Doesn’t every kid want to grow up to be a hipster designer from Williamsburg?  This one-of-a-kind, hand block printed onesie in organic cotton will help lay the foundation.

$24 from serimony

Like the nutrition label on the side of my cereal box, I love the idea of a required “eco label” on the products I buy, which is one of the reasons I adore Ecosystem journals – each one comes with an ID that when punched in online, lists the ingredients used, facilities manufactured in and even number of employees in each.  It might seem like overkill to some, but in a consumer environment where buzz words like “all natural” and “made in the USA” often mean the exact opposite, it’s a safeguard.

A while back, we posted on Marcal Small Steps paper products – one of the leading grocery brands to sell 100 percent recycled paper towels, toilet paper, facial tissue and napkins.  And today, we’re revisiting the lineup of eco-friendly goods, having unveiled a cool, new Environmental Facts panel (above) on the front of each package that calls out recycled paper content (100%), chlorine bleach content (0%) and added fragrances/dyes (0%).  Sure, it’s easy for a company to slap on a sticker when it only touts the product’s green perks… so we want to know, what factoids would make up your ideal “eco label?”

Commercial carpet maker Shaw has pioneered an impressive attempt, in my opinion, outlining pre- and post-consumer recycled content, full ingredients used, and more.  They even feature a Cradle to Cradle promo video on the Web site, (above).  But what about the carbon footprint of the manufacturing process?  The company’s overall social responsibility?  Or their fair-trade practices?  Which would make your list of must-tell mandates?

This is one of those health and beauty indulgences that may appear a little pricey at first, but once you try it, you understand the value.  Living clean just makes sense.

EO, Essential Oils, makes organic and natural bath, skin and hair care products based on plant essences.  This morning, my sister turned me on to EO’s Organic Orange Oil and Organic Lavender essential oil hand spray sanitizer, and it’s amazing.  A quick hit of spray on each hand, followed by a gentle rub together.  Hands feel clean and heart feels light.  Not one “sticky” after-spray feeling in sight.  Just fingers and palms that feel clean, soft and smooth. Really amazing.

It’s a perfect little size to stash in your handbag, beach bag, lunch bag or any kind of bag.  Sis puts them in each of her boy’s lunch packs (they actually use them before eating lunch at school and day camp), and she also uses hers all day long (as a Physical Therapist she’s conscientious about keeping her hands clean).

So I can see one of these sprays in my immediate future – going from handbag to beach bag.  I couldn’t find the exact fragrance I tried on their site, but I’m sure I’ll find it eventually.  In addition to finding other flavors on their Web site, EO is available at many retailers and etailers. Price will vary, ($4.99 for 2 oz size and $2.99 for a tiny .33 oz).  The best prices I found were @ amazon.com.

Post-script – via EOproducts.com — for the month of June, you can receive 15% off their shower gel and shave products – which I haven’t tried, but probably will sometime soon.  With summer comes a lot more frequent, quick showers – both indoors and out.

Sharing is caring!  Public bike systems are becoming hugely popular around the world and as an on-campus commuter concerned about climate change, this is a trend I can get behind.

These systems basically allow people to rent bikes at stations around the neighborhood or city for a small deposit or a membership.  Unlike your typical bike rental, these systems are usually free community bicycle programs started by nonprofit community groups or public-private agencies.  Bike sharing programs have been established in Europe since the turn of the century (those Europeans are always ahead of us…) and they’re steadily spreading across the United States.

Denver’s B-Cycle program or New York’s Buffalo Blue Bicycle are just a couple of programs implemented into our big cities.  Generally, all that’s required is either a small membership fee or volunteering your time in order to take these bikes out for a spin.  Not only do these bike sharing programs encourage public transportation, but they also provide a sense of community.

At first it may seem a bit risky to leave a bunch of bikes out for the public to use.  Will the bikes be returned?  Will they get stolen?  What about the possibility of graffiti or bicycle abuse?  Many of the neighborhoods that have implemented the bike sharing program are pleasantly surprised.  Not only is participation and membership in these programs rising, but there are only a few incidents of stolen or broken bikes.  It gives us hope for the betterment of our neighborhoods – fewer cars clogging up our city streets and a reduction of our carbon footprint.  Let’s give bikes a chance, and encourage alternative transportation one pedal at a time.

