Five Favorite Etsy Stores- Advent Calendar

I want to keep highlighting amazing makers in the US, and I feel like my Etsy links can get caught in the more mainstream shuffle. So starting a series to focus on the greatest stuff we have found. 

Nomad Fine Art

Advent gets downplayed in the hustle and bustle of the season, but I know it has a pretty big role in our house. An advent calendar seems to be spiritual enough that it doesn't have a huge market (thank goodness) but you can get an amazing and meaningful advent calendar on Etsy. Of all the things I have researched this season, these might be my favorite. 

Baby What Knots (Indiana)- I LOVE this one so much. You can buy a little tree and 25 little ornaments to go with it. Really pretty and would look great in a kid space or even a minimal space without room for the tree.

Nomad Fine Art (California) sells a bunch of advent calendars that are modern, thoughtful, beautiful, and shockingly cheap. I especially love the clip and copper pipe ones, because I think you could incorporate it into a reverse Advent calendar, where each day leading up to Christmas you donate belongings as a family. These look so cool, and you could use them in so many ways to best fit your family's traditions.

Knoll Wood Lane (Missouri)- These simple unfinished wood boxes could look a million different types of beautiful depending on how you decorate it. I think this could be really cool, or even make a great gift for a couple's first Christmas. Even though this is simple, it is my favorite. If you are more of a felt DIYer, check out the Sugar House Shop.

N and B Specialties (South Carolina) makes art for your home out of reclaimed wood (one of my favorite things). They have a simple and rustic Advent tree that would look good with lots of decor but I think it looks even cooler like this outside! I love how sweet and simple this one is.

French Melody sells cool printables, but this flock of advent sheep is my favorite by far! If you are going to do it, put it on recycled paper, so you are supporting a nearby small business AND saving a tree from coming down! Double win! Also, this looks like a fun project to do with a teen or older child (or awesome adult).

Want even more eco-friendly and local shopping inspiration? Check out my Giant List of Ethical and Eco-Friendly Shopping Lists. 

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5 Things for the Last Five Days- Tables, Toothbrushes, and Ending Plastic in France

The election and the discourse around it has really been bumming me out the past few days (really, how did this happen?), but there are actually so many awesome things going on too, so let's focus on that.

1. Another Family Project- Our table and chairs cost us less than 150 dollars in all (Buy Nothing plus Antique Liquidators), but it also costs a lot of time. We have been working on this set off and on for a year (though progress was halted by a pregnant wife and Seattle rain). This week, the Boy's dad got in on the sanding action, and we have some real momentum going again. It sounds silly, but I am happy to have some sanding dust blowing around again, and even if the table has not been our most timely adventure, it will be that much cooler when it is done.

Preserve on Amazon

2. Preserve Kids' Toothbrushes- The Bub has graduated from his banana brush, and lucky for us, you can buy Preserve kids toothbrushes in bulk and save a little money. Even better, they donate money to saving wildlife for every brush you buy! Eat that Oral-B! Happy to be making a slightly better world for him. Also happy he will stop trying to steal our toothbrushes because he has his own. Because toothbrush-sharing is gross.

3.France Bans Plastic Cups and Cutlery- YES! Between this news and Morocco's ban on plastic bags, it is a good time to be a bougie environmentalist. Hopefully within our lifetime, everyone will follow suit so our oceans can start getting cleaner instead of nastier! If you want to join in on avoiding plastic disposables now, check out this post for tons of better options.

4. Okay, No More Buying Things- Holy crow, we bought a car. We have shared the same Dodge Neon that The Boy got for his 16th birthday for years. It will be good, because now we can fit another person in the backseat, so we aren't quite as stranded when we have company. And we got a Prius, so we will cut down on our footprint that way eventually (at least we are moving in the right direction). But having a child, refinancing a house, and buying a car in one month is enough adulting to last us the rest of the year, right? One of the bonuses of buying less is that you literally buy less, so I am done fretting over any adult money-spending for a while.

5. Seventh Generation was Bought out by Unilever- Why would I be excited this company I have loved was bought by a huge conglomerate? Won't I have to switch over a lot of our house basics? Probably, but that is Future Barbara's problem, and for now I am just pumped that eco-conscious companies have enough juice that they look like good investments. This is EXACTLY what this blog is talking about- the more you buy environmentally-responsible items, the more companies get the picture. The first place I read about this saw Seventh Generation as a niche market for hipsters, but I am not a hipster. Just a person who cares. Wrong, sucker! This is important, because it shows Seventh Generation and recycled paper goods and organic cleaning supplies in general have broad appeal. If you aren't on board yet, now is as good a time as any- just switching to recycled paper towels and tissues will save hundreds of thousands of trees.

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Throwback Thursday- 10 Things I've Learned in Two Years of Watching my Amazing Aunt Fight Cancer

from www.cwc4women.com

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness month, and when I started poking around looking for resources to send people to, I was shocked just how sparse and often negative the personal writing around Ovarian and Metastatic cancers is. Breast cancer has the market cornered in a way I don't think is necessarily useful to everyone.

 My Aunt Ann, who I have mentioned many times here, has been living with cancer at different levels since they first found a tumor in her abdomen over two years ago. A lot has happened since then, and I have been struck again and again by how much of it has been positive, how continuously inspiring she is, and how much I have learned from her as she has fought through it. When someone says "cancer" a number of really dark associations immediately pop up, and for good reason, but I want to put it out there that strange goodness comes out of it as well (talk about grace).

