting it around your patio will also provide some benefit.

Citronella

True citronella is derived from several types of plant, most notably citronella grass. You could plant this around your property, but it can grow to a height of six feet, so it may not be the best suburban solution. Citronella oil is used in many topical repellents, but is most often seen in candle form. Citronella candles are available at grocery stores and drugstores. Home improvement centers carry them, and also offer torches that use citronella oil, an economical alternative because they’re refillable.

Things to keep in mind

With essential oils, a little goes a long way. It’s best to dilute them not only to reduce the harshness of the oil, but to cover more area and be more economical with the oil.

Any mosquito repellent you apply to your skin—natural or otherwise—will become diluted and less effective as it is absorbed into the skin, if you perspire or swim, or if you’ve also applied a sunscreen. The repellent should be reapplied about once an hour. If you’re going to be away from home, be sure to apply repellent before you leave, and take some with you for all-day protection.

“Natural” doesn’t necessarily mean safe. Many natural substances can still be harmful if ingested, or if they get in your eyes. Some can even harm the skin if they’re not diluted. You may even be allergic to a substance you’ve never come into contact with before. Educate yourself on the plant or oil you plan to use to avoid discomfort, injury, and illness.

A little time and effort is all it takes to address a mosquito problem with a natural solution.

Ilumina Organics Head-to-Toe Baby Wash

I am happy to introduce one of our latest product lines at Green and Chic – Ilumina Organics.

When I first stumbled upon Ilumina Organics a few months ago, I was immediately impressed with the purity of the ingredients in their adult and baby product lines and the fact that they only use BPA (Bisphenol A) free packaging:

“Our bottles contain NO chemicals with estrogenic activity (EA). Chemicals with EA have been associated with serious health problems, especially with reproductive functions, growth and behavior concerns, and certain cancers.” –  Head to Toe Baby Wash bottle.

Though most of the products listed are specially formulated for babies in mind, children and adults with skin sensitivities can benefit as well.

The Head to Toe Baby Body Wash is a great example of a product that the entire family can use.  This sulfate free formula is extremely gentle, does not contain synthetic detergents, lathering agents and is even safe for baby’s eyes.  The scent is essential oil based that’s light and refreshing.  When I use this soap, my skin is clean, but never dry and tight.

At Green and Chic, we have the Head to Toe Baby Body Wash, Bottom Balm, Baby Oil and Belly Balm.

Low flat fee shipping and free shipping options!

This guest post was written by Marcy Tate, a blogger at Networx, Your Home Improvement Network. Marcy writes about home and family green living, including green home renovations.

When my third child experienced chronic diaper rash, I didn’t know what to do. My other babies rarely had diaper rash problems and if they developed a rash, Desitin (one of the best diaper rash treatment and prevention creams, in my opinion) did the trick to cure it within hours. So when all else failed to cure my daughter’s diaper rash (including lots of communication with my wonderful pediatrician), I felt like breaking down. My daughter was so uncomfortable and the sight of the rash was just awful. Keeping her bare-bottomed, as suggested by many, was simply impractical. In the end, after 3 months of struggle, my pediatrician told me about a product called Boudreaux’s Butt Paste. It’s an amazing product that finally cured her poor little sore tushy. To this day, my pediatrician and I are still unsure about the cause of the rash and why it took so long to heal. Almost 4 years later, I believe that if I had tried more natural remedies, her rash would have cleared up quicker.

The following are natural remedy tips for how to deal with a stubborn-to-heal diaper rash. These tips have worked successfully for many moms and they’ll hopefully work for you, too. Note: ALWAYS consult with your pediatrician first for the best advice about how to cure your baby’s diaper rash. Sometimes a baby is sensitive or allergic to something a breast-feeding mother is eating or to a certain formula, and that could cause diaper rash. Your doctor can help you create a diet to test sensitivity, or may recommend switching formulas. (I did the diet thing: no gluten, no dairy, no gassy vegetables. It was a huge challenge and didn’t help the diaper rash go away.)

