Clean.

Sponsor Giveaway : : Pixie Printz

: : :

Every-so-often I bring you an interview and giveaway with one of Clean's sponsors. It's a great opportunity to discover a new small businesses and also a friendly reminder that there are alternatives to the mass-produced products, big-box stores, and the status-quo.

Each sponsor is carefully hand-picked and their interviews never cease to inspire me. Enjoy!

: : :

Today I'm honored to introduce you to Carrie of Pixie Printz. Her story truly touched my heart. Read on to hear her story, and to enter her giveaway for some precious jewelery!

What is your company and how long have you been in business?

I am the proud owner of Pixie Printz, a fingerprint jewelry and keepsake business. I started my business two years ago May 1.

What inspired you to go into this line of work?

Well, it's not so much inspiration as much as it was a reaction. In August 2009 my then 18 month old daughter was diagnosed with a very aggressive, solid tumor cancer called Neuroblastoma. In April 2010 we learned that not only was her cancer not responding to any treatment, but it was actually spreading.

My husband and I then decided we would trust God and chose quality of life over quantity and took her home with no further treatment. At that time she was given 2-3 months left to live. This fit the profile not only of her cancer, but of her experience as well so we began planning her memorial.

I knew I wanted fingerprint jewelry and so I started looking for it. I found that it was beyond my means and became frustrated that in the situation I was in, I couldn't afford the one thing that would mean the most to me because it was so very expensive.

One year later I began Pixie Printz, named for my daughters favorite Disney character, Tinkerbell.

Leiryn (pronounced Leer-in) just celebrated her 5th birthday and is currently a thriving preschooler. She still is riddled with cancer, but the cancer hasn't grown or spread since we stopped treatment almost 3 years ago.

How do you believe you and your business are bringing good into the world?

When I started Pixie Printz, I also founded a non-profit called Imprints of the Heart. We work with hospices, funeral homes and hospitals to provide Pixie Printz keepsakes at no cost for families that are facing the loss of a child or have recently lost a child. I feel as though no parent facing this kind of loss should have to weigh their wants against what's affordable.

Because each Pixie Printz fingerprint keepsake is made with the touch of a finger each family not only is provided with something that captures their child's touch and the most unique part of them, they are able to participate in the making of these keepsakes as well so each piece will forever hold that memory.

What else should we know?

The silver used to make each keepsake is made from recycled silver particles. They combine these particles with an organic binder and water to make a pure silver clay. This is how each print is captured by touch. It is then hand engraved and refined then fired in a kiln.

In addition to fingerprints I also make keepsakes using a hand or footprint, a signature, a kiss, a drawing, and for some a paw print.

Each piece is handcrafted form start to finish by myself along with three other moms. We all bring our kiddos to the studio and work while they play or do school work.

Pixie Printz is offering one lucky reader their choice of a charm or a pendant, depending on the number of prints they would like to capture.

(A charm will hold 2-3 prints, and a pendant can hold up to 5.) Choose from heart, circle, teardrop (or raindrop as I was corrected by a 7 yr. old, lol), flower, or dog tag. (The shapes are shown here.)

To enter simply leave a comment on this post. I'll close comments and select one winner next week.

The comments are now closed. The winner is Tokarz who said:

"So good..."

And if that weren't enough, enjoy 10% off of your Pixie Printz order, use coupon code "LO2013" between today and May 20, 2013. 

Sponsor Giveaway : : LittleWool

: : :

Every-so-often I bring you an interview and giveaway with one of Clean's sponsors. It's a great opportunity to discover a new small businesses and also a friendly reminder that there are alternatives to the mass-produced products, big-box stores, and the status-quo.

Each sponsor is carefully hand-picked and their interviews never cease to inspire me. Enjoy!

: : :

Today I'm happy to introduce you to Karen and her whimsical work, LittleWool. Our interview (as well as a giveaway and a coupon code) are below!

What is your company and how long have you been in business?

Hi all.  My name is Karen, chief dreamer and creator of LittleWool.  As many of these things often begin, I started out by making things for my family...mostly toys and clothes for my girls.  As time went by my house started to fill up with handmades and I had to either stop making (which would leave me miserable and therefore not a good idea) or find some way to start selling my creations.