I also want to put the disclaimer here that even though Aunt Ann is on my heart and in my prayers everyday, I am not in the first circle of support to her in Tennessee. I consider my role to be a support to my cousin and my mother who are really on the front lines and to be a fresh breathe of air when I can tell any of them need it. Part of this means that when those dark moments have come, I usually hear about the secondhand, especially through the emotion of my mother, and I show up later. Until they get a teleporter, I won't be able to be there as soon as I would like to be. I think being present for those moments would change what I am writing here, but maybe not as much as I would have expected in the beginning. I want to write about this because these things do run so deeply that you feel really exposed, vulnerable, and flippant trying to talk about it.But like so many things like that, hearing other people's experiences can be really encouraging.

So if you have someone you love going through it, feel free to add to my list of things learned/ worth feeling good about. God is strange and wonderful in his ways, and I will never ever be able to say I don't believe in miracles after seeing how much joy can thrive in our family in the face of something so ugly. So with no further ado-

10. Cancer is Just a Jerk- The disease is just the jerkiest disease ever, and Ovarian Cancer is particularly nasty because by the time they find it, it has made itself comfy all through you, like sand in your swimsuit on a beach day. Cancer is sneaky, twisty, and seems to know how to kick you when you are already down. Chemo, and this is perhaps said less often, is also a huge jerk. It gets talked about like a hero, but it's like sending a bully to fight another bully, but they both treat you really badly. You just have to maintain a positive attitude and hope they cancel each other out. Also, every experience with chemo is different, from person to person and chemo to chemo. Just because you have gone through it or seen someone you love go through it doesn't mean you are an expert, or that you can predict another person's experience at all.  Aunt Ann has gone through a number of different chemotherapies, and most of them have had really different effects on her. So if you are going through it, just know that one chemo won't behave like the next one.

9. Everybody has a role to play, and all the roles matter- I basically imagine Aunt Ann being at the center of a target with people occupying different supportive roles in each circle. She has Rob at the center, and Shelly and my Mom probably in that second rung. Some people are further from her, but their consistency of support has made a huge difference. We all have differing levels of closeness and differing relationships with her, but they are all important. It never stops being surprising to just see how far a card can go for lifting her spirit, and she has shed tears to me multiple times talking about mail and care packages she has received. That larger circle, where people really are further away, still makes a huge difference, so I really encourage you to send your loved one with cancer something little. It can be easy to forget, especially when they have been fighting for a long time, but that means they need more support, not less! I know I could always be doing better with this. All kinds of support really do make a difference, and those people right at the center of her support target need loved on too!

8. If you are living with cancer, you are still living, you are still you, and you still have a life- I think this is one I really didn't understand before.When you imagine a very serious cancer, you imagine someone frail in the hospital bed and life coming to a screeching halt. Those days have happened, to be sure, but it is also moving to see the many ways Aunt Ann's life keeps developping forward! It definitely doesn't look like it did before, and I know that is a struggle, but she still does things with her girlfriends. And she is a grandma (Gigi) now! And she still has a great laugh. And she still is just her so you don't even think to say "still." Cancer, I am pretty sure I mentioned this, is a big old jerk, but even if it has slowed her down, it is beautiful and encouraging to see all the ways that it hasn't kept her from living (also, thank goodness these things keep getting better, so she can just go home).

7. Just How Much Family and Love is an Action (And One you just have to Keep Doing)- My mother, in my opinion, is a badass, always late, crazy busy angel of a woman, and I think I have never felt more inspired by her efforts to be a devoted sister than in the last 2 years. She is so committed to her sister, even when she is not there, and Ann is the same to her. If I can't get a hold of Janet (not an uncommon occurrence), I know I can ask Aunt Ann, and she will know what is up. After 50 years of sisterhood, these two women still put the time and effort in to keep their relationship vibrant, changing, and alive. I love that, and I can see that they BOTH need it as my aunt keeps on this fight. My Mom (and her EPIC frequent flyer miles) show me that closeness is about priorities, that love is an action, and that commenting isn't caring (showing up is).

Last Thanksgiving, (nearly) our whole family came together to celebrate and it was an embarrassing gratitude weepfest for all involved. The Moffitt-Guth family is a big strange hybrid octopus of a thing, where we probably won't ALL be in the same room, where lots of people aren't related by blood, and where multiple health issues chip away at our collective mobility. But we are still growing and alive because people take care of the bonds they have and try to keep in touch. And people have stepped it up in some ways in the past few years, I think partially because Ann's illness served as a reminder that this time matters and those bonds matter. Some things cost money, but thoughtful emails and phone calls and skyping don't. Currently, nothing in the world drives me crazier than seeing other sides of my family crown themselves as finished, on to a new phase, mourning the good old days, etc, when staying together is still so damn easy, because everyone is healthy, mobile, and not all that spread out. Everyone has their priorities, and that is fine, but don't think you are kidding anyone by covering up with excuses. If Ann can still be a great sister, daughter, aunt, and mother, then I think we can all step up our game. Family is a thing you just have to keep working at, and the strength, love, and mutual support of my mom and aunt's relationship continually inspires me to keep putting that work in.

6. The Power of Prayer- I believed in prayer before, but now I can really see the awesome power of directed and intentional prayer. I see how the prayer really lifted her spirits and how her name spread around spiritual communities to give her support. I feel that people can really feel when they are being prayed for, and I believe that God has answered a lot of prayers in this situation (not always in the ways we expect, but that seems to be His MO). I feel like this is one of those statements that can be sticky, because so many cancer patients see less positive outcomes (as they have before in our family), but I believe God has provided a lot of healing, hope, and positivity for Ann, and I am super grateful for that.

