Help us design the next generation of beach toys

I would like your help in designing our first product for Zoë b Toys: The world's first biodegradable and compostable beach toy set.

But I haven't yet decided on the exact design, colors, or price. That's where you come in. I am hoping you'll take just a few minutes to fill out a 3-page survey. (it's all multiple choice, and not to worry, there are no wrong answers.) With your help, the set will be available for Summer 2011. Thank you for your time!

Valerie Lecoeur

ZOE B TOYS SURVEY

Safe Munch School Lunch Eco-Fundraiser

Each year we dutifully sign our little ones up try and raise money for a good cause. Wouldn't it be wonderful if this year, we not only did our part to raise money for the cause, but also were able to offer our friends, family and neighbors a way to help the environment by purchasing safe, affordable lunch gear instead of wrapping paper or cookies.

Safe Munch School Lunch Eco-Fundraiser has answered the call. This exciting new fundraising concept offers a nice range of BPA, PVC, Phthalate and Melamine-free lunch containers. All of which are reusable and waste-free which could enable the parents to pack a healthy school lunch for their precious little ones.

So how does it work?

You can choose to do website drives or catalog drives. Website drives are the quickest way for your organization to start earning money. Catalog drives are your traditional fundraiser with catalog and order forms available to download.

Register your non-for profit organization and get started today.

Have you seen the miYim Simply Organic: Dr. Suess Eco-Plush Collection?

The Cat in the Hat and Horton have gone green! This line of Dr. Suess characters are made from cotton that's untreated, unprocessed, and unbleached, both products are at the top of the class when it comes to being planet friendly. They are colored with miYim's all-natural PureWaterWash process using only plants and minerals. These classics have passed extensive testing and are certified non-toxic. It’s nice to know there are safe alternatives for your children, even in their favorite characters.

Take a look at them HERE.

The Story of Cosmetics: The Scary Truth of Hidden Toxic Chemicals

Did you ever stop to consider what is in all those products that we slather on our skin? What is that fragrance? How do I pronounce many of the ingredients listed, let alone know what they contain? Where are the results from third party testing proving these ingredients are safe for human use?

The Story of Cosmetics was created by The Story of Stuff Project with free range studios and in conjunction with The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. This video examines from start to finish the pervasive use of potentially toxic chemicals in everyday personal care products– products we use because most of us believe that somebody – somebody like our government regulatory bodies – has decided that the products and their ingredients are safe. But that isn’t the case – the FDA only bans 9 ingredients in personal care products and regulates colorants. Other than that, cosmetic companies are pretty much free to use what they want. Compare this to the European Union, which has banned or limited more than 1,100 ingredients in cosmetic products.

It continues by examining health implications of the decision of major manufacturers to use these ingredients in our everyday products, while telling us they are safe even though 99% have never been tested.




Learn more about The Story of Cosmetics in their FAQ at http://storyofstuff.org/pdfs/cosmetics/SoCos_faqs.pdf

Nellie’s PVC-free Dryer Balls

As you have probably heard, the majority of dryer balls available on the market are made from PVC, except Nellie’s Dryer Balls. Just like the same great dryer ball, you came to rely on to reduce your drying time by 25% and fluff up your clothes naturally, but now also readily recyclable. They have an all new fragrance option to ensure your clothes come out smelling clean. And to top it all off, the fragrance is a subtle scent of essential oils making it phthalate-free. This dryer ball is a great toxic-free alternative.

Blue Ribbon General Store was kind enough to offer our readers a 20% discount using the code “zoeb”.

Go Green and Reuse with Thred Up

As we all know kids grow so fast, keeping up with them can be challenging. Let alone the constant battle of trying to figure out what to do with the piles of clothes they have outgrown. We recently stumbled upon company created to help America’s busiest families to conveniently exchange kids clothing online, Thred Up.

• How it works: Take one out. Put one in.
• Browse online listings of boxes of gently-worn kids clothing
• Conveniently Swap with Friends
• List Clothing Your Child Has Outgrown
• Join the 100% free Membership- all you pay is shipping and handling or become a Pro Member
  

It’s that easy! And Thred Up is offering our readers a special 20% discount on a Pro membership using the code "zoe" today through July 9th. PRO members have a VIP like experience on the site (more detail about items in each box, access to the "notes" section, exposure to our special promotions and giveaways).

Reusable fabric wall stickers from Stickytiki

Brilliant and fun, reusable fabric wall stickers from Stickytiki. Every original art is hand painted then printed by Kim and Si, 2 really cool moms from New Zealand, onto their fabric decal (no nasty PVC decals) to create a beautiful unique learning décor for your child's space. Nothing computer generated here.....You wont find too fluffy or too sweet,....and best of all there is nothing mass produced about this Alphabet. You wont find anything else like it in the world! I am ordering one now. They are available in small, medium and large.