About 5 years ago I got my first table at a local craft fair and I was off and sewing.  

When my family was younger, time was hard to come by so I have tried to be slow and steady with LittleWool.  Now that time is becoming more my own I find it easier to create and be out of the house selling, while still devoting plenty of time and love to my favorite position, that of a Mama.

What inspired you to go into this line of work?

.

As I mentioned, my journey down this road came about as a result of wanting to make things for my family.  But I do have to admit that part of my motivation (quite a large part truthfully) comes from my love of having pretty things in my home.  Every single item I create is one that I would happily have and use in my own home - toys especially.  

.

Since we are a homeschooling family, we spend lots of time outside exploring our community and the surrounding ones.  The natural world provides me with plenty of inspiration, not to mention, supplies for my work.

.

How do you believe you and your business are bringing good into the world?

While I do believe that I am helping to keep the landfill pile from growing by using only wool blankets that no one else wants, and sweaters that appear too old and felted, this isn't the main way I believe me and my creations are bringing good into the world.  

When I am all setup at either our local farmer's market, or craft fair, the people that walk past all stop and smile.  

They see my creations all set up and seem compelled to stop in and chat...not just children either. 

It is wonderful for me to hear from people about how my toys remind them of certain times in either their own childhoods, or those of their kids.  It feels good to make people smile.

Karen's work has no shortage of magic and whimsy. And you can claim a little piece of your own!

Little Wool is offering us this charming mama and baby sheep pair (pictured above) to a lucky winner. (I think you can guess how I feel about these two.) To enter just leave a comment below! I'll announce a winner next week.

Comments are now closed. The winner is Krystal who said:

"Those are amazing. Perfect for our Spring nature set up :)"

Little Wool is also offering a coupon code for their shop, good for 10% off of your next purchase. Use coupon code "Lusa10" before May 1, 2013.

Have a cozy, wonderful weekend everyone. And thanks, LittleWool!

Welcome, April Sponsors!

We have some amazing people sponsoring Clean these days. Take a look at all the magic these folks make happen. Thank you one and all!

LuSa Organics - my own organic body care line

Life Without Plastic - glass and stainless products for your home

Simple Loving Family - Natural, homemade, eco-friendly gifts

WaldorfMama - knitting and Waldorf inspiration from a mama of my own heart

Sparkle Stories - Audio stories for children and families

Dental Essentials - supplements for a cavity free childhood

Sarah's Silks - silk for imaginative play

Sundara Yarn -exquisite hand-dyed yarns

Mariposa Forest - a world of imagination, delivered to your mailbox

Imagine Childhood -toys, tools, and activities for growing minds

goodkarma -sustainable, functional, handmade goods

Gypsy Forest - aprons, quilts, silks, and more

Little Wool - handcrafted woolen treasures

Pixie Printz - keepsake fingerprint jewelery

Robyn Wright - personal and relationship life coaching

Positive Path Coaching - guiding you to the wise parent within

Conscious Clothing - hand dyed, eco-conscious clothing

And our newest sponsor -

Carina Spencer - my favorite knitting pattern designer

Sponsor Giveaway : : goodkarma

: : :

Every-so-often I bring you an interview and giveaway with one of Clean's sponsors. It's a great opportunity to discover a new small businesses and also a friendly reminder that there are alternatives to the mass-produced products, big-box stores, and the status-quo.

Each sponsor is carefully hand-picked and their interviews never cease to inspire me. Enjoy!

: : :

I'm so happy to introduce you to my almost neighbor Bren of goodkarma. Bren is from friendly Viroqua and she crafts some amazing things! Beauty and function, stitched together with loving hands.

Read on for a little inspiration from my 'hood (and a coupon code and giveaway!).

What is your company and how long have you been in business?

I am Bren of goodkarma and I've been making and selling an array of hand-stitched goods on and off for about 12 years now. (Oh, wow, can that be right?! I triple-checked my math.)

This current incarnation of goodkarma has been going for 5 years and is ever evolving.

I design and sew housewares and personal accessories with earth-friendly materials such as upcycled wool sweaters, vintage thrifted finds, and a hemp/certified organic cotton blend that I hand-dye myself using low-impact dyes. I strive for sustainable functionality in everything I create.

