Black Zogoflex – West Paw Design’s greenest toys yet

Having a new dog in the house means my collection of chew toys is growing. But as a responsible pet “Mom”, I wondered just how healthy or safe they were.

There are currently no standards concerning the levels or types of chemicals in pet toys.  Because pets chew, lick and carry their toys around, they’re exposed to higher levels of hazardous chemicals including phthalates, BPA (Bisphenol A), lead and arsenic.  There aren’t many studies regarding the interaction or impact of these on animals. But given the toxicity of these chemicals in humans, finding pet toys without these is important.

Recycling – what and where

This is the 2nd segment of the short series on recycling opportunities.

The list of what’s recyclable continues to grow, as do the opportunities of where and how to do so. Here is a current list and links to help you locate drop-off points.

The PURE Glass Bottle – a great way to stay hydrated

We Americans love our water bottles. Even though we purchased more single use plastic kind last year than the year before, we can’t wait to grab the latest, colorful ones we see on store shelves. Made from stainless steel, aluminum, BPA-free plastic – the choices are mind-boggling.

For those looking for a different, sexy looking portable bottle, check out the PURE Glass Bottle.

Recycling green glass can be tricky

Green glass isn't always easy to recycle; photo by David Tames, Flickr

Most consumers think that any colored glass can be automatically recycled. And technically that’s true. But recyclers know all glass isn’t created equal.

19 items you may not know you can recycle

The following is an excerpt from an article by Jeff Davis, otherwise known as The Go Green Guy

Recycling is one of the easiest ways to start down the road to Greener living.

Nobody is going to be completely Green, but like I’ve said before, “take baby steps! Every little step adds up. For every action there is a reaction.”

If you make positive actions, no matter how small they may seem, the overall reaction can be huge!

So why not concentrate on something that is really easy to do and maybe even get paid for some of it. RECYCLE!

Many items are recyclable that people do not seem to know about.

To discover the list of 19 items that can be recycled (some were new to this editor!), check out the full article at http://bit.ly/zP6FB4.

Living green for 2011 – a retrospective

One of 2 pesticide-free products that help control and eliminate bed bugs

We’ve made it to an exciting new year. While 2011 was an incredible year. during that time I profiled a lot of fascinating products, books and stories. Here’s a look back at my top picks.

New Zealand church to be rebuilt – with plastic and cardboard!

Rubble from Christchurch Cathedral and its destroyed bell tower after the earthquake

The 6.1 level earthquake that struck and killed 181 people in Christchurch, New Zealand, also did major property damage.

Among those seeing extensive damage was the Christchurch Cathedral, whose bell tower was completed destroyed.

A unique design was recently approved to provide at least a temporary replacement for the original bluestone cathedral. whose cornerstone was laid in 1864.

Green your holiday wrapping

Of the Earth gift wrap contains 50% recycled content

Getting even more into the spirit of the holidays means putting those holiday cards together, making sure you have the right presents and wrapping them up beautifully (or as best as you can).

Most wrapping paper isn’t recyclable. It’s usually dyed or laminated and can contain additives like gold and silver coloring, glitter and plastics.

Large retailers to adopt new recycling labels that make sense

More of us are recycling these days. Figuring out what’s recyclable and what isn’t, however, is often like wandering through a maze. But there’s finally a light at the end of that tunnel.

Minnesota recycling company now accepts used pizza boxes

For years, countless articles have been written and numerous conversations had examining the mystery of why pizza boxes aren’t recyclable. After all, they’re made of cardboard. But consumers keep being told that the oils from one of our nationally favorite foods contaminate this otherwise recyclable container, effecting the paper recycling process. No recycler will accept them.

Until now.