5. An individual can do really hard things when the situation calls for it- This may seem like a no-brainer, but think about it. How does someone get through waking up from surgery to find out they have cancer? Or how do they bounce back from surgery when they have even more chemo to look forward to? How does someone keep showing up for chemo after 2 years of that miserable junk? She just does it. And this is the sweetest woman with the softest heart, but she finds that strength time after time. She gets less credit than she deserves, because it takes so much courage and power to face what she faces. Total badass. It has taught me that even when things look impossible or insurmountable, if it's what you have to do, you do it.

4. B Level Blessings really Teach Gratitude- This is my theory: we all have tons of blessings we don't notice (and in fact often pick at) like our jobs, our close relationships, and most of all our healthy bodies. Then, when you take one of these things, especially a healthy body, completely away, you suddenly become WAY more appreciative of the smaller blessings that make up for it. For example, I don't know how many times I have cheered on the phone because my Aunt's weight went up over 100 pounds. Or been totally elated that she has better CA-125 numbers, not even good ones, just that number going down. That momentum toward getting something that the rest of us take for granted creates ridiculous gratitude and excitement. Now why don't the rest of us feel elated that we have the privilege of wanting to lose weight or that we don't have to worry about our health in a way that dominates our life and time? Those B Level blessings, when what we take for granted is taken away, are so incredibly precious and valuable, and that gratitude can change everyone's life.

3. Today is a miracle, so there is no reason to think tomorrow won't be a miracle too-I say this one to my Mom every time she is having a down or scared moment, but I really believe it. When you first hear this diagnosis, or people start talking Ovarian cancer, you will hear statistics and stories. They are likely to not be encouraging. Not encouraging AT ALL. People around you (and around the closest family members) will say really dumb, unhelpful, and discouraging things even if their heart is in the right place. When that A Level blessing (which is an illusion anyway) of unlimited time gets taken away, you realize just how precious each day is. You can see where she is defeating odds and taking names. And you know she didn't do it by herself, but with God's help. I believe in remission for my Aunt, because time and time again, things have turned around, they have gotten better, and those odds have not applied. We can't expect God to give us infinite time here on Earth, that's not the deal, but we can appreciate that every day, despite being pretty vulnerable little things, we keep going and have the chance to do better. Aunt Ann is living proof of God's miracles every day, good or bad, and I think it's good to remember that is actually true of all of us.

2. About the True Nature of Sickness (It's a Marathon, not a Sprint)- I read somewhere early on that we think of Cancer as a shock to the system, but it actually is like constant waves against a shore. It keeps moving and changing over time, and its effects are cumulative. My aunt has been so wise to fight for time to emotionally and physically heal throughout her treatment, but this would be my advice to anyone who has a loved one going through it- this isn't going to take a few weeks, or even a few months, it might be years before you get that good news, so take care of yourself too. Succumbing to panic or feeling frustration that things aren't happening fast enough will only work against you, so take breaks when you need them but be sure to keep coming back. That person who is fighting is on a long road, so if you can help carry them or lift their spirits even for a while, you will make a world of difference.

1.The Insane, Miraculous, Amazing Power of Simply Staying Positive (and Having Faith)-  Aunt Ann is ridiculously good to sticking to her priorities, taking it a day at a time, and at being positive. Does she have her days? Hell yes, wouldn't you? But overall, she seems cheerful, grateful, and prayerful. She is also often making plans for the future, which I think is awesome. She has missed a couple of things because of being sick, but I always think about her plans for the future or for other cool things we have to look forward to (Thanksgiving and first birthdays next year in Tennessee? Group trip to Hawaii someday? etc). There have been times where she has made my mother crazy because Janet would be so much more aggressive or fiesty about things, but Ann's calm and positive attitude has served her so well through this whole thing.

You don't have to lie when things suck, but wallowing never helped anyone either, and she is a master at the mental game that comes with this disease. Be positive and focus on the things you love. That is what Aunt Ann has taught me through this, and I have so much love and admiration for her.

So that is what I have noticed, good and bad, about taking on cancer from watching her experiences- who out there has also supported a loved one through cancer? What did you learn? Or if you have cancer, how can people better back you up through it?

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Greening the Dorm- The Eco-Friendly Dorm Room Shopping List Part One

When you leave for college, you are faced with the longest "Back to School" Shopping List of your life. There is so much stuff, that I can't think of one college freshman who didn't have at least a run or two to Walmart or Target to get all the things they forgot. It's part of the rite of passage.

Because it's your (or your child's) first time out on your/his or her own, it makes sense to lean on the cheap side. They are moving into a space they will definitely leave in months, so why spend too much gussing it up? I don't disagree (I certainly don't have much left from my college dorm ten years later), but buying a bunch of Made in China junk comes at a big environmental cost:

This stuff isn't built to last. It's essentially landfill-filler already.

- This stuff has traveled a long way. When your stuff travels (way further than you do), it has numerous negative environmental effects. These items increase your carbon footprint exponentially. Think about how much more gas it takes to travel half way around the world vs. one state away. Now multiply it by everything on your list.

- This stuff comes with baggage. Labor baggage. If you are a Christian or an American who believes in the worker, buying this stuff directly undermines your morals. So often, way too often, "Made in Elsewhere" and a cheap price means "made by someone treated very very badly." That's why it is so cheap.

- This stuff is made of environmentally-stinky (that's a scientific term) materials. If the idea is to make it as cheaply as possible, it doesn't get cheaper than plastic. The problem is, plastic essentially lasts forever and is made of petrochemicals. They say we are the plastic generation, but we don't have to be.

So, the three steps to take for a more Environmentally Conscious Dorm Room (that your room mate won't even suspect is any different)-

1. Use what you already have- Oh, you need to bring blankets with you to college? Let me make a wild guess you already have some at home. Or a garbage can. Or a rug or coffee maker your parents are ready to part with. You can save so much money by just going with what you already have. Newness feels appropriate because everything is so new, but a little of the familiar can save you money.

