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Go Green With Staples! Earth Day Giveaway

April 18, 2011 By

sustainable earth logo

Staples has a  new eco-friendly product line out now called Sustainable Earth.  It includes an array of things most of us use in our homes and offices daily.  They sent me a few things to try out and tell you about.

recycled plastic calculatorThe Sustainable Earth calculator has a 100% recycled plastic casing.  Both the buttons and casing of this solar calculator are made from used ink and toner cartridges.  At just $5, a sound eco-friendly investment.

sustainable earth multi-purpose cleanerI also tried a sample of the Sustainable Earth Multi-Purpose Cleaner.   It uses biobased cleaning agents to cut down on it’s environmental impact.  The cleaner was formulated in partnership with EPA Design for the Environment Formulator Initiative, and meets Green Seal standards.  I used this for some of my around-the-house cleaning chores yesterday, and found it to be very effective.  At $3.99 for a 32 oz. bottle, and  gallon size refills available for $9.99, switching to this green cleaner is budget friendly too.

I was sent a few of the 100% recycled Sustainable Earth security envelopes along with the other items.  The stock is good quality, and I would think the little green recycle symbol pattern lining the envelopes would shine a positive light on the sender, as well as helping the environment.

All of these products, and many more reasonably priced earth friendly options are available in stores, or on Staples.com.

Disclosure: Product Samples provided for the purpose of review.  All opinions presented here are my own.

Earth Day Giveaway

One lucky Blommi reader will win a Earth Day gift pack, which includes: Sustainable Earth calculator, sample of the multipurpose cleaner & a $15 Staples gift card.

Ways to Enter – do as many or as few as you like (leave a separate comment here for each entry):

  • Tell me something you are doing to be more eco-friendly.
  • Follow this blog via email and/or RSS (one entry each).
  • Follow me through Google Friend Connect
  • Follow both @StaplesTweets and  @TwiMommi on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway can be done 1x per day (account must be public and have at least 50 followers).
  • “Like” Blommi on Facebook
  • “Like” Staples on Facebook
  • Share or “like” this giveaway on Facebook.
  • Stumble any non-giveaway post that appeals to you. (Can be done once daily – leave your Stumble Upon name in comment) .
  • For 2 entries! Grab my ad button (available here), or add Blommi.com to your blogroll -> blog must be public with minimum 25 followers. Leave a link where it can be found, in your comment. (remember to leave 2 separate comments)

One winner will be randomly selected from all valid entries, and will have 48 hours to respond to their prize winner email notification. If winner fails to respond, within that time period, a new winner will be drawn. Giveaways hosted on Blommi are sponsored by third parties. Site owner will of course endeavor to see all prizes are fulfilled, but is not responsible for fulfillment, nor for missing or damaged prizes. Contest ends April 30, 2010 at 11:59 pm CT. Open to US residents , age 18+.

Confirmed winner Tabathia B .

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Coke Rewards Day in the Park Giveaway

July 19, 2010 By

flip flop towel

Coca-Cola has officially invited us to go to My Coke Rewards and ‘HELP PRESERVE THE NATIONAL PARKS BY DONATING MY COKE REWARDS POINTS’.   To help raise awareness and get people donating, I have a ‘Day in the Park Prize Pack’ courtesy of My Coke Rewards for giveaway.   The prize pack is valued at $100 and consists of:

  • A Coke Summer T-shirt made from 100% recycled PET plastic
  • An oversized beach towel (which can naturally be used for lounging in the park)
  • 25 My Coke Rewards points which can be spent on rewards, of course, donated to The National Parks Foundation (or another worthy cause of choice)

5 runner up entrants will receive 25 My Coke Rewards Points which can be spent on rewards, donated to The National Parks Foundation or their cause of choice.  So there will be a total of 6 winners.

Disclosure: The prize was provided by Coca-Cola, but Coca-Cola is not a sponsor, administrator, or involved in any other way with this giveaway. All opinions expressed in the post are my own and not those of Coca-Cola. 

Enter to Win

Mandatory Entry (must be done for all other entries to count):  Go to www.mycokerewards.com/cokesummer and tell me what you would use the free points towards. 

For additional entries:

  • Tell me which of the National Parks is your favorite.
  • Follow this blog via email or RSS
  • Follow me through Google Friend Connect
  • Follow @TwiMommi on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway up to one time per day.
  •  Become a fan (now called like) Blommi on Facebook 
  • For 2 entries! Grab my button and post it on your blog, or add Blommi.com to your blogroll.  Leave a link where it can be found, in your comment.  (remember to leave 2 separate comments)

One winner prize pack winner and 5 runner up winners will be randomly selected from all valid entries, and will have 48 hours to respond to their prize winner email notification.  If winner fails to respond, within that time period, a new winner will be drawn.  Contest ends August 3 , 2010 at 11:59 pm CT.  Open to residents of U.S. and Canada, age 18+.

