2010 Holiday Green Gifts Guide

It's time again for Angelic Monkey's green gifts guide (the third year in a row I might add. Check out the lists from 2009 & 2008, lots of good stuff that's still available). Without further ado, here's this years list:

PlanToys Recycling Truck Set

Eco minded kids will love this little recycling set that comes with the truck, driver and sorting bins for recycling, compost and garbage. Children that grow up with toys like this are destined save this planet when they grow up! All of PlanToys (& they have a lot!) are made from rubber trees that no longer produce rubber. The wood is dyed with water-based non toxic dyes and eco friendly glue (E-Zero glue).

Jane Goodall My Natural Plush Toys

The list goes on & on why these toys by animal lover, Jane Goodall are good for you, your child, the environment and the people who make the toys. Each plush animal is made from non-toxic cotton that hasn't been bleached or doused with harsh chemicals. Low eco impact dyes are used from natural minerals and soy. In addition the workers who make these toys are paid a fair wage, and enjoy the ethics and equality that most of us take for granted in the first world (as an aside, I couldn't find exactly where these toys are made). And of course the proceeds from the sale of each toy will go to the Jane Goodall Institute to support her research.

Bedol Water Clock

I love, love love this clock (I also posted it on my Facebook profile). No batteries required. This niffy clock runs on tap water with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice (the lemony water needs to be replaced every 8-12 weeks). Perfect for camping, travelling or just all around general tree hugging-ness!

UPDATE: Bedol has just launched a line of similar clocks that DO NOT need lemon added. Eco friendly time keeping just got easier.

Navitas Natural Cacao Lip Balm

Made from pure, cold-pressed cacao bean oil, I first found out about this chocolaty lip balm from Averie over at Love Veggies and Yoga. The balm is made from raw, vegan & certified organic cacao butter. It really leaves your smackers soft and velvety.

Plantable Holiday Greeting Cards from Botanical PaperWorks

I NEVER send out greeting cards because I think it's a waste of paper and a waste of resources to ship them ... but I know the majority of people out there do send cards for the holidays, and these plantable ones seem like a great alternative. The receiver of your holiday greeting can plant the card in soil, water and in a few short weeks watch it bloom. There's lots of designs to choose from, but the yogi in me is partial to this peace (in Sanskrit: om) design.

Rawganique Eco Slumber Masks (in hemp or organic cotton)

Don't you just hate those polyester slumber masks they give you on an airplane? Not very relaxing. Give the gift of natural rest & rejuvenation with these slumber masks made of natural fibres like hemp & organic cotton.

Dr. Alkaitis Travel Kit

Dr. Alkaitis' motto is "if you can't eat it, don't put it on your skin". Makes sense to me! Every one of these products are made with fresh ingredients that are raw, organic and plant derived. No trans-fats, no harsh chemicals and never tested on animals. The products also don't contain water (often used as a filler in lower quality products), so a little goes a long way. This travel kit contains: day creme, night creme, eye creme, facial cleanser, nourishing treatment oil, soothing gel, herbal toner and a mask. Don't eat it all at once ... I mean use it all at once :p The kit should last for 7-12 days.

Infrared Sauna

Okay, this one is a bit of a splurge (almost $1000), but if you can afford it, it's completely worth it! The place where I was teaching yoga this summer has a similar infrared sauna, and it was heaven (although hot as hell!!). Research shows that infrared saunas are good for cleaning out toxins, increasing circulation, speedy recovery from injuries, weight loss, improving the immune system and it's also incredibly relaxing! Great after a long day of karma yoga.

A Few Things I Think Are Just Great ...

- playing with my niece & nephew (usually yoga related) -

- trees - all kinds, everywhere, always -

- thrift stores -


- strawberry picking with my dad (& then we make jam) -

- long silent walks @ 6 AM -

- Martha Stewart crafts -

- (raw) honey facials -

- big glass of greenie goodness (but you already knew that) -

Ah simple pleasures ...

DIY # 7: Bath & Body Products

Over the years I've cut back on the number of lotions and potions that I buy commercially. The unpronounceable ingredients and questionable preservatives irritate my skin, my planet and my wallet! While I still buy products like shampoo and conditioners at my health food store, other things like moisturizers, body sprays, bath salts and exfoliators are quick, easy and inexpensive to make myself - so I do. Here are some of my own personal recipes:

Bath Salts

So simple and easy you'll wonder why you ever went to Lush (which uses the dreaded SLS by the way). Combine 1 cup of Epsom salts with 4-5 drops of pure essential oil. Mix well. You can add dried rose petals or lavender flowers if you have some. Add a few tablespoons of these salts to your next relaxing bath.

Moisturizing Winter Face Mask

The next time you're cutting into an avocado, don't throw out the peel, use it as a moisturizer instead. After scooping out the avocado, turn the peel inside out and rub the inside of the peel on your face and neck. Leave it on for 5 minutes and then rinse with warm water. You should feel the results immediately. This is great for those loooong Canadian winters.

Anti-Bacterial Moisturizing Face Mask

Did you know that honey is naturally anti-bacterial? That's why this face mask is especially good if you have acne. It's also incredibly moisturizing too. Honey isn't vegan, so use your own discretion on this one. I buy raw honey from a local biodynamic farm, which for me is a better choice than buying a chemical laden lotion probably made in China. For this mask, simply spread the honey on your face and neck and leave it on for 10-20 minutes. Rinse off with warm water. You feel noticeably softer skin immediately.

Dry Lip Scrub

Here's another one especially good for those living in cold climates. When your lips are dry and chapped mix a pinch of sea salt with a bit of olive oil. I mix them in the palm of my hand, but you can use a bowl. You only need a tiny bit. Spread the mixture on your lips and rub them together gently. The salt will help remove the dry flakes and the olive oil moisturizes and soothes your chapped lips. Rinse with warm water.

