CasaSugar

10 Cozy Organic Baby Blanket Options

Heather Dale — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 12:02:29 PDT

My first go-to gift for any new mother is always a plush, organic, baby blanket. Regardless of how many blankets she's already been gifted, another baby blanket can never go amiss. When a blanket is organic, the cotton used to make it is free from pesticides, so it is nontoxic and safe for your little one. What's great about all of these luxurious blankets is that they can be used to swaddle your baby, to keep your him warm in his crib, and to cover your lil one while running errands. Here are a few of my favorite organic blankets!

Source: Thinkstock

FabSugarTV: 8 Eco-Friendly Finds For Earth Day!

FabTV — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 04:50:00 PDT

In honor of Earth Day, we’ve sleuthed out eight amazing eco-friendly finds that make being green undeniably chic. From an animal-free colorblocked wedge to organic silk trousers, to Stella McCartney’s must-have fruit print purse, these covetable pieces will have you more than ready to start shopping for a good cause! On Allison: Blazer from H&M Conscious Collection

Olsenhaus Pure Vegan 'Tokyo' Sandal - Sold Out	Peacock Feather Cuff - Sold Out
Bodkin / Twist Halter One Piece - Sold Out	Stella McCartney Botanical-print Falabella tote - Sold Out
Stella McCartney CITRUS PRINT DRESS - Sold Out

The Facts on Eco-Friendly Fitness Fabrics

Leta Shy — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 02:14:10 PDT

It's almost Earth Day, so chances are you've been hearing the word "eco" so much that it almost loses its meaning. But when you shop consciously, it's about more than just reading a label. Knowing how your fitness wear is made and where it comes from can be just as important as sourcing your meal at a restaurant.

The good news is that finding an eco-friendly fabric can also enhance your workout; it will be irritant-free, naturally breathable, and hypoallergenic, which can be just as important as knowing it's helping save the environment as well. Don't know the facts on popular sustainable fabrics? Here are a few exercise-friendly fabrics to look out for.

Bamboo
Eco-Friendly: Not only is bamboo a renewable resource, but it contains a substance that makes it antimicrobial - perfect for sweaty fitness clothes! Growing it can be less impactful on the environment, since fertilizers and pesticides aren't needed to help it grow exponentially or replenish itself once harvested.
Eco-Enemy? There's the growing problem of irresponsible, forest-clearing bamboo farming, but a larger issue lies in bamboo's conversion into that soft, moisture-wicking material that we love to wear. Depending on the manufacturer, making bamboo fabric may involve a chemical cooking process known as hydrolysis-alkalization using lye and carbon disulfide; these chemicals can lead to headache, fatigue, and nerve damage in those who are overexposed to them. Also, bamboo must be bleached several times throughout the manufacturing process.
What You Can Do. Make sure you know where the brand sources its fabric and if the manufacturer uses chemical processing to make the fabric (REI, for example, makes sure to not label chemically processed bamboo products as eco-friendly). Keep in mind that the more earth-friendly mechanical processing (extracting fibers manually from crushed bamboo treated with biological enzymes) is also more expensive, but worth it.

Check out the pros and cons of more eco-friendly fabrics after the break.

FabSugarTV: 8 Eco-Friendly Finds For Earth Day!

FabTV — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 18:24:34 PDT

In honor of Earth day, we’ve sleuthed out 8 amazing eco-friendly finds that make being green undeniably chic. From an animal-free colorblocked wedge, to organic silk trousers, to Stella McCartney’s must-have fruit print purse, these covetable pieces will have you more than ready to start shopping for a good cause! On Allison: Blazer from H&M Conscious Collection

Stock Up on Organic Bedding With These Sales

Elka Karl — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 11:34:35 PST

Have you wondered what the fuss is all about when it comes to organic bedding? Here's one quick fact for you: most conventional bedding is manufactured with chemicals, including formaldehyde, that may lead to certain cancers and allergy problems. Formaldehyde is used to reduce wrinkles in bedding (personally I'd rather deal with ironing sheets or sleeping on a wrinkly bed). Of course, pesticides and insecticides used in conventional cotton growing also can lead to groundwater contamination. Not good!

If you've been waiting for a good deal to make the switch to organic cotton bedding, now's the time. I've found some great shams, sheets, and duvets for you all on sale. And while your conscience may urge you to switch over to organics, your sense of style will make the decision easier for you. There are many chic options currently available in organic bedding. Take a look at my favorites, all on sale!

Amy Butler's Organic Coverlets Embrace Subtle Patterns

Elka Karl — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 10:42:13 PST

I'm a huge fan of textile artist Amy Butler and her exuberant fabric patterns. My home reflects my enthusiasm, from the easy panel curtains I've sewn from her fabric line to the craft and lifestyle books that she's authored that populate my bookshelves.

