Twist is a company making everyday products for household use, but doing so with a mission of eco-friendliness. Much like the feelings evoked in the aforementioned kitchen scenario, I recently caught myself staring, lost in indecision, at a wall of options for a new kitchen sponge. Little did I know that the cheery, colorful packaging of two Twist sponges offered so much inside.

According to the simple paperboard band wrapped around the equally easy-to-recycle plastic wrap, the two loofah sponges are dye-free and plant based; designed in Boulder, CO, and manufactured in Mexico. A little research on Twist’s website reveals the sponges are made without plastics or adhesives, “unlike the conventional yellow-green scrub sponge.”

The sponge, traditional fighter of stuck-on pasta sauce, has come a long way. But for those wanting a more responsible scrubbing buddy, Twist offers a smart alternative to the common products. Some issues with the old standby are detailed on eHow, including the fact that most kitchen sponges are synthetic and contain a chemical called triclosan — an antibacterial substance increasingly connected to health issues. It also negatively affects the environment by seeping into water systems and destroying algae and other plant life. Another fun fact: water treatment plants are incapable of removing this product in their cleaning process.

Synthetic sponges are usually plastic based and thusly nonbiodegradable. This is particularly an issue since old sponges are difficult to recycle and are frequently relegated to the trash pile.

Twist sponges, on the other hand, are made from natural plant products and can therefore biodegrade, and even be composted. And, perhaps most importantly, Twist sponges act and feel, well, rather sponge-like.

Typical size and shape? Check. Squishy? Yup. Spongy on one side for washing and abrasive on the other for scrubbing? You betcha. Earthy tones to remind you of your nature-saving ways? Indeed. Priced to compete with traditional sponges? Oh, yeah — cheaper in fact. For those of you feeling particularly committed to your synthetic neon pal, don’t worry, you can just microwave your sponge daily to prevent bacteria buildup. But be careful, that is somewhat of a fire hazard.

Did you know that on average each person spends about one-third of his or her lifetime in bed? Considering sleep is one of the best things we can do for ourselves, it definitely makes sense, which means that our beds need to be a healthy place to rest.

According to the October 2009 issue of Glamour magazine, our pillows can contain as many as 47 different types of fungi, so it is important to know what goes into them. For example, down pillows can actually double in size within their first year of use due to the fecal matter of dust mites and other bacteria that hangs out where you rest your head. As someone who suffers from allergies and asthma, I made the switch to Natura pillows a few years ago.

Natura has been making all-natural pillows, bedding and mattresses since 1994. The company’s CEO, Ralph Rossdeutscher, says, “Healthy sleep is vital to a healthy life, and we believe using natural materials is the best solution for ourselves and our planet. By using sustainable, earth-friendly manufacturing practices and materials, Natura is truly where nature meets nurture.”

If you have been searching for that perfect pillow, Natura probably makes it. My favorite is the Organic Dream Mate, which is made from shredded natural latex (derived from the Pará rubber tree in Asia) and is hypoallergenic and antimicrobial. Natura invented the shredded latex process to keep latex from the landfill — latex ends are shredded and then used for pillow cores. And because the latex is natural, this also means that the pillows will biodegrade easier in the landfill.

Do you wake up feeling achy with tension in your neck, shoulders and back? If so, it is most likely because it’s time for a new pillow. I like the Organic Dream Mate because it gives the cozy, comfortable feeling of down while also providing support to relax my muscles. I was surprised that I felt relief almost instantly because I never realized I was hurting my sleep.

The Organic Dream Mate has a 100% organic wool liner and a 100% organic velour cotton cover. Other resources that Natura uses in its products are organic wool, foam that is made from 30% soy (rather than petroleum) and recycled water bottles.

While there are many eco-bedding products on the market today, I like Natura because it has been recognized with a slew of awards and certifications, and because the company is committed to transparency. The pillows start at about $80, but are well worth it because they last for years. And when it comes to getting a better, healthier night’s sleep, I’ve learned that is priceless.

When it comes to electronics, especially those that are so widely used and needed like mobile phones, it’s essential that shoppers do their homework. Taking the time to consider the product’s full impact as well as the company’s efforts to manufacture it in an environmentally sensitive manner will help you to make the best decision possible.

If you (or your loved ones) are looking for a new phone, the Samsung Blue Earth is definitely worth an extra look.

Launched in late 2009, the Samsung Blue Earth is still one of the most eco-friendly smartphones on the market, and came in first place in the mobile phone category of Greenpeace’s 2010 survey of green electronics.

