Rubbing the 'Pits with Rocks

As of late I have been becoming more and more disappointed with my Tom’s of Maine deodorant. I feel like no matter how many times I apply it I always smell, and it isn’t a good smell either.

Like I mentioned before, I bathe every other day to conserve water…and time (Let’s be honest, I am just lazy.). So on Day 1 of shower the deodorant is ok. I start to get the funk by the evening but Day 2 the funk never went away. I was spraying 3x as much of non-eco-friendly perfume to mask it. Not good. I mean no one ever complained of the smell, but I noticed it. (And I have to smell enough stinky people at work that I don’t want to smell me, too.)

So I started to research other options on the Cosmetic Database. I looked for one that ranked pretty high (or low, depending on how you look at it) on their scale. I found that all the “safe” deodorants were crystals. I wasn’t sold because I didn’t know how rubbing a rock on your arm would stop smell. I wanted something with a nice scent that left a white streak on all my clothes like my old stuff used to. I mean, come on! How hard is that!?!

Anyways, I kept reading the reviews on the crystals and people actually believed in them. I also read the reviews on the deodorant I was using (just to make sure that people gave legit reviews) and “they” weren’t pleased with the deodorant either. I decided to venture to our local natural foods store, Mustard Seed Market. (Does the store name sound familiar? You might have read it in my 101 List.)

This is what I came home with:

Yep, it is a crystal that you wet down and rub under your arms. (Or on the soles of your feet. Not even lying about that.) I am almost a week into the new stuff, and I have to say I am pleasantly surprised. It feels a little weird at first. Kind of like rubbing a wet, smooth rock under your arms. But once you get past that it is ok.

And surprisingly, it works! There is no heavy floral scent or anything. There is no residue, and I don’t stink. It is great. I even did the test of walking around in 80+ degree heat yesterday and still smelled ok when I came back.

So what do you think of the new change? Would you try it? Let me know what you think.

TOMS Shoe Update and An Easy Step for Greener Living

So when I got the e-mail on Friday that TOMS had re-stocked their supply of canvas shoes, I thought, "Awesome! I am going to get the gray ones." (My brain isn't very complex you see. I think in simple terms.) Anyways, the e-mail had been sent out less than a hour before I was making the purchase. I went to TOMS site, clicked on the gray shoes, saw that my size was in stock, added them to my cart, and somewhere between page loads they went out of stock... BUMMER! But I happily settled on getting the olive color instead to go with my green fasination.

Here is what they will look like.

I am pretty stoked about them coming in, so that I can check one more item off my 101 List.

On to the next topic of discussion. I have been seeing that Reynolds now has Recycled Aluminum Foil in stores now and since I only use it on rare occasions (Well, more than usual recently since my oven is smaller that the one on my nieces' toy kitchen and most pans don't fit inside.) I haven't needed to buy any lately.

But I was curious as to how "recycled" it really was. So I had the Mr. google it for me last night (while I laid on the floor watching the boob tube doing nothing productive and enjoying the fact I had yesterday, today, and tomorrow off work).

Here is what we/he found. It is taken from Reynolds website, but it all sounds pretty legit to me and I will probably be picking some up the next time I need aluminium foil.

What types of aluminum are used to create Reynolds Wrap Aluminum Foil from 100% Recycled Aluminum?

Reynolds Wrap Aluminum Foil from 100% Recycled Aluminum is made from post-consumer and post-industrial aluminum.

Examples may include:

• Post-Consumer – stadium seats, automobile components, cookware, gutters and siding
• Post-Industrial – scraps from industrial cable

What are the environmental benefits of buying Reynolds Wrap Aluminum Foil from 100% Recycled Aluminum?

There is an 80 percent reduction in the amount of energy used during the process of turning recycled material into foil, compared to making the foil from new, also referred to as virgin, materials. Manufacturing and buying recycled-content products create a circle, or loop, that ensures the overall success and value of recycling. The process also produces fewer emissions, including greenhouse gases, and reduces the amount of landfill waste.

Is the packaging also made from recycled or materials which strive to reduce impacts on the environment?

Yes, additional features include:

• Paperboard – Made from 100 percent recovered paper that is diverted from the solid waste stream, collected, separated, cleaned and recycled for use
• Printing Inks – Reynolds uses water-based inks on packaging

Has anyone bought any of the new Reynolds wrap or TOMS Shoes before? I would love to hear what you think of them.

Pictures from www.toms.com and www.reynolds.com.

