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All Natural CleanWell Antibacterial Hand Soaps: An Amaze Favorite!

Valery Amador — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 11:30:18 +0000

Love the smell.. love how this works… love that it’s natural! The NEW All Natural CleanWell Antibacterial Hand Soaps. Abundant with sensational aroma’s, the four hand soap offerings are a great accessory to create the ultimate sink soiree.

Most of the conventional hand soap products that have accompanied sinks in the past are petroleum based and have environmental implications. Instea of opting for soaps that annihilate everything in their path, enter CleanWell All Natural Antibacterial Hand Soaps, made with ingredients from renewable plants, primarily thyme. With a first-of-its-kind natural chemistry, CleanWell proudly introduces a unique formulation of thyme and plant essential oils proven to meet FDA standards for 99.99% germ killing efficacy, and a safe and effective natural alternative to the toxic ingredients found in most antibacterial and sanitizing products.

CleanWell All Natural Antibacterial Hand Soaps do not include the controversial ingredient Triclosan, widely used as an antibacterial in household hand sterilization products. Triclosan is a known endocrine disruptor, a synthetic chemical that when absorbed into the body either mimics or blocks hormones and disrupts the body’s normal functions.

CleanWell All Natural Antibacterial Hand Soaps ($4.99) Key Benefits:

Infused with white tea and aloe
Custom crafted scents sourced from the finest natural essences from around the world
Created exclusively by preeminent natural perfumer and published author Mandy Aftel
Available in Orange Vanilla, Ginger Bergamot, Lavender and Spearmint Lime

CleanWell’s All Natural Antibacterial Hand Soaps are available at Whole Foods Markets, select Target stores, Babies R Us, Vitamin Shoppe, GNC and Amazon.com.

Fix It, Make It, Grow It, Bake It: The D.Y.I. Guide to the Good Life by Billee Sharp

Amaze Magazine — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 12:00:02 +0000

In Fix It, Make It, Grow It, Bake It: The D.Y.I. Guide to the Good Life by Billee Sharp, this D.I.Y. guide to the good life, readers learn how to edit their lives, since in the long run, less is more — pedal now or paddle later! The best things in life are free — or very nearly free — and author Billee Sharp shares her freecycling, budget-savvy, barter-better wisdom. Based on a sensible foundation of global responsibility and foresight for the next seven generations, Billee Sharp’s philosophy is compelling. From the radical common sense introduction to the practical how-tos and yummy recipes, The Free (Or Nearly Free) Guide to Happiness is a step-by-step handbook to revolutionizing spending habits and reclaiming quality of life in the process. Learn how to start a community garden and to seed share, raise organic veggies in the front lawn, eco-clean the house with lemons and lavender, cure minor maladies from the kitchen cabinet, organize a trade-for-what-you-want free flea market, and cook meals for pennies.

Billee Sharp styled herself a career as a contemporary art curator and gallerist, working with Damien Hirst and other art world notables. In 1993, she started both a family and record label with Scotsman Jonah Sharp, a pioneering electronic musician. Billee currently runs a green cleaning business and organizes independent music, literary, and art events. She lives in San Francisco.

Available at Amazon.com

DO IT GORGEOUSLY: How to Make Less Toxic, Less Expensive, and More Beautiful Products by Sophie Uliano

Amaze Magazine — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 01:40:37 +0000

Most of us would like to have more of an eco-friendly lifestyle, but organic and natural labels on everything from skincare lotions to dog treats often come at a higher price. In DO IT GORGEOUSLY: How to Make Less Toxic, Less Expensive, and More Beautiful Products (Voice/June 1, 2010/$19.99), do-it-yourself advocate, passionate environmentalist, and New York Times bestselling author of Gorgeously Green Sophie Uliano provides the affordable solution by showing how uncomplicated and gratifying it can be to become self-sufficient.