Use what the room already has too- the college wants to overcharge you for a mini-fridge? Well, what are you going to do with the one you buy? Take the options that leave you with the least new baggage.

2. Get it Used!! Just stop at consignment stores first. You know what happened last year? And the year before that? People moved into dorm rooms or their first apartments using stuff they weren't going to want 12 months later. If you are in a college town, shop at Goodwill before you stop at Walmart- you can probably find almost everything on that last minute list, for way cheap, and you are saving things from landfills. Also, look into whether your college's area has a Buy Nothing. We live by a small college, and I have given college kids so much of our old stuff to get them started on their first apartments. I know the town I went to college in - State College PA- has it's own Buy Nothing as well.Buy Nothing is a goldmine for college students.

3. Get it Local, Recycled, or Made in America- This is where things stop being cheap or free and start getting expensive. Don't stress. Maybe you can't switch everything over, and that is ok. The idea isn't to do everything perfectly, but always try to do a little bit better. I will try to find you the best/ most affordable options so you don't have to search for every little thing, and you can get the things that work for you! Prioritize what will travel with you through places.

I found so many lists to follow online, but I thought this one from Honestly Haley covered all the bases. I left a few out that seemed crazy to me. So this is everything we are going to try to cover:

Big Things- TV, Microwave, Printer, Fan, Rug, Coffee Maker, Vaccuum
Bathroom- Shower Caddy, Washclothes, Scrubbies, Shower Shoes, Robe, Towels, Toiletries
Bedroom- Blankets, Sheets (2 sets), Mattress Pad, Bed Risers, Lamp, Trash Can, Pillows
Decorations and Storage- Drawers, Command Strips, Corkboard, Ottoman, Hangers, Hamper, Mirror, Photos, Poster
Kitchen- Travel Mug, Reusable Water Bottle, Silverware, Can Opener, Dish Towel, Pot Holders, Tupperware, Plates, Bowls, Mugs, Ziploc Bags
Electronics- Headphones, Cell Phone Charger, Computer Charger, Flash Drive, Surge Protectors, Extension Cord
Cleaning and Laundry- Dish Soap, Cleaning Wipes, Paper Towels, Trash Bags, Lint Roller, Air Freshener, Landry Basket, Detergent, Stain Remover
Other- Batteries, Flashlight, Duct Tape, Umbrella, Games, Playing Cards, Travel Bag

Oy, it's a lot. We will split it into two parts, so check part 2 if you can't find something. Let's do this, people!

Big Things

TV

Our Pick- There is only one option that makes any sense, environmentally or otherwise. Take a used TV with you. Get a super cheap used TV from Goodwill or Buy Nothing. Do not bring an expensive new television with you- you are asking for it to get stolen. Even if you get an apartment, you will have so many people go through your space. Our Goodwill always has little tvs. Are they amazing?? No. But they will do the trick. Anything more than this is a fool's game.

Microwave

Our Pick- Some colleges will rent these out, and I really think that is probably your best option if you want to be eco-friendly. The same microwave will get lots of use, and less will end up in a landfill.

Other Options- Some family member has a microwave sitting in their basement or you can get one for cheap at Goodwill. I would start there. No microwaves that I know of are still made in the States, but I think this is still an easy one to start off with a used one.

Printer

Our Pick- First, I am not confident you actually need a printer in your room anymore. Even when I was in school, it was easy to send myself a file and print it in a computer room before heading to class. By the time I was finished at Grad school, lots of faculty were accepting assignments by email. Even if you do pay for printing, it would probably add up to less than a printer.

Other Options-  If you do have a printer, you can definitely go eco-friendly on the paper by only buying recycled paper. Buying in larger quantities will also save on money and packaging. You have so many options here- Printworks sells paper made in the US that is 100% recycled. Staples and Boise Aspen have great recycled printer paper options as well. Right now, our tree consumption is way too fast, so if you want to still have clean air when you retire, it's time to switch over to recycled paper permanently.

Fan

Our Pick- Holmes sells a well-reviewed, made in the USA, and 100% recycled fan. So why are we buying any other fans? This is one of my favorite things.

Other Options- I can't find anything as great as that fan, but I do have a couple Made in America options. Air King  and Lasko are made in America (with "globally-sourced" components).

Rugs

Our Pick- We bought a rug from Walmart for our dorm room, and it was so poorly made it didn't stand up to much wear. It didn't even make it through the college years with me. If you can find one used, I definitely think that is the best bet. You can find so many cute little rugs in consignment stores, but usually at a cheap price so you save money. You could even try used furniture stores- they always seem to have a lot of rugs.

Other Options- If you want to buy a rug, check out braided rugs and rag rugs on Etsy (60,000 options). They are super hearty, so they should last a long time, maybe even making it to future apartments .Even better, you can find rugs like these from Rag Rug Road that are made of recycled fabric! Score! You can also try Cotton Craft for gorgeous braided and recycled rugs.

If you need a rug pad, try this one from Gorilla Grip. You have tons of options here as well- you could do an indoor/outdoor rug made out of recycled plastic like these ones from Santa Barbara. Not the most homey, but it can stand up to college level wear.

Coffee Maker

Our Pick- Used! Well, it totally depends on how much of a coffee drinker you have on your hands. If you don't care that much about it, take one of your parents' backups with you or find one in a consignment store (this is just the kind of thing you can find more easily in a college town). If coffee holds a more Gilmore-esque place in your life, Bunn coffeemakers have great reviews and they are still manufactured in the States.