What inspired you to go into this line of work?

I wanted to purchase products that were made in an ethical way using materials that weren't filled with toxins, and was frustrated with not being able to afford them. Why should only rich people be able to buy organic textiles?

So I was determined to figure out how to create them myself and offer them to others. I wanted to give normal people the opportunity to purchase quality eco-friendly products at a price that wasn't outrageous. One part of that puzzle was starting from the most raw materials I could get and dyeing my own fabric, which has been an incredibly fascinating and rewarding experience. Learning new techniques will keep me happily busy for a lifetime.

How do you believe you and your business are bringing good into the world?

I'm giving people and alternative option ot mass-produced, questionably made product bought from stores that don't value their employees or the planet. A way for people to feel good about what their money is going to support - both directly and indirectly. The money I make goes to support other local and independent crafters, farmers, and businesses, and the cycle keeps going. I use materials that are grown without pesticides because I care about the health of the farmers who grow it and the people that process it. I give people affordable reusable alternatives to wasteful disposable items.

On a smaller - but equally as satisfying - note, my customers often tell me that every time they open their wallet/cook dinner/drink their tea, they see my 'goodkarma' label and it makes them smile. How could I not love that?

What else should we know?

One improvement that I look forward to making is purchasing hemp fabric grown and produced right here in the US. We are the only industrialized nation that prohibits growing this amazing crop, so unfortunately it all has to come from overseas. But I can see the tide turning and after some encouraging legislation was passed in Washington and Colorado this past November, I'm confident that US-grown industrial hemp is in our future. And I will be the first one in line to get it when it is.

Thanks, Bren! On a personal note, I purchased one of goodkarma's cast iron handle huggers over a year ago. And we've used it daily ever since. It lives on my favorite cast iron skillet, and evey morning makes the hop to my tea kettle. (Hmm... maybe I need a second one...)

Want some goodkarma of your own? Bren has generously offered to send one winner the following gift:

• one pot holder of your choice (square or oval)
• one cast iron handle hugger of your choice
• and one medium size hemp/organic produce bag.

To enter just leave a comment below! (One comment per person, please.) You can also find goodkarma on Facebook if that interests you. I'll select one lucky person next week.

Comments are now closed. The winner is Beth who said:

"I love the look of her items - the swirls especially! I'm headed over to check her out :)"

Everyone can enjoy 10% off of a goodkarma order with the coupon code "LUSA13". This discount includes the custom listings where you can just let me know what colors you want your pot holder/handle hugger/wallet/crochet case to be, and Bren will stitch one up just for you.

Discount code good through the end of April.

Giveaway : : A crazy, fun, heap of goodness from me to you.

Because why not? It's my blog and I can give you random stuff if I want to.

I noticed earlier this week that I hit 2000 Facebook fans for Clean and almost 3000 for LuSa Organics. And frankly I was kind of jazzed. That's a decent number of folks who either show up to read to what I write each week - while wearing my pajamas - or love the products we create.

I mean seriously. How did you all find your way here?

I wonder that often.

You see, I started writing this blog as a way to create a bit of transparency between what we do for our income and who we are as people. Because lots of body care out there is... well... eh in my opinion.

Questionable safety records, sketchy ingredients, synthetic surfactants and fragrances, you know. Eh.

And much of it is made by companies you might not want anywhere near your skin (or your baby for that matter). But I don't think most people know that.

But we're us. We're parents. We're real and quirky and likable - okay, and perhaps a wee bit non-conformist - us.

And we make body care that you can trust with your precious baby and your precious body.

So I started to write.

And then a funny thing happened.

Writing here became a joy in and of itself.

Transparency for my business ceased to be my motivation. I simply love to share with you, why-ever you are here.

I love writing this blog.

And so I don't do it to create transparency anymore. I do it because I love it.

Today I wanted to say thank you for showing up.

For coming here and reading, maybe commenting, and perhaps even stretching what you've held before as truth. For learning and feeling and growing right along side me.

I love that even though we might see the world from different perches, what I share here has a chance of changing something in your life. What fun that is!

The same goes for me when you share of yourselves.

It's that connection is what keeps me coming back.