TOMS Shoes

While I don't own a pair of TOMS Shoes....yet....I am a huge supporter of what they do. I wanted to share a little more information about them with you all.

This is all from their website.

One for One

One for One

TOMS Shoes was founded on a simple premise: With every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. One for One. Using the purchasing power of individuals to benefit the greater good is what we're all about. The TOMS One for One business model transforms our customers into benefactors, which allows us to grow a truly sustainable business rather than depending on fundraising for support.

Why shoes?

Many children in developing countries grow up barefoot. Whether at play, doing chores or going to school, these children are at risk:

• A leading cause of disease in developing countries is soil-transmitted diseases, which can penetrate the skin through bare feet. Wearing shoes can help prevent these diseases, and the long-term physical and cognitive harm they cause.
• Wearing shoes also prevents feet from getting cuts and sores. Not only are these injuries painful, they also are dangerous when wounds become infected.
• Many times children can't attend school barefoot because shoes are a required part of their uniform. If they don't have shoes, they don't go to school. If they don't receive an education, they don't have the opportunity to realize their potential.

One for One is spreading

TOMS has also inspired other companies to implement a One for One model. Ralph Lauren sells co-branded Polo Rugby TOMS, giving a matched pair with every pair sold. Element Skateboards has issued limited edition TOMS + Element shoes as well as a One for One skateboard. With every skateboard purchased, one will be given to a child at the Indigo Skate Camp in Durban, South Africa. It is TOMS’ hope that as our One for One movement continues to grow, more and more companies will look to incorporate giving into what they do.

Our Story

In 2006 an American traveler, Blake Mycoskie, befriended children in Argentina and found they had no shoes to protect their feet. Wanting to help, he created TOMS Shoes, a company that would match every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need. One for One. Blake returned to Argentina with a group of family, friends and staff later that year with 10,000 pairs of shoes made possible by caring TOMS customers.

Since our beginning in May 2006, TOMS has given over 600,000* pairs of shoes to children in need, through the purchases of caring customers.

*As of April 2010

There are the shoes I want. They will be mine soon...hopefully!

Does anyone have TOMS shoes? What are your opinions on them? Have I mentioned that it has been too cloudy to get ok pictures of my planting projects or that my baby book came in and I read the whole thing already? No, well...both are true.

Can I Get an Upgrade?? Please??

We found out over the weekend that we have the "privilege" of mowing our yard at our house that we rent. We don't own a mower and neither does our downstairs neighbor. But with our luck we did find this beauty in our garage.

While it does cut and it is working, it is having some trouble on our thick, lush grass. The Mr. is going to have to finish cutting the yard. I can't feel my arms and my hands are covered in blisters. I do love the idea of having a "green" mower, but I am hoping I can talk the Mr. into a slight upgrade. Check out what I found at Lehman's.

Isn't she a beaut? We shall see if I actually ever get her, but for now I can hope, right? Speaking of Lehman's, has anyone ever heard of the store before? It is a great little store in Kidron, OH that was created to help supply the Amish with products for their daily needs but it is a great store for anyone who is looking to live a little less complicated life. I am hoping to make a trip down their this summer sometime. It is always a good time.

Do you have any good mowing advice for using a reel mower? Leave a comment to let us know.

Recycled TP

We started using 100% recycled toilet paper while we were still in Colorado. It took a little getting used to. It wasn't super fluffy or super soft. It wasn't rough as sandpaper though either.

It was just well....different. Now we use it exclusively. We are a fan of the Small Steps brand and have found that while it may be easy to find in Denver it is a bit tricker to find back here. The only place I have been able to score it is at Office Depot. Yep, Office Depot.

I am that girl. The girl that buys her TP at a office supply store because she wants what she wants. When I bought it the first time the cashier told me it was the first time in the 2 years that he has worked there that someone has actually bought TP. I explained to him why I was purchasing the tushy wipes and he thought that it was pretty sweet that I cared that much about the environment that I was willing to risk embarrassment to by bum paper at an office supply store. He also told me that I should tell everyone how green they are because they sell recycled business cleaner-uppers.

Here is a quick reference I got off of Re-Nest to show what the top recycled brands are out there.

Does anyone else us recycled TP? If you don't, do you like the ultra plush stuff or the single-ply-might-as-well-wipe-with-my-hand-because-it-would-work-better-and-feels-better-than-this-30-grit-sand-paper-TP, that my parents use?

If I Had a Daughter...

If I had a daughter (or I was a little girl myself) I would buy her one of these...