Other Options- Everything else seems to be made in China, six of one half a dozen of the other, situations. I would 100% not recommend a Keurig unless you are buying a coffee maker for a hoard of different coffee drinkers, so it is not for a small dorm room (so wasteful in most cases).

Vaccuum

Our Pick- Get a used one! Again, it isn't worth it to do anything big. You want to pick something that can live in a small closet. I might even recommend looking for dust busters over a full vaccuum.

Other Options- If you do go new, I have an awesome option for you. Metro Vac sells a small handheld vacuum that comes similarly priced to any standing vacuum, but it has awesome reviews, is made in America, will last to be your handheld for a long time, and has great reviews. They have a couple of models, but I think this is your most practical bet.

Bathroom

Shower Caddy

from Somer's Cove Canvas

Our Pick- There are a few options for shower caddies on Etsy- Somer's Cove Canvas sells what I think I would get- simple, mostly mesh, and easy to throw in the laundry. That looks the most practical to me. Clar USA makes simple mesh bags that might be perfect for the job. Gebbie's Embroidery has a cloth one that looks great to me.

Other Options- The Club Bag sells a simple mesh bag that isn't going to fill your roommates with envy, but it would get the job done.

Washclothes

Our Pick- Again, some to spare from home might work just fine. Washing works the same in college. If not, Bamboosa mostly makes washclothes for babies, but their clothes are super soft. I would go this route.

Other Options- If you can get washclothes that are made of recycled or American cotton with American labor, that's your best route. A few options- Blue Point, Marquis Mills, and Smiling Gaia.

 Scrubbies

Our Pick- Did you know that eco-friendly loofahs are already a big thing? I didn't! Then again, I am not a loofah girl. These ones from Impressa Products are 100% made of recycled material and are also recyclable.

Other Options- Buddha Bath sells recycled loofahs too, and they come in a wide variety of colors.

 Shower Shoes

Our Pick- Okabashi or Oka-B sells simple water proof flip flops out of rubber and Made in America. 100% the winner for guys and ladies. Not too expensive and well-reviewed, Used flip flops seem kind of against the point of shower shoes, so this probably does the trick.

 Towels

Our Pick- I like Big Ass Towels. I appreciate the sass, the fact they are made domestically, and that the towels are a little bit larger. If communal bathrooms are going to be part of your life, a slightly larger towel might do a lot of good in covering your business.

Other Options- More Made in America Towels- Gilbin, 1888 Mills, Made Here, and Wholesale Plumbing. This is also another one where your parents might have towels near retirement that would do just fine for you.

Cleaning and Laundry

Dish Soap

Mrs Meyers from Amazon

Our Pick- We honestly use Dawn Dish Soap, so pretty basic here. The great thing about Dawn is that it is used to clean up animals (especially birds) after oil spills. The counter argument is that the soap itself is petroleum-based, so buying Dawn just reinforces the demand for petroleum products that causes the oil spills in the first place. Tricky. Also, I am looking all over this bottle (and the internet) and though it is distributed out of Ohio, there is no real information on its actual origin. So, maybe as you start fresh in the world, you can start with a fresh, eco-friendly dish soap! My favorite option is Mrs. Meyer's dish soap, which is mainstream enough that you can get it at Target. You can also refill that dawn bottle at more granola stores with lots of bulk options.

Other Options- There are plenty, and you are pretty young, so you can always test a bunch- Frosch,  Caldrea (on the expensive side), or Natural Homelogic.

Cleaning Wipes

Our Pick- I get it, cleaning wipes are simple and easy. They are also a blight on the environment, because you can't recycle them, they come in plastic packaging, and they can be loaded with chemicals no one needs in their water or soil, much less their house. My advice? You are going to get paper towels anyway, why not just buy some all purpose spray? Your young and spry hands can handle a spray bottle. We like Method lavender all-purpose cleaner which was recommended to me by a Department of Health speaker on dangerous chemicals and cleaners in a household. She also swore by Bon Ami for bathrooms, in case a private bathroom is part of your dorm situation.

Other Options- Seventh Generation does have cleaning wipes. I am not wildly impressed by the "eco" elements of this particular product, but at least you won't be spreading random , nasty chemicals around your room. Especially because you want to take care of that brain, and it is clear lots of cleaners and bleaches are not great on that front.

Paper Towels

Our Picks-You may not be able to buy Seventh Generation Unbleached Paper Towels in bulk, but you could go in with friends and split up the bunch. It will save you a ton of money, and no trees will come down so you can clean up your messes. If you are buying paper towels, buy them recycled. Let's be the generation that stops hemorrhaging trees.

Other Options-If it weird you out to have brown paper towels (we have had them so long I always feel surprised when they are white), try Seventh Generation White Recycled Paper Towels or
Marcal Small Steps Recycled Paper. In bulk, they are cheaper than your average towels (don't have to pay for that bleach or international shipping), but they can get pricier, so either buy bulk and leave some at home, or figure out a split with people on your floor. Collective shopping may sound crazy, but it might also be a great way to build community.

Trash Bags

Webster Earthsense from Amazon

Our Pick- Do not get biodegradable! It sounds great, but at least right now, these bags don't actually decompose, they break into tiny plastic pieces that will be that much harder to clean up. No good! Instead, only buy bags made of recycled plastic. No need to make new plastic for your refuse! Webster Earthsense Bags are my favorites- they are made of 75% recycled materials,

Other Options- If you want to do eco-friendly but stay in the mainstream, Seventh Generation is always a good place to start. Want more options? Check out my list for Greening your Basics.

