It’s said that cleaning products are one of the biggest contributors towards indoor pollution and it’s no wonder why.  For anyone who has put a child~safety latch on lower cabinets containing cleaning products or who has experienced dizziness after ridding the shower with scum and inhaling all those fumes…it’s no secret the majority of cleaning products are not good for our health. 

Yesterday, as I was pushing my cart along the aisles of my local home improvement store, I stumbled upon Greenology cleaning products at the end of the aisle.  They probably wouldn’t have caught my eye if I hadn’t seen the black and white USDA certified organic seal glaring at me.  So I stopped dead in my tracks and surveyed the display and did what I always do ~ picked each bottle up and sniffed.  Was I dreaming?  Was Lowe’s actually featuring a clean and green line of cleaning products on an end cap display?!?  And was I really seeing the first line of USDA certified organic cleaning products that I had ever seen in a major chain, instead of my local health food store?!?  And could these really and truly be available to the masses for less than four bucks a bottle?!?  Yes.  Yes.  And Yes! 

Knowing that my cabinets were already quite full with non~toxic, eco~friendly household cleaning supplies, I decided to get a whiff and make a mental note that I would be back when my current supplies ran out.  They have a slight vinegar aroma, and reminds me of the household all~purpose cleaner that I’ve mixed in my own kitchen and I know that the vinegar smell dissipates.  With the USDA Certified Organic seal, I’m assured that at least 95% of the product is made from certified organic ingredients. 

In addition to All~Purpose Cleaner, Glass Cleaner, Kitchen Cleaner and Bathroom Cleaner, Greenology also offers biodegradable surface wipes that also bear the USDA certified organic seal of approval.  Unlike most surface wipes that are ammonia based, these wipes are people, pet and planet friendly.  Their patented antimicrobial cleansing agents kill odor causing bacteria and prevent the growth of odor causing bacteria. 

Have you seen these at your local stores or tried them out yet???  If so, I’d like to hear what your experience with them has been! 

Harry Barker Organic Dog Bed

I love the stripes on this!!! The cover is made with thick organic hemp and can be easily removed for washing. It’s pre-washed & made with earth-friendly, non-toxic dyes. The hypo-allergenic insert is made of a green fiber made out of recycled plastic. Feel good knowing your pet is sleeping safe & sound. 

Wagatha’s Organic Dog Treats

For starters I just love their name…it makes me smile.  They are USDA Certified Organic, made in Vermont and don’t include any animal by-products, nasty fake flavors, or corn (not good for dogs) or preservatives. The only thing you find in these is organic whole-wheat flour, organic extra virgin olive oil, organic eggs, organic milk, organic wheat bran, organic garlic, organic honey, and sea salt. What a great treat for your furry friend!

Natural Hemp Adjustable Collar

Made with hemp webbing with release hardware, these come in bright colors and are naturally hypo-allergenic. Unlike nylon and other synthetics, hemp softens with wear making these collars extremely comfortable for your dog.  

Today, March 20th, marks the spring equinox or the very first day of spring. For many gardeners, however, it seems that spring has already sprung. Warmer temperatures, longer days and the occasional sighting of a beautiful butterfly say the growing season is upon us.

Birds, butterflies and sweet spring things—ahh all sounds wonderful, right? Well, maybe not? Scientists are concerned this year’s early signs of spring are more than just a pretty coincidence. According to the National Gardening Association, scientists working in a joint study from sites across Europe and North America have spent the last 50 years tracking the leafing and blooming timelines of native plant life. Their findings, dating back to 1955, prove that many plants are flowering days if not weeks earlier than they did 50 years ago.

It’s no surprise that many animals are responding to the phenomenon. Just a few slight adjustments in an eco-system can lead to an overwhelming snowball of changes. In this case, early budding changes the animal activities—foraging, waking from hibernation, preparation for mating—associated with the arrival of spring.

Given the concrete evidence of higher temperatures and the effects it has on growing periods and ecosystems in general, gardeners are gaining an even stronger concern for the changes in climate patterns. Now, more than ever, gardeners are realizing the importance of keeping the environment in mind. Consider joining their efforts to garden responsibly as you purchase environmentally responsible products for your garden this spring.

As stronger environmental consciousness grows amongst gardeners so too do great natural products. Now, more than ever, the gardening market is offering natural alternatives to conventional and often harmful backyard beautifiers.

Take pest control, for example. It’s tough to have a beautiful garden if pesky pests are chewing up your plants. Many a frustrated gardener of late has turned to the toxic repellent, aerosol or snare. Yet, greener sentiments have urged us to deal in a humane manner. Green-thumbed gardeners are now showing greater compassion when it comes to critters. Rather than exterminating and annihilating species with toxic bug sprays and insect repellents, many gardeners are choosing to keep pests at bay with natural animal repellents.

Squirrel Scoot, for example, is a non-toxic spray that uses light natural ingredients to deter rather than damage (or worse, kill) pestering squirrels. Liquid Fence will dissuade, but won’t hurt nibbling dears. While, Bonide Snake Stopper discourages disgusting reptiles.  For a complete list of repellants that will allow you to coexist rather than obliterate click here.