Eco-Friendly Wooden Dollhouse

Bamboo Sunshine Dollhouse

You're a Natural Dollhouse

Recycling bins? Wind turbines? Solar panels? Oh, my!

Enjoy the beautiful spring weather. I am enjoying it, too. Hence the shorter posts!

A New Want

Article taken from Re-Nest. It is a new Want of mine.

Bowery Lane Bicycles: Handmade in NYC

Despite the rain that is drenching Manhattan at this moment, we've still got sunny spring days and bicycles on our mind. And here's one NYC company that has our full attention: Bowery Lane Bicycles. Did you know that 98% of all the bikes in the US are not made here? Bowery Lane is part of the 2%. Their bikes are completely handmade—from the initial welding to the final packaging— in Brooklyn. No big assembly lines, no mass production, no robots. And considering that fact, they're remarkably affordable, too.

Clockwise, from top left: Breukelen, Broncks Black, and the Broncks Raw

Founded in Manhattan in 2008, Bowery Lane Bicycles "is committed to making affordable bikes in America that meet the actual day to day needs of urban cyclists." A family-owned and operated business, they're also active supporters for urban cycling advocacy and its goal to reclaim city streets for safe and sustainable transportation.

Bowery Lane Bicycles currently makes three vintage-inspired cruisers:

1. The Broncks Black ($695): "The quintessential city bike is a fusion of style, practicality and sustainability. The Dutch inspired Broncks Black is made in New York City with renewable solar energy. It features a limited edition classic sprung leather saddle, sustainable cork handles, chain guard, fenders, kick stand, rear rack and a locally hand crafted wooden crate that can easily carry a briefcase, grocery tote or 2 six-packs of your favorite local brew..."
2. The Broncks Raw ($695): "If you like steel then the Broncks Raw is the bike for you. Fabricated in New York City, each bike is a work of industrial art with the hand brazed brass joints and distinct color characteristics of the bare steel visible through the protective clear coat finish. It features the same limited edition leather saddle, sustainable cork handles, chain guard, fenders, kick stand, rear rack and hand crafted wooden crate and is dressed up with our classic Bowery Lane Bicycles brass head badge..."
3. The Breukelen ($695): "The vintage inspired Breukelen is a sexy version of the Broncks with an easy step through frame and comfortable riding position. It exudes the same style and timeless beauty of the Broncks bicycles with its locally handcrafted frame, sustainable cork grips and tan leather saddle. Cruise by with the matching sleek black fenders, chain guard, rear rack and signature wooden crate and the Breukelen will turn even more heads than you are used to..."

See more at Bowery Lane Bicycles.

Boys Beware: I am a Diva

**Disclaimer: This could be an awkward topic for men. You may want to skip today’s post if you are squeemish or don’t like hearing about girly things.**

When I first got into the “green movement” I started learning about all sorts of products that were available for every stage of life. I began reading about “that time of the month” and products that we available instead of tampons and pads. There are things out there called LunaPads, the Keeper, and the Diva Cup. After reading some reviews I decided about 6 months ago that I was going to try the Diva Cup.

Of course, once I decided this I couldn’t find one in a store. I wasn’t willing to buy it online because I wanted to physically see it before I made the purchase in case it had shards of glass or pikes around the edge. (Hey, I trust no one.) So I finally found one at Whole Foods the other day, on sale no less, and purchased it.

Now, let’s talk about what the Diva Cup is. It is a medical grade silicone cup. It literally catches your monthly “deposit”. (It is a banking joke…get it.) It is inserted like a tampon (sort of). And so far, works just as well as one (if not better), too. You just have to wash it whenever you remove or insert it and other than that it is easy peezy.

Let’s discuss the Pros and Cons I have observed thus far:

Pros

• You only have to remove it twice a day. (Every 12 hours.)
• It works just as well as a tampon once you get it placed correctly.
• You can wear it while doing all sports.
• It can be used while backpacking with great ease because it is easier to pack in and out. (Bear bag restrictions still apply but you don’t have to carry extra weight and space with tampons and pads.)
• It saves you tons of money because you aren’t constantly buying pads and tampons. (Think about this: 16 organic tampons cost 8.00 so that is $.50 apiece and if you use an average of 3 a day for a week that is 21 tampons or $10.50. The cost of the Diva Cup was about $30.00 so within 3 months or more you have paid for it.)

Cons

• You have to get over the awkward factor of putting it in and pulling it out.
• You have to learn how to position it (which is different than a tampon) to avoid break through bleeding.

