To acknowledge International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8, we are taking this opportunity to honor and recognize women the world over as true agents of social change. Through purchasing retail items that were once known only as tribal or village handicrafts, you can help support these women as they implement change within their communities through their successful entrepreneurial endeavors. Supporting women from around the world through fair trade is a direct and effective way to create sustainability and peace within a community. Economic empowerment is a goal we can all relate to and for some women it is a matter of life and death. This month we encourage you to fall in love with some of the beautiful, hand-made, one-of-a-kind pieces from our strong and inspiring sisters across the globe. In this way you can help support Women for Women International, support female entrepreneurs worldwide and get your best girlfriends a unique gift just in time for International Women’s Day!
Launched in 2005, Macy’s Path to Peace Project is changing lives by putting income-generating opportunities into the hands of Rwandan women. Today the project employs thousands of weavers yielding remarkable results that impact tens of thousands of lives. Because this initial campaign has proven so effective, Macy’s has embraced an even broader product line named Shop for a Better World which includes collections of limited-edition master works from artisans in recovering regions of Rwanda, Cambodia and Indonesia.
To take action on International Women’s Day, Global Exchange is pleased to introduce the Women Around the World Gift Basket, a collection of gifts made by women from around the world. The Kaisa grass basket from Bangladesh is filled with Putumayo’s ‘Women of World Acoustic’ CD release, Palestinian Olive Oil Soap from the Aseela Women’s Cooperative, Native Scents Goddess of the Bath Herbal Bath Bags, End the Embargo on Cuba -1 Pound Bag of Coffee, Choice Tea, Star Ornaments made by members of Thai Tribal Craft, Dip n’ Whisk Gift Set from ‘The Tomorrow Project’ (helping women create futures today), Greeting Card featuring a removeable hand-painted bottlecap ornament from the Batsiranai cooperative (a co-op of mothers with disabled children living in Zimbabwe), one dark Divine Chocolate Bar and a Recycled Flour Bag Shopping Tote, again from the Batsiranai Cooperative.
Peaceful Valley seeks out vendors that are committed to supporting environmental awareness, eco-friendly manufacture techniques and sustainable farming. Their products are chosen for sustainable characteristics as well as social responsibility. They do their best to buy locally. When they do order from other countries such as Brazil, Sri Lanka, China, Canada, Mexico and the Andes, they work with the owners of the companies to ensure that all imported products are manufactured under Fair Labor Standards
Indian textiles, art from Haiti, handicrafts from Eastern Europe, or jewelry from Asia… At Gaiam you can shop for fair trade merchandise by the region in which it was produced and help local artists and family craftspeople make a fair wage using traditional skills. “Tomorrow, I will have money; I will not have to beg, and my children can go to school,” says beadwork artisan Ms. Jagwati, summing up the most important reason to support fair trade: to restore someone’s hope, dignity, and smile. Jagwati comes from a slum in Delhi, one of many places around the world where fair trade is paving a way out of the cycle of poverty. By paying livable wages, funding schools and providing job training and child care assistance, fair trade is helping talented yet disadvantaged people gain ground against illiteracy, exploitation, slavery and human trafficking.
What’s the buzz on this year’s perfect Valentine’s gift?
Saying ‘I Love You’ with Speaking Roses®!
With a gold ‘I Love You’ imprinted on each rose bud, saying it with flowers takes on a whole new meaning…
Just in time for Valentines Day… nonprofitshoppingmall.com is happy to introduce our new online floral retailer Fleurop.com — world renowned for their quality, efficiency and customer service. And now, with their line of rich red Speaking Roses®, you can add innovation to their list of kudos.
These lush Speaking Roses®, embossed with gold messages on their petals, like I Love You, Happy Valentine’s Day, Happy Anniversary, etc. are sure to make it clear, just how much you care.
The Speaking Roses® can be ordered with three (3), six (6) or twelve (12) imprinted rose petals and you can choose whether to add a vase or perhaps another dozen…
Start speaking the language of love at Fleurop.com. Type in the NPSM4YOU code when you checkout and save 20% on an a dozen red Speaking Roses® for your sweetheart today!