Vegan Lip Balm

Many commerically available "all natural" lip products contain beeswax. If you'd like to avoid this, use organic coconut oil instead. Coconut oil (sometimes referred to as coconut butter as it's solid) glides on smooth just like store bought lip balm. The oily nature helps to moisturize your lips and if you're into raw food, you probably have some in your cupboard anyway. You can even scoop a bit out and put it in an oil lip balm jar to keep in your purse or at the office. Careful in the summer though. This stuff will liquefy in the summer heat, so you probably don't want to carry it in your purse.

Wound Cleaner

As a kid my parents used Ozinal on us when we got minor cuts, but have you ever read the ingredients in that thing? A few years ago I saw Dr. Oz on Oprah recommending salt water. So I gave it a try and it really works. Simply mix warm water with a pinch of sea salt (don't make it over salty or it will sting). Apply to wound and let dry. Cover wound with a band-aid and re-apply as needed.

Other beautifying products/techniques that I use:

• Neti-pot nasal rinse
• oil pulling
• dry brushing
• regular ionic foot baths

Organic Tip # 4: What is biodynamic farming?

I like to think of biodynamic farming as organic +. It encompasses the same principles as organic farming - no synthetic or artificial pesticides, no genetic modifying, no antibiotics and humane treatment of farm animals. However, biodynamic farms go one step further. It uses a holistic philosophy that believes everything is interconnected, plants, animals and the solar system. Makes sense right?

Founded in the 1920's by Rudolph Steiner, biodynamics (biology + dynamic) differ from other farms in the use of 9 homeopathic preparations that are applied to the soil, plants or compost. Some of these preparations include manure fermented in a cow's horn over the winter and then applied to the soil in the spring, Silica (often used in homeopathy) also fermented in a cow's horn over the summer months, or to control disease, a mixture made from horsetail is applied to the plants. Other common ingredients used are: chamomile, yarrow, stinging nettle, oak bark, dandelion or valerian flowers.

Importance is put on the quality of the soil, biodiversity (not mono-culture as seen on large factory farms. Thus you will never see a biodynamic farm that just grows one crop), and crop rotations to control pests and eliminate fertilizers. Biodynamics strives to create healthy plants by replenishing the soil, adding vitality to the plants and enlivening animals.

Astrology is also an important aspect of biodynamic farming. Steiner believed that nature's rhythms (such as the phases of the moon) affects planting, growing and harvesting. Calendula, for instance, according to biodynamics, must be harvested by hand in the early morning. This is when the energy of the plant is at its peak. Biodynamic farmers have complex astrological charts which indicate when is best to plant and harvest each crop.

Intrigued? I hope so. Biodynamic farming not only reduces environmental degradation, but also incorporates spirituality and the cosmos in farming and its products. The video above is a quick shot of my local biodynamic farm. Do an EcoSearch for a local biodynamic farm near you. If you're not fortunate enough to have a biodynamic farm near you, there are a few products available online (and maybe in your health food store) that follow biodynamic philosophies.

Weleda is probably the best known biodynamic product. It's widely available in Canada, and I really like their products. I use Weleda's calendula lotion (it's actually in their baby product line). It's great for healing wounds and it's gentle on my skin. My local biodynamic farm sells Weleda products.

Zhena's Gypsy Tea is also another certified biodynamic product I've seen popping up in health food stores. I haven't personally tried any of these teas yet, but I like the reusable tins they come in and the flavours sound delicious.

"But how will I know it's biodynamic?" I can hear you all asking. In Canada and the US Demeter is the only certifier of biodynamic products. Look for their logo!

To read more about biodynamic philosophy and farming visit the Biodynamic Farming & Gardening Association, a US-based non-profit organization that promotes and provides education on biodynamics.

My info source: Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada

Bamboo Yourself

So you already know that bamboo is a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to wood. But do you know the benefits of wearing bamboo? If not, then read on!

• Bamboo is anti-bacterial, so clothing made from this plant is perfect to wear when exercising and as under garments (bamboo underwear and bras are sublime!).


• Bamboo is also naturally very absorptive, thus bamboo fabrics quickly absorb and evaporate sweat and moisture. This makes bamboo great for towels, exercise clothing and summer wear.


• Bamboo provides UV protection, so get out there on those sunny days. Consider buying bamboo blinds and curtains.


• In contrast with the coarse grass, bamboo fabrics are soft and silky to the touch, and since it's a natural fiber it's breathable against your skin. Many people even find it cooler than cotton.


• Bamboo is 100% biodegradable! This means when you throw out your bamboo clothing you can rest easy knowing you won't be polluting the earth during decomposition.

And don't forget about bamboo soap ... yes soap! I have just recently discovered bamboo soap myself and I haven't looked back since. I have very sensitive skin and have been known to break out when using soaps that are supposedly "all natural" from Lush or similar stores. But bamboo soap is very gentle. It's naturally mineral and nutrient rich, and since the bamboo plant is anti-bacterial the soap freshens my skin without any harsh chemicals (no thank you sodium laureth sulfate).

If you can get your hands on bamboo charcoal, it's great to use around the house for freshening and removing odours. Put some in the fridge and it will absorb food odours. Put a few pieces behind the toilet to remove bathroom odours (nice for those days when you over-do-it on the green juice). Ask your local health food store to order some food grade bamboo charcoal and use it to purify water. I haven't tried the water purification yet, but I've heard it's good for that too.

Happy bamboo'ing!

Stella McCartney Fashion Show

Stella McCartney is one of my favourite designers with a no fur/leather philosophy. Check out her latest stunning designs and new organic skincare line.