So far I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is on the lookout for tampon-alternatives. If you have specific questions about it check here or send me a message. I am more than happy to answer any questions. Just didn’t think that too many gory details needed to be handed out on here.

Have you own a Diva Cup or the like? Would you ever try one? Leave a comment and let me know.

Preserve Thinks Spring

Got this in an e-mail today.

Thinking about heading to Whole Foods and Trader Joe's this weekend. I will see if I can pick up one of the new colors.

What do you think of them? Anyone buy anything from Preserve since I mentioned them in this post?

I Think I Stink

**Update: Skin Deep is actually the same website as www.cosmeticdatabase.com.
Sorry for the confusion.**

Ever since puberty I have this perpetual fear of being the stinky kid. I don't ever remember being told I stick, but I distinctly remember other kids smelling and fearing of smelling like them.

I would layer it on until it was a white, gooey, wedding cake of deodorant under my arms. "I will not be the smelly kid," I told myself. But what I have come to learn is that no matter how much you put on doesn't matter. It is what you put on.

While reading books, like Gorgeously Green, I have come to discover some of the real problems with conventional deodorants. Most deodorants contain aluminum and parabens.

Aluminum has been linked to Alzheimer's disease, and that is reason enough for me to not want it anywhere near my skin. Parabens on the other hand are linked to other problems.

Here is what the author of Gorgeously Green has to say about them. "Parabens are chemical preservatives that have been identified as estrogenic and disruptive of normal hormone function. Estrogenic chemicals mimic the function of the naturally occurring hormone estrogen, and exposure to external estrogens has been shown to increase the risk of breast cancer." So I am going to go with a big "No Thank You" to parabens as well. Parabens are also something you have to watch out for in lotions and many other body products.

So when I originally decided to switch to safer deodorant I started out with the Arm & Hammer stuff you see on the right. It worked well at first but I was less than impressed as time went on because of the way it smelled and made me smell. Currently I am using the Tom's of Maine on the left. So far, so good.

The big thing to get used to is that you will sweat. There is no way around that. It is very unhealthy not to sweat, but yet we have been doing it for years with our conventional deodorants. I am on the every other day bathing routine, and while I don't smell on Day 2, I definitely know it is time for a shower the morning after. When I wore my old stuff I could go 3 days or so before I noticed anything (besides my prickly legs and greasy hair) because of all the fragrances and the non-sweating that occurred.

While it takes some getting used to for me the benefits of limiting myself to harmful chemicals outweighs the sweat factor. But just in case you aren't ready to make the switch just yet or need something that will stop the sweat check out www.skindeep.com. They carry commercial brands and you can see which ones carry the lowest risk factors.

What kind of deodorant do you use? Anyone using the plain ol' baking soda method?

Photo Fridays

New lotion and face wash.

*If you are looking to be a part of the eco-conscious effort than I say you need to start with your food and anything you apply directly to your skin because you are most likely to be affecting by chemicals through these two ways.*

Enjoy your weekend and see you back here next week!

Websites to Check Out

I got a list of websites from a co-worker of mine to check out. They are all eco-conscious websites with products to match. I haven't gotten a chance to check them out yet so I will look at them with you over the rest of the week and will talk more about my findings next week.

Here are the sites:

Honeybee Gardens - Cosmetics
Green Feet - Home-store
Ecoist - Handbags
Moo Shoes - Shoes and Clothes
Viva Terra - Home-store and More
Matt and Nat - Clothes
The Cosmetic Database - Database and Ratings for different cosmetics.
Amazon Green - Amazon but Green

Do you have any more websites that you think I need to see? Let me know.

How Do You 'Poo?

I am sure your mind was in the gutter when you read today's title. Well, get out of there. I am talking about shampoo. For years I have tried shampoo, after shampoo, trying to find something I like. Currently, I am still searching. I did just start using the shampoo you see above. It is called Yes to Tomatoes. I like the way it smells and makes my hair feel. I might stick with it for awhile. We shall see.

But what I was really wanting to know is if anyone has considered giving up shampoo completely. I have been reading about all kinds of women leaving shampoo behind for good-old apple cider vinegar and baking soda. They call it "no-poo". When I first saw a title about it I thought it had something to do with not excreting fecal matter because it was bad for the environment or something. I really thought my tree-hugging friends were losing it (more than usual). Anyways, I was glad to discover it just meant not using shampoo because of its damaging effects on our hair, skin, and oh yeah, the environment.

Here are some fun facts about shampoo that I got from Nature Moms:
Following are just a small sample of the toxins found in most shampoos and their detrimental side effects.