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Pocket Purifier Review

July 15, 2010 By

I recently had the opportunity, to review the Pocket Purifier from Purely Products.  It is a hand held sanitizing device, which kills germs with the power of a 4 watt UV light. The unit even has a built in flashlight, how handy is that.

pocket purifier review

 

I am sure some of you are already aware of the germicidal properties of UV light and how it works, but just in case you weren’t aware, it is a very simple concept.  UV light destroys the ability of DNA to replicate.  If a germ can’t replicate, it can’t spread infection.  Passing the UV light over the object you want to purify for 10 to 15 seconds is enough to get the job done.

I decided the perfect spot for my Pocket Purifier, was in my SUV.  I love having it on hand when my toddler and I go shopping.  Cart handles are a well know germ hot spot, and I just pass the Pocket Purifier light over the handle, and areas my daughter is likely to put her hands on.  I used to use disinfecting wipes to do this, but didn’t care for the way it made the cart wet.

In the fall, I switch to a larger handbag, and will carry the Pocket Purifier along with me.  Cold and germ season will be starting to stir then, and my daughter will be at the point in her potty training where we will have to deal with public facilities (something I dread).  The  hand held germ fighter will make me feel a bit better about the whole thing I am sure.

Although there is no way to actually see whether the Pocket Purifier is killing off the germ population on treated areas, the technology is widely used in hospitals and labs, so I feel confident in it’s effectiveness.  The device takes 4 “AA “, which are not included.  The Pocket Purifier can run up to 9,000 hours on one set of batteries though, so you won’t be changing them anytime soon.

pink pocket purifier

Purely Products’ Pocket Purifier retails for $19.99.  It is available in both black and pink, and can be purchased at Lowes stores, and at Amazon.com.

Disclosure:  While I received a complimentary sample of this product from Purely Products through MamaBzz, for the purpose of review, all opinions presented here are my own.

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Flings Bins Make Summer Recycling a Breeze: Giveaway

June 17, 2010 By 49 Comments

flings bins

Flings are disposable recyclable recycling bins (say the 5 times fast).   They are perfect for summer parties & events.  You can toss your recycling right in the disposable bin on the spot. Bring a Fling along with you camping, picnicing or on your next beach outing, to recycle on the go, without hassle.  The bins while sturdy, are quite light.

Disclosure:  I have received a Flings Bin to try out in my home, opinions presented here are my own.

Giveaway

Flings will send the winner of this giveaway a Fling Bin.

Mandatory Entry (must be done for all other entries to count): Tell me one tip from the video.

For additional entries:

  • Follow this blog via email or RSS
  • Follow me through Google Friend Connect
  • Follow @TwiMommi on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway up to one time per day.
  • Become a fan (now called like) Blommi on Facebook
  • For 2 entries! Become a fan (now called like) Flings Bins on Facebook (remember to leave 2 separate comments)
  • Leave a comment on the Flings Bins Facebook wall (mention you are coming from Blommi)

One winner will be selected from all valid entries, using random.org, and will have 48 hours to respond to their prize winner email notification.  If winner fails to respond, within that time period, a new winner will be drawn.  Contest ends June 30, 2010 at 11:59 pm CT.  Open to US residents , age 18+.

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Eco Touch Sustainable Car Care Products: Review & Giveaway

June 8, 2010 By 181 Comments

 

I have reviewed a good deal of eco-friendly cleaners over the past few months here on Blommi, so I was very pleased to have the opportunity to clean my car in a green manner, as well.  Eco Touch is the maker of a sustainable line of car care products.  I was sent the Waterless Car Wash, Quick Wax, All-Purpose Cleaner, Dashboard Protect and a couple microfiber towels.

It took a little time after the products arrived to get a good day to clean our vehicles, but a couple weeks ago my husband had the opportunity to try out the two interior cleaners.  He reported to me that they worked well, but since I was using our SUV at the time, he didn’t get the chance to do the interior on it.  I decided to do it myself this morning.

I immediately noticed the lack of chemical odors when I sprayed the All-Purpose cleaner onto my dashboard.  I am ashamed to admit, my dash was quite filthy, but the Eco Touch cleaner cut right through the grime.  I then applied some of the Dashboard Protect.  I didn’t notice the sheen it gave my dash until later on, when driving around doing errands, but it really had given my interior a fresh look.

I didn’t have the ambition to wash my whole SUV, nor did my daughter have the patience to wait for me to do it, but I did wash and wax half my hood, to see how the products performed.  I am now driving around with half my hood shiny and clean.  The products worked well, and were quick and easy to use.  There was no concern about getting wet, since no water was used.  I took some  photos, but they really didn’t depict how well the product worked, so I grabbed this video off the Eco Touch website.

