Sustainable is Good | Where design, lifestyle and packaging meet

Toasty Boys Organic Boxers

Toasty Boys is one of the first thermal Organic Boxer Briefs made for comfort, warmth and casual wear. This new green line of underwear is made from 100% naturally grown cotton (i.e. No Pesticides) and utilizes a unique thermal weave fabric that is knit slightly looser than grandpa’s old time thermal “Long Johns”.

Designed by fashion designer Christopher Anthony, Toasty Boys are very comfortable and fit true to size.

I tested out pair of Toasty Boys boxers and they are an ideal solution to providing comfort and warmth during the winter.

Here in New England I take the bus as often as I can and having clothing that helps offset the wind and cold is a major plus especially when the clothing is responsibly made.

Anthony is based in Chicago and the idea for thermal underwear came from the cold winters the Windy City is so well known for. As a child he could cut the legs off of long johns and make underwear out of them. Toasty Boys borrows many elements of the classic long johns but updates them, making them primarily more comfortable.

Toasty Boys are a great solution for those looking for warm green boxers this winter. Anthony plans to launch Bamboo Boys in the Spring and a new women's line.

Congressman Weiner Addresses Excessive Packaging

U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner held a press conference Sunday to raise awareness to the issue of excessive packaging.  The New York congressman represents the 9th district in Queens and introduced The Packaging Reduction Act of 2008 (HR 6325) this summer. 

Congressman Weiner's press conference was designed to draw attention to excessive packaging when many people are buying gifts for the upcoming holiday season.  The congressman had examples of toys and other items which had excessive plastic packaging.  He showed a six-inch action figure wrapped in 72 square inches of plastic and fitted with two cardboard inserts; and a single shaving razor wrapped in plastic four times the amount needed and fitted with three cardboard inserts.

Weiner is introducing a new bill that will reduce wasteful product packaging by at least 30 percent over the next 10 years. Weiner’s legislation will direct the Environmental Protection Agency to write new packaging regulations for consumer product packaging.

According to Weiner, it is estimated that New York City will create an additional 15,000 tons of garbage during the early December holiday shopping season, enough waste to fill 1,000 garbage trucks.

The plastic wrapping associated with packaging on consumer goods accounts for 3,000 tons of waste every week in the City. 

"We've all seen outrageous examples of tiny products wrapped in harmful and excessive packaging. Consumers have always looked for quality products and a good deal," said Weiner.  "This holiday season I urge them to also look for products with responsible packaging."

Its encouraging to see the issue of excessive packaging getting the attention of a member of congress.  We'll continue to follow Congressman Weiner's efforts on this bill and the issue of excessive packaging.

Preserve Expands Kitchen Product Line; Will Be Available at Target

Preserve has launched a series of new products to add to their popular kitchen line.  The products come as the company is expanding its reach to more and more consumers thanks to growing retail partnerships with companies like Target.

The Massachusetts-based company is known for making products out of recycled #5 polypropylene plastic. 

Preserve’s new products include a liquid measuring cup, a dry measuring cup set, small colander, nesting mixing bowls and a 2 pack of food storage containers.  The new products add to their current line which includes recycled plastic cutting boards, Paperstone cutting boards, single storage containers and a large colander.

Preserve’s marketing Director C.A. Webb  told me all of their kitchen products were designed by CT-based industrial design firm EVO Design.  Preserve has had a long standing relationship with Evo and their latest products show a continued focus on design and functionality. 

Loyal customers may also notice Preserve has updated their brand logo and tagline.  The update came from working with the firm Continuum

Preserve Coming to Target

Consumers can find the new Preserve products at Whole Foods stores across the country.  Beginning later this month Preserve plastic cutting boards will be featured at more than 400 Target stores as part of a special eco-endcap display.  Target currently sells Preserve’s adult toothbrushes.

In January Target will begin carrying Preserve mixing bowls, cutting boards and colander in their regular kitchen section.

Radius Source Toothbrush New Models made from Dollar Bills and Flax

UPDATE:  Dec 14 8pm est

Radius has extended their sale through Dec 21st see below

Radius has introduced several new models to its popular Source toothbrush line.  The new Source toothbrushes feature handles made from flax and old money.  The two new models add to the current Source toothbrush made from corn.

The Radius Source toothbrush has quickly become a top seller for the Pennsylvania-based company which first came on the map with its original Radius toothbrush made from wood cellulose.

I had the chance to see the new Source toothbrushes at Expo East back in October.  Radius’ Carol Brian was excited by the new additions to the product line as she told me about the new handles. 

I particularly like the new Source with the dark green handle made from old US currency.  There is something sort of neat about having a toothbrush handle made from money.

The flax handle is very nice as well dark elegant in appearance. 

Both of the new Source toothbrushes are available at retailers across the country as well as direct from Radius.  The new models will ship with the current corn-based Source and stores will have a variety.

I’ve used a Source toothbrush myself for over a year now and absolutely love it.  The design of the handle fits perfectly into my hand and it’s a unique item.

The Source also features new packaging made using SmartCycle recycled plastic.  Overall the new packaging significantly reduces the amount of plastic their packaging uses.

Radius is currently having a holiday sale where customers can 25% off all products plus free shipping on orders over $50.  The sale runs through December 14th.  Visit their website to take advantage of this great offer.

Pangea Organics 50% Off Holiday Discount for Sustainable is Good Readers

Pangea Organics, a company I am fond of and known for top quality organic products and eco-friendly packaging is offering an exclusive 50% holiday discount off all their products to Sustainable is Good readers.

The offer is good through December 15 all you need to do is email holiday@pangeaorganics.com with the subject line SUSTAINABLE IS GOOD.  You will receive an email with a special email order form to take advantage of this great offer.  Pangea will also include free shipping on any order of $75 or more.

This is a great offer and a wonderful way to try or stock up on these excellent products.

 

David Babaii for WildAid Haircare Products Shine

Celebrity hairstylist David Babaii and actress Kate Hudson have launched an exclusive line of high quality affordable haircare products called David Babaii for WildAid.

The products blend exotic natural ingredients into haircare products that are easy to use and are eco-conscious.  The line is free of sulfates, parabens and petroleum.

I had the chance to try the Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner from the line and really like them.  For the Hydrating line, Babaii blends cupuacu butter, wild orchid and blue algae into a formula that helps dry damaged hair.   I found both products to work very well together and help with keeping my hair nice and soft as we enter winter.

David Babaii donates 10 percent of his profits to WildAid a global organization dedicated to the preservation of wildlife.

David Babaii for WildAid products are becoming easier to find - just recently they have become available at Target, CVS and Duane Reade stores. 

“We are thrilled to work with Target, CVS and Duane Reade since they provide consumers with an opportunity to buy professional grade products at cost effective prices.” said Babaii.

David Babaii for WildAid shampoos and conditioners are also available on HSN. 

A Nice Thanksgiving

Hope everyone in had a nice Thanksgiving holiday.  Its always nice to gather with family and friends sharing a nice dinner. 

Its also fun to incorporate family items into things like the table setting.  This photo I took shows part of the table arrangement my mother did using her favorite Evesham pattern dinnerware,  a wonderful family heirloom silver bowl some red pears and hydrangea flowers from the yard. 

I thought the setting was beautiful and charming.  It was also very satisfying because it used so many things of meaning to our family.