Alcohol, isopropyl (SD-40) is a very drying and irritating solvent and dehydrator that strips your skin’s moisture and natural immune barrier, making you more vulnerable to bacteria, molds and viruses. It is made from propylene, a petroleum derivative, and is found in many skin and hair products, fragrances, antibacterial hand washes as well as shellac and antifreeze. It can act as a “carrier,” accelerating the penetration of other harmful chemicals into your skin.

It may promote brown spots and premature aging of skin. A Consumer’s Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients says isopropyl alcohol may cause headaches, flushing, dizziness, mental depression, nausea, vomiting, narcosis, anesthesia and coma. A fatal ingested dose is one ounce or less.

FD&C color pigments are synthetic colors made from coal tar, containing heavy metal salts that deposit toxins onto the skin, causing skin sensitivity and irritation. Absorption of certain colors can cause depletion of oxygen in the body and death. Animal studies have shown almost all of them to be carcinogenic.

Mineral oil is a petroleum by-product that coats the skin like plastic, clogging the pores. It interferes with skin’s ability to eliminate toxins, promoting acne and other disorders.

Propylene glycol (PG) and butylene glycol are petroleum plastics which act as surfactants (wetting agents and solvents). They easily penetrate the skin and can weaken protein and cellular structure. Commonly used to make extracts from herbs, PG is strong enough to remove barnacles from boats!

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) are detergents and surfactants that may pose serious health threats. They are used in car washes, garage floor cleaners and engine degreasers — and in 90 percent of personal care products that foam. Animals exposed to SLS experienced eye damage, depression, labored breathing, diarrhea, severe skin irritation and even death.

I haven't ventured into the "no-poo" world quite yet. I still hold onto some worldly possessions...like my shampoo. My worry is that if I start "no-pooing" (that sounds so weird) I might cross over into sainthood for all my selfless acts for the environment. (Last sentence to be read with heavy sarcasm.)

I get the idea of ditching the shampoo, but could I do it? I'm not sure. I am considering trying this for a week/month in the future to see if I could handle it. I understand that it takes some time so a month might be needed. We shall see. Let me know if you think I should try it.

Could you go without 'pooing? (You are welcome for the 3rd grade humor used today.)

Magic Soap?

Since starting out on my quest for more eco-friendly practices, I have been hearing about castile soap. I saw it everywhere but never knew how well it worked or if I would like it. Organic soaps always sound hippie-ish to me. But I got brave a few weeks ago and bought some. I use it exclusively for shaving since I have goat's milk soap for bathing.

So far I have been pleasantly surprised. It builds a great lather. It doesn't leave a residue, and I don't have to use any more lotion....than normal. It is great, and I am sold. Castile soap it is from now on!

I am pleased to see that it is eco-friendly, organic, fair trade certified, and isn't tested on animals.

Here is a little more information on the Magic Soap from Green Living Tips:

What is castile soap?

Castile soap isn't a brand but a type of soap made exclusively from vegetable oil rather than animal fat or synthetic substances. The purists feel it should be made from olive oil but there's a wide variety of castile variants that use oil from plants such as coconut and jojoba. The simple nature of the soap means a lesser environmental impact due to reduced waste stream during manufacture and also faster biodegradability.

While castile soaps can have additional synthetic ingredients, usually you'll find if it's marketed under that name, it's a fairly natural sort of product.

Castile soap - so versatile

Castile soap has many uses aside from washing your skin - it's also known as seafarer's soap due to its versatility.

I use an olive oil based one in place of shampoo - works great for me and I don't need to use a conditioner. I also don't have to wade through the dozens of shampoo brands at the local supermarket trying to translate what all the darned chemicals they use are any more - I tried that once and gave up in total confusion. As the soap I use comes in a simple paper based box, that also saves on packaging. Another benefit is that castile soap is far cheaper than other fancy label soaps and shampoos!

If you've ever tried using normal soap to wash your hair, you would have likely found your hair very dry afterward, but for some reason I haven't experienced that with castile soap - it's likely because the glycerin content is retained, whereas in normal soaps much of the glycerin is removed and sold separately in moisturizers.

Liquid castile soap uses

While bar castile soap is pretty amazing stuff, in a liquid form it's even more versatile.

- Liquid castille soap can be used for a shaving lather

- It can be used as a pet shampoo

- Great for washing clothes and diapers

- General cleaning, diluted and used in a spray bottle

- Heavy duty degreasing

- I've heard that pure liquid castile soap can even be used for brushing your teeth! But of course, don't swallow the stuff. I don't think it would kill you in small doses but I'm sure it would taste pretty yuk.

