Ellen Gavin from Birch Clothingsells apparel and accessories made from sustainable fabrics and recycled materials that are constructed under fair labor conditions. Located in Minneapolis, Birch is a boutique for consumers seeking to shop their values, as well as those who simply appreciate classic and contemporary styles made from high-quality fabrics.
The clothing Birch carries is made from natural fibers and sustainable fabrics such as organic cotton and linen, hemp, silk, bamboo, wool, tencel and soy.
Many of the belts, purses, bags and other accessories that Birch carries are made out of recycled materials including bicycle inner tubes, seat belts, billboards, car tires, plastic bags and misprinted candy wrappers/food labels.
Micaela Preston writes a blog called, "Mindful Momma" a treasure trove of child and family based ideas, products, and Earth friendly ideologies that support a green and healthy lifestlye. Read below for Micaela's top ten ways to raise a green and heathy baby!
Start during pregnancy – Eat organic foods and limit your exposure to chemicals.
Use cloth diapers or a hybrid product like g-diapers.
Breast-feeding is best.If you bottle feed, consider using glass bottles.They are more eco-friendly than plastic and they are making a big comeback.If you buy plastic, make sure your bottles are BPA-free.
Buy silicone or natural rubber teethers and pacifiers instead of products made with PVC plastic.
Make your baby’s bed using organic cotton crib bedding and an organic mattress if possible.If using a conventional mattress, give it plenty of time to off-gas toxic fumes before using it.
Purchase clothing made from eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton, and bamboo.Wash all clothes before use in unscented, eco-friendly laundry detergent.
Feed your baby organic baby food.You can make your own (it’s not very hard!) or buy frozen or jarred organic baby food.
Purchase toys made from sustainable materials like wood from well-managed forests (Forest Stewardship council (FSC) certified) or organic cotton or wool.Avoid toys made with PVC plastic.
Use only natural body care products on your baby.Most newborns need very little in the way of body care products.
Clean your house with eco-friendly cleaning products to avoid toxic fumes.
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Green Carpet Film Festival Want a fun and easy summer project that could win you $500? Here's what you do: Take the Minnesota Clean Energy Challenge survey by simply going to: www.mnenergychallenge.org. Then create a video that is 2 minutes or less centered on one of three topics: 1. The MN Energy Challenge, 2. Organics Recycling or, 3. Waste Reduction/Conservation or Anerobic Digestion. Submit your video by September 15 to this address: LHP&L Green Video Contest. 2720 W. 43rd St. Box 101, Minneapolis, MN. Need some incentive? Well, if saving money and advocating for a cleaner environment isn't enough, how about multiple CASH prizes of $500, $300 and $150 and TV time?! For more details about the film festival, regulations for the films, and waste reduction, go to: www.lhpowerandlight.org
Movie: Flow - For Love of Water
Where: Walker Art Center
When: August 2nd at 4pm and 7:30pm and August 3 at 2pm
What: Learn about global water resources in the provocative movie which explores the planet's coming shortage of drinking water.