DO IT GORGEOUSLY is a treasure trove of green projects and recipes covering nearly all areas of life. You will discover easy step-by-step instructions to guide you from the practical (making your own sesame sunscreen, creating a nontoxic nursery, and planting a medicinal herb garden) to the fun (mixing your own anti-aging serums, making “good as new” fashion, and preparing delicious food gifts). In addition to recipes, Sophie offers simple and money-conscious tips to saving energy in your home, eco-friendly ideas for pets, and great uses for household items you probably already have.

Just a few of the must-try creations are India rose luxurious oil, apricot and geranium moisturizers, nontoxic insect repellent, pomegranate eye serum, citrus furniture polish, baby berry cereal, and a stunning recycled cashmere cardigan. DO IT GORGEOUSLY is the means to create all the fabulous products you crave, guilt-free!

Available at Amazon.com. Visit online at www.gorgeouslygreen.com

Card Cache Organizer Has Amaze Hooked!

Valery Amador — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 23:41:23 +0000

One look at the Card Cache Organizer and it will have you saying, “Why didn’t anyone think of this sooner?!?” If you are anything like me, with cards overflowing from my wallet to the point that I usually forget I even have them, the Card Cache put me on the track to painless purse organization in the work of a few moments…

Basically, the Card Cache is a stylish keychain for your cards. Simply hole punch the corners (from credit cards, to grocery discount cards, gift cards or even discount punch cards) and then string the stylish Card Cache through – that’s it. Now your cards are available and easy to find/access. You can even purchase picture holders/protectors, a compact calendar or even a mini sharpie- and your Card Cache will have everything you need all in one convenient spot! Don’t have a hold punch on hand; you can buy that from Card Cache too!

Makes THE perfect gift! Available online at www.TheCardCache.com

Cleaning Was Never So Hot With Bon Ami!

Amaze Magazine — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 23:17:06 +0000

Summer is finally here! That means hot days by the pool and hotdogs on the grill. But after all of the outdoor fun, cleaning up can be a hassle. Thanks to the new “green” Bon Ami products, cleaning has never been so easy.

The non-abrasive Bon Ami All-Purpose Cleaner can be used on an array of versatile surfaces outside the house, from patio floors and furniture to BBQ grills and utensils. Its simple, effective formula works to remove the toughest messes including oil, food spills, grease and much more.

Whether hosting a July 4th BBQ or cooking dinner for the family, be sure to clean your grill before and after use. Tough enough for the messiest grill grates, yet gentle enough for the exterior, even stainless steel, the Bon Ami All-Purpose Cleaner is an affordable and eco-friendly way to keep your grill pristine and clean all summer long.

Keeping the Earth clean for 120 years, Bon Ami has been America’s original natural home cleaner since 1886. The simple, yet effective ingredients will refresh and clean without the use of harsh chemicals or toxins. So kick back all summer long, and let Bon Ami do the work.

The new Bon Ami All Purpose Cleaner is available in a Free + Clear version that has no added scent or Tangerine Thyme, a delightful fusion of mandarin, tangerine, orange, thyme and clove. Happy grilling!

Price: All-Purpose Cleaner- $2.99
Availability: www.BonAmi.com

Ten Eco-Friendly Tips from GREEN TEA LIVING by Toshimi A. Kayaki

Amaze Magazine — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:00:34 +0000

In Green Tea Living: A Japan-inspired guide to eco-friendly habits, health, and happiness, author Toshimi A. Kayaki brings timeless wisdom from her native Japanese culture through smart tips and sweet anecdotes.

Here are ten quirky tips from the book for everyday green living!

1) Create smoother, younger-looking skin with a green tea face pack. Grind up used green tea leaves into a powder, then mix with water and flour until it forms a paste. Wash your face, and then apply the pack for 10 minutes. Rinse off with water and follow up with your favorite lotion.

2) Drink green tea to lose weight. Drinking five cups of green tea a day can burn up to 80 extra calories!

3) Use wet green tea leaves to clean your house. Green tea is not only an eco-friendly cleaning option, but will leave your rooms sparkling and smelling fresh! Squeeze most of the water out of wet tea leaves, and then place on dirty floors or dusty surfaces. Brush the leaves back and forth in small strokes, allowing the tea leaves to pick up dust and dirt. Sweep everything into a dustpan when finished.