As an aside, I’m always a little leery of gimmicks, especially when it comes to the classics, but I have to say, that after seeing these premium Columbian roses with their gold imprinted messages up-close and personal, I fell in love. They are absolutely gorgeous –
Downside — while Fleurop.com has far-reaching delivery capabilities to over 150 countries worldwide, the Speaking Roses® are only available within the US. Upside — so why not buy ‘em here, hop a flight and then hand deliver them to the people you love. Wouldn’t that be a great Valentine’s Day gift?
However fondly one looks upon the holiday season; with its flurry of parties, family visits, family recipes and a few too many egg-nog lattes, the new year always brings a sense of renewal. A sense that something’s gonna change or maybe that something’s gotta change. So what’s this sense of change about really and why does it appear to have a greater sense of urgency than in years past? With an economic downturn that’s affecting the entire international community, ongoing climate change issues and escalating political strife in so many areas worldwide, there’s definitely something different in the air. The springs of this New Year seem to be wound pretty tight — less like a nagging mother telling you to clean your room and more like a call to action to help find a solution for the mess we appear to be in.
One of the best ways to be a part of the solution is to be informed. The following media retailers offer access to that much needed information while earmarking a goodly percentage of every sale to YOUR favorite cause.
We all know and love Borders and Barnes & Nobles. But have you checked them out online lately? They both have beautiful, easy-to-use sites and you can designate up to 2.5% (Barnes & Noble) or 3% (Borders) of every sale to your chosen nonprofit group. With so many books, DVD’s and music at your fingertips you’re passions and interests will be sparked anew. These retailers ship within the US and to Canada.
Often the best way to learn about a country’s history is to take flight and explore the sites yourself. Lonely Planet believes that the more travelers know about the people and places they’re visiting, the more they’ll enjoy their trip and the less negative impact their presence will have. To this end, the guidebooks offer information on customs, etiquette, history, religion, art and politics. Lonely Planet authors are experienced, insightful travel experts. Their products will help with every part of your journey, guiding you with ease from the planning stages to the experience. Social Responsibility is high on their corporate to-do list and a hefty 7.5% of your purchases can be designated to help support your nonprofit of choice. This retailer ships within the US and to Canada.
BBC online is now available to us Yanks, as well as to our Canadian friends through two separate sites. All of North America can now shop easily for Britain’s best in books, videos music and more. Their tag line says it all — entertaining, informing, inspiring — couple that with up to 3.8% of sales available for you to earmark to go to your favorite charity and BBC online will quickly turn into an all-around favorite resource center.
The quality of media available through the National Geographic website is as fascinating and fun as it is educational. Whether your passion lies with people and culture, nature and animals or space and science – you can bring the phenomenal poignancy of National Geographic magazine to life on your television (or computer screen) while traveling through history and into the future. Everyone who craves colorful information about life on this planet and beyond needs to become familiarized with this great site. Earmark 4% of whatever you buy toward your favorite cause and explore the world. This retailer ships within the US and to Canada.
Similarly Shop PBS has an amazing site full of good-for-your-head books and shows. Enjoy all their great well-known programs and so much more. Spend cozy evenings in the company of family and friends while learning something new or taking a deeper look into a favorite topic. Learn and give 5% to your cause while in pursuit of knowledge. This retailer ships within the US and to Canada.
Our Green House and Gaiam are great outlets to learn more about healthy and sustainable living for both you and the environment. These sites are more than just shops — in fact, they are like training centers, in that they provide so much great information on all things green. If your lifestyle is in need of a redesign, you’ll find a fresh template here. Designate 4% of every sale to the charity that you’re most passionate about and start experiencing change… see – you’re becoming more Zen already. These retailers ship within the US.
We do the same thing year after year don’t we? Make and break New Year’s Resolutions – Right now, we’re all full of good intentions and we’ve chosen three retailers for each of our Top 10 resolution that can help you keep your promise; be it to Quit Smoking, Lose Weight, Organize Your Finances or Find a New Hobby…
The goal of TOMS SHOES for this holiday season is to sell 30,000 pairs of shoes — WHY? So they can match that number, and in turn, give 30,000 pairs of shoes to boys and girls in Ethiopia suffering from Podoconiosis, a soil-transmitted infection that attacks the lymph system and results in swelling and ulceration of the feet and lower legs. While more than 1,000,000 men, women and children suffer from the disease; the good news is that it’s 100% preventable simply by wearing shoes!