Lint Roller

Our Pick- Eh, not a ton of options here, but I did find a few reusable rollers- Dancewear, Generic, and GBZ 11.

from Bad Bat Designs

Laundry Basket

Our Pick- I think a basket doesn't make much sense since you probably have to drag things to the laundry room.   I like these screen-printed laundry bags from Bad Bat Designs- so cute! I also love this eco-friendly bag from Zero Waste Moving.

On the other hand, if you can handle it and you already have a basket at home that you like, just bring it with you for goodness sake. I still have the rubbermaid baskets from my Dad's house, and they work just fine. If that is what you are thinking, check Goodwill or your Buy Nothing. You might be surprised!

Other Options-  It's Embroidered Baby sells ones you could put your name on if you are worried about that. Hen house originals sells oodles of funny laundry bags, and something about a laundry bag really screams for some humor. It's covert resistence against the banal horrors of adulthood. You can buy a military-grade laundry bag on Amazon, and it was made in the USA. It looks damn tough, and now that I think of it, might be just the thing to get a student through all 4 years.

Handy Laundry makes laundry backpacks in the USA, which sounds silly, until you think about dragging your laundry long distances. Green Forest sells hampers with some shape but made primarily of a cotton/linen blend. They have natural looking designs, but aren't too cutesy to not be useful. They also have jute hampers which could be recycled or reused once they look to rough to cart laundry in (is that a thing that happens?). This one looks pretty small, but plenty of options exist.

Detergent

Our Pick- I will swear by The Simply Co, who are zero waste and make great detergents. There aren't a bunch of random chemicals, and you only need a little, so you can make one of their jars last a very long time. Put the bit you need in a cup and head off to the laundry.

Other Options- If you need fluid detergent, Greenworks laundry soap, Mrs Meyers, and Seventh Generation are more mainstream options that might be more to your laundry room's liking. But seriously, if you don't have to go fluid, try The Simply Co.

Stain Remover

Our Pick- To be honest with you, we mostly use Dawn Dish soap on our stains, and it stands up shockingly well against the pure chaos of a toddler. That being said, if you are an athlete, maybe that won't be enough. I am slightly obsessed with the idea of these Buncha eco-friendly stain sticks (what a wonderful world), so if anyone tries it, let me know what you think.

Other Options- Need more choices? I've got you- Attitude, Caldrea, and So Soft,


Ooooh boy, college takes a lot of stuff! Stay tuned for Part 2 of the Greening your Dorm Shopping List next week! And if you just can't wait for more shopping ideas, check out my Giant List of Shopping Lists!

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Throwback Thursday- Green Christmas: A Giving and Outdoorsy Christmas List

This is the newest in a long series of blogs where I implore you through long lists of cute stuff to buy less/better stuff! This Christmas, we will spend a lot of money on gifts. A lot. If we put all that money toward companies that respect their laborers and protect the environment, we can change the world. Every dollar we spend is a vote for the world we want to live in, so every time we buy Made in China junk at a big chain store, we say fast and easy is more important than good. That our selfish wants are more important than other's needs. I don't think that's what anyone really thinks, especially at Christmas, but I think it can feel like we don't have any choice. We do! So here is another shopping list to show that no matter what a person cares about, you can find them awesome, eco-friendly and socially-responsible gifts. We can do it!

Melissa and I have been friends since the 8th grade, when she was the only one who showed up to help me paint my bedroom. This friendship was solidified forever when we chased a cute red head boy around on a Spanish Cruise (in Pittsburgh). I just think she is a kind and wonderful person, and her new church and home in Colorado suits her perfectly. We care about a lot of the same things, and we love talking about issues, but there is one area where we clearly differ- outdoorsiness. Melissa and her hubby Alan go hiking, they do adventurey sports, and they wake up at dawn to see beautiful sunrises on their trips (we, on the other hand, sleep in, eat a lot, and hopefully look at old stuff). Because of this, she has all sorts of wisdom to share about what to buy the hiker you love, but even better, she has some great insight about what really matters this season:

"When B first tasked me with me creating a Christmas Wish list, I didn’t know what to list. A and I had already talked that we didn’t really want much for Christmas, and we’d simply save our money for retirement and emergency savings. (Remember, it’s never too early to save for retirement, but that’s not the subject of this post.)

That being said, when I began to think about a possible list, I quickly came up with lots of new things that I simply had to have. But the reality is, most of us have everything (and more) than what we need.
With that in mind, I first want to encourage you to look outside of yourself and see how you can give to those that need it the most. "

One of my absolute favorite things about doing these wishlists this year is that almost everyone who has written to me has their own things that matter more to them than the gifts. We all have things we "need," but we also all have things we care about deeply. I feel like this is really important, and one of the best parts about it is that to effectively donate in someone's honor, you need to know what they care about. You have to get to know them that much better, which is just another way I am positive that shifting our paradigm has a super positive ripple effect. Take it away, Melissa:

"Here are two organizations that my partner and I support and love:

1: Project Education South Sudan. This organization started because of an amazing woman in my church in Denver, Colorado. She and her husband were mentors to the “Lost Boys of Sudan”. That commitment birthed PESS. Now celebrating 10 years, PESS has helped thousands by partnering with South Sudanese communities in building schools and supporting young women. Daniel Majok Gai, one of the “Lost Boys”, is now the Executive Director of PESS. He is an incredible, inspiring human being. Under his new leadership, PESS is continuing to start new initiatives like making feminine hygiene products for young women. This not only creates jobs and economic growth for communities, but also provides young welcome the chance to continue to go to school during menstruation. When we grow up in our context, it’s hard to imagine not going to school because of menstruation; but millions of young girls can’t go to school because they don’t have the resources. I have met Daniel and a number of members of their board- they are extraordinary, and so is this mission and work. Go to their website for more info: http://projecteducationsouthsudan.org/ .