4) Use vinegar for even the most heavy-duty cleaning! Vinegar will shine up sinks and counters, as well as kill bacteria. Scrub the slime out of your bathtub, disinfect cutting boards; even combine 3 parts water to 1 part vinegar to wash your floors. Simple, cheap and most importantly, not harmful to the environment.

5) Mix your own vinegar conditioner for soft, shiny hair. In an empty plastic bottle combine 16 oz water, 4 tbsps white or rice vinegar, and 3 or 4 pieces of fresh rosemary or sage. Just as effective as expensive conditioner, but far more economical.

6) Make your sweaters look like new. Rub a sweater with the rough edge of a dry sponge to easily get rid of pilling fabric.

7) Repair dry or damaged skin with a soothing green tea bath. Steep one green tea bag in boiling water for 15 minutes, then pour the tea water into your bathwater. The vitamins and catechins in green tea will kill bacteria on your skin and smooth away imperfections, not to mention contribute to a relaxing bath!

8) Mix homemade sake lotion. This simple lotion and moisturizer only requires two ingredients and some time in the fridge. Mix 7 oz cold sake and 1-½ pints water, then allow the mixture to sit in the refrigerator for a few days. Dab onto skin with a cotton ball. (Make sure to test this out on your hands before applying it elsewhere!)

9) Drink vinegar and water for better health. Just sipping a little vinegar every day can improve your digestion and skin complexion. Combine 1 part rice or apple cider vinegar with 7 parts water.

10) Relieve chapped lips in the sweetest way. Forget chapstick—just spread honey on your cracked lips for a natural (and delicious!) cure.

Available at Amazon.com

The Green Garmento™ The Eco-Practical Way to Green Your Drycleaning Routine

Amaze Magazine — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 23:03:09 +0000

Now that you’ve done all the reasonable environmentally friendly actions like switching to compact fluorescent light bulbs and incorporating a reusable grocery bag, you’ve learned that “going green” is great, but not always practical to incorporate into your busy, modern life. Even for those “not-so-green” individuals, The Green Garmento™ is an affordable ($9.99 retail) and eco-practical option that not only helps organize, but more importantly eliminates the use of single-use plastic dry cleaning bags.

The Green Garmento™ is an eco-friendly 3-in-1 reusable garment bag that helps consumers “green” their drycleaning routine. At home it functions as a space-saving hamper; on the trip to the drycleaner, it becomes a stylish duffel bag; and at pick-up, it transforms into a hanging garment bag to protect cleaned clothes – without a single-use plastic bag in sight! The simple step of switching to The Green Garmento™ will help to reduce the estimated 300 million pounds of single-use plastic drycleaning bags a year that continue to clog our landfills and kill our marine and wildlife.

“I loved the idea of an affordable laundry bag that would help me organize my closet and recycle, without much thought,” says Jennie Nigrosh, President and Co-Founder of The Green Garmento. “It solves the dilemma of what-to-do with mountains of drycleaning plastic, allowing consumers to be eco-conscious without having to sacrifice anything.”
How It Works:
§ Place all your “to be cleaned” garments in The Green Garmento™. (Use The Green Garmento™ in this state as a hamper or duffle bag for collection.)
§ Turn the bag over to your drycleaners and ask them to return your clothes hung inside. (The cleaner will attach The Green Garmento™ to one of your garments so that it won’t get lost.)
§ At pickup, the clothes will be neatly hung inside The Green Garmento™ (garment bag form). Wide gussets and a side zipper help to keep everything safely in place and allow you to easily access.
§ It is recommended to have 2 Green Garmento’s™ so that you can “swap out” with the drycleaner and repeat the process.

Many professional drycleaners have adopted the use of The Green Garmento™ as well. Not only does it meet their desire to be more eco-friendly, it is cost effective and easy to implement.