Maybe it's the same for you.

To celebrate all of you wonderful people coming along on this journey I'm hosting a random giveaway of all kinds of goodies I'm just dying to share.

I'll choose two winners. Each winner will receive the following:

Three bars of LuSa Organics soap (Because that's what got me into this to begin with!)

Three LuSa Organics lip balms (because they're crazy good)

An early copy of my soon-to-be released (first ever!) sewing pattern - Festive Felt Birthday Crowns - (Your early copy will come later this spring. The pattern will be in my Etsy shop this summer!)

A copy of Celia the Great - Tricks of Being a Happy Kid (Author Abby sent me two copies to share with you.)

A set of four wee little peg dolls, for your favorite board game. (Because they're adorable, that's why.)

One zipper pull of your choice from my Etsy shop (acorn or mushroom)

One favorite recipe from my family (you choose the type - main course, dessert, or side)

One of Sage's amazing sachets (Yes, yes. I'll pay him for it.)

And one big scoopful of Mid-March Wisconsin snow! (Okay. Not really. Now I'm just messing with you.)

How does that sound? Fun?

Yes indeed.

To be entered tell me something real and wonderful in the comments below. Something about you or your family or your heart or why you come here. It's that easy!

Oh. My. The comments you left on this post have cracked my heart wide open. I've cried over and over again and am humbled by what you have shared. Thank you. Thank each and every one of you for coming here to share your hearts.

Comments are now closed. The winners are...

Amy who said:

"Your blog is inspiring and real and honest, and I really appreciate it, and you for keeping it, and for sharing so much of what you do and who you are. We share very similar values and lifestyle choices, and it is nice to know other amazing people who are choosing to live consciously. I hope to move to a homestead one of these days in the near future, so it is extra fun and inspiring to read about your journey in that too. Thanks for being so cool! ;) And thanks for a yummy giveaway!"

and k who said:

"i found you via a random image on instagram. I'm always looking for natural products - especially ones good for travel. well, i bought my firsts from you last month and i loved everything. i smell great ;)"

You can also like my business or my writing on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, like, share, tweet, or pin this post, or talk me up to your friends.

But you don't have to. Because I'll keep writing anyway.

Thanks you lovely people. Have an awesome weekend!

So much love,
Rachel

Sponsor Giveaway : : Mariposa Forest

Today I'm so pleased to introduce you to Jennifer and Annie and their magical Mariposa Forest. My own kids enjoy their Mariposa Forest letters that arrive in our mailbox every couple of weeks. Sage reads the letters aloud to Lupine, and although his is ten he still very much enjoys the magic in each letter from this magical land. And to Lupine every character and story is captivating and real.

Below is my interview with Jennifer, the writer of these magical tales. Enjoy!

What is your company and how long have you been in business?

The short answer is Mariposa Forest sends seasonal stories from the inhabitants of the forest to your children, by good old fashioned snail mail.

We help create a magical world that is delivered to your doorstep. One that encourages imagination, curiosity, and a connection to the natural world. We also help create excitement as twice a month something special is delivered to the child, addressed to them, just for them. We launched in June of 2012, so we have been at it a little over half a year and are now sending stories all over the world.

What inspired you to go into this line of work?

Both Annie and I are stay at home moms and we were looking for a way to continue staying at home and also channel our creative energies. We are moms first and foremost, but we are also creative, artistic beings and it is important to nurture yourself in order to truly give yourself to your family.

After many cups of tea discussing how we could combine our collective talents for writing and photography, we realized how much our own children loved to get mail and even how rare and exciting it was for us to get mail, other than bills!

We both spend a lot of time in nature (quite often together) and thought that it might be fun to send letters to children from the forest.

My stories combined with Annie’s photographs to give a glimpse, a hint into the magical world that exists in every forest. We played with the idea and eventually Mariposa Forest was born. It seemed like the perfect blend of both of our talents and really, there is nothing better than knowing you are making a child’s day when they open the mailbox and there is something there just for them!

How do you believe you and your business are bringing good into the world?

 One of the biggest things for both of us is teaching our children to be connected to the Earth. To get outside daily, to know the seasons, and the little piece of the planet that we call home.

The stories reflect that.