For every pair of shoes purchased by people like you and me, TOMS gives a pair of shoes to a child in need somewhere else in the world. Since their start in May 2006, TOMS has given over 10,000 pairs of shoes to children in Argentina and 50,000 pairs in South Africa. By the end of this year, TOMS hopes to have given another 200,000 pairs of shoes to children in need around the world. It’s through caring customers like you that all this good stuff can continue to happen. TOMS calls it the One for One campaign – we call it shop-anthropy – armchair philanthropy for today and tomorrow!!
Nonprofitshoppingmall.com is happy to welcome TOMS SHOES to its retail line-up! Not only do we love their business model, we love their shoes. If you’ve been stumped as to what to get your punk rock/vegan nephew, your 10 year old, your grandma, your husband or your boss this holiday season… your search is over! EVERYONE loves TOMS! This shopping blog will highlight just a sampling of their mighty One for One line of shoes, tees and accessories — but you’ll get the picture — their simple design and simple concept packs a mighty philanthropic PUNCH!
We love everything TOMS but we’re especially enamored by the mini TOMS that are sure to please all the wee ones on your shopping list. Whether they’re pink camos or hand painted by artist Tyler Ramsey, there’s no doubt about it… kids look cute in TOMS! Tiny TOMS come in many colors and patterns and are perfect for pre-walkers or run-all-overs! Here are some action shots that will REALLY make you want to adorn your little pumpkin in a cute and durable shoe. Knowing that every purchase puts shoes on someone else’s little pumpkin will take the chill out of even the coldest of winter days.
TOMS has a variety in women’s shoes ranging from cozy slippers to sexy boots. Corduroy on the outside, fleece on the inside… that’s the winning combo for this pair of TOMS. Once worn you’ll find ‘em hard to take off. East Coast to West Coast and all parts in between — knee-high boots are always in style and TOMS Rust Wrap Boots are no exception. They’re not only good-looking and well designed, they’re vegan to boot — the perfect gift for both people and animal lovers! Gotta say tho — my personal favorite is the Gandhi quipped “you must be the change you wish to see in the world” canvas slip-on — the best bit of wisdom right there on your shoe — just in case you forget.
The corduroy slip-on is a no-brainer for any guy. If it feels like a slipper but can also be worn to dinner…what’s not to love? If your guy is feelin’ really fancy, he can sport the always classic — plaid and chocolate brown slip-on. These shoes are so versatile — they can be worn on the beach, in the bush, on the street, in Manhattan, Milan, Melbourne or Malibu. Wherever you call home and whatever you may do, it’s always cool to help others — and wearing TOMS combines both compassion and style.
Good job! Now your family and a family in need are all shod. But why stop there? TOMS has a few extras that will help you cross every last name off your gift list. The “Drop TOMS Not Bombs” vintage-feel Tee is simple, cool and sends a very timely message. While the “be the change” onesie will make a guru out of your enlightened little one, the FEEDbag is designed to raise awareness and funds for hungry children. Each FEEDbag sold will provide a school year’s worth of meals for one child in need while at the same time providing an educational opportunity for that same child. Whether you tote your FEEDbag to school, work, play, or around town to shop, remember that your bag is helping to FEED and EDUCATE one child for one academic school year! Which simply said means HOPE FOR A BETTER TOMORROW TODAY!!!
from stocking stuffers to show stoppers… it’s the nonprofitshoppingmall.com GREEN GIFT GUIDE! all items are either Recycled, Sustainable, Made in America or all of the above
We’ve highlighted this amazing company before in our blogs and well… we’re at it again. We’re not playin’ favorites either, it’s just that they seriously have some of the most unique recycled, reused and sustainable gifts out there! At uncommon goods, your whole family can be satisfied and greenified in a one-stop, shopping binge! But if you don’t believe me, see for yourself.
For Mom: Elegant and sophisticated beauty. Melissa Borrell 18KT “Pop Out” Earrings, $58. Recycled red record Vinyl Cuff Bracelet, $55. Josh Jakus Modern Wool Clutch made from excess industrial wool from American factories, $95.
For Dad: Masculine and unique…Modern Ring handmade from stainless steel and ebony — designed by Ryan Wither and Paul Lewin, $45. Pool Ball Bottle Stoppers made from found pool balls, $30. Handmade Philips Head Screw Cuff Links – designed by LeeAnn Herreid, $85.
