People Towels Review and Giveaway (Closed)

PeopleTowels™ is the newest concept in sustainability – 100% organic cotton, reusable personal hand towels that make going green as easy as drying your hands. Switch from paper towels to PeopleTowels to dry your hands in public facilities to saves trees and reduce waste.

A simple substitute for a paper towel to help us cut down on exposure to other people’s germs in public spaces and reduce paper consumption.

Some seriously disturbing facts:

USA is the #1 user of paper:

“The US, with less than 5% of the world’s people, uses 30% of the world’s paper. Each person in the US uses about 335kg of paper each year– that’s 7 times the world average, even twice the average for industrial countries. China has more than 20% or the world’s population. It uses 11% of the world’s paper, about 27 kg per person. India has 16% of the world’s people, consumes just 1% of the world’s paper, and uses less than 4 kg per person per year. The high level of forest consumption in the U.S. is unsustainable–it’s even less sustainable if adopted by everyone else in the world. If everyone in the world used as much paper as the average American, the world would need 7x as much paper. It’s pretty clear that this planet does not have enough ecological space for American consumption habits.” (From Janet Abramovitz: Senior Researcher of World Watch Paper: Paper Cuts)

Corporations can have a big impact:

5000 employees = Annual savings of $215,000 + 1250 trees + a reduction of 115,000 lbs of landfill waste and conservation of 1,250,000 gal water. PeopleTowels estimates that each person uses 2,400 paper towels at work alone, if they are making approximately 5 trips to a public restroom per day each week. That’s equivalent to a case of C Fold paper towels each year, with a case costing an average of $43. This doesn’t include either the cost savings from waste disposal on the backend.

Corporate Sustainability Programs improve retention rates, public image, and employee morale:

According to the Society for Human Resources Management’s (SHRM) 2007 Green Workplace Survey, 61% of employees whose organization participated in environmentally friendly practices reported that they are “very likely” or “likely” to stay with their current organization because of their organization’s environmentally responsible program. In addition, 36% reported improved employee morale and employees reported strong public image (67%) as the top positive outcome of environmentally responsible programs for organizations.

Paper waste fills our landfills:

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, paper made up the largest share – 34% – of municipal solid waste in 2006. While about half of paper waste is recovered for recycling or compost, the other half ends up in landfills, where it does not readily decompose. Recycling alone is also not a cure-all; the recycling process, as well as production from virgin pulp uses water, energy and chemicals.

Paper use effects virgin forests and accelerates global warming:

The National Resources Defense Council states that Americans use an average of 741 pounds of paper, per person, each year. Most of the world’s paper supply comes from timber logged in regions that have an ecologically valuable, biologically diverse habitat. The virgin timber-based pulp and paper industry is the third greatest industrial emitter of global warming pollution. Its carbon dioxide emissions are projected to double by 2020.  Source: http://www.nrdc.org/land/forests/tissue.asp

I really do hope you take a couple extra moments out and read that statistics above.  Send them around, there is a nifty share button. Not because I need the press but this ridiculous, wasteful world of paper towels does.

I know most people sit at home and think there is no way they can live with out paper towels.  I enourage you to try.  Next trip to the store, instead of buying a case of paper towels try to buy a package or two of the car wash cloths, or the “rags” that every store has.  Throw those in a basket onyour counter and place your paper towels in the pantry.  I think you will be so surprised at how quickly that becomes your new habit.

I have been using People Towels as a replacement for paper towels when I am NOT  at home.  First off they are adorable, second they are thin enough to be easily portable.  I can’t emphasize enough how clutch they were for my NYC trip.  Between the plane, the buss to the hotel, the city, public bathrooms…. yes, very clutch indeed.
Practical yet eco-chic, PeopleTowels are small (approx. 9 x 9 inches), absorbent, light-weight and fast-drying

• Six eco-chic designs

• Machine washable and will last for years of constant use

• Designed with a hang tag for easy access when clipped on a purse or a backpack

• Custom fabrics that are 100% Certified Organic Fair Trade Cotton

• One percent of PeopleTowels’ sales go toward preserving the Earth through the 1% for the Planet program

• Created using eco-friendly dyes that are 100% natural and nontoxic. As with most silk screen fabrics, variations in the printing may occur

People Towels has a special going on until the end of the year.  Buy 2 Towels and get a free tote bag!