Get free shipping from New Zealand, mention Zoe b when ordering on Etsy at Stickytiki.

A Father's Day Gift to Keep Dad Green, Fit and Happy

This Father’s Day give Dad a gift that will move him, keep him green and make him feel special!

Taga is an ingenious child carrier bicycle + baby stroller all-in-one. Now Dad and baby can ride to the hardware store together, and then watch the magic happen once they arrive. Taga converts to a great stroller for browsing the tool section in style. It travels well, easily folding to fit in the trunk of a car.

My favorite features:

• Makes it easy for Dad to spend fun time with baby, cycling, and being green - all at the same time!
• Dad no longer has to suffer while pushing the pink pram you think is adorable.
• Toggling from a bike to a stroller only takes 20 seconds or less. See video below.
  

Involve Your Kids in Cooking with the Handstand Kids Cookbooks

We recently discovered a unique and interesting cookbook created for kids. The Handstand Kids Cookbook Company creates international cookbook kits that introduce children to the culture, language, and cuisine of a new country. Each cookbook kit includes a unique cooking accessory, such as a chef's hat in the Italian kit.

In addition to exploring the delicious recipes of a different country, their cookbooks also introduce kids to the country's language. All of the ingredients and utensils are translated in to the country's primary language, and then the translated words are used in the recipes to help children learn the language as they cook. What a fantastic combination of learning and fun!

Finding ways to involve your children in cooking is a fantastic way to promote health and nutrition, explore different cultures, and encourage family togetherness.

EWG Releases 2010 Sunscreen Guide

This time of year as we begin to gear up for fun in the sun, the question “which sunscreen is safest for my children” is always weighing on my mind. Although, the best sunscreen is a hat and shirt, I like to have a cream on hand for those long days at the lake or pool.

It can be quite confusing with so many choices on the market. That’s when I turn the Environmental Working Group's Sunscreen Guide. It’s chalked full of surprising truths and facts. They even have an extensive list of safe sunscreens.

Here are the basics principles of finding a safer sunscreen:

1. Make sure the active ingredient is zinc or titanium
2. Avoid sprays, powders and products with bug repellent
3. Apply 30 minutes before going outside and at least every 2 hours
4. Look for 0-2 hazardous rating
5. Limit sun exposure
   

If you follow these 5 simple steps, you too can have a safe summer under the sun.

Episencial and Soleo are two of EWG's highest-ranked sunscreen brands and are offering a discount to our readers to help get you started using the safest option possible!

• Save 15% on Episencial's Sunny Sunscreen with the discount code "TSLEPI". Expires June 19th.
• Save 15% off any size of the Soleo sunscreens at CarenOnline.com with the discount code "zoebsoleo15”. Expires July 15th.

ECOLunchbox Stainless Steel Tiffins Are Perfect for Kids

This three-in-one stainless steel lunchbox from ECOLunchbox is a handy for packing a plastic-free child's lunch without the worry of chemicals leaching into their meal. I don't know about you, but my kids don't like their foods them mixed together, so ECO Lunchbox tiffins are perfect.

• Perfect for an older child who can open it easily
• Big enough to store a healthy size sandwich and two sides, yet small enough that is won’t take up too much room in their backpack
• No additional lunch sack necessary, although it’s made to fit the cloth ECOlunchbag
• Free of BPA, PVC Phthalates
• Great alternative to plastic lunch containers
• Completely recyclable

And the best news is that our friends at The Soft Landing are offering a amazing 30% discount on the ECOlunches rectangle tiffin set to our readers! Enter the discount code "zoebecolunch30" during checkout through May 31, 2010. Limit one per order. While supplies last.

Ella's Kitchen Organic Baby Food

Joanie from Real Baby Real Food introduced me to a new a line of organic baby food now available in the United States, Ella’s Kitchen. This company was created out of a father’s passion for his daughter, believing that she, along with her generation, should have the opportunity to eat better food and also to discover that healthy food can be fun, tasty and cool.

Ella’s Kitchen comes in different and fun combination of vegetables and fruits like broccoli, pears and peas or peaches and bananas.

What i really like about it, is the fact they use no added ingredients other than 100% organic fruits and vegetables, not even water. And it comes in easy to squeeze resealable Tetra pack pouches, which are BPA and Phthalates free. They make a great snack for lunches at school or on the go.

The other great things about Ella's Baby Food is that you can find it almost anywhere including Wholefoods, Babies R Us and Diapers.com.

Furry Vengeance

My kids and i laughed at the trailer. Furry Vengeance is a fun way to talk with your kids about the impact we have on nature. The movie is also promoting a Social Action Campaign that will focus on the importance of endangered species and habitat preservation. They will engage elementary students nationwide with a customize package including activities and materials. It is coming out this Friday. I would love to hear from you if you make it to the theater this weekend.