The Blue Earth (also known as the Samsung GT-S7550) is made from post-consumer material extracted from water bottles, helping to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions during the manufacturing process. The device, including the charger, is free from harmful substances such as brominated flame retardants, polyvinyl chloride and phthalates.

The Blue Earth also encourages eco-friendly behavior with its features like an “Eco mode,” screen brightness, backlight duration and Bluetooth capability that can be set to an energy-efficient mode with just one click. The “Eco Walk” function allows users to count their steps with a built-in pedometer and calculate the reduction in CO₂ emission realized by walking as opposed to using a motor vehicle. This unique function allows users to see the value of walking by calculating the number of trees that have been saved.

Samsung even specifically designed the packaging for Blue Earth to be compact and easy to recycle by utilizing paper and soy ink.

Although Blue Earth comes with a five-star energy-efficient charger that uses only 0.03W of power in standby mode, chances are you won’t have to use it much. The phone comes complete with a solar panel located on on its backside through which users can generate enough power to use the device anytime and anywhere.

Manufacturing products made of recycled materials has typically been something taken on by smaller, niche companies who want to set themselves apart from the mainstream. But now, Panasonic has announced that it will be launching a line of eco-friendly appliances in Japan made of recycled materials.

Set to debut this coming February, the line will include a refrigerator, rice cooker, washer/dryer and a vacuum cleaner. The products will incorporate recycled resin and vacuum insulation made from recycled glass. The recycled materials have been recovered from old air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, and televisions at Panasonic’s recycling facilities.

The new appliances will also come equipped with Eco Navi, intelligent senors that are said to make “daily life routine more comfortable and eco friendly”. The Eco Navi appliances adapt themselves to each person’s lifestyle and usage to provide ecological operation. The feature helps reduce wasted electricity and water consumption.

Panasonic says it has been working on various initiatives aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions and is more frequently using recycled materials in its manufacturing processes. Some of its more green focused projects we’ve noted this year include supplying its automotive-grade lithium-ion battery cells to Tesla for its Model S and taking part in a green energy park in Japan.

Source: Earth Techling
By Kristy Hessman

What follows are some pointers on how to have a greener impact when it comes to battery purchases for your holiday needs.

Remote controls, alarm clocks, toys and many more holiday goodies are all benefactors of the handy, portable battery. But with so much energy required — and so much battery waste to account for — the best way to limit hazardous environmental impact is to focus on efficiency and longevity. The most commonplace battery is probably the AA, and department stores typically offer bulk deals on generic versions of these.

More often than not, this is the worst environmentally sustainable option for purchase since generic batteries are quickly disposed of. Nobody wants their groundwater supply awash with heavy metals like mercury, cadmium, nickel and lead, but with large amounts of disposable batteries leaching in our landfills, this is often a real threat.

Further, trash incinerators only add to the problem as, “Certain toxic metals are released in the air and can concentrate the combustion ash, and might even result in an explosion,” according to Brighthub.com. Brighthub also notes acid rain and corrosive acids as improper disposal dangers.

Focusing on the two points mentioned above — efficiency and longevity — a better option presents itself in the form of the rechargeable battery.

Prototypes of earthCell rechargeable batteries

Unlike disposable units, rechargeable batteries are, well, rechargeable. This means that they don’t hit the garbage once their energy has been depleted the first time. So, disposable batteries cut down on material heading to the landfill, but any good green-thinker takes a holistic approach to such issues, which leads to the question about how sustainable the energy consumption is.

Fortunately, for such critical thinkers, there are some pretty heavy hitters on the manufacturing side of things that share this concern.

Apple, a company that has become responsible for exponentially increasing the amount of electronic devices created, also pays attention to environmental concerns with its battery charger. This charger is making headlines, as it “has a power-management system that will automatically cut the power when AA batteries are fully charged.” Further, “Apple said that ‘the charger draws 30 milliwatts once batteries are full, compared with 315 milliwatts for other nickel-metal hydride rechargeables.’” What’s more, the batteries with this charger are estimated to last 10 years.

Kudos to Apple, but other companies are revolutionizing the household battery all together in order to achieve what is likely the greenest battery made. An upstart battery company, earthCell, is offering a battery that brazenly promises, “Zero waste. Better batteries. Less money. With your help in getting started, earthCell will transform the battery industry, for good.”

In essence, these are rechargeable batteries with a slightly different chemical makeup, using low self-discharge nickel metal hydride (LSD NiMH) batteries, which, according to the brand’s website, are more effective than both regular NiMH batteries and the traditional Alkaline battery. While new battery technology is great, what makes this company so revolutionary in the battery industry is actually its return policy and end-of-life operations.

