Spring Green Gifts
SWEET DOGGIE DREAMS
If you happen to have both a) a dog and b) a collection of ratty T-shirts and socks taking up space in your dresser drawers, consider turning those rags into a comfy canine couch with Molly Mutt dog duvets ($20-$45). The stylish line of DIY dog beds make it easy to create a soft, clean bed for your furry best friend. Simply fill the Molly Mutt nylon stuff sack with old blankets, pillows, clothing or even that old dog pillow, zip up the sack and slip on a clean cotton duvet. Offered in a variety of colors and designs, Molly Mutt’s line of dog duvets allow you to say goodbye to choosing between late nights at the Laundromat or suffering with the smell of a dirty dog bed. www.mollymutt.com
SMALL DELIGHTS
Whether you’re cooking for an intimate group or entertaining a large party, HimalaSalt Tapas Plates ($24.95/set of five) are perfect for presenting small culinary creations, from sushi and tapas to cheese and fruits. With production powered by 100% certified wind power in Massachusetts, these artisan-crafted, naturally rosy-pink plates can be heated on the stove or in the oven, or placed in the freezer with any chilled dishes. The plates contain essential detoxifying and replenishing minerals while lightly awakening the flavor of your foods. www.himalasalt.com
TRAVEL LIGHT
The Carbon-Balanced Travel Kit ($25) from Collective Wellbeing can help offset some of the eco-guilt you may be feeling on your next flight while also keeping you looking fresh. The 100% carbon-neutral company is now offering their paraben-, sulfate- and synthetic fragrance-free bestsellers in TSA-friendly, break-proof packaging. The kit includes essentials like face moisturizers for day and night, shampoo, conditioner, body butter and cleanser, and with every purchase, Collective Wellbeing buys enough carbon credits to offset the emissions of one round-trip, cross-country flight. A card certifying that the clean energy credits have been purchased comes with each kit. www.collectivewellbeing.com
POSHER PEDALING
Pedaling by bike to work or the grocery store is already one of the most eco-friendly ways to get from point A to point B, but Pouch bike basket liners ($35-$40) make carting your belongings and purchases even easier. Made in the U.S. from sustainable fabrics like hemp and organic cotton, the soft liners mold into any bike basket up to 22″. Drawstrings allow the liners to double as on-the-go reusable bags. Pouch also carries a soft, organic Sherpa pet liner ($10) so your canine companion can be cushioned for a comfortable joyride. www.pouchlife.com
PILLOW PALS
You know a harried mother invented Herbal Animals: stuffed animals that double as eye pillows. Indeed, creator Lauren Rosenstadt Johnson hand-sewed her prototype, Sidney Greensheep, while a single parent of an eight-year-old, both of whom needed a
better night’s rest. The critters have clever monikers (like Eartha Cat, Harry Elephante and Rudi Rabbit) and are crafted from organically grown cotton filled with organic flax and herbs including chamomile, mugwort, echinacea, lavender, lemon balm and hops.
Though laundering one’s critter will result in its untimely demise, machine-washable nightshirts ($4.50) keep them clean and add imaginary play cachet. They make soothing companions for all ages at bedtime, for yoga savasana or during time-out—whether it’s the kid or the parent who could use help calming down. www.herbal-animals.com
VEGAN INDULGENCE
Who says vegan dining can’t be decadent? Candle Café, New York City’s famed organic, certified-green restaurant, is now offering their delectable vegan desserts at Whole Foods Markets throughout the nation. With succulent options like the Chocolate Mousse, Chocolate Peanut Butter and Raspberry Linzer Tarts ($4.99/each) and Vanilla Cheesecake ($2.99), it’s hard to believe they’re 100% organic and dairy-free. www.candlecafe.com; www.wholefoodsmarket.com