The Product Pasha » The Green Scene

The Green Scene: To-Go Ware Review

PPasha — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 16:06:00 +0000

We have been talking about reducing our footprint for a while now, but what about our forkprint? That’s exactly what To-Go Ware owner and founder Stephanie Bernstein set out do to in 1997 over a dish of ice cream in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Here’s how the story goes: “After enjoying some ice-cream “for-here” with her sister, Stephanie found it disturbing that even though she had not left the establishment, she had still been served in “to-go” plastic, and was expected to throw away her dish and spoon. Inspired by the college students who diligently carried their reusable coffee mugs around with them, she believed you could encourage people to expand this practice and use more durable, reusable methods for food as well as beverage, allowing for on-the-go convenience while remaining responsible citizens of planet Earth.”

Thus we have To-Go Ware, one of the cutest and most responsible carry-on items in my bag. These slick bamboo chopsticks, fork, knife, and spoon are neatly tucked away in carriers made of recycled poly-ethylene terephthalate plastic (or RPET) that can be easily clipped to backpacks, purses, belts, or anything else you may want to clip it to. Affordable, cute, and durable, T0-Go Ware is perfect for students, travelers, city dwellers, and professionals on the go.

Mine has been inside my bag ever since I got it, and it really is incredible how often I use them. In other words, I hadn’t realized how many times in a given day I was using a disposable utensil. Now, when I mix my coffee (in my re-usable coffee mug!), I no longer need to use one of those plastic straws – I simply open my carrier and use the bamboo chopstick. Nor do I need to use a plastic fork or a spoon when I grab my lunch in one of the many delis around NYC. A quick ice cream stop – no problem!

My forkprint has definitely decreased!

The Green Scene: Why Vapour Organic Beauty Makes me so Happy

PPasha — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 12:33:00 +0000

The other day, as I came home with a bag filled with Vapour Organic Beauty products and happy as a clam, my husband, puzzled, asked me: how could I be so happy when I already had so much makeup? And he got me thinking – why was I indeed so happy? I do, after all, have many different foundations and blushes and lipsticks and eyeshadows – did I need more? And the answer is yes.

“Yes” not because I am a beauty junkie (which is true, I am!) or a shopaholic and simply must have the newest and latest products out there. This is NOT about having just the right shade of plum shadow or the perfect lilac gloss. After all, there are only so many shades of plum or lilac that a woman really need. What made me so happy was the fact that Vapour Organic Beauty is unlike every other item in my makeup case.

And this is no easy feat – there are tons of organic beauty lines out there, and many that I love and cannot do without. But in a super competitive world, Vapour is able to offer something that I had not found anywhere else: purity of ingredients, sustainability, ease of application, and results that will keep you smiling all day long.
Born out of the marriage of Eric Sakas and an artisanal cosmetic laboratory in New Mexico, Vapour was founded with the simplest of principles: integrity in their ingredients choices, responsibility in their production, and versatility in use. With 100% natural and chemical free ingredients that are food-grade and at least 70% organic, Vapour is manufactured utilizing wind power and packaged in recyclable and renewable materials. Looking good and doing good – now that’s what I call a great addition to my beauty regiment. And did I mention the fact they come in sticks??

Vapour skin care products are so amazing that I found myself bragging the other day that I had nothing on but Vapour’s Stratus Instant Skin Perfector – and we all know that there’s nothing quite like the feeling of seeing looks of disbelief on people’s face because your skin looks so good!Because Stratus Instant Skin Perfector brightens the skin, evening out skin tone and diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, it can be worn alone or under your makeup. The formula is incredible, silky but not sticky or thick, and teeming with anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing natural ingredients such as Frankincense, Tulsi, Lotus, Papaya, and Pumpkin. It smells and feels like nothing I have ever tried before. And easily absorbed. Because it comes in a stick form, you simply smooth it across your face and use your fingers to spread it out. Your skin is going to look so radiant and smooth that, like me, you’ll find yourself bragging to friends that you have no make up on!

