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Love the Earth
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When Cheap Isn't So Chic
Renovation Green
Greenabulous Finds
Earth Day - April 22
Welcome to Eco-Chic Design Love the Earth, your monthly newsletter dedicated to all things green and earth friendly. I am launching this newsletter to provide tips, tricks and insights to help my readers to "do the right thing" when it comes to saving our planet for the next generation to enjoy. Each issue, I will share the latest trends about green and sustainable design, ways for you to make your home a "greener" place to live, and some unique ways to live your life as green as can be. I hope you will enjoy the newsletter, and I want to hear your ideas or suggestions. Please feel free to e-mail questions or comments to [email protected].
 
Warm regards,
Marie L. Brown
When Cheap Isn't So Chic
 
I keep seeing major news stories touting: "Cheap as the new Chic."  I like a bargain just like anyone but not at the risk to my health.

It is one thing to buy a beautiful piece of furniture on sale that makes your home look extra chic and quite another to buy items that may be hazardous -- and end up in a landfill and not degrade for hundreds of years.

The cheap chic issue was recently highlighted by the California Center for Environmental Health recently on its story about "purses." 

One of my eco-sins is that I love shoes and therefore purses.  I usually carry big purses because I lug so much stuff around.  My purse feels like I am carrying several pounds of lead. I didn't know that I might be at risk of carrying around real "lead." 

According to the CEH, dozens of vinyl and faux-leather handbags, purses and wallets were found to contain levels of lead that violated California standards under Prop 65.  If you want a complete listing of the retailers and brands, check out this link, Lead in Purses
 
SAY NO TO VINYL -- AND THAT'S FINAL.  ~ quote from www.rodale.com story on vinyl purses.

 
Renovation Green
 
Are you seeing green or black or brown -- mold that is?  I heard several stories from friends about finding water damage and mold in their walls.  "RENOVATIONGREEN TIP:" When replacing drywall use paperless drywall or wallboard to help prevent any mold problems in the future. Check out this product by Georgia Pacific Paperless Drywall.


Greenabulous Finds
 
Calling all Mommies -  check out the new gDiapers.  These diapers with biodegradable liners and cotton outer liners. gDiapers have received a Gold Cradle to Cradle certification. Go to gDiapers to locate retailers.
 
Dishes made from leaves -- Disposable and biodegradable -- plates by VerTerra are made from fallen leaves. Not only are they beautiful -- they are non-toxic, and plastic- and paper-free. Check them out at Ver Terra
 
Is it Hobo or Boho?  Maybe it is both. Check out the newest green mag BohoMag. It is printed on 100 percent post-consumer fiber (no oil slick here).  It has a bohoGreen section with green products and tips for green living and boho-chic fashions.

 

Earth Day - April 22
 
Come join me at the State Capitol in Sacramento for the Solar Fair on Earth Day, April 22.  Eco-Chic Design will have a booth displaying eco-friendly furniture and accessories. Please stop by and see me.
 

Eco-Sleeve will Travel
 
Win an Eco-Sleeve (a reusable coffee sleeve made from designer fabric).Send this newsletter to five or more of your friends and if they sign up to receive the Eco-Chic Design monthly newsletter -- and I will send you an eco-sleeve. It's a $5.95 value.
 
Thank you for spending time with me today!
 
Sincerely,
 

Marie L. Brown, LEED AP
Eco-Chic Design