They are stories, yes, but they also talk about the forest, the changes that happen, the small shifts of light, the abundance of life in Spring and Summer and the quietness of Winter.

We have a “Reflection” question on the back of each story. We ask the child to look around and see what they observe, what does their world look like? How is it different from Mariposa Forest? What kind of animals live near them? What kind of birdsong do they hear?

If we can get children to start observing nature, even in an urban setting, then I feel like we have done a bit of good. In a world that moves so fast and is so high tech, we really feel it is necessary to help our children learn to slow down and connect to the planet.

What else should we know?

We have recently started a blog in which we hope to share ideas, articles, and such that have to do with getting out into nature as a family and connecting to the earth. We also have a newsletter that shares much of the same as well as seasonal ideas such as crafts, recipes, and fun articles to give you ideas on how to get outside.

You can download a free audio reading of a story when you subscribe. Finally, we are currently having the stories translated and will be offering them in French in the Spring.

Today Mariposa Forest is offering a generous giveaway to three lucky readers! Leave a comment below for your chance at an introductory package of Mariposa Forest (three mailings).

Comments are now closed. The winners are:

Tracy who said:

"What a wonderful idea, my daughter would love this.",

Margaret who said:

"this sounds lovely -- I know my boys would enjoy this. thank you for the opportunity --", and

and Angela who said:

"My kindergarten class would love to receive mail! What a wonderful idea."

The winners will receive a welcome letter (which lets the child know that something will be arriving for them), the introductory story which is the first story of every new subscription, and a seasonal story that is in the current mailing.

I'll close comments on Monday and select three winners!

Book Review and Giveaway : : Making Peg Dolls

Maybe you already noticed. I have an ongoing love of peg dolls.

If I had to pick just one craft to do with my kids for the rest of time, this would probably be the one.

And my kids share the obsession. I pick up peg people when I house clean like other families pick up Legos.

Creating peg dolls is quiet work that engages the imagination and the hands. The children and I sit around the table, quietly visiting and working on our own creations and soon a peaceful, imaginative hour (or two) has passed. It is magical.

Creating a plaything is satisfying work for a child of any age, and I find peg dolls are a suitable for a three year old as a ten year old. And for their play-value, a homemade peg doll can't be beat. They are open-ended, natural, and oh-so-simple. What's not to love?

Last year I was honored to be asked by fellow blogger and long-time Clean reader Margaret Bloom to contribute a few wooden peg dolls to her book, Making Peg Dolls. We were of course honored and the children I both sent some dolls to be included.

Last week when the book finally arrived, how tickled everyone was to see their very own peg people in this gorgeous hardcover book! Such fun for us all.

But that was only the beginning. Margaret's projects are lovely. While I am not often inspired to follow a pattern per-se, I still found the book to be brimming with beautiful, inspiring projects. And for someone looking for a step-by-step this book is an absolute treasure.

Each page is magical and will light a creative spark in you and your child.

Indeed, we all got lost in - and inspired by - the projects in Making Peg Dolls. Lupine made up a bright little song for every page ("We are the bumblebee babies! We are bumblebees three...") and before long the kids hurried off to gather supplies. Then we all set to work.

Oh, my. Look at all of those friends! Such fun.

Making Peg Dolls is without a doubt a lovely, inspiring craft book. For all ages.

Oh! And what have we here? A copy just for you! Margaret sent me an extra book to share with one lucky reader. Just add your name to the comments below to be entered to win! I'll close comments and select a winner on Monday.

Comments are now closed. And the winner is Lisa who said:

"I would love to be so lucky as to win a copy - such inspiration! Lovely!"

Sponsor Giveaway : : Imagine Childhood

It has been a while since I've hosted a giveaway here on the blog, and today felt like just the right time! I visited with Sarah from Imagine Childhood earlier this week and that interview is below.

Sarah is hosting a generous giveaway as well, so read on!

What is your company and how long have you been in business?