Or follow it up with Vapour’s Atmosphere Luminous Foundation, Aura Multi-use Blush for Lips, Cheeks and Eyes, and Elixir Sheer Lip Gloss for a polished but natural look.

Vapour Organic Beauty is available exclusively on www.shopnbc.com and www.vapourbeauty.com. And Product Pasha’s readers can get a FREE Lux Lip Conditioner with any order simply by entering freelip-pasha. Enjoy!

The Green Scene: Pangea Organics Makes Being Green Beautiful

PPasha — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 13:08:00 +0000

There are many companies out there investing in natural and organic ingredients for their beauty products, but very few take the ‘green’ concept to all aspects of production. Pangea Organics is unique in this sense.
Their Promise to consumers reads more like a much-sought-after beauty marital vows:

PEOPLE: Pangea Organics was founded on the principle belief that together, we can create a new, more sustainable future. We, for example, have chosen to help do so one bottle, bar and jar at a time.

PRACTICES: Pangea Organics products supports sustainable agriculture and culture – everything from fair trade sourcing and organic farming to living wages and the use of renewable, recycled and recyclable resources.

PLANET: What we choose to consume today, directly impacts how we – and future generations – will live tomorrow. That’s why our products are not only sensuous; they’re sustainable.

PRODUCTS: You’re already beautiful. We’re just here to help cleanse, tone and moisturize your skin. So we’ve created bodycare that doesn’t just smell nice, it is nice. Our products are always nurturing, handcrafted, organic and fair trade, and cruelty-free.

And there’s more: now their products come in a 100% biodegradable packaging that is embedded with herb seeds – soak the box for 1 minute, plant it about 1″ deep in soil, and a nice little herb garden emerges!

I’m addicted to their Shower Gel with Pyrenees Lavender and Cardamom (the lavender helps sooth and wash away tension while the cardamon cleanses and invigorates the skin) and to their Facial Cream with Malagasy Ylang Ylang and Linden Flower (the ylang ylang helps sooth tense skin while the linden flower softens and calms irritations).

Like all other Pangea Organics products, these are free of petroleum, sulfates, detergents, synthetic preservatives, GMOs, and artificial colors or fragrances.

The Green Scene: Turn your shower into a green Oasis

PPasha — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Trying to find ways to make your bathroom more eco-friendly, save a little money, and enjoy spa-like products? Here are a few ideas on how to turn your shower from blah to spa!
Moen Nurture Showerhead – what if you could use 30% less water to shower (think 8,700 gallons per year!) and still have a wonderful experience? Combining good looks with eco-friendliness, this shower head comes in a gorgeous chrome finish and has 3 different spray functions: a relaxing spray for a calming and zen shower, a invigorating spray for those days when we just need a little more help getting out of bed, and a refreshing spray (my favorite) that seems to do what the other two do and more.

Ecostore USA Citrus Spray Cleaner – with definitely “no nasty chemicals,” this gentle yet powerful cleaner is the ideal alternative to conventional, toxic products. The citrus helps cut through all sorts of yuck stuff, though it may require a little more elbow grease. But you won’t regret the extra effort: your bathroom will smell terrific and you won’t have to worry about breathing harsh chemicals.
Sonoma Soap Company First Crush Natural Daily Shampoo and Conditioner - made with certified organic ingredients, 100% vegetarian, never tested on animals, and paraben, phthalate, artificial colors or fragrances free, these super gentle shampoo and conditioner are so delicious to use that you won’t mind the task of hair washing. With grape seed, red raspberry and green apple extract, the shampoo leaves your hair squeaky clean while the conditioner restore moisture and shine to even the driest hair (like mine!).

