It seems many schools are taking a more thoughtful approach to managing waste, and as part of their eco-conscious efforts some are banning single serving packaged items from packed lunches. So the trick is how to pack lunch and snack items without using plastic. Opting for safe (BPA-free) reusable packing solutions is a positive move on so many fronts, it not only cuts down on the amount of trash, but also

• saves you money
• promotes healthier eating
• instills in your children an awareness of the impact purchasing & disposing of products has on the environment
• reflects the responsibility we have to take care of our personal health and that of the planet.

Whether dictated by school policy or not, the healthy and eco benefits far outweigh the minor inconvenience … we’ve outlined our Top 7 reusable and plastic-free, lunch packing alternatives to help you stay the course:

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With Halloween behind us, it’s nearly time to pack away the festive fall décor to make space for the merrier holiday gear. What to do with the pumpkin that sat on your porch stoop? While the thrifty bakers among us will likely turn it into a Thanksgiving pie, the beauty hounds can do one better and whip up an easy mask that will keep your pre-winter dry skin glowing. (more…)

After a morning yoga session I brewed a cup of Yogi green tea and took a few minutes to chill with the November issue of Whole Living. And what did I uncover? Aside from their usual array of scrumptious looking recipes (this month they feature the oft neglected “sides” – from corn bread to sweet potato, green beans and a tempting acorn squash with quinoa and pistachios) …

• Rachel Meltzer Warren’s Too Much of a Good Thing (7 common eating habits that may be sabotaging your health – dried fruit alert)
• Jolene Hart’s Ancient Skin Wisdom (According to Ayuervedic principles, are you predominantly vata, pitta or kapha? Know your dosha and learn how to care for your skin)
• how to make a refreshing do-it-yourself facial mask based on in-season clementines
• the benefits of a quick juice cleanse (give your liver a break).

Here’s looking forward to more good things in November, a time to reflect and reconnect. What are you looking forward to? If you’ve lost power in the northeast due to that surprise snowstorm yesterday, let me guess … power, heat and a good night’s sleep.

It’s starting to be cold season with the accompanying coughs, colds and sniffles so we thought we’d shine a light on Maty’s Healthy Products – a line of safe and effective, all-natural cough and cold products for children and adults.

Maty’s provided us with 2 products for the purposes of a real, Tried and True Green Products Review. My 7-year old nephew, Austin, was deemed our primary product tester. (more…)

Who doesn’t love natural and organic body care products made from plant essences – without any Genetically Modified Organisms? Who loves them even more when they’re on sale?

EO = Essential Oils is celebrating NON-GMO month right now:

• Receive 50% 12oz liquid hand soaps and 8oz body lotions
• Receive FREE SHIPPING on any web order over $35
• Offer good through 10/23/11
• Find @ eoproducts.com

The following post is provided by Guest Contributor, Ryan Harrison of DrNatura.

Toxins in the form of perfumes, dyes and synthetics are abundant in modern beauty products. Over time, these toxins can accumulate in the body; primarily in the liver and colon – the major organs responsible for body detoxification.

In our modern world, where toxins and synthetics exist in the air we breathe, foods we eat and products we use, the liver and colon must work overtime – thereby compromising their effectiveness. That’s why using natural beauty products is paramount to maintaining overall health and wellness. You can further enhance the effects of these natural products while promoting radiant skin and hair, from the inside, by taking an active role in the detoxification of your body.

When the body’s main detoxification organs become compromised, they aren’t able to perform their primary functions. This reduced efficacy shows up physically in your body. You may notice more blemishes and bloating, or you may discover that yours skin has become dry or that your hair has become brittle.

You can help boost your body’s natural detoxification processes, thereby enhancing your natural beauty from the inside out, by choosing all natural body detoxification products. Colon cleansing with herbal fiber, for example, is a great way to detoxify the body by removing toxins and waste while supplementing healthful herbs. All natural omega 3 and colloidal supplements can have a positive and measurable effect on the skin and hair.

When considering your beauty regimen, stick to all natural products; but also focus on enhancing your health and wellness from the inside out. That means eating lots of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, drinking lots of green tea and purified water, and adding herbal fiber supplements for cleansing and detoxification.

photo credit: DrNatura.com

A personal time-out with Whole Living (formerly, Body + Soul) … early this morning I was catching up with the October issue and got a sneak peek at November. In addition to quick, nutritious meals we can prep in minutes, I was drawn to the editorial on how we can take care of our bodies as we age. Also, I thought I might try these 5 hair and skincare products featured just last month:

Organic Indulgence Orchard Pear & Fig Body Balm – fights free radicals with a moisturizing super-fruit mix of goji and acai berries $5

Kiss My Face Olive & Aloe Soap Bar, $3

Aubrey Organics Rosa Mosqueta Body Wash – with St. John’s Wort, this calming herb has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce redness and irritation … ultra moisturizing $11. (more…)

This Tried and True Green Product Review features Alabu Skin Care and two of their products: Replenish Facial Moisturizer and Tea Tree Cleansing Bar. These products were provided to us gratis in exchange for an honest first-hand review. I gave them a try and here’s what I think – they’re the real thing … body-friendly, truly natural … and they seem to do just what they’re intended to do.

Alabu’s Tea Tree Cleansing Bar
After using this soap bar for the past two weeks the first thing I noticed is that the bar is still quite large; it really lasts. It smells great, too. Best of all, after each time I cleanse it leaves skin feeling soft, smooth and squeaky clean – but not dry.

What’ in it? I’ll let the website cover ALL of the all-natural ingredients that are in it, but suffice it to say – it’s all good, there’s nothing bad in it. More than 25% of the bar is made from Goat’s Milk – which is loaded with milk protein, vitamins A, B6, C and E – to promote healthy skin. My skin tends to be dry but the (Fair Trade) Shea Butter and Emu Oil are there to help complement the (Fair Trade) Tea Tree essential oil and keep skin moisturized. (2 sizes $3.99 & $5.15)

Alabu’s Replenish Facial Moisturizer – I love this skincare product. It’s made with 100% – let me say that again – one hundred percent olive-derived Squalane, which is high in Vitamin A and resembles the skin’s own natural oil. Replenish works hard to boost the skin’s ability to naturally regenerate, nourish, hydrate, oxygenate and protect while maintaining suppleness and moisture. Does it do this? I sure hope so. All I can say is, my skin drinks in the oil every time I apply it (which is morning and evening). And I love the roll-on applicator.

Unlike creams, which typically come in jars or tubes, this product comes in either a handy roll-on applicator OR pump. The roll-on makes it so easy to tuck into your purse and apply moisturizer anywhere, anytime. (.35 fl oz, $7.34 & 2 oz pump $24.47)

more eco cred: these products are handcrafted in the USA. Packaging is biodegradable and made with recycled paper so after unwrapping, to the compost it goes. … with over 45 products, find more healthy skin care @ alabu.com

Although I personally haven’t ever tried or needed a professional hair straightening treatment, I know that they are considered to be expensive, time consuming and not always 100 percent effective. Not to mention that the ingredients can be noxious to both your body and mother earth. But for those who really want to straighten those curly or wavy locks, help may be on the way. (more…)