Washing with Balls

I know we have discussed that washing clothes is an area where we can each green our lives - cold water wash, hang to dry, using low impact or biodegradable detergent. Pretty much what I do most of the time.

Yesterday, I was discussing this very topic with my class and the topic of washing balls came up again. When I got home, I was looking through a slew of catalogs and there was the Greenwash Ball staring me in the face. So I took it as a sign and I am sharing some research with you.

Available from the Harriet Carter Catalog for $19.98, the Greenwash Ball is described as "a patented eco-friendly ball with ceramics inside that create frictiona nd enable water to reach a pH level equal to that of detergent...Reusable ball lasts for over 1,000 washes! Antibacterial and hypo-allergenic."

Interesting, but does it work? Before I plonk down my $19.98 + shipping, I decided to see what other think. Thank goodness for the internet.

The Lighter Footstep reports,"The laundry was clean. Not just clean, in fact, but really good." The blog continues to break down the product itself and discuss why the laundry gets clean. This makes for thoughtful reading.

Inhabitat tests report, "I used the GreenWashBall and found that the effects were like washing my clothes with just water and no detergent (which I have done multiple times due to forgetfulness or lack of detergent). The dirt that was visible before washing was still visible and the armpits still faintly smelled like BO." Inhabitat further notes,"The Straight Dope wrote a piece about laundry balls, saying that that metal elements in the ceramics could produce ionized oxygen, like peroxide, but probably not enough of it to clean your clothes. Hydroxides could be created in the same way, although not in large quantities. These ions could lower the water’s pH, the the same effect produced by lye soap and sodium hydroxide."

Laundry balls have legs in Europe and they are often further along on the green curve than the US. Do they work? Are they worth it? You weigh the choice and do let me know what you find out.

--till next week Restore, Recycle, Refresh & Renew

Shoes.com Promotes Green

Shoes.com sends an eco-friendly shoe promotion to their email subscribers. Featuring styles from 9 eco brands, there are styles from Fashion, Comfort and Athletic collections.

3 companies offer styles that rock your inner-Fashionista.
Jambu's story:
"Inspired by the beauty and mystique of the rainforest, Jambu™ Footwear is designed to guide you in style and comfort on your next personal journey – at home or across the globe. Let Jambu™ join you as you zip line through the rainforest, stroll the beach, navigate the city, or travel the world. Be you with Jambu™.

JAMBU™ uses only 100% recycled, recyclable and re-usable packaging. Jambu™ outsoles are made with partially recycled and re-usable compressed rubber. In this small way we hope to preserve our great outdoors for future generations. Renew with Jambu™."

Corso Como shoes are available through many major retailers - Zappos, Piperlime, and Nordstrom's among others.

From the Zappos website: "About Corso Como Corso Como women's shoes are hand-assembled in Brazil in the most elite boutique factories. Every design is manufactured with the finest material available in the marketplace. The Corso Como footwear collection features innovative silhouettes that will complement your fashionable lifestyle.

Corso Como shoes are made of naturally treated leather. A soft leather lining is also used, which allows your feet to breathe while reducing humidity. All Corso Como women's shoes, women's boots, and women's sandals offer superior quality, fit, and comfort.

Corso Como shoes promote the idea of style with a conscience. As an advocate for various environmental and social causes, Corso Como donates a portion of every sale to charity. Further supporting their eco-friendly philosophy, Corso Como shoes uses fully recyclable boxes and tissue."

Owned by Chrysler, LLC (hmm?) J-41 footwear's tagline is 'Adventure On'. J-41 summarizes their brand: "Combining a highly-functional design with exceptional style,
J-41™ Footwear sets a pace well above the crowd. From leisurely outings to more intensive activities, J-41™ is a high performance “go anywhere” shoe that looks and feels great. A roadmap — gently imbedded in our soles — symbolizes the unique and very special adventure that each of us embarks upon."

Fashionable, comfortable and good for the planet - a no-brainer - feed your shoe fetish with one of these brands today!

--till next week Restore, Refresh, Recycle & Renew.

Green Spring Things

We certainly have been having some great full on Spring weather in the Northeast. It's time to spring clean and revitalize your wardrobe.

First sort out what you have. It's time to get the boots and sweaters away and bring on the pumps, sandals and summer dresses.

I suggest 3 piles of clothes you are putting away and then repeating the process with your Spring/Summer items as well.

Pile 1 - Keepers
Pile 2 - Maybes
Pile 3 - Let it go!

Keepers go right into cleaning and storage. The maybes need a good try on and inspection. You need to do this with each item and move it to Keepers or Let it Go! Make a list of the Let it Go! pile and package them for reuse at a consignment shop, reuse program or charity shop, or arrange a clothing swap with your friends followed by a trip to one of the stores listed.

I suggest you do this at the beginning and end of each seasonal change. Once this is done, you have a good picture of the items you need to replenish and then you can make responsible choices.

Here are some items you may like to pick up:
A smashing new umbrella for your inner Anglophile. Beat April showers with a brolly from London Undercover.

A Claudi Garzesi recycled necklace from Recycled Planet Store.

A coin purse from the Go Green collection at Ecoist.

Clothing from Stewart & Brown.

A Market/Beach bag from Rising Tide Fair Trade.

Bandeau and boy shorts from Daughters of the Revolution.

Shoes from Terra Plana - no stranger to How Green is Your Closet?

Enjoy the purge and the binge - Happy Spring!

till next week - Restore, Recycle, Refresh & Renew