1. Always change your baby’s diaper promptly.

2. To prevent diaper rash, make sure the buttocks and genitals are dry before applying cream or ointment. Always apply a cream or ointment after using wipes to clean up a messy diaper. Try any of the following creams. For newborns and infants, only a pea-sized amount or less is necessary: A & D Ointment, Desitin or Boudreaux’s Butt Paste. Calendula, Vitamin E and Naturity Organic Diaper Balm have also been known to work well.

3. Try a baking soda wash for the rash area. Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda in half-cup cup of warm water. Slowly pour over your baby’s buttocks or spray it on with a spray bottle.

4. Forgo conventional baby wipes. Instead, clean the buttocks with water, mild natural soap and soft-cloth dry wipes.

5. Switch diaper brands or try a natural disposable diaper such as Seventh Generation or Mother Nature.

6. Consider cloth diapers.

7. Wash cloth diapers in unscented detergent only and double-rinse before drying. Additionally, consider a natural detergent or make your own.

8. Give your baby as much diaper-free time as possible.

There are several things to take into consideration when approaching an eco-friendly home remodeling project as big as a kitchen renovation. For starters, your space must be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Second, the products and services incorporated should be environmentally sound. Finally, your plan must adhere to your budget. Incorporating all of these directives is no easy feat. But it can be done if you know what to look for.

The portion of your kitchen that gets the most wear and tear is the counter top. It is subject to cutting, staining, scalding, and any number of other unpleasant mishaps, so it must be durable. To that effect, there are several green options. The least expensive tends to be recycled ceramic tile, coming in as low as $10/square foot (or even less if you shop around for discounts). Not only is it affordable, it can be a DIY project for the frugal homeowner and the options for customization are practically limitless (you can even get tile that looks like the granite and marble used in upscale designer kitchens). It’s heat, stain, and odor resistant, and it’s not too difficult to replace if it chips or cracks. Unfortunately, other green options carry a much heftier price tag (IceStone, while utilizing 100% recycled glass, comes in at about $100/square foot while concrete counter tops weigh in with a starting price of about $65/square foot). A cheaper option would be laminate with a price tag in the $25-$50/square foot range, but it may not look as nice as other surfaces.

In terms of cabinetry, the greenest (and cheapest) option is to keep what you have and simply spruce it up with a little paint, stain, or a new veneer. However, if you’re determined to replace outdated, unstable, or non-functional cupboards, consider a store that specializes in reclamation. Merchants that deal in recycled cabinets often do repairs before they sell, so you’re getting a product that’s practically new, and they are far less expensive than buying entirely new (plus, they go in your kitchen instead of a landfill).

And no eco-friendly kitchen is complete without energy-star appliances. While it’s true that these green must-haves can carry an astronomical price tag, they do save you on your energy bill, so over the course of time, you will get back some of your initial investment. Even better, however, are the rebates offered by your utility providers when you send in a copy of your receipt. Hooray for cash back! In addition, you may be eligible for a tax credit up to $1,500, so look at all of your options before you say no to new appliances.

Although it can be difficult to reconcile your affinity for green with a tight budget when it comes to remodeling, it can certainly be done. There are many options to be weighed, but finding affordable, eco-friendly products that give your kitchen the designer look you desire is not beyond the realm of possibility. A little research and price checking can go a long way towards helping you build the green kitchen of your dreams.

Jennifer Kardish is a communications coordinator at Discount Kitchen Cabinets. You can check out their free design tips for your kitchen and home.

Naturity Organic New Mother Gift Box

Did you miss an opportunity to buy a special gift for the mother in your life?  Naturity organic bath and body for babies, mothers-to-be and everyone else should fit the bill!  You will find extended product and brand information on our website at Green and Chic, but the highlights are:

• All Naturity products are 100% natural and at least 99% certified organic.
• Naturity Organic Babyhood Product Line Rated “Zero” Toxicity in Skin Deep
  Database.
• All products are packaged in glass and metal containers.

The promotion

Until May 31st when you purchase $25 worth of Naturity products, you will be entered to win an Organic New Mother Gift Box, which is a $48.00 retail value.

Dylan Crib from ducduc

This guest post was written by Marcy Tate, a blogger at Networx, Your Home Improvement Network.