"For children, potential is limitless, curiosity is an electrical current, and every moment is open to the possibility of the unexpected. Day-to-day life is filled with adventure. Road blocks are invitations to try new routes. And the world is vast and expansive..." ~ From Imagine Childhood: Exploring the World Through Nature, Imagination, and Play, Roost Books 2012

Childhood is more than just a stage in our path to adulthood, it’s the time in our lives when our imaginations have no limits.  It’s the time when we learn how to be inventors. It’s the time when we watch clouds and butterflies with wonder and admiration.  It’s the time when we fall in love with the world.  Childhood is not just a developmental stage, it’s the development of a perspective, and quite a beautiful one at that.  In 2008 we established ImagineChildhood.com to support and nurture the growth of that perspective.

Imagine Childhood is a family owned and operated company offering high quality environmentally conscious toys, activities and stories that encourage exploration, creativity, and open-ended unstructured play.

What inspired you to go into this line of work?

I feel like the path that has led me to where I am today has been a circular one. Growing up I had always wanted to be involved in primary education in one way or another. To me, teachers were more magical than fairies or elves or wizards.  They looked normal, just like any other adult, but somehow using only their words and a piece of chalk they could transport me to new worlds in an instant. They could expand my mind and my imagination. They could show me the entire universe on a Tuesday afternoon.

.

As I grew older, though my love of education never wavered, my college years brought me to a new focus, to the world of art, where I lived for quite a while thereafter.  It actually wasn’t until I worked in exhibition design for the Field Museum of Natural History, that I began to recognize a familiar texture beneath my feet, roots and stones on a path that I’d navigated before.  I wasn’t teaching  per se, but I was beginning to come back to the idea of developing conduits for information, of putting time and care into how ideas could be shared with children. 

.

Now in the work that I am doing at Imagine Childhood, in the shop and the blog as well as a new venture into the world of writing, I feel like I’ve come back to where I started, but this time with a completely different perspective. . . one that I could only get from going the long way around.

.

How do you believe you and your business are bringing good into the world?

I don’t think it’s a question of bringing good into the world, that’s already there.  What we hope to be doing, is to provide a space that helps put a spotlight on all of that goodness. 

We don’t think of the products we carry in our shop as toys, they are tools for exploration. Objects that might just inspire a child to investigate the world outside their window or the lands inside their imagination, to see the magic in the everyday and to perhaps, one day, share it with others.

What else should we know?

For the past couple of years we’ve been working with the wonderful Roost Books to publish our first book Imagine Childhood: Exploring the World Through Nature, Imagination, and Play which was released last October.  We’re so excited to have it out in the world!

.

Congratulations, Sarah!

   

Imagine Childhood is offering a generous $50 gift certificate to their shop and a copy of Sarah's new book, Imagine Childhood. To enter your name simply leave a comment below! I will close comments in about a week.

Comments are now closed! The winnter is Charissa who said:

"Wow! Sounds like a great book and a great little company! What a wonderful idea. :) "

 

Imagine Childhood is also offering each of you a 10% discount from now until 1/31/13.  Simply enter LUSA as the discount code at the time of checkout.

Sponsor Giveaway : : Simple Loving Family

Today I have the delight of bring your Nahautal and her company Simple Loving Family. Nahautal is a long-time reader here as well as a long-time sponsor. During the years that she has been reading and commenting on Clean I really feel like we've gotten to know each other. She and I have even begun discussing a cross-country cultural exchange, my family visiting hers in Costa Rica and hers visiting mine here in Wisconsin.

Her interview below is really a peek into how and why she creates what she does. Do read the interview and be sure to look around in her shop. It is lovely!

.

What is your company and how long have you been in business?

I have two, one is only in beautiful Latin America (cloth diapers, baby carriers, etc.), but Simple Loving Family is were I can put everything I create and design.

What brings you joy in what you do?

Well, I just love to create with my hands since I was a kid, but it took me a long time to believe in myself and that I could create things that were beautiful, which I don't consider so important, but useful.

One of the main concerns I have is that the item will fulfill a purpose and that it will last long - for example that the seams will withstand years of use and washing.

I also find lots of inspiration in Nature and specially in fruits and vegetables.

How are you and your business are bringing good into the world?

I was very happy when I came up with the name Simple Loving Family because that finally say all I want to: to help families to stay together; to live more simple, meaningful, and earth friendly lives; and to get closer together by playing. With very simple things like cloth produce bags or napkins we reduce much waste and also I love to design toys that the children always go to. Baby wearing and breastfeeding are also things I love to promote for the bonds that they help to create.