Simply Organic Body Wash – Slightly citrus and abundant in moisturizing ingredients such as shea butter and olive oil, this body wash is gentle enough to be used on babies but makes for a great grown up experience. I love everything about it: the pump bottle that makes it easy to use, the organic ingredients used, the olive leaf extract that makes my skin look younger and more rejuvenated…

Revolution Organics All Over Body Cream – you get the idea: one creme, endless possibilities! With more than 15 nourishing organic ingredients, this is ideal for aftershower use, given its ultra-rich and non-greasy formula. I absolutely love the way it smells and sometimes even find myself smoothing a little cream on the tips of my hair. The essential oils, plant extracts, vitamins and nutrients help your skin stay hydrated and moist, while also looking young and youthful.

The Green Scene: A.D.O. Herb-Infused Organic Clothing

PPasha — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 17:34:00 +0000

People are always saying (and I, sometimes, agree) that it is not so easy being green. When times are tough – as they are now, – and we are perpetually tightening our budgets, affording organic products gets harder and harder.

But even in tough times, there are certain things one must simply have, and, much like organic vegetable and natural cleaning supplies, organic clothing is essential to one’s well being. a.d.o., a new line of organic clothing, has just released its collection of gorgeous, free of chemical finishes, toxics dyes, shirts and pants that are infused with detoxifying herbs and oils that stay with the wearer.

Infused with detoxifying herbs? Yes! It’s an absolutely marvelous idea! Each piece in this collection is infused with a special blend of hand-picked natural ingredients (such as pomegranate seeds, turmeric and sandalwood) that help restore the body’s balance when combined with normal body heat. After wearing their tunic for just a couple of hours, I began to feel more relaxed and serene.

Combining a great sense of fashion with great ethics – not to mention affordability! – a.d.o. is making being green a little easier (and prettier!)

Fashion & the City: Portable, Sustainable, Reusable and Fashionable Water Bottles Review + Giveaway

PPasha — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:10:00 +0000

I have yet to meet a person who feels that they are doing everything they can for the environment. Yes, we all try to recycle and turn off the faucet when we are brushing our teeth; we all try to carry our reusable bag to the grocery store and to not print more than is necessary; we buy organic and shy away from unnecessarily large and wasteful packaging. And thanks to some great companies out there, we can carry our own water bottle with us without adding to the forever filling landfills. These stylish, sleek, and eco-friendly bottles are a must-have, especially now during the hot summer months.

Earthlust – Born out of a desire to make the world a better place, Earthlust is as sleek and stylish as they come. Made from high quality #304 food grade stainless steel (why should you care? because it does not need a liner, i.e. no chips and dents!) and stamped with the coolest limited edition designs (printed with non-toxic paint), these bottles are easy to carry (each bottle comes with a high quality carabineer and optional sports tops) and come in 13 ounce, 20 ounce, and 1 liter sizes. Being green has never looked so good!

Aladdin Sustain – Part of Aladdin’s new Recycled and Recyclable collection, this water bottle is made with ecycle (a mix of 95% recycled plastics including 25% post consumer content) and is completely portable. Light weight, made to fit neatly in your bag/car/bicycle cup holder, and protected with a two-way lid (it flips open for sipping without spills), this bottle won’t crack, stain, or smell. And the gorgeous colors and design just top the cake.

Stanley Nineteen 13 – When they say “Built for life,” the kind folks at Stanley are not lying! These 24 ounces stainless steel bottles are the image of durability. With a rugged look and wide mouth for real big gulps, as well as an easy to carry shape and indestructible exterior, Nineteen 13 is virtually spill free. The larger size is great (it minimizes constant refills) and yet is not too heavy to carry around the city all day long. And though I’ve been accused of being a girly girl more than once, the “don’t mess with Stanley” design here makes me feel empowered!

Would you like to try one of EarthLust’s cool bottles? Here’s your chance:
Go to Earthlust’s website and find the color/design you like the most. Leave me a comment with that name. On July 10th, 2009 I’ll randomly select 1 winner who will receive the bottle of their dreams. Contest runs from June 17th to July 10th. Winner will be announced on or around July 11th and contacted by email.

Do you really really want one? Here’s how to get extra entries!