I think I will definitely have more to say about this stuff as time goes on, but I hope this helps for now.

Photo Fridays

Magic Soap, Anyone?

Microfiberlous!

I went out this weekend and bought myself a beautiful Casabella Microfiber Duster/Mop. I decided to cough up the money for one when I realized that my mop head was destroyed from cleaning the bathrooms at the Mr.'s shop. I wasn't able to find a replacement mop head (Dang You, Bed, Bath, and Yea, that One.), and I realized that I can't technically "mop" anywhere in my apartment anymore because we now have laminate (mopping is a big "no-no" with laminate).

So I went to the Bed, Bath, and Yea, that One in town and purchased the B-E-A-utiful microfiber mop that was looking at you when you started this post. She has low miles, a nice cherry red finish, and she has already made a few spins around my kitchen and has made me fall in love all over again with microfibers. I love that the microfiber part is not only replaceable but washable, thus very reusable.

Why microfiber? Because it cuts down on allergens (which the Mr. and I both deal with), it is reusable, very washable, and cuts down on the amount of water I have to use when I clean. I also love the fact that I will probably only ever have to buy a few extra duster/mop tops in my lifetime.

Why not microfiber? Because it is made from non-renewable resources like polyester and nylon which come from petroleum.

But I choose to look at the fact this is not a disposable object to me. I will be using it far into the future with the same mop tops.

What are your opinions on microfiber cleaning supplies? Love or hate?

Buying Locally

I went to the grocery today. I chose to go to our local chain called Buehlers which has 10 locations around here. Prices are a little higher than the big chain next door, but I was able to find more local brands there.

Here are just a few of the foods that I bought that were all made in state. Some things like the milk was produced about 30 miles away from my apartment, and the candle was literally made around 2 miles from here.
Here is a great Q and A from Sustainable Table. They talk about what is considered local and whether you should buy sustainable or local. I always think you should shoot for both. At the very least buy the products locally that you wouldn't buy sustainable anyways.

How important is buying locally to you? Do you know what products and foods are produced in your area?

50 Easy Ways to Help the Environment

I noticed this on Re-Nest and I loved the simplicity of this list. Many of the items are not new to many of us, but repetition is key. The list comes from Wire and Twine who are "... a group of designers, coders, screenprinters, photographers, artists, moms, dads, and down-to-earth people — and we like to make things." I was stoked to see that they are located in Oxford, Ohio. O-H!

Here is there top 10:
1. Change your light.
2. Turn off computers at night.
3. Don't rinse.
4. Do not pre-heat the oven.
5. Recycle glass.
6. Diaper with a conscience.
7. Hang dry.
8. Go vegetarian once a week.
9. Wash in cold or warm.
10. Use one less paper napkin.

To see the full list click here or on the picture at the top of the post.

Oh, and I just found my new favorite T-shirt on their website. Feel free to add it to my wish-list.

What simple steps are you taking to be a little more environmentally friendly?

Pictures from www.wireandtwine.com

Photo Fridays

I think you stink.

Glass or Plastic??.....Glass.

While I am usually a big fan of cheaper, I am learning rather quickly that cheaper now doesn't always mean cheaper in the long run. This really hit home for me when it came to buying food storage container, especially those that the Mr. takes to work for lunch. Seeing as though I make his lunch every day we needed storage containers because I wasn't willing to waste so many plastic bags or aluminum foil just to house his food from home to work.

So while we were in Colorado and the Mr. was in school we bought some plastic storage containers. Your typical Glad storage containers and the knock-offs. They were fine and did the job, but the longer we used them the more concerned I became.

The container got melty (not a word, I know) around the top of the food if I warmed it up. I started researching and found out how not good plastic containers can be! So I stopped putting anything warm in plastic and thought my troubles were solved. The longer I used them the less happy I became. The lids didn't always fit right. I still needed to buy containers for hot foods. I just wasn't happy.

So on a fateful day at The Container Store I found Snapware's Glass Lock containers. I bought a few before we moved back and have been using them non-stop since. I am thoroughly satisfied. I don't have to worry about potentially harmful chemicals leaking into my food, and I can microwave them and use them in the dishwasher (if I had one). The Mr. is enjoying them as well.

The downside is that they are heavy and not cheap. I view them as an investment and a little weight trainer (they aren't that heavy). Overall, I couldn't be happier.

What is your food storage container of choice? Any recommendations?

Picture from www.snapware.com.