For The Teens: Accessorize your favorite young-person with the coolest of green fashion! Recycled Skateboard Earrings, $32.00. Wool Felt Wrist Cuffs, $39. Guitar Picks get a second-life as jewelry, $30 – $60. And what goes around comes around with these necklaces made from vintage record-parts, $25.
For The Home: Clean n’ Green! Nagelburste nailbrush and household cleaning “toothbrushes” are handmade in Berlin at the former Home for the Blind by its team of 15 blind craftspeople. Nail brush $28, set of “teeth” for $80.
Us greenies, who love technology, practical, good-looking design and who dream of using sci-fi inspired gadgets, have been dying for this technology to finally be on the market. So without further ado… The Voltaic Generator: Solar Powered Briefcase Bag that has enough juice to charge your laptop for hours! For the tech-ecoist in your life, this is THE perfect gift. $599.
When you’re ready for the “grown up” apartment or simply upgrading your current living space, make Vivavi your first stop. Welcome to sustainable modernity at it’s best! For every room in your house there’s a classic eco design sure to add style and sophistication to your increasingly greener home. Recycled steel The Hive Bench $1,790, Molded Wool Soft Bowls $39, Bamboo iPod Dock $150.
Again – here’s a company that you’ll want to check out if innovative design, coupled with sustainability, is your rap. On top of your nonprofitshoppingmall.com contribution, Feel More Human will give 1% of your sale to the planet through their 1% For The Planet initiative. For a fashion forward gift for two, take a look at Nixon’s extraordinary wrap-watches in Bamboo, $200-$225.
Should you find yourself in a shopping quandary because your gift’s recipient is someone who seems to have just about everything — here’s a gift idea that’s unique and sure to grow smiles. Arrange for your gift tree to be planted in the state or listed country of your choice. Each TreeGivers gift tree supplements the natural resources of our Earth and brings life and beauty to the world around us. Plant a tree to honor your special gift recipient and help offset our collective carbon footprint for as little as $39.95.
These days the color PINK symbolizes more then classic femininity… today PINK is the iconic war cry of The Cure for Breast Cancer movement. Since October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month and nonprofitshoppingmall.com is featuring Susan G. Komen for the Cure ®, we thought it would be fun and fitting to put together a totally ‘pinktastic’ shopping guide to get you Thinking Pink! We’ve highlighted girly-pink finds from several of our top 40 retailers — some of which have internal cause marketing strategies and are already giving to groups like The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, The Breast Cancer Fund and Susan G. Komen for The Cure. By shopping through nonprofitshoppingmall.com, you can double up on your giving as we’ve selected Susan G. Komen for the Cure ® as our default nonprofit for the month of October.
Now, prepare to be tickled pink…
Let’s roll out the pink carpet for this classic set… the Coach Leather Sabrina at $358.00 and the Stuart Weitzman ‘Max’ Peep Toe Pump at the discounted price of $157.90. These are the perfect pink accessories for the lady who loves having her breakfast at Tiffany’s. Enjoy shopping even more knowing that a percentage of this splurge will go to Susan G. Komen for the Cure ®.
Express your love and gratitude to the special woman in your life by sending her a bouquet of these very special and sustainably grown pink roses. Buy one dozen Pink Passion Roses for $59.95 and Organic Bouquet will donate 10% to their new partners, The Breast Cancer Fund and Breastcancer.org. All of this, in addition to a 5% contribution for Susan G. Komen for the Cure ® through nonprofitshoppingmall.com – will make any women’s heart bloom!
Not only is October Natural Breast Cancer Awareness Month but also it’s the month that truly kicks off the fall season. As the wind begins to blow you’ll find yourself looking for warmer ways to wear pink. Old Navy has you covered. Pink, trendy and toasty warm! You’ll be able to cover up without loosing any of your passion. Say it loud with Old Navy’s Women’s Pique Wool-Blend Coat in Beat Sugar for $89.50 and Women’s Cashmere Gloves for $19.50.
Accent your pink palace with Urban Outfitters’ always bohemian-chic looks for the home. The Princess Phone, originally introduced in 1959, is back! For $50.00 its girly vintage appeal will bring out the cute factor in any modern dwelling. Moving onto the bedroom… You’ll love cuddling up in this Filigree Rose Quilt at $140.00. The Mod Bouquet pattern is Pink on the front and is finished with a contrast floral design on the reverse.