People Towels would also like to offer one Prissy Green reader a set of 5 People Towels!  This is  $35 value.

To enter, please visit People Towels and tell me one fact you learned.

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Contest winners are always chosen by random.org and verified per rules. Contest ends at 11:59pm EST, on 12/22. Open to US.

disclosure: I did receive items for review, but was under no obligation to report with a review.  opinions are still 100% my own.

Karissa Gindling™ for Prissy Green™ ©

Green is Black Review and Giveaway

I don’t know too many women who don’t appreciate a nice blouse, pair of pants, or even a nice comfy tee shirt.  But wouldn’t your comfort level for wearing these items be dramatically increased if you knew for certain that they were safe, made ethically and made with sustainable materials?

My answer is yes, and since you are visiting my site, I tend to think that be might your answer too!  After all, you wouldn’t put clothing  on your baby that had recently been sprayed with pesticides, so is there really any difference if the clothing’s material was grown with pesticides?  i think not.

Green Is Black is a wonderful new company out of Canada.  Green is Black is a family and friend venture, by people who realize that recycling really is the last resort, that reducing is the first option, then reusing comes next. They have spent their lives (even before green is black) attempting to achieve zero footprint, by dwelling in cities and using their bodies, bicycles, and trains to get around; eating organic and locally-grown food wherever possible; being herbivorous and thus eating as low on the food chain as possible. And maybe one of the most important, and hardest to rule to follow, making new purchases only when they can confidently acknowledge their purchasing is to support a responsible company producing low impact goods.

The one purchase that always seemed to elude them, was funky, fresh, sexy and stylish clothing, that was eco, and sustainable. No one wants to wear brown for the rest of their lives! I love my birkenstocks, but there are times, when style, comfort and sustainability can meet, and work!

The folks at Green is Black didn’t want to be guilt-laden, self-righteous, cranky beings, so they started looking for solutions. The shift to solutions-oriented thinking brought about a tidal wave of information about designers who were acknowledging their need to create art, and stopping at nothing to ensure that their creations be made in an ethical manner – in field, fabric, dye, and manufacturer.

Green is Black refuses to stop with having a near zero footprint, they want to get other companies on board with positive marketing, and help them realize being green doesn’t mean a company has to be in the red when it comes to bookkeeping. Rather, if everyone pulls together, this should be the normal way of life. Not a struggle.

I actually saw Green is Black on a fellow bloggers site, Feisty Frugal and Fabulous. She happens to be a Canadian blogger, and learned about Green is Black that way. Well, I had to contact them, as I just loved what they company stood for, and also loved the stylish, and yet sustainable, not brown clothing they brought to the table!
I chose to review this adorable Jumper by Lav & Kush. It might be more adorable in person than in this photo, but the photo is perfectly accurate.  The only thing that might not be accurate is that it is a true black.  BUT what I love about Green is Black is that they actually state that in the description.  No misleading!  Linen Rayon blend, and it is soft, and precious and I think we can all appreciate that it was manufactured in Vancouver, Canada! I love that I can wear this without a bra, as it is a great, tightly stitches material, but yet is light and would be great for summer, or spring.

Green is Black has both Women’s and Men’s clothing options, and has a fantastic Sale page.  Plus Shoes and Accessories!

And of course, Green is Black wants to let you try out some stylish, sustainable clothing too!   The shirt above is up for a giveaway!  You choose the size!  made from 65% Hemp and 35% Silk. Although it looks 100% silk to me!   Made my Kelly B, and in the USA. This shirt had been $145, and is now marked down to $72.50.

To enter, please go to Green is Black, and pick out another item you would like to try out.  Simple!

Extra Entries: (leave a separate comment for each you do in order for them to count!)  =)

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Get an Extra Entry into any ONE contest EVERY DAY for voting! Vote once per day! Just leave a comment, on the contest you want the extra entry for, and leave your vote #!!