2: Episcopal Relief and Development. When you support Episcopal Relief and Development, you help millions of people across the world by fighting poverty, eradicating hunger, and eliminating disease. Go to this link: http://www.episcopalrelief.org/what-you-can-do/gifts-for-life to purchase a “Gift for Life”. ERD also has a very high rating as a non-profit, 85% of the money collected goes to the product and services it says it delivers. Remember, check the charity’s rating before you donate, so that your money goes to services and not overhead and corporate."

Now, Melissa's Christmas Wish List:

1. A Microwave Safe Egg Bowl: "I’ve been cooking eggs in the microwave every morning for the past couple of months. It saves time, calories, and it’s still debatable whether non-stick pans can potentially release a dangerous gas that is both hazardous to humans and birds alike."

from amazon

My Ideas- Alright, this one is pretty simple. One good option- Nordicware sells a microwave breakfast pan. It's microwave-safe, made in America, and actually cheaper than some of the less ethical options. Simple, easy, done!

2. Hiking undergarments- "Because Christmas is the season you get socks and underwear; I am always on the lookout for ethically made socks, underwear, and sport bras."

from REI- Darn Tough Socks

My Ideas- Alright, I started at REI for this, because I figure that is where outdoorsy people shop (truly, I do not know much about that kind of stuff). Also, they are closing for Black Friday! How cool is that! Lucky for me, there are lots of stores that specialize just in these things! Darn Tough socks are super cute, made in the US, and come in a variety of designs and thicknesses. Smart Wool sells socks for cold sports (mostly skiing?) and they look pretty intense for those hikes up in the snow-covered Rockies (here's a hiking-specific pair). Brooks Essentials sells socks specifically designed to keep your feet dry. Hanz sells waterproof socks as well.

REI sells lots of Made in the US socks for camping, hiking, and biking (also, riding on planes and recovering from surgery). They even have their own co-op socks, which are made in the US and come in at a measly 10 dollars. These socks are hardcore, but most don't come cheap. Is it weird to buy someone a single pair of socks for Christmas? Maybe, but if the socks last longer than 4 pairs of junky ones, I think you might be on to something!

REI also sells a good collection of long underwear made in the States from Polarmax (these are even on sale). Ibex Energy Free Tights claim to keep you warm all day, but the name makes me wonder if they somehow Dementor suck the energy out of your legs.

3. Stretchy bracelets- "I love these! You can mix and match and stack as many as you’d like."  

from hecho a mano

My Ideas- Oh, you know Etsy has tons of these, so I only picked a couple I like, but if you want to go that route, check Etsy first (and order in the next week or two). Feel like it's too many options? Put in a city near you or the giftee in the location box on the left side towards the bottom, it should narrow it down, and you are supporting something local! In Melissa's case, you can find 1000 (I am not kidding) options if you put in "bracelet" and "Boulder, CO." Hecho a Mano make my favorite ones that I saw, super fun and bright.

from tuchela

Tuchela sells big stacks of them (for 7 dollars!) that come in all sorts of color combinations. I thought this set was pretty, but I think you could get these as awesome stocking stuffers. Moon Lab Jewelry sells multiple bracelets that i think look really subtle and sophisticated.

4. A Paracord Survival Bracelet- "This could very well go into number three, but its uses are more for outdoor survival than fashion. See various uses here: http://www.outdoorlife.com/blogs/survivalist/2013/04/paracord-bracelets-10-practical-uses-other-fashion"

from Amazon

Just to Add- Wow! First of all, I didn't know these existed. That girl is so much earthier than I am. But you can find lots of them! And a good number are made here in the States! Survival Straps come in lots of pretty and bright color combinations, as well as more practical earthy ones. Tactical Wilderness ones look great, and they have a compass in them! That's helpful if you get lost a lot (though, as someone else who is often lost, let me recommend not going on long confusing walks in the woods). Mountaineer sells a nice looking one in the color "Olive drab" Seriously, why would anyone buy clothing with drab in the title?!?

If you have lots of outdoorswo/men in your life, you can buy a large kit from Paracord Ninja and make them as gifts! How cool!

from Topo Designs

5. A ski back pack- "In the outdoor world, folks are always creating new product for niche uses. I have my day hiking pack, my back packing pack, my rock climbing pack, well you get the idea. Since I ski twice a week on average, tt’d be nice to have one specifically designed for skiing." 
Just to Add- Ok, I didn't find much US-made for ski backpack (I did find quite a few snowshoes though). I did find airbag ski bags, which I am not convinced are the same thing (I also found carriers for your skis and your boots made in America). Like I said, not super impressive, but maybe one of these would work for skiing?

I did find some just regular backpacks that might be great for someone you love. My pick for Melissa would be Topo designs, who are based out of Colorado, just like her! These backpacks have really cool but functional designs, and they partner with other great American brands.like Woolrich. This one is my favorite for her.

My other top pick would be from Green Guru Gear, which is made out of all sorts of recycled materials (part of their company mission is providing a recycling source for adventure sports). Their backpacks seem to primarily be made for biking, but I think they could be awesome for lots of purposes. Plus, they are made in the USA and all-recycled, so you know I love them. New favorite. If only I enjoyed adventure sports!

Tough Traveler makes a wide variety of durable backpacks that might be great for skiing! We bought a suitcase from them as a gift, and I can vouch for their greatness. Clinton at North Street Bags makes backpacks that look tough, but are in pretty colors! Equinox, who I also love, makes backpacks and backpack covers (in case she could repurpose another bag). Utility Canvas makes really simple backpacks as well.