Even so, sometimes a room can benefit from the introduction of a more subtle pattern. That's why I was pleased to have the opportunity to try out Amy Butler's new line of coverlets ($40 to $180). While they still use patterns in their designs, it's a lot more subtle, with a repeating thread motif sewn into the fabric of the pillows and blankets.

See what I thought of the coverlet!

Casa Beta: Christy Organic Waffle Towel

CasaSugar — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 09:00:46 PDT

Since the divets in a waffle are great for collecting syrup, it stands to reason that a towel designed with a waffle pattern will also be great at sopping up - well, not syrup, unless you live in a Willy Wonka house. Good old water is all this waffle design needs to contend with, and I'm happy to say that the Christy Organic Waffle Towel ($105 for three bath towels) does just that.

Granted, these towels are a bit of a splurge, but I can attest that they're well worth it. The waffle design of the towel wicks away water more efficiently than any towel I've ever owned, and the organic cotton is a great reassurance that I'm keeping my house as eco as possible. I have to admit that I've been neglecting some of my other towels in favor of the waffle towels, and if finances permitted, I'd be tempted to replace more of my bath towels with the Christy's waffle towels.

You can check out Christy's newly designed website for its latest line, as well as news on retail locations and helpful hints for caring for your linens. Have you tried a waffle towel? What are your thoughts about the design?

Casa Verde: Handprinted Fabric From Home Sweet

CasaSugar — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 06:15:45 PDT

If your eye is tired of the same old fabric designs, then check out Home Sweet. This small textile design company is run by Jennifer Nelson out of her Delaware home, where she designs and then handblocks her fabric patterns. Specializing in hand-printed, environmentally friendly fabrics and home goods, Home Sweet's designs are fresh and modern, with a dash of retro charm.

Explaining her design philosophy, Jennifer notes, "It's a labor of love, because it takes a lot more time to make something than it does to buy it, but I’m motivated by the finished projects. They’re organic and beautiful, and the fact that I’ve invested myself in them gives them roots."

Want to see more of Home Sweet's designs? Then

read more. Home Sweet’s patterns are printed on a 55 percent hemp/45 percent organic cotton blend fabric that has a natural color for its background. The fabric's weight is best suited for use in upholstery, pillow covers, drapes, totes, and other home-related projects. Jennifer uses eco-friendly water-based inks for her patterns, which may fade in time. If you're concerned about this possibility, you may want to dry clean (at an eco-friendlier dry cleaner, of course) your fabrics. If you have a specific fabric use or pattern in mind, you can contact Jennifer to commission a project, or to refine your idea. And if you see something you like, check out Home Sweet's Etsy shop to make a purchase.

View 9 Photos ›

Source

Roundup: Organic Cotton Accents

CasaSugar — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 05:30:17 PDT

This Earth Day, try adding some organic cotton bedding, bath items, or pillows to your home scene. Why organic cotton? Well, it protects the environment by avoiding use of pesticides, which also helps out cotton workers. Since cotton is still picked by hand in many places, cotton workers on organic cotton farms aren't exposed to dangerous pesticides. Consumers also benefit through the use of organic cotton, since it is softer than conventional cotton products. While organic cotton is still more expensive than conventionally grown cotton, the increase in demand is helping to drive prices down.

Organic cotton is also getting a lot more design-savvy. Check out the calm, cool blues of this Kahuna Comforter Set ($345). What will you add to your home scene? Do you have any organic cotton goods in your home now?

On Our Radar: Manufacturers and Retailers Inching More Toward Eco

FabSugar — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 12:00:22 PDT

We all know it's impossible to reverse the damages done to Mother Earth, but there's always room for improvement. That's why an increasing amount of manufacturers and retailers are stepping up to fight global warming and climate change. Stats show an increase in the amount of companies taking interest in learning how to conserve energy, finding ethical sourcing partners, and educating consumers about the benefits of sustainable methods. We're ecstatic to see big companies, such as Target with it's Loomstate line, step up to the challenge.

To read about what some retailers and designers are doing to lessen their carbon footprint,

Pin It K Studio Dog Pillow - Black - $110.00	Amenity Bedding Bloom Organic Cotton Duvet Cover - Cream and Cocoa - Sold Out
Looolo Can Can Linen Cushion - Sold Out	Balanced Design Flannel/Felt Pods Pillow (Black) - $162.00
Organic Cotton Knit Throw - Sold Out	Organic Color-Block Shower Curtain - Sold Out
PB Organic Bath Mat - Sold Out	Organic Ikat Towels - Sold Out
Unison Larch Organic Blanket And Pillow In Grey - Sold Out	Sunburst Organic Bath Towels - Sold Out
Mehndi Bed Linens - Sold Out	Amenity Birdseye Organic Placemat - Sold Out
Balanced Design Flannel/Felt Pods Pillow (Red) - $162.00	Organic Cotton Selvedge Window Panel - Sold Out
Blissliving Home Kahuna Comforter Set - $65.00	Looolo Coquette Pirouette Linen Cushion - Sold Out