Contest winners are always chosen by random.org and verified per rules.  Contest ends at 11:59pm EST, on 10/15.  Open to US & Canada!

Karissa Gindling™ for Prissy Green™ ©

END Eco-Friendly Footwear, Review and Giveaway

END Footwear is driven by passion, people and their never-ending journey.
Environmentally Neutral Design

An idea born from a passion towards change, the team at END footwear consists of a group of individuals dedicated to building new and innovative footwear with minimal consequences to the environment. By utilizing the four R’s (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Responsibilty) to guide them on their path towards an environmentally neutral design, their goal is to have less of an environmental impact with each and every season. Currently, their manufacturing process yields only 1-5% waste, making their ecological footprint much smaller than many manufacturers.

At END they are focused on designing and creating high performing, sustainable footwear for every day athletes. Their philosophy of responsible, evolutionary design causes them to strive to do more with less. Born from a single mold, END footwear represents a revolutionary step in exercising this belief. Each of their styles rides on a platform that is custom tuned to the needs of the athlete and is used over and over again throughout the years instead of seasons. Why fix it if it was never broken? This allows END athletes to tackle their adventures without having to pay the price for using multiple steel molds. In addition, END has also removed the shank (a plastic piece normally placed in the arch of the shoe) in their shoes, taking a large step forward in sustainability. Because all plastic shanks are built from steel molds, companies create a different steel mold for every size, color and model of shoe. All of

that steel and plastic production quickly turns into waste and is essentially harmful to people and the environment.

END sent me the PBnJ shoe to try out.  It has been my main go to shoe for inside work outs, while my Brooks have been my outdoor running shoe. I honestly didn’t make a concious choice to do that, it just worked out that way.  My ENDS are light, and so comfortable. I was honestly worried that they were too comfy and too light, I wondered if they would hold stable with my running.  They did and still do.

• Seamsmart® synthetic and mesh upper mimics the shape of your foot in critical areas through innovative use of textiles in place of molded plastic, the elimination of rigid heel counters, and a merciless design process that eliminates all unnecessary parts and materials.
• PET recycled webbings and lace.
• Bamboo-infused lining has natural moisture-wicking and anti-bacterial properties.
• END® EVO Biosmart midsole consists of 15% recycled EVA and provides medial support, lateral containment, and outstanding cushioning.
• Synergy Heel System® delivers superior heel-lock, outstanding support and plush cushioning. A minimally padded flexible heel counter is mated to precisely cut and sewn uppers and then cradled in a sculpted tri-density midsole. A de-coupled heel provides a soft, yet stable landing zone for natural biomechanical advantage. SHS delivers superior heel-lock, outstanding support and plush cushioning.
• Exurban Regrind Outsole®, comprised of recycled content carbon rubber, utilizes a combination of separate rubber pods positioned along a longitudinal flex groove. This allows each distinct portion of the outsole to flex and grip when needing, ultimately providing outstanding cushioning and traction.
• 7.00 oz.

END carries shoes for every aspect, from Trail to Water to Street.

While being friendly to the environment is what drives END in their everyday endeavors as a company as well as individuals, they understand that athletes require high performance footwear. Comfort is key with END. Designed to work with the body’s muscle groups, their shoes are able to provide greater balance when running and less muscle fatigue. Their Full Sole™ design also allows energy to displace efficiently through medial to lateral motion, working naturally with the foot’s motions instead of against it. Combine these features with a wider forefoot and you’ve got a superb stride that is more stable and efficient.

With the concept of doing more with less fresh in mind, adding more to what already works isn’t always better. At END, they understand that there is an innovation arms race happening within the footwear industry where companies want to make people believe that more components and technology equal better runs and performance. Remaining dedicated to the philosophy that less is more, END footwear is determined to prove that lighter can be stronger, and that crisp, consistent designs can beat the next big thing any day of the week.