Target, well known as the best place to shop for EVERYTHING!!! Not surprisingly carries several Susan G. Komen for the Cure ® products. One product I found particularly interesting was the Susan G Komen Pink Nintendo DS for $129.99. So now you can shop then play for the cure. For all the other stuff you buy at Target you can pile it into your Pink Ribbon Carry-All Tote Bag for $24.99. Gotta love it!
Take pink to the mountains and make it fly! With gear this bright you’ll be competing with the sun. Stay pink and stay classic with the Vans Mantra Snowboard Boot for $118.95. Then be sure to pair them up with one of the spectacular Technine Dime Snowboards for $289.95. The snow won’t know what hit it!
Bloomindales is running a Breast Cancer Awareness campaign this month in conjunction with The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. So why not contribute to two Amazing Breast Cancer research groups at once by shopping through nonprofitshoppingmall.com for your pink Bloomies gear? Get yourself a Little Pink Gift Card or a cute-as-can-be pink camisole and you’ll be PINK on feedback!
Everyone’s raving about these way-too-yummy looking new iPods. You’ve been eying the pink one, we know you have… Go for it! Indulge yourself, support Susan G. Komen for the Cure ® while you do it. The irresistible 8GB1 holds 2,000 songs and has 8 hours of video play for only $149.00. Take it with you and have a constant soundtrack playing while you Race For The Cure!
Tell your honey it’s time for a gift that will keep on giving…When you purchase either of these beautiful pieces during October, RedEnvelope will donate 10% of the sale to Susan G. Komen for the Cure ®. Combine that with 4% of your sale going through nonprofitshoppingmall.com and it really adds up! Red Envelope has a variety of beautiful creations to choose from, especially designed to raise funds and awareness for Breast Cancer research. So adorn your beautiful self!
In the make-up department I’ve found some pinks that will really show your passion. Pop’s Lid Neon kit contains six eye-shades with a pink that really POPs! ($22.00). Or if smiling is your thing — try it in 3D!!! Effect 3D Cosmic Lipgloss by Bourjois for $15.50 — that’s Pink — times 3!!!!
I guarantee you’ll never have to wonder which bag is yours at baggage claim ever again with this fabulous collection. The American Tourister Nested 6-Piece Set is now on sale for only $149.95!!! Gear up for holiday travel and take your pink passion on the road…
Ladies, drum roll please… Overstock.com has taken the pink cake. They have 3 pages of cool products ranging from pink flat irons to jewelry to handmade Guatemalan quilts. They even offer a pink memory foam mattress!!! During the month of October a percent of the proceeds from all the products on their Think Pink pages will be donated to Breast Cancer Awareness. Now that’s a crescendo!
And for the finale… Amazon.com offers a spectacular selection of Pink wear and gadgets for the cure. All you have to do is type Susan G. Komen for the Cure ® into their search tab and you’ll have all sorts of fun, pink do-dads to choose from! My personal favorite (and you’ll deserve one after you’re done with this blog) is the I Shopped for the Cure Susan G. Komen T-Shirt. You can truly wear it with pride because you have turned on, logged in and shopped out for Susan G. Komen for the Cure ®.
There’s some things that naturally go hand-in-hand and September and ‘Back to School’ is definitely one of those things. You just can’t help thinking of one without the other. While it’s always a bit of a last-minute shopping frenzy, getting the right clothes, the right supplies, etc., we’re promoting a green school year through some of our favorite green retailers! While classes have already begun for some, there’s still time to do much of your Back to School shopping online – That’s not just making it easy, it’s also making a statement – no driving and many of our green retailers off-set their carbon usage as well through their shipping. So Go Back Green with: green school supplies, a cool green wardrobe and smart green accessories and gear…
Laptop Lunch: These lead-free lunch containers are reusable, recyclable, and dishwasher safe. $114.99 – a less expensive version is also available for $34.99 and is called the Lapton Lunch Bento Set.