Spring kicks off the unofficial baby nursery planning season. In the US, the highest percentage of babies is born in July and August, making the spring the perfect time for planning a nursery. All new moms and dads wants the best for their babies, and the best in baby nurseries is creating a healthy, green or eco-friendly nursery. Here you’ll read the basics of what you’ll need for a green nursery and where to find it.

Getting the Room Ready

The Walls
If you are planning to give your nursery a fresh coat of paint, choose paint without harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are emitted as gasses from paint and are unhealthy for you, your baby and the environment.
Almost all good-quality paint manufacturers produce low or zero-VOC paint. Check Benjamin Moore or Sherwin-Williams for some of the best selections of zero-VOC paint. Alternatively, try a super eco-friendly paint option, like milk-based paint from The Real Milk Paint Co.

Lighting
Low-voltage and compact fluorescent lighting fixtures and lamps are the most eco-friendly way to go for your nursery. Select CFL (compact fluorescent) light bulbs with lower Kelvin ratings, as they will provide a warm glow. Ideally, choose wall or ceiling mounted lighting to keep electrical cords and plugs out of your baby’s reach.

Window Treatments
Selecting light-colored window treatments will allow natural-light into the nursery while still blocking enough light for your baby to nap comfortably. There are a few green choices for window treatments:

1) Natural-woven shades made from highly renewable grasses.
2) Drapes made from fabrics like hemp or organic cotton.
3) Roller shades made from PVC-free material, such as the good-quality
roller shades from Earthshade.

Carpeting
Consider using area rugs or carpet tiles instead of wall-to-wall carpeting. Carpets can harbor dust mites and some synthetic carpets release off-gas VOCs. While there’s no way to predict whether your baby will be sensitive to dust mites, play it safe and avoid carpet. If you do choose carpet, make it eco-friendly and select wool or jute carpet. Check FLOR carpet tiles for a wide selection of carpet tiles.

Toys
While there aren’t too many toys your baby will need right away, using toys to decorate the baby’s nursery can add cheer and bring excitement to the room while waiting for the baby. Look for organic cotton toys, such as this set of organic cotton vegetables. Wooden toys are a timeless classic. Make sure they are from FSC-certified (Forest Stewardship Council) forests. Check out Ecotoytown for just about every eco-toy out there. PlanToys is another excellent resource with a wide selection of eco-toys. Your local toy store will likely carry eco-friendly toys as well.

Bedding and Furniture Essentials

The Crib
Like most wooden furniture, most cribs are not eco-friendly. The problems with cribs are that many are made with unsustainable wood or formaldehyde-filled plywood and utilize VOC finishes. Fortunately, there are several green crib options. However, be aware that they cost more than a standard crib. Spend time doing some research when it comes to your crib purchase, as you may be able to find an eco-friendly crib, like this one from Babymod, at Walmart.
Sustainable wooden cribs can be purchased at DucDuc and Q Collection Junior. The cribs are made from sustainable woods, without harmful chemicals. Additionally, Pacific Rim makes solid maple furniture from sustainable forests. Your best bet for selecting nursery furniture is to purchase unfinished, untreated wood.

Bedding
Bedding is the most important part of the nursery when it comes to making it eco-friendly. Your baby will have direct, face-to-bed contact with the bedding. Start by purchasing an organic cotton mattress like those made by Savvy Rest. Savvy rest manufactures crib mattresses that are made with natural latex and certified organic materials.

Make sure to stay with natural fibers for the rest of your crib bedding, including the mattress pad, sheets and changing pads. Go for wool instead of vinyl when purchasing puddle pads: Those great pads that will protect the mattress against leaks. Organic cotton or bamboo crib sheets are an excellent green choice.

Putting together a green nursery is worth the extra bit of time and money needed to do so. Start early so that you can take your time pricing the items you need and budgeting out everything you desire. The reward will be a healthy, eco-friendly nursery for the most important item in the nursery: your precious baby.

This guest post is written by James Garver, “Avid follower of left wing politics and anything green and progressive.”

Spring 2010 is approaching and there’s a lot of buzz around topics like the economy, taxation, global poverty, restoration in Haiti/Chile, and lastly, green awareness. With spring, Earth Day also draws nearer (April 22nd); as individuals, we must remember and realize the importance of global warming and all of its implications. Subsequent topics discussed as of late include space travel/burning of fossil fuels, deforestation and green building. As nations like Haiti and Chile prepare for rebuilding and new construction, there are many things to consider when advancing. Moving towards cleaner, greener infrastructure is vital in ensuring a successful restoration campaign.