Once purchased, earthCell batteries come with a prepaid mailer where spent batteries can be stored and shipped. Batteries are retested at the earthCell HQ. If the batteries are still usable, the company can “revitalize” them for resale. But, if a battery doesn’t meet specification to be revitalized, it is dismantled and the valuable materials inside are used to make new batteries. That’s right: earthCell is bringing to market a cradle-to-cradle battery.

Batteries may be a marginal part of daily life, but with estimates saying that 3 billion batteries are thrown out every year in the U.S. alone, making this facet of your life a little more environmentally conscious can go a long way.

Gift giving can be a strange time for those who try to live an eco-conscious lifestyle. It’s easy to get caught up in the spirit of the holidays, and that can lend itself to spending money on things that aren’t necessary or kind to the environment.

This year, be strategic. Give gifts that not only look cool, but also serve an important purpose. Instead of giving gifts that will break or be obsolete within a few months, select presents that will help your loved ones get one step closer to a waste-free life.

Hydros water bottle

Thirty-eight-billion disposable plastic water bottles end up in landfills each year. Most people drink bottled water because they think it’s cleaner, but studies have shown that most tap water is held to higher health standards than bottled water.

The Hydros Bottle comes with a built-in quick filtration system, so no matter where you fill up you’ll know that you’re drinking clean water. The Hydros bottle is BPA-free, antimicrobial and made in the U.S. And, $1 from each purchase helps fund sustainable water infrastructure projects around the world! (From $29.99)

PeopleTowels

The use of paper towels alone sends 3,000 tons of waste to the landfill every day. Many of the most popular brands use virgin timber to create these disposable cleaning tools. Depending on the size of your family and level of messiness, using paper towels can add an extra $120 to $200 to your annual budget.

PeopleTowels are a great way to curb paper towel and napkin use. Made of 100% organic fair trade cotton, these stylish towels save trees, save money, reduce landfill waste, cut CO₂ emissions and conserve water. Clipped to a book bag or slipped into a purse, these towels are also an easy way to keep hands clean without sacrificing the environment. (From $6.99)

Water Pebble

The average 10-minute shower uses 25 gallons of water. That’s 2.5 gallons of water a minute rushing down the drain, never to be seen again. While taking a 30-minute shower might not seem that expensive, it’s extremely harmful to the environment and disrespectful to the millions of people who live without access to safe, clean drinking water.

Water Pebble is an ingenious little device that will be sure to please the gadget lovers on your list. Once you’ve programmed the pebble, it signals a yellow light at your half-shower mark and flashes red when it’s time to turn off the faucet. The next time you shower the Pebble will flash red just a few seconds earlier. In this way, the device will train you to take shorter showers over a period of just a few weeks! (From $10)

E-reader

There’s nothing quite like curling up with a good book on a snowy day, or reading an interesting magazine article to help pass the time during a cross-country flight. But printed books and magazines are a drain on our natural resources and a hassle to recycle.

An e-reader eliminates paper waste, and the carbon emissions needed to transport books and magazines around the country. Instead of waiting to order a new book online, you can simply download it for the fraction of the price. Some libraries are also getting into the e-reader game, lending out electronic books for free. And you aren’t just limited to books: many e-readers are optimized for magazines, newspapers and blogs as well. The Kindle from Amazon is arguably the most popular, and its basic model is one of the cheapest. (From $79)

1. Alchemy Goods’ Dopp kit: Perfect for traveling, this Dopp kit (below) is made from a truck inner tube, making it super durable. We like that it will keep potential spills inside the kit rather than seeping out to clothing. It comes complete with a shiny bicycle valve zipper pull. ($32)
2.  Black Dinah Chocolatiers gift box: Strawberry balsamic with dark chocolate? Yes, please. Fresh chèvre with bittersweet chocolate? Yum! The Farm Market Collection of truffles from Black Dinah Chocolatiers makes a great gift for a host/hostess or even a stocking stuffer. Each truffle features ingredients grown in Maine. (Eight-piece box: $20, 18-piece box: $45).
3. Recycled Sandpiper night-light: Designed by husband-and-wife team Vawn and Mike Gray, this night-light is fused from post-consumer glass bottles. Each will slightly vary because they are handmade, which we think makes them even more special. ($38)
4. To-Go Ware’s two-tier tiffin and carrier bag combo: For those that ride their bikes or take the subway to work, this is a great hands-free option for carrying lunches. This two-tier tiffin and carrier bag combo from To-Go Ware features a stainless steel tiffin set (complete with a “sidekick” to hold things like dressings, soup and nuts) and a convenient recycled cotton carrier bag. ($39.95)
5. Tiny heart necklace: For a sweet and simple gift for the one you love, this tiny heart necklace is one that can be worn every day. Made from recycled 14k gold overlay or recycled silver overlay, it’s handcrafted in San Francisco, and has an adjustable length. ($35)

It’s no secret that strong recycling systems are critical to creating a sustainable future. At Nestlé Waters North America, we believe that everyone, including corporations, nonprofits, retailers and individuals, has a role to play, which is why we place a high premium on recycling innovation.

