Category Archives: Shopping

How to Choose Eco-Friendly Back-to-School Supplies

by onepartsunshine, in category Green School and Office, Shopping

In my county, public school is starting in two days! As I mentioned before, we are homeschooling my son. But that doesn’t mean we don’t have to worry about school supplies. In fact, I would argue that I end up buying many more school supplies than I would if my son went to a typical school. I am responsible for both the teacher supplies and the parent supplies. So it is even more important that I choose products that are safe and eco-friendly.

Good Deed #16 – Support a Local Business on Kickstarter

by onepartsunshine, in category 52 Good Deeds, Shopping

If you haven’t heard about Kickstarter, you need to check it out! Kickstarter is a website created to help fund creative projects. Project creators, ranging from musicians to designers, launch projects such as books, art and music. If you like a project, you can pledge any amount of money to help a creator reach their goal. This is an amazing opportunity to help a business or artist in your community.

Buy Local Now: Jewelry

by onepartsunshine, in category Shopping

The Charlottesville City Market opened earlier this month. The reasons to buy local hit me full force as I browsed the local eggs, plants, honey, crafts and baked goods. Our post on The Dangers in Kids’ Jewelry brings to light how dangerous cheap jewelry from China can be for children and adults. This jewelry is often contaminated with toxins such as lead and cadmium which have been linked to cancer and hindered brain development. The safest solution is to buy locally made jewelry from artisans dedicated to using safe materials.

Eco-Friendly Non-Toxic School Supplies

by Cindy Young, in category Green School and Office, Shopping

When I choose school and art supplies for my son, my primary concern is whether they are safe. I look for terms such as “certified non-toxic” and “100% natural.” I know that kids (and adults for that matter) have a tendency to stick things like pencils and glue in their mouths. So, it is extremely important that the school supplies don’t have toxic materials in them such as PVC, phthalates, lead and BPA.

My Toxic Prius

by Cindy Young, in category Shopping

I bought my Prius four years ago in an effort to be “green.” The Toyota Prius has become the status symbol of the green movement. I’m getting an amazing 44 miles per gallon. But is the Prius really green?