Check out the movie website and their take part page.

"Let's Get Outside" by Jennifer Ward

I think the best way to celebrate Earth Day is to spend time outside with our children and enjoy being outdoors. Jennifer Ward's new book will help you with tips and activities to get you and your kids closer to nature. Sections of the book include:

• Back to Basics: Reconnecting with twists on traditional games and activities such as Capture the Flag
• Making the Ordinary Extraordinary: Picnics, doing homework outdoors, and socializing opportunities outdoors
• Outdoor Adventures: Canoeing, biking, and camping
• Environmental Experiments: Ways to explore how nature works

Get 10% off the entire store with code EARTH at Fawn and Forest, offer ends 04/23/2010.

Win a Water Saving Kit

Yesterday was World Water Day, an international day of observance and action to draw attention to the role that freshwater plays in our world and lives. We are lucky to have access to safe water but one in eight people in the world don’t have access to it, millions of women and children must still spend several hours a day collecting water from distant, often polluted sources, and 2.5 billion people live without a toilet. Please watch this video from Annie Leonard about bottled water, send me a comment by Friday, March 26 at valerie[@]zoeborganic.com and you can win a water saving kit (value $49.99.)

World Water Day, the Story of Bottled Water, It's Easy Being Green Water Saving Kits.

BPA-free Chili, Finally!

Let me begin by saying I pride myself on my chili-making. But whipping up a batch without tomatoes and beans from BPA-lined cans has been a real challenge. So I'm happy to report I've found a solution: Eden Foods and Parmalat sell canned beans and chopped tomatoes in Tetra Pack packaging, respectively, without the worrisome chemical. They may be more expensive than regular canned beans and tomatoes, but they're definitely worth it. If you have your own, BPA-free chili recipe you'd like to share, by all means please post them on Comments.

To learn more about BPA in canned foods, visit Edens Food. You can find Pomi products (from Parmalat) in your local supermarket or online.

Jamie Oliver Food Revolution

I hope you will take 20 minutes to watch this video of Jamie Oliver at the 2010 TED conference. Even though i try my best to feed my kids healthy food, i am not perfect and i could do much better (we love chocolate.) I was really inspired by Mr Oliver, it reminded me how i saw my mom cook and how much i learned from her. Are my kids learning healthy eating habits from me? Not always. Do my kids know what a cauliflower is? I am ashamed to say they don't. With our busy schedule, we forget what is important and instead of always running from and to after school activities, maybe one after school activity should be cooking with our kids not for them. I am doing it this week. Please share with me your thoughts.
For my e-mail readers, please click on this link to see the video: Jamie Oliver.

Perfect natural rubber pacifier for nursing babies

Why is a rounded pacifiers better for nursing babies? The rounded shape tends to work better for breast-fed babies because the tongue is positioned under the nipple as it is during breast-feeding--helping prevent nipple confusion. About 80% of babies tend to move pacifiers around in their mouths. Because the tongue’s position never changes, European midwives recommend starting babies on rounded pacifiers. Natursutten pacifiers are also chemical-free (no BPA or phthalates) and the one piece design eliminates cracks where bacteria can hide.

Get 10% on all Natursutten pacifiers at Zoë b Organic with coupon code rounded, offer ends 03/15/2010.

Clementine Art Giveaway

Clementine Art is a Boulder, CO based company that has created the first all natural line of children’s art supplies that include crayons, markers, paint, play dough, and glue. Clementine Art provides little hands with the natural, simple and lovely art products they need with no chemicals dyes or additives.

To win a Clementine Art gift set (value of $27), please visit their website http://www.clementineart.com and e-mail me by 02/28/2010 your favorite products from Clementine Art at valerie[at]zoeborganic.com.

Eco-Nuts Natural Laundry Detergents

I was very skeptical when i first received an e-mail about Eco-Nuts but i was intrigued. I did get a free sample from Eco-Nuts to try at home. Having a daughter going through potty training, i had the perfect laundry test and i was amazed at the results. It is easy, put 4 nuts in a cloth bag (provided in the box) and let the nuts do the work. Eco Nuts® are gentle on both clothes and skin, making them ideal for those with sensitive skin, eczema, allergies and psoriasis. Because they are so mild, they are perfect for baby clothes and cloth diapers. The antimicrobial properties of Eco Nuts® also make them great for septic and grey water systems. Eco-Nuts come from a tree, so they are 100% natural. And bye bye plastic detergent bottles, they come in a recycled paper box. A family box of 50 loads cost $12.00.

I had to carry them on Zoë b Organic, so get 30% off use code nuts at check out. Offer ends 02/29/2010.