Michael Washburn, Director of Sustainability, Nestlé Waters North America

We’re proud to join the ranks of other industry leaders in recycling, like Patagonia, which is advancing the recycling of textiles through its Common Threads Initiative, or Timberland, whose Design for Disassembly shoes will be repairable, and eventually — when they’ve reached the end of their useful lives — recyclable.

At Nestlé Waters, we put ourselves on the front lines of advancing recycling, whether it be in the lab, the field or at the policy level. While bottled water PET containers make up less than 1% of all U.S. municipal solid waste, much work remains to ensure these, and all recyclable materials, stay out of landfills.

To address this issue, we set a goal in 2008 to help double U.S. recycling rates for all PET plastic beverage bottles to 60% by 2018.

In order to reach that goal, we are advocating for an extended producer responsibility (EPR) model for packaging. We hope to bring the financial responsibility of recycling back to the industry, while collaborating with municipalities to increase access to curbside recycling and recycling on the go.

In 2010, Nestlé Waters supported the launch of an EPR program in the Canadian province of Manitoba, featuring four key elements: curbside recycling, public spaces recycling, commercial/institutional recycling and a public education plan. Early results are encouraging, and we believe Manitoba is the one to watch.

Look for this logo on new Nestlé Waters bottles.

At the same time, we aim to reach and engage our customers in a conversation about recycling. Knowing that the overall environmental impact associated with drinking a bottle of water can be reduced by 25% just by recycling it after use, we feel deeply committed to educating others about the impact they can have. Recycling is at the core of our products’ life cycles: The more people recycle PET plastic bottles, the more opportunity we have to use recycled plastic in our products — like our new Deer Park 50% rPET plastic bottle.

To reach the public directly, we launched a first-of-its-kind mobile education tour in the Washington, DC, area this past fall. Thousands of children and adults were able to witness recycling brought to life at the Deer Park interactive “bus.” We also foster ongoing partnerships with organizations like Keep America Beautiful (KAB), with whom we activate creative consumer awareness programs. For example, Nestlé Waters sponsors KAB’s Recycle-Bowl, the first nationwide recycling competition educating elementary, middle and high school students at 1,000 schools in 48 states on the importance of recycling.

Step by step, great progress is being made. Ultimately, it is these collective efforts — of individuals, NGOs, legislators and companies — that will help us achieve the sustainable future we’re striving for.

For more information on Nestlé Waters North America’s recycling efforts, please visit nestle-watersna.com/WhyRecyclingMatters.htm. To read more about our sustainability commitments, visit citizenshipreport.nestle-watersna.com/Sustainability.

Michael Washburn is Director of Sustainability at Nestlé Waters North America. In this role, he leads the organization’s efforts to increase recycling rates in the U.S., innovate in energy use and building design across its facilities, advocate for constructive water policies and engage stakeholders around company sustainability issues. He has more than 15 years experience working in the nonprofit and academic sectors, with a focus on sustainable forestry, land conservation, green building and conservation leadership.

Global Green Pals

With Christmas fast approaching, my two little girls are busy compiling wish lists that could supply gifts for a small European nation. As I look around at the toy options, I’m always cheery when I find a product I can get excited about purchasing. This year it’s Global Green Pals.

Global Green Pals are soft, 12-inch dolls made of Oeko-Tex 100 certified organic cotton and stuffed with 100% post-consumer recycled PET bottles. Each doll has its own charming story and comes with detailed, colorful, removable clothing and mini accessories. The clothing and accessories are made with organic, natural and tested fibers and low-impact dyes.

With names like “Recycle Kyle” and “Pink Coral Laurel,” each doll comes with a character tag printed with soy-based inks on recycled paper that tells each character’s story and offers kid-friendly “green tips” on how to help the earth.

Founded in 2004, Global Green Pals is a female-owned-and-operated Indiana-based company committed to bringing children eco-friendly, educational toys that inspire positive world action through play and imagination.

Malini Goel, the company’s founder, has created toys that inspire children toward positive environmental action. The dolls help to highlight important environmental issues such as recycling, global warming, water conservation and air pollution, and a portion of each purchase supports environmental efforts through 1% for the Planet.