Banana Paper: 100% Post-Consumer content with four content variations: Banana, Coffee, Lemon and Mango fiber content. $8.99
Colored Pencil Set: 100% environmentally friendly, made from recycled newspaper using patented ‘Rolled On’ method, water resistant and last 2-3 times longer than ordinary wood pencils. $9.16
Wildlife Folders: Made of recycled newspaper and cardboard, and available in 5 different designs. $2.44
Of the Earth Street Purse: Sling Of the Earth’s Street Purse over your shoulder and head out for the day with all your essentials. The canvas material is durable on the outside, while the hemp organic cotton blend shows how inside you care. Top zip access is convenient and safe on crowded city streets. Tons of external pockets make it easy to store your cell phone where you can grab it with less hassle. $35.96 – and it comes in assorted colors.
Arc’teryx Rho Lightweight Beanie: The Rho LTW Beanie provides old-wool performance with new-wool comfort. Warm, soft, itch-free merino wool makes the Beanie a great choice for everything from skiing to just being outside. This Arc’teryx beanie blocks the wind better than a fleece hat, and it’s far more comfortable than traditional wool. $29.95, red or beige.
Earth Write Pencil: The Earth-friendly pencil casing, made from recycled newspaper. $0.99
SpineVue Locking Round Ring Binder: Made of 45% recycled content, includes pockets and front and back cover insert. $5.54
Scoopneck Zip Hoody: A hoody made of natural, breathable Bamboo Cotton Lycra French Terry grown without pesticides or fertilizers, the hoody has a super-soft, cashmere-like feel and a totally hip design. $65.95
Men’s Hawk Tee: Each t-shirt is made in an African eco-factory of 100% soft organic cotton jersey. $42.95
I Path: Men’s Cat Vulc Loafers, eco-friendly hemp or printed fabric upper in a casual skate chukka style with a round, stitched moc toe. Two eyelet lacing, side vents, I Path logo detail and stitching accents. $69.99
This brief overview is just that – a quick look at a couple of retailers with a wide variety of green supplies, clothing and accessories. Other retailers to check into are Apple, Dell, HP, Staples, Office Depot and National Geographic to name but a few.
In keeping with our August focus on rebuilding and restoration, we’d like to feature another four retailers on our site that can help with ‘home improvement’ projects of all sorts and sizes. Whether you’re cleaning out the garage, planting a garden, redoing your interior or planning a party on your deck or patio, it’s nice to know that everything you’ll need to tackle these projects can be purchased online.
If you love all things vintage, then you’ll agree there’s nothing like a bathroom fitted with an antique claw-foot tub to make you feel like you’re just stepped back in time. Vintage Tub & Bath is America’s largest family-owned retailer of just such indulgent bathing basins. It is the place to shop if you’ve always wanted a classic bathroom equipped with an old-fashioned tub, pedestal sink and a high tank toilet. You will love their collection of vintage faucets, tubs, toilets, furniture, sinks and lighting that will allow you to create your own perfectly accurate vintage-style home.
Need a new dryer? How about a refrigerator? Air conditioners are always a necessity for summer! No matter what appliance you’re in the market for, AJ Madison is the place to go for the best in variety, quality and service. They have all the newest styles and best brands, including Energy Star Certified products like the Bosch Nexxt 500 Series front-load washing machine, the Amana refrigerator or the Ariston Premier Line L63 dishwasher. Enjoy shopping for these modern, energy efficient and beautiful time savers knowing that the appliances you buy from AJ Madison will last a long time and so will their customer service.
When it comes to interior décor, smith+noble is your source for an incredible range of affordable window treatments. Choose from their great selection or have them custom-make your drapes to perfectly match and accent your home. They offer over 1,000 durable fabrics and have a wide assortment of shades, shutters and blinds to choose from. Any window, any style, smith+noble will add function and texture to your design.
For more than 80 years Ace’s Helpful Hardware Folks have provided reliable service, advice and products to help customers get their projects done right. Ace is a one-stop shop with the materials you need for projects both big and small and they’ll be available when you need them. Browse their featured weekly items, check out their clearance area, find rebates and register for Ace Rewards. In most cases, you’ll receive free shipping when you choose to have your purchases shipped directly to your neighborhood Ace Hardware location for in-store pick up. Ace offers a complete selection in hand and power tools, electrical, plumbing, cleaning, lawn and garden, paint and paint supplies and automotive. So get online at Ace and finish all those projects you started!
