Green Solutions Product Picks - December Holiday Edition

By Madelyn Lipszyc

1. Cork Bath Mat

This great solution is all-natural and quick-drying, compared to bacteria-breeding rubber and fibre mats. Sustainably harvested, in co-operation with the Forest Stewardship Council, this revolutionary bath mat is anti-fungal and fun!

2. Clean Well's All Natural Hand Sanitizer

As well as being chemical-free, this sanitizer will clean all your germs effectively without leaving your hands dry and damaged. It is alcohol-free and safe for kids while still providing a pleasant scent and being gentle on skin.

3. Seventh Generation's Chlorine-free Bleach

You can still get your whites their whitest, and not have to worry about toxic contamination. After all, we want to wear our clothes after we wash them, so why not choose an environmentally friendly product like this? Gentle skin does not have to be sacrificed at the expense of clean clothes! And because it's biodegradable, the runoff will not harm the earth's soil.

4. Skystream's Residential Wind Turbine

Finally, wind power for the home has arrived! Windy days will prove to be a profitable investment, as this device can actually store energy if the winds are strong, and use it later during non-windy days when extra energy may be needed. This wind turbine can be installed easily and will provide a clean and excellent source of energy in the long run.

5. Doggie Dooley

If you have dogs, you know they come with big responsibilities and a lot of waste. This little receptacle allows you to clean up your dog's waste without the use of plastic bags! A very sustainable idea, it allows outdoor decomposition and is safe for your lawn. The Dooley works like a trash can built into the ground. It also makes it easier to have worry-free fun on the lawn.

6. Succo Eco-friendly Juicer

Made from eco-friendly materials, this juicer will allow you to create your own healthy drinks. Packaging is made from 60% post-consumer fibres. The juicer has a fruit blade and pours the fruit's juice directly into its built-in glass. This eco-juicer will help cut down on store-bought, prepackaged boxes and cartons, and encourage you to drink a natural, fresh fruit or vegetable juice. All it takes is the fruit and the juicer and zero garbage will be left behind.

7. Recycled Magazine Square Trivet

Give magazines a second life with this useful trivet. It allows you to rest your hot pots, pans and casseroles down without damaging your table or tablecloth. This great idea lets you wash less by cutting down on transferring food from cookware to serving bowls. Bring your pots and pans right to the table and serve!

8. Crescent Moon Snowshoes

This small American company prides itself on well-made, environmentally conscious snowshoes. Snow-covered region trekkers can enjoy a day of hiking and great exercise in these shoes. Forget the truck, bundle up, and walk-it this season!

9. Lula Dot's Recycled Book Chandelier

Many books go to waste each year because charities cannot afford to unbind and recycle them properly. Lula Dot has taken to accepting unwanted books from charities and giving them a second life in an interesting way through this chandelier. Based in the UK, this and other home fixtures have been designed using old waste to create something useful.

10. Java Log Firelog by Pine Mountain

This is a friendly and warm log for the fireplace that crackles just like real wood- but is safer for the environment and for your household air quality. It burns for up to three hours, diverting up to 12 million pounds of coffee grounds from landfills each year. The log burns with 78% or less carbon monoxide than a usual wood log. The Pine Mountain company works with coffee houses, businesses and residences to be sustainable.