Goel, a lawyer and environmental policy consultant, was inspired by her grandfather, who once said, “Use your education as a broom to clean up Mother Earth.” Her hope is that children around the world will contribute to the environment in their own small ways as they play and learn.

To find out more about these adorable dolls, visit them at globalgreenpals.com.

The GROWBOTTLE, made from recycled wine bottles

Those who love the kitchen also love the newest gadgets and entertaining gifts to make cooking a bit easier and fun. Check out our green gift picks below for foodie in your life.

1. GROWBOTTLE: What’s better than having fresh herbs to cook with, right from your kitchen window? This hydrogarden sprouts from reclaimed restaurant wine bottles, inspiring the chef in your life all year long. Choose between organic basil, organic chive, heirloom mint, organic oregano or organic parsley.

2. Barrel stave breadboards: We love these white oak breadboards from NapaStyle, made from discarded wine barrels. Each is carefully cut and smoothed, showing the natural coloring from cabernet, pinot noir and zinfandel. They are a great addition for those foodies who love to entertain as well.

3. Preserve cutting boards: A kitchen product that is made from recycled plastic that is recyclable at the end of its lifespan as well? That’s the mission of Preserve’s line of cutting boards, made from 100% recycled plastic through the company’s Gimme 5 program. They are dishwasher safe, BPA-free and come in two sizes and three different colors.

4. The mypressi TWIST: Since it requires no external power, the mypressi TWIST is a great gift for coffee lovers on the go. All you have to do is add ground coffee, pour in the hot water and pull the trigger. The power comes from small, standard gas cartridges that have been used in kitchens, cafés and restaurants worldwide for more than 80 years. Best of all, each cartridge is fully recyclable.

5. Gift certificates to local restaurants: One of the best gifts a chef can get is a night off from cooking. Support your local businesses by purchasing a gift certificate or two to one of his or her favorite restaurants. Choose a restaurant that relies on local and/or organic ingredients.

1. Cashmere patch scarf: What’s better than affordable cashmere? Made of squares from reused cashmere sweaters, this scarf is hand sewn and made in downtown Los Angeles. A perfect complement to any outfit. ($58)
2. Flip & Tumble produce bags: We just love the convenience of these reusable produce bags. Not only are they machine washable, but they also stash perfectly in reusable grocery bags, and you get five per set. ($11 per set)
3. USBCELL rechargeable batteries: It seems as though we’re always looking for AA batteries, and you can’t beat the convenience of the USBCELL rechargeable ones. They can be recharged anywhere simply by plugging them into the computer. Not only will your gift recipient be cutting his or her waste, but he or she will also be saving money. (From $17.99 for a two-cell pack)
4. TRTLE BOT iPhone cover: For the iPhone lover, these cases ensure that the handheld stays safe in its shell. Made by TRTLE BOT from recycled plastic bottles (each case contains plastic from at least one bottle), it also offers space to hold an ID or up to three credit cards. Did we mention it comes in four great colors as well? (From $24.99)
5. SIGG reusable flask: Perfect for those who love the outdoors, the design of SIGG’s BPA-free flasks date back to the early 1900s. Functional yet fashionable and eco-friendly as well, we love that they are easily recyclable when it’s time for a new one. (From $19.99)

Here are some examples of the fabulous gifts you can purchase:

Queenie Tire Messenger Bag

This bag has a front flap made from upcycled tires accented with woven tire strips on a bag made from sheets of recycled plastic bags.

The Paris Wallet

This wallet is made from recycled plastic bags. It has five credit card pockets and a transparent slot for a driver’s license. It also has four zipper-less inside pockets for cash and receipts and a zippered pocket for change.

Born of a desire to reduce India’s mountain of waste, improve energy efficiency, and help some of Delhi’s poorest out of the city’s slums, Conserve India achieves all this by turning plastic bags into high fashion. In addition to keeping plastic and other materials out of landfills, this project fights poverty in rural parts of India.

Recycled Tin Dancing Girl Earrings

These lead-free earrings are made from recycled silver, tin and copper wire and are accented with colorful Maasai beads.

Glossy Recycled Paper Necklace

This necklace, made by the Teenage Mothers and Girls Association of Kenya, is made out of old calendars and brochures. The recycled paper is cut in long triangles and rolled to form the beads, then varnished to a high gloss.

The main mission of TEMAK is to provide vocational skills to young women — many of whom are unwed mothers who have been ostracized by their family and community — empowering the young women to earn a living wage. Many of the young women make crafts to earn an income to support themselves and their families.

For more information, visit the Gifts With Humanity website.