* 1 Entry – Subscribe by RSS feed or by email (must verify!) and let me know that you did in the comments (if you already subscribe, let me know that as well).
* 1 Extra Entry – Follow me on Twitter (button on the right sidebar) and let me know your Twitter name in a separate comment
* 1 Extra Entry for Tweeting about this giveaway. Please leave direct URL in comments or @productpasha.
* 2 Extra Entries – Write a post on your blog linking to my blog and leave direct URL in comments.

The Green Scene: Woodsprite Organic Soy Candles

PPasha — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 23:02:00 +0000

Woodsprite Organic Soy Candles are taking the world by storm. Made with the finest whole or organic herbs and herbal extracts and distilled pure essential oils, these hand-poured candles come in the most delicious fragrances, guaranteed to calm and relax you even after the most hectic day.

Committed to sustainability, Woodsprite Organic Soy Candles deliver the cleanest scent in a soot-free, biodegradable vegetable wax. Their candles take on frosted, pastel hues of the essential oils used in them. The Bliss Sacred Collection, for example, contains a blend of tangerine, frankincense, coriander, bergamot and other sacred essential oils.
Check out these other scents – they are simply heavenly:

Ginger Glow (pure Essential Oils of Lavender, Bergamot, Ginger Root, Clove Bud, Allspice, Lime, White Grapefruit, Roman Chamomile, Cananga & Cassia)
Grapefruit Mint (pure Essential Oils of White Grapefruit, Certified Organic Sweet Orange & Peppermint)
Lemon Drop (pure Essential Oils of Lemon, Lavender, Roman Chamomile, Litsea Cubeba & Ylang Ylang)
North Shore (pure essential oils of allspice, patchouli, vetiver, lavender, sandalwood & oakmoss)

Because soy is a biodegradable and water-soluble product, these candles burn cooler than paraffin candles and, therefore, slower. Even the Woodsprite Organic votive candles burn for about 16 hours.

The Green Scene: Nude Hydrating Water Review

PPasha — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 10:53:00 +0000

In many ways, I’m a conventional gal: I like to drink my coffee and read the paper in the morning, I like picked-white fences, I keep 9 – 5 hours, and I like my toner to come in a conventional bottle. I find comfort in turning the bottle upside-down and saturating the cotton pad with just the right amount need to clean my face of all that my cleanser left behind. The idea of a spray toner was just a bit too weird… That is, until I tried it!
Hydrating Water is a new addition to the wonderfully green and innovative Nude Skincare line. Parabens, sulphates, PEGs, TEA, DEA, propylene glycol, phthalates, GMO, mineral oil and silicones free, this delicate toner removes all traces of cleaner and makeup all the while calming and hydrating the skin.

With subtle hints of rose and vanilla, Nude’s Hydrating Water is so easy to use I felt almost foolish for not trying it before: just mist over clean skin and wipe gently with a cotton pad. That’s it! No tipping the bottle, no two hands trying to accomplish one thing – just a few spritzes and you’re done. The fact that Hydrating Water helps revive normal, dry, and sensitive skins and is clinically proven to deliver anti-ageing results only adds to the experience.

Can your toner do that?

The Green Scene: Shining Shakti Hand-Dyed Pants Review and Giveaway

PPasha — Sun, 24 May 2009 15:24:00 +0000

To yoga or not to yoga?
That might be the question but the answer should not influence how you feel about Shining Shakti Hand-Dyed Organic Cotton pants.
Possibly the most comfortable pair of pants I have EVER had, these “yoga” pants are so much more than just gorgeous. Made with the softest organic cotton, these Shining Shakti pants are so perfect for every-day use that you might find yourself never taking them off – and yes, I’m guilty of that. And there’s more – part of their profit goes to charitable organizations, so that as you make yourself comfortable, you are also helping make others comfortable. Who could ask for more?

With names like Boundless, Hearts Ablaze, and Exuberant, each style offers a whole new set of bright and soul lifting colors that inspires even the most sedentary of creatures to get going – after all, the name Shakti does mean Divine Energy created and maintained by the Universe!
Because each explosively colorful piece comes in an equally gorgeous re-usable organza gift bag, I may have just found my go-to perfect-for-every-gal-on-my-list gift!