In keeping with our focus on green building, like that being done in New Orleans, we thought we’d highlight our own green-building retailers in this short shopping blog about home improvement. We hope they will excite and inspire you with respect to your own household projects and be a helpful resource overall. While we’re highlighting four retailers below, don’t forget that we have Home Depot listed under the Shop Green, Home Improvement category. Home Depot has come a long way over the years from being targeted by many environmental organizations to now having a very impressive Eco Options department committed to the environment and to transitioning the general building industry toward sustainable practices and products. If you can’t find what you’re looking for there, then check the BuyGreen.com site. They are an excellent resource for all things green, from building supplies to organizations and information to media and events. So take a lesson from the Holy Cross project and start making changes to your living by taking your building cues from our featured retailers below…
Greenandmore.com wants you to succeed in your efforts at ‘green’ home improvement. To do so, they’ve put together six dedicated categories designed to aid in the selection and education process when building green: Air Purifiers, Garden, Energy Efficiency, Solar, Lighting and Green Gifts. Both the long time eco-aware set and the ‘newbie’s’ will be impressed by the innovative products Greenandmore.com has to offer. I consider myself in the former group but was pleased to find new green solutions for my home that I’d been unfamiliar with to date. For instance their selection of air purifiers, rated both for performance and eco-friendliness, are recyclable, have biodegradable components that filter allergens, chemicals and pet dander while filling your living space with clean air. Another product I especially liked, for both its simplicity and ingenuity, is the Smart Strip energy saving power strip. Don’t hesitate just buy three of four of these little gadgets! They are the easiest and most affordable way to save energy (and money) around the house. And while you’re at it, take another small step and add the Indoor Kitchen Composter (small enough for apartments and condos) that will turn your kitchen scraps headed for the landfill into rich soil for your patio garden. Now that you have the basics covered, when you’re ready for some additional green-improvements, you’ll know where to go!
If a full-blown renovation is the task at hand then you’ll want to become acquainted with Green Nest. They have a wonderful site that provides all of the resources you’ll need to renovate, furnish and clean your home in an eco-friendly way. They pride themselves on creating healthy homes, free of pollutants and chemical toxins. Their non-toxic building supplies include paints, sealants, adhesives, carpets and other products that are designed to keep toxic chemicals out of your home while still providing unsurpassed quality and value. From all-natural carpeting and rugs to organic, plant-based sealers, Green Nest takes the hazard out of your home and improves the health of your family at the same time. A few must-haves for your renovation project include the Safe Coat 3-in-1 Adhesive that gives an equivalent performance to the hazardous and chlorinated solvent adhesives but without the toxicity. Additionally, it makes an excellent carpet adhesive, which can be used with the Bio-Floor Collection Custom Carpeting, the only truly nontoxic, all natural carpet made in North America. Add the beautiful finishing touches of this reclaimed, sustainable and organic Betula chair and then sit down and relax, job well done!
Whether you’re greening your house all-at-once or step-by-step, eventually you’ll come face-to-face with your wasteful water heater. Water heaters are a staple in everyone’s home, making the gas & electric bill something to be dreaded on a month-to-month basis. Low Energy Systems offers a variety of tankless water heaters to ease your gas & electric bill while being energy efficient at the same time. Tankless water heaters never run out of hot water because they only use energy when hot water is being consumed. These water heaters will likely save you more money, over their expected lifespan of 20 years, than they will cost you to purchase initially. Besides energy efficiency, tankless water heaters take up less space, are easy to maintain, and are more convenient to operate. Taking a short, hot shower just got a heck of a lot CHEAPER! And we can attest to their efficiency because we have one in our own home…
Now that we’ve sparked your green building interest, it’s off to the drawing board! Become your own architect with PUNCH! – the home design software that acts as your guide for home improvement projects of all sorts. From the initial design phase through the final landscape layout, PUNCH! is at your fingertips every step of the way. Their software is designed to incorporate 3-D graphics and cutting edge technology to assist in making the best design and home improvement decisions possible, offering multiple options and styles that give you solid visual ideas before you invest any time or money into the project. PUNCH! Software creates a virtual reality of personalized home design ranging from: Home Design, Architectural Design, Landscape Deck & Patio Design to Interior Design. A perfect product to help you design your dream home from the comfort of your current home!
— the perfect gift for both people and animal lovers! Gotta say tho — my personal favorite is the Gandhi quipped “you must be the change you wish to see in the world” canvas slip-on — the best bit of wisdom right there on your shoe — just in case you forget.