As a side note, Melissa and Alan are also big photographers, and I found some very tough, but good-looking camera bags. If you have a landscape photographer/ adventurer in your life, I might stop first at Domke. These are serious bags, so this only works if the giftee REALLY takes their photography seriously.

6. This quote “Live in the sunshine, swim in the sea, drink the wild air” printed on something- "As we know, and with the help of this blog, what we surround ourselves with, and what we use, matter. I love this quote and want to put it up on my desk to always encourage me to adventure into the unknown and experience God’s love for us in creation."
Just to Add- Gah, I love this one! As Melissa could tell you, I love buying she and Alan art, frames and decorations. Our style is so different- I am a colorful mismatched quilt that doesn't make much sense, she is a crisp but warm comforter in a single color with a clean repeating organic pattern embroidered on. I have a whole folder of things I see that are Melissa things, because it's fun to play in her aesthetic.

from words and page

Apparently, Melissa has tons of company admiring this Ralph Waldo Emerson quote. I found lots of pretty options! This one might be my absolute favorite, words and page does beautiful calligraphy (and it's on recycled paper). It's simple and clean, but it still reminds me of the outside. There are lots of pretty calligraphic options, which feel really special even if they are simple.

This ceramic sign is refreshingly simple in comparison to the content of the quote- maybe too much? I can't decide, but it does remind me of a book page. This embroidery hoop is clean and feminine, so it might look perfect in an office. If you want to get something like that as a gift but you don't have much money, you could also get a downloadable one like this one and print it out! The last option I really like on Etsy is this wall decal which I think looks really sophisticated and might be perfect in an office.

If you have someone in your life milling over this idea, I would recommend making them an art print with the quote, but use their own photograph! This would especially work for Mel and Alan, because they take spectacular landscape photographs together.

from Western Mountaineering

7. The Big Gift- "Growing up, Santa always brought one big gift whether it be a bike or a Barbie Dream House. My two big gift wishes would be a winter sleeping bag and a new digital piano. I know, opposite ends of the spectrum, but it is what it is. A and I went winter camping 10 years ago in college. I froze to death and still have never gotten over it. We stayed together, but my bitterness remains. For the piano, I started taking lessons with Miss Darlene in Longmont this August. While I have a keyboard, we have progressed quickly and I need the functions (like 88 keys and a pedal) faster than I expected."

Just to Add- First of all, I know the kind of sleeping bag she is talking about (because she told me, to be clear) and they are for really really cold nights (and not just cold like her bitterness, cold like I am not even going outside), and I am not sure what I found hits that level of winter-ness. My pick would be Western Mountaineering, which is only sold in stores, so you have to put your zipcode in and go. They have tons of choices, all organized by horrifying temperatures (I cannot empathize with the desire to sleep in -25 degree weather). They also don't have prices, which makes me feel like I can't afford them because I had to ask. Wiggy's also sells Made in America sleeping bags. Butler Bags makes an all-seasons bag which might not be hardcore enough for Melissa, but it might be perfect for who you are shopping for!

Second, Keyboards. These are tough! Yamaha does have six factories in the US, and from what I can tell, they are the only major brand that does (avoid Casio, boo Casio). Still, I can't seem to find any straightforward answers about which of the keyboards are made domestically and what are made internationally. If you can find that info, send it my way and i will update this!

A Few More Ideas

A Cozy Blanket- Faribault and Woolrich sell blankets that look tough enough for a camping trip and cozy enough for a living room. These aren't cheap either, but I feel like it's a special gift that will last a very long time, even if they have a tough ride out in the woods. Faribault also has a special place in my heart, because they are doing a buy one/ give one program this winter, so for every blanket or scarf you buy from them, they will donate a blanket to help Minnesota's homeless population. That's awesome, and it might be the perfect combination of Melissa's wishlists!

National Park's Monopoly- I love this board game so much for Melissa and Alan, because I feel like they explore national parks more than any other family I know, and like I have said before, travelers love dreaming of future travels. This might be a cool way to do it! Maybe they could play it while hosting?

from REI

Boots- I am not talking cutesy riding boots here, I am talking hiking boots. But they can still be cute! I especially like these ones from Keen, for those wintery hikes up in the mountains.

Camera Bags and Straps- As a side note, Melissa and Alan are also big photographers, and I found some very tough, but good-looking camera bags. If you have a landscape photographer/ adventurer in your life, I might stop first at Domke. These are serious bags, so this only works if the giftee REALLY takes their photography seriously.

You could also get your hardcore photographer one of these cool Luma Loop straps, which might be particularly helpful for someone who has to move around a lot to get their shot.

Water Bottles- You can read about my beloved reusable water bottles elsewhere, but Liberty Bottle now takes the cake. I love this so much, and I will probably buy it for Melissa. Spoiler Alert. Also reading Liberty Bottle's website, I am very encouraged by their priorities as a company, making more jobs and creating less waste.

But outdoorsy people need water bottles. Everyone needs a reusable water bottle- let 2016 be the year we stop using those horrible plastic one time use monsters.

Tents- If you have an aspiring outdoorperson on your list (or have been thinking about a tent yourself) you have good options! Beckel Canvas Tents look like the kind Ron Swanson would like (if he couldn't make his own lean to). Springbar also has lots of great options, so you can get out there and camp it up (maybe in the spring? Unless you have a winter sleeping bag and a will of steel).

Alright, I hope this list gave you inspiration for the outdoorsy person you love! Remember to look at the thrift and vintage stores nearby too, because you might find something on your list for a better price and a more eco-friendly option!

If you are still feeling shoppy, check out my big honking list of lists for more shopping ideas!

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