You’d like one, too? Well, here’s your chance!
Go to the Shining Shakti website and find the style you like most, come back here and leave me a comment with the style name. On June 12th, 2009 I’ll randomly select 2 winners who will receive their very choice of hand-dyed pants. Contest runs from May 24rth to June 12th. Winner will be announced on or around June 13th and contacted by email.

Do you really really want one? Here’s how to get extra entries!

1 Entry – Subscribe by RSS feed or by email (must verify!) and let me know that you did in the comments (if you already subscribe, let me know that as well).
1 Extra Entry – Follow me on Twitter (button on the right sidebar) and let me know your Twitter name in a separate comment
1 Extra Entry for Tweeting about this giveaway. Please leave direct URL in comments or @productpasha.
2 Extra Entries – Write a post on your blog linking to my blog and leave direct URL in comments.

The Green Scene: Kiss My Face Potent & Pure Facial Scrub Review

PPasha — Sun, 24 May 2009 14:19:00 +0000

At some point in my life I learned that I love facial scrubs.
I don’t know why, exactly, but of all my beauty regiment, I find that I look forward to scrubbing my face the most, sometimes having to remind myself that I scrubbed just yesterday and that I really shouldn’t do it again today.

Maybe it’s because scrubbing gives you immediate gratification. On a physical level, you feel the grains rubbing against your skin, revealing a dewier and softer skin underneath. On a metaphorical level, you feel yourself actively shedding an old layer to reveal a better version of yourself. Shedding the old to reveal the new…

Kiss My Face Potent & Pure So Refined Jojoba and Mint Facial Scrub has become one of my go-to all the time and bring-with every where products. It exfoliates and polished the skin with 100% organic ingredients without every stripping it of moisture: the jojoba beads cleanses and exfoliates, the grapeseed oil moisturizes and regenerates, while the mint stimulates healthy circulation.

The list of ingredients is amazing: Aloe Leaf Extract, Jojoba Oil, Sunflower Oil, Soybean Oil, Grape Seed Oil, Peppermint Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Peppermint Leaf Extract, Lemon Balm Leaf Extract, Lavender Extract, Olive Leaf Extract, Rosemary Leaf Extract, Chamomile Flower Extract, Nettle Leaf Extract, Camphor Oil, Bergamot Fruit Oil, and Oatstraw Extract. Add to this list the fact that Kiss My Face Potent & Pure line is free of parabens, phthalates, SLS, artificial color or fragrance and is not tested on animals (Our dog, Henry, says ‘Thank you!’).And if you are not very familiar with Kiss My Face, this company totally rocks. They are really concerned with the environment and their/our impact on it, so they are always looking for ways to become even more eco-friendly. With the Potent & Pure line, for example, Kiss My Face did away with the little inserts in the box and instead offers now product tutorials on their web site. What a genius idea!

The Kiss My Face Potent and Pure facial care system contains only the highest quality and most effective ingredients that nature has to offer. What does that mean? You see results right away. My skin looks so awesome after using Kiss My Face So Refined Jojoba & Mint Facial Scrub that if you see me after scrubbing with it , you will want to kiss my face!

The Product Pasha » The Green Scene

The Green Scene: To-Go Ware Review

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The Green Scene: Why Vapour Organic Beauty Makes me so Happy

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The Green Scene: Pangea Organics Makes Being Green Beautiful

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The Green Scene: Turn your shower into a green Oasis

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The Green Scene: A.D.O. Herb-Infused Organic Clothing

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Fashion & the City: Portable, Sustainable, Reusable and Fashionable Water Bottles Review + Giveaway

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The Green Scene: Woodsprite Organic Soy Candles

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The Green Scene: Nude Hydrating Water Review

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The Green Scene: Shining Shakti Hand-Dyed Pants Review and Giveaway

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