The U.S. Green Building Council is a 501(3)(c) non-profit community of leaders working to make green buildings available to everybody. It’s one of the many organizations playing its role in green progression. Heavy discussion lies on green topics, especially the more recent ones like space travel; others include deforestation, green crops, clothing, energy, and much more. It’s important that we as individuals/citizens stay up-to-date on important global topics like warming. As organizations like the CGI (Clinton Global Initiative), AFH (Architecture for Humanity), and the USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council) conducts sustainability campaigns and enforce strict green constraints, our world will continue to become a better, cleaner place. Machines behind the CGI, Doug Band and Former President Clinton have been pursuing an emission reduction plan in the San Francisco Bay area. Meanwhile, CEO of GEC (Globetrotters Engineering Corporation), Niranjan Shah, is underway with green building projects in Chicago, IL. Despite these few national examples, green infrastructure, particularly in places like Haiti, has become an integral part of restoration and construction.

This aligns with the implications of “economic viability” and long term sustainability, posing the questions, “Can Haiti really make it through all the costs of repair and reconstruction?” Infrastructure can take a toll on any economy, especially if the funds aren’t there. This goes hand in hand with meeting modern day LEED standards and approaching this in a “greener” sense. Organizations like Architecture for Humanity will make this possible. Architecture for Humanity (1999) is a nonprofit design services firm building “a more sustainable future through the power of professional design.” It was formulated through a group of building professionals whose overwhelming passion for construction drove them to provide a way for underdeveloped, suffering countries to rebuild. Through their dedication and hard work, these people will be able to not only create new buildings and infrastructure, but make them bigger, better, and greener.

To touch on just some of the things that AFH covers:

• Alleviating poverty and providing access to water, sanitation, power and essential services
• Bringing safe shelter to communities prone to disaster and displaced populations
• Rebuilding community and creating neutral spaces for dialogue in post-conflict areas
• Mitigating the effects of rapid urbanization in unplanned settlements
• Creating spaces to meet the needs of those with disabilities and other at-risk populations
• Reducing the footprint of the built environment and addressing climate change

As polluters continue to buy their way out of Carbon Cuts globally, and large organizations continue to dump their waste into lakes, ponds and rivers, communities and must play their role in ensuring sustainability. Organizations like the CGI, AFH, and USGBC provide repercussion and policy change for acts such as. Most of the results from warming and climate change are miniscule and unnoticeable now, but our youth and earlier generations will experience firsthand the effects of pollutants and unsustainable efforts. Feel free to visit Earth Day to learn more about what you can do to support your world.

If you follow this blog, you will notice that the number of posts have dropped substantially since its beginning two years ago, and even more so recently.  I’ve come to realize that running a web store and blogging is no easy task!  Because of the Green and Chic store, my former full-time job and current health challenges, I have never been in a position where I can shell out a large (or even moderate) number of posts and still keep up with everything else in business and life.

Green and Chic Blog will remain more or less the same except that future posts will be more about the web store, contests and giveaways, product reviews and guest posts.  Some of my older posts such as I have a Headache: A word about perfumes and Petroleum jelly possible cancer risk will continue to be some of my most popular posts, but unfortunately, I’m not in the position where I can write similar articles.

I would like to thank all of my readers and subscribers for your patience and understanding!

The Green and Chic blog has been though a variety of changes since I started it almost two years ago.  During the first several months of its existence, it no ads – just a bunch of  links. Eventually I added a long list of affiliate links and banners to jazz things up a bit. A few weeks later, I took most of the affiliate banners out to cut down on the clutter, and added several AdSense banners and links.  Months later, I took most of the AdSense ads out and added more Green and Chic related links and banners.

Though the AdSense ads are a minimum now, I wonder if its even a good idea to even have third party ads on the blog.  I wonder if it would distract from the blog it self and Green and Chic, since this is an extension of the web store.

I know its ultimately up to me, but I am curious as to what you think.

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