Always searching for new solutions to age-old problems, END believes that footwear will not fall apart if glues and cements were to fade into the yesterday of tomorrow. Their goal is to one day be able to offer 100% glue-less shoes through a responsible design, which will be beneficial to the environment and the workers who would have had to handle such harmful glues. With one eye on lessening their environmental impact and one eye on the trails of life, END realizes that together we are all the next wave of change.

There’s a dirt diva inside every woman. The Stumptown collection embraces the soul, and her soles with superior traction, stability, and confidence for extending the wilderness experience, urban wandering, or any other stress release you can invent.

To see a more detailed picture of how less is more, and less impact on the environment, check out this diagram.  I think you will dig.

END has given me the chance to offer one Prissy Green reader their choice of END shoes.  To enter, head over to Zappos and pick out your pair of ENDs.  Come back here and comment on what END shoes you like the most and where you would wear them, or what workout you would use them for.

You can purchase End Footwear either by finding a dealer near you, or by shopping at any of these online retailers.  From what I have figured, Zappos seems to have the largest selection.

Extra Entries: Leave  a separate comment for each entry you do!
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Contest winner will be chosen my random.org and verified per the rules. Open to US. Contest ends at 11:59PM EST, 9/7/09.

**if you are interested in purchasing END footwear, you had better hurry.  I just got terrible news!

FLOR Review and Giveaway

If you look at any blog around the blogosphere chances are you have seen a FLOR review or two. They are very happy to work with Blogs to help them spread the word! And I admit, us bloggers are pretty happy to get some tasteful decor for our homes too!

If you know nothing about FLOR, the are a carpet and rug company that sells tiles that you can install yourself, VERY easily I might add. With a wide, um no HUGE range of colors and styles you will definitely find a match for your style and your home. They have many different textures too, which can spice up a room really quick especially idf you can’t do a lot of color!

I picked out enough tiles to make a 5×7 rug (12 tiles). I places my order with their rep (for review) and was so excited to get them home. The rug we currently had a the front door was a quick grab so we would have something to walk on, but we were far from in love with it.

When I got the FLOR tiles in, I quickly opened the box and started placing them in an order and soon realized, I hated a couple of the colors. The colors were very pretty by themselves, but when you add our room decor to them, they are really bright and well, just plain didn’t fit in at all! I sent my rep an email, apologizing for picking out tiles I couldn’t use, and asked her what we could do. She was SO sweet about it. She said, this is YOUR Review and YOUR FLOR, so lets chat on the phone and pick you out something else. We were probably on the phone for a good 30 minutes, going between the pages of their catalog together. We had one completely picked out, that wouldn’t be utilizing the color tiles I had and liked, when I mentioned that I had dogs, she was frank and told me, that original tiles I had would be better for hair and traffic. And so we went back to that style, and found a solution. I am SO HAPPY WITH MY FLOR!

FLOR is an eco-friendly option for your floors. FLOR’s carpet tiles come in 20-inch squares* in a range of beautiful colors, patterns and textures that you can mix and match to create area rugs, runners or wall-to-wall designs to fit any space. Plus, FLOR’s dedication to caring for the environment carries over into all that we do from design and manufacturing to reclaiming old FLOR tiles to be recycled into new product.

Benefits of FLOR include:

• Eco-friendly**. Through FLOR’s Return & Recycle Program, old FLOR tiles are recycled into new products, so you can feel good that your purchase is a responsible one.
• Quick to install. FLORdots and easy-to-follow instructions come with every order.
• Easy to clean. Clean your FLOR with a vacuum or simply pick up a square and wash it in the sink.
• Fast delivery. FLOR ships direct to you within 5 to 7 business days.

They have the best customer service, she even let me keep the old tiles that I wasn’t that found of, six in total, and I have those as a mat in the garage now.

They have also given me the chance to share FLOR with you! Enter to win a a 5×7 (12 tile) area rug of your choosing (all styles except Shaggy Sheep or Coir).

To enter, go to FLOR and pick out with style you would most like to have!

Extra Entries! Please leave a separate Comment for each!

**Be sure to check out my other GIVEAWAYS**

Contest will conclude on 8/9 at 11:59pm EST. Winner will be drawn by random.org and validated per rules. US.