• There should be no compromise with whaling criminals…Whaling ‘Peace Deal’ Falls Apart – bbc
• Obama Administration Readies New Drilling Ban – cnn
• Hmmm…Judge Who Nixed Drilling Ban has Extensive Oil Investments – yahoo! news
• Everyone’s an art critic…Lions Savage Famous Red Couch – orange.uk
• Study: Organic Pesticides not Always ‘Greener’ Choice – sciencedaily
• Sting Setting Sights on Shy-High Vertical Gardening Flick – ecorazzi

Ladies – time to break out the bikini, suntan lotion and wool bra, ’cause it’s official – summer 2010 is finally here.  Yes, just as the temps outside hit triple digits, you’re going to want to pull on a bra primarily made of merino wool fabric to keep you cool and dry.  think polar opposites.  I never would have believed, if I hadn’t actually tried.

When’s the worst time to visit Florida?  Summer.  Where have I been for the past seven weeks?  Florida.  What bra have I been wearing during my evening power walks? The Ibex Balance Sports Bra, in warm green, ($55).  It’s so lightweight and comfy — no seams anywhere, just a double layer of smooth support — it’s a pleasure to wear.

Easy to care for, too.  Although it’s machine washable, after each wear, I just give it a quick rinse in cool water with a tiny bit of laundry soap and set it out to dry.  The fabric is 85% wool, 10% nylon and 5% Spandex, and dries rather quickly.

Ibex offers a selection of 4 different wool bras all designed to expel skin’s moisture and wool’s natural anti-microbial properties keep odors at bay.  I’m considering buying either the Balance Bralette, ($42) which can be worn on its own or under a shirt…the Motion Tie Back ($69) … or maybe both!

find @ Ibexwear.com

Full Disclosure:  Ibex provided me with a complimentary Balance Sports Bra for the purpose of this review.  However, this in no way influenced my views.

I feel these two matching bamboo bird items should be kept together.  Give your garden or backyard a cool Asian vibe – all your avian friends will be lining up to inhabit this stylish birdhouse and feed at this sweet-looking birdfeeder – both constructed of renewable bamboo.

The exterior of this elliptically-shaped, eco-friendly bird structure is coated with a matte outdoor weather proofing seal to preserve its natural aesthetic.  Easily hung via a single eye hook (provided) – just hand screw the eye hook into your tree of choice and tighten securely with pliers.

The birdhouse is suitable housing for typical small to medium birds like chickadees, nuthatches, bluebirds and a wide variety of warblers, swallows or wrens.  The matching birdfeeder will keep everyone fat and  happy – just watch out for those voracious squirrels.

$95 each – from oryx & crake design

Is it time to get on a bike?  One thing you can be sure of – prices at your local gas station will soon begin to rise as the developing battle over offshore oil drilling and energy policy heats up.  With that reality looming in our transportation future it may be time to take another look at electric bikes as an alternative, eco-friendly option for getting around town.

Here’s one high-end electric cycling solution – the Pro Connect Sport e-bike from German bike specialist Kalkoff — it offers superior hill climbing capabilities, energy efficiency and enhanced safety features in what the company touts, has been called the ‘best electric bike in the world’.  The Pro Connect S also has the most advanced Panasonic motor available, top-of-the-line Magura hydraulic brakes, and a 9-speed Shimano Deore XT derailer and gearset.  The built-in Sigma trip computer lets you track your stats.  These high-end components combine to provide a zippy (up to 26 mph), safe ride.

Features:
Up to 50 miles of assisted cycling power per battery charge
Faster commute with pedal-assist up to 26 mph
Variable motor speeds – conserving energy or maximizing power, as needed
Highest rated electric motor on the market
Hydraulic brakes for dependable stopping and safety
Integrated high-powered night lighting
double-walled BlackJack rims with high-end Continental puncture-resistant tires
Ergon handlebar grips with integrated bar ends
Available in several sizes in both men’s and women’s frame styles
All bikes come with a 2-year warranty, free shipping and a $50 tune-up credit

Selling at kalkhoffusa.com for a robust $3,399, this bike is definitely for serious biking aficionados.  Kalkhoff also offers full lines of both conventional, pedal-only bikes, and electric-assist pedelecs – or e-bikes – for both men and women.

These His and Hers handmade boxes would make a nice anniversary or wedding gift.  They’re made of white oak veneer MDF and measure 2.5 inches in diameter by 1.5 inches in height.  Made to order, so allow 3 weeks for delivery; ($60 for the set) @ San Francisco-based, harbinger.com