The Green Garmento™ is available in multiple sizes ranging from 40 inch to 72 inch (48” is most popular consumer size) and a variety of colors including: Black Night, Blue Water, and Green Grass. (Retail – $9.99.)

For additional information, please visit www.thegreengarmento.com.

Expert Shares Space Clearing Practices to Improve Energy and Wellness

Amaze Magazine — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 23:14:44 +0000

Earth energies or space clearing expert Christan Hummel says that clearing away the energetic clutter in one’s house or office can produce major even dramatic improvements in the environment you live in.

Do-It Yourself Space Clearing

Clearing the clutter in your home or office can have tremendous positive impact on your life and how you enjoy the environment around you.

How you behave when you get home and how you arrange your home and office spaces can make a tremendous difference in the flow of energy. Here are some of her key recommendations on how to clean up clutter and the bad energy where you live based on the principles of the ancient Chinese practice.

1. Energy follows thought—so watch your thoughts. Leave the bad energy behind and be aware of the thoughts you bring into the home.

ACTION: Control the energy you let into your home. Respect your own space. Take off your shoes and leave them at the front door. Consciously leave your worries of the day at the threshold and gain from experience and knowledge of the ancient cultures who left their shoes at the door as a potent symbol of leaving the worries of the day at the door, and not bringing them into the home.

2. Thoughts linger in an environment. Clean out the room of bad energy.

ACTIONS: Clean up a room physically and clear them out through ceremony, sage, smudging, intention, sacred sounds…

Flow Control Showerhead, the Eco-friendly Showerhead

Amaze Magazine — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 08:54:25 +0000

“Green” low-flow showerheads provide a great way to help the environment, but does the shower quality suffer? While low-flow showerheads stay consistently stuck between 1.5 and 2 gallons per minute (GPM), ShowerTek’s Green Choice™ lets consumers adjust water flow via a hand dial, allowing for reduced or full power when they need it. The Green Choice can potentially save $250 in water and energy bills for a family of four through its unique flow control functionality.

Green Choice empowers individuals with the option to adjust shower strength between “Pause,” 1GPM and 2.5GPM (the legal maximum water flow). Consumers can turn water pressure to “low” when lathering up; to power off soap and shampoo, they can adjust the pressure back to full flow.

Add-on flow control valves might function in a similar way; however, as extra plumbing hardware, they are prone to leaky plumbing connections and can prove difficult for fine flow adjustment. As added components, these valves add undesirable length and size to the showerhead.

“The Green Choice showerhead is truly a ‘green as you want to be’ technology,” said ShowerTek president Tom Christianson. “It allows consumers to save money and conserve water – but not at the expense of an effective shower. No costly flow control valve installation is necessary to take an effective shower while doing your part for the environment.”

Installation of the Green Choice showerhead is as easy as changing a light bulb. Simply unscrew the existing showerhead and screw the Green Choice fitting onto the shower pipe. There is nothing to mount – no screws, suction cups or double stick tape. Then lather, rinse and repeat.

To minimize the product’s environmental footprint, the Green Choice showerhead is packaged almost entirely with recycled or recyclable materials. The Green Choice wall mount showerhead is available for US MSRP $24.95, the Green Choice Hand Held shower is available for US MSRP $29.95 online and a special combo model is available through Costco and other US retailers. For more information or to purchase, please visit: www.showertek.com/luxury-showerheads-c-65.html.

Viva Terra Offers Eco-Friendly Options for Home and Style

Valery Amador — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 22:35:10 +0000

Looking for great eco-friendly accents for your home? Check out Viva Terra!

All of their products reflect a commitment to:

ecology and elegance: The finest goods that uniquely fuse exceptional quality and design with eco sensitivities.

organic, sustainable sources: The purest ingredients and sustainable resources possible – selected to be the best available.

earth and people friendly: Partners and suppliers who share our values and work to make a positive difference in the world.

handcrafted by artisans: Distinctive goods of uncommon value, handcrafted by passionate designers and artisans.

celebrate life: Celebrate life and human spirit by honoring traditions from cultures around the world.

Visit online at vivaterra.com