Who Says Chic and Sexy Handbags Can't Be Eco-Friendly?

Chic & Sexy Recycled Seashell Bag from UrthBags.com

I recently had the opportunity to speak with Monica Ralli, the founding force behind UrthBags.com. Two minutes into our phone conversation and I knew she was the "real deal" - as passionate about making a difference in this global community as she is about her beautiful eco-friendly handbags "designed with a purpose". My favorite chic and sexy handbag is pictured here - the "Elaine" (MSRP $82), but there are lots of other beautiful/smart/sexy designs available to go with every fashion style.

Of course, in my opinion, the bags are much more beautiful because they are not only made from eco-friendly materials (recycled shells, magazines and juice boxes for example) but they also help sustain women working worldwide.  You can read more about UrthBags's vision, help save the world,  and... oh yeah, purchase a chic and sexy handbag for yourself or another savvy fashionista (whatever color of "green" they may be) by visiting their website. 

**Facebook Special** Don't forget FB fans receive 15% off any UrthBags purchase! Just use coupon code: FBFAN15 at checkout.

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Green and Frugal Holiday Ideas

Whether you've decided to scale back on Thanksgiving and Christmas expenses out of budget necessity, or just because you believe that "less is more", here's a few recent articles full of green and frugal Holiday ideas for everything from decorating your table to finding gifts for the eco-conscious:

How to Make an Inexpensive Holiday Centerpiece -  With a little creativity and items from your garden or pantry, you can make simply beautiful table centerpieces for the Season, with little or no money spent.


How to Recycle Last Year's Holiday Cards  - From scrapbook pages and wall decor to placemats and gift tags, there's a great way to recycle cards from previous Winter holidays.

5 Great Holiday Gift Ideas for the Eco-Conscious  - If you are looking for great gift ideas this Holiday Season for friends and family that embrace a greener lifestyle, or perhaps you yourself are committed to reducing your own carbon footprint, here are five ideas to consider.

"No longer forward nor behind 

I look in hope or fear; 

But, grateful, take the good I find,

The best of now and here."

[John Greenleaf Whittier]  

Think Green for Sports

Now that the Holiday Season is almost here, it's time to perhaps consider some eco-friendly options for the sports enthusiasts on your gift lists. There are a growing number of companies that are providing green sports products, from sports balls made from recycled materials to recycled wood golf tees, making it easier to "think green" when it comes to buying sports equipment. Here are a few green ideas to get you thinkin' :

• Check out Fair Trade Sports website which carries a line of sports balls for soccer, football, basketball, etc. that are certified green and fair trade.
• Beyond the "new" products, there's also companies like PlayItAgainSports which has over 350 locations in the US and Canada, where you can buy and sell used sports equipment (for parents, that can be a pretty budget-friendly way to get a few items from your Christmas list), or 
• LostGolfBalls.com where you can purchase quality used golf balls by the bucket. 
• Even big box stores like Target and Walmart carry eco-friendly gift ideas for the sports enthusiasts. Organic t-shirts, eco-friendly water bottles... just to name a few.
• Looking for an eco-friendly skateboard? Check out BambooSk8.com

For more reading, check out a great article on the eco-impact of professional sports around the world: "Blowing the Green Whistle on Sports" at Grist.org

Nifty Ideas for Creating a Green Baby Nursery

Your baby's room is a perfect place to incorporate eco-friendly products into your home, helping to create an environment that is relatively free of toxins. Babies are far more sensitive to the chemicals found in traditional bedding and mattresses than adults, not to mention the toxins found in traditional paint, acrylic carpet and standard household cleaners.  READ MORE

Recycled Jewelry Boxes

Check out these great little recycled Indian bangle bracelet boxes from VivaTerra.com.  They're on sale for $9 (a 60% discount) so get them while you can!  VivaTerra has lots of other gifts and home decor that are eco-friendly! Mother's Day is just around the corner...