I worry a lot about packing, so I try not to create waste. That's why I sew cloth bags for the baby slings, so they can be reused.

My other main concern is that everything will be affordable, so I try to keep prices low.

What else should we know?

We are this minimal small family - just my son and me. The world I live in is very different from what I see in all the beautiful mama blogs I read. In Latin America there are many things that are from another planet here, such as homeschooling. We live in the Tropics were seasons are very different. But we are Mexican and that is an endless source of inspiration too with all the colorful traditions and meals.

.

Nahuatl has offered a coupon code to all Clean readers for 10% off of anything in her shop! To redeem use coupon code GRACIAS10 before September 15, 2012.

She is also offering a giveaway where you pick your own prize! One lucky reader will receive any product of their choice (excluding Baby Carriers), shipped anywhere in the wold.

To enter simply leave a comment below. For a second entry, like Simple Loving Family on Facebook!

Comments are now closed. The winner is Jennifer who said:

I tried to comment but my post has mysteriously disappeared. Trying again -- but it should only be one entry for me. I'm not on facebook so can't do anything there.

Thank you Nahuatl and Simple Loving Family!

Sponsor Giveaway : : Life Without Plastic

~

Below is my interview with long-time Clean sponsors Jay and Chantal - owners of Life Without Plastic. They have some great reasons to avoid plastic, healthy alternatives, and educational resources as well. At the bottom of the post is a generous giveaway and coupon code, so read on! .

What is your company and how long have you been in business?

We are Chantal and Jay - we are Life Without Plastic, a family-run one-stop shop for high quality, safe and ethically-sourced plastic-free products.  We strive to be a hub for information on plastics and plastic alternatives.  We have been in business since 2006, though much of what we do has been developing since we were born, and most proactively since our son was born.

What is your favorite item from your shop?

Hmmm, that is a tough one.  It's difficult to choose one favorite, but I guess it would have to be our stainless steel airtight containers. They are so versatile and are making a real dent in the use of Tupperware and disposables for lunches and take out.  We use them, quite literally, every single day in some way or another - our son's lunch, leftovers in the fridge, freezing, going for a hike...

Why move away from plastic? It doesn't break. It's light. Why find alternatives?

Yes, unbreakability and lightness are great qualities, and we do acknowledge the helpful role plastics can play in society.  But... we see plastic in general, and especially for everyday use with food and in the home, as a bit of a ticking time bomb, both from a health and environmental perspective.  

.

The body of scientific research on common plastics is growing constantly with new studies of adverse effects from plastic use appearing regularly.  Perhaps the most front and center example is that of the endocrine disruptor bisphenol A (BPA), which most researchers, and many countries, now agree is worth banning in certain products because of it's links to developmental disorders, and even cancers.

.

Environmentally, plastic waste is not hard to find, and it is actually much worse than it may appear in most places. For example, a new University of Washington study estimates ocean plastic pollution is underestimated by factors ranging from 2.5x to 27x depending on the area of the ocean and weather conditions, especially wind.  More and more, the problems associated with plastic are going to pop up all over the place.

.

What else should we know?

There is lots that any individual person can do take action to reduce plastic pollution.  Take the REFUSE pledge at the Plastic Pollution Coalition (PPC) and apply it in your everyday life.  Support other organizations like PPC also doing important work... such as Environmental Working Group, Algalita Marine Research Foundation, 5Gyres. Follow Beth Terry's blog My Plastic-free Life and buy her new book to discover all kinds of great tips for living plastic-free.

Life Without Plastic is offering 10% off any order through the end of August 2012. Use coupon code "LUSALWP10".

They are also offering one winner a large round airtight glass container with a stainless steel lid. To enter simply leave a comment here. For an extra entry share this post (via Twitter, Facebook, telephone, or email. I trust you.) or like Life Without Plastic on Facebook. (Be sure to leave a second comment if you do one of these.)

Comments are now closed. The winner is fyrebloom who said:

We're still trying to get as little plastic as possible, but our storage still has plastic lids so this would be perfect!

Thanks for your thoughtful work, Life Without Plastic.