Eco Touch car care products would make a wonderful Father’s Day gift.  Perfect for the Dad who loves both his car and the environment.  I suggest picking a few products, along with some microfiber towels.  I had the recycled plastic caddy (shown above) on hand, and I think something similar would make a great gift presentation.  Be sure to check out the deals Eco Touch has on kits. The Waterless Wash & Wax Kit is only $19.99, and they also offer a bottle each of  all six of their products, for just $49.99.

Disclaimer: While I received  product samples for the purposes of review, all opinions presented here are mine, or those of an immediate family member.

Giveaway

Eco Touch has kindly offered to send the winner of this giveaway a set of their sustainable car care products like I received. (The caddy the products are in is not included).

Mandatory Entry (must be done for all other entries to count): Stop in and visit EcoTouch.net, and tell me something you learned about the products or company.

For additional entries:

  • Follow this blog via email or RSS
  • Follow me through Google Friend Connect
  • Follow both @EcoTouch and @TwiMommi on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway up to one time per day.
  • For 2 entries! Become a fan (now called like) Blommi on Facebook (remember to leave 2 separate comments)
  • For 2 entries! Become a fan (now called like) Eco Touch on Facebook (remember to leave 2 separate comments)

 One winner will be selected from all valid entries, using random.org, and will have 48 hours to respond to their prize winner email notification.  If winner fails to respond, within that time period, a new winner will be drawn.  Contest ends June 22 , 2010 at 11:59 pm CT.  Open to US residents , age 18+.

Filed Under: Eco-Friendly, Men Tagged With: , ,
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Charlie’s Soap Review & Giveaway

May 31, 2010 By 213 Comments

I was pleased when Charlie’s Soap agreed to send me some of their product for a review, since I had been hearing some good things about this soap and wanted to try it for myself.  I received a bag of the Laundry Powder, and a pocket size bottle of spray on Charlie’s.

Charlie’s Soap is an eco-friendly line  products.  Their products are made in the USA and  are both non-toxic and bio-degradable.  This detergent works to clean clothes thoroughly, and not leave behind the residues that most laundry detergents do.  This is why the folks at Charlie’s advise new users to run an initial load 3 times, in order to ensure the residues from other detergents are removed from your washer.  I put some especially discolored whites in for this triple treatment, and I must say even after the first washing, I saw a noticeable difference.  By the third time through, some of the items that I had pretty much given up on, were now a sparkling white (bleach was not used by the way).  No wonder this laundry soap is so popular with the cloth diapering crowd.

Charlie's Soap review

I used Charlie’s Soap for all my loads over the past few weeks, and have been pleased with the results.  Out of all of our clothes, I only had a problem with one shirt.  The shirt is a vibrant green and faded slightly after washing.  I assume the dye on this shirt is not well embedded into the fiber, so the detergent did it’s job and scrubbed it out.  No other clothing was effected, in any way.

We have a front loader and wash in cold, so I was originally a bit skeptical about washing with a powdered detergent.  I have been using liquid only for years now.  There was no need to be concerned.  Both the liquid and powder versions of Charlie’s Soap are formulated to perform in cold water, as well as, at warmer temperatures.  I used the small bottle of spray on Charlie’s, to help with stains which I thought might be particularly stubborn, and it worked just as well as the stain spray I have used in the past, which is loaded with scary chemicals.

Verdict: I will be using Charlie’s Soap again.  I especially liked it’s performance on whites, and would definitely suggest it to those who are looking for a cloth diaper detergent. 

Disclaimer:  While I received a sample for the purpose of review, all opinions presented here are my own, and no monetary compensation was given.

Giveaway

Charlie’s Soap has generously offered to send the winner of this giveaway a bag of  their powdered laundry detergent.

Mandatory Entry (must be done for all other entries to count): Stop in at Charlie’s Soap and tell me something you learned about the company or products.

For additional entries:

  • Follow this blog via email or RSS
  • Follow me through Google Friend Connect
  • Follow @TwiMommi on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway up to one time per day.
  • Become a fan (now called like) Blommi on Facebook
  • Become a fan (now called like) Charlie’s Soap on Facebook
  • For 2 entries! Grab my button and post it on your blog, or add Blommi.com to your blogroll.  Leave a link where it can be found, in your comment.  (remember to leave 2 separate comments)
  • For 3 Entries! Blog about this giveaway with a live link back to this post (be sure to leave 3 separate comments)

One winner will be selected from all valid entries, using random.org, and will have 48 hours to respond to their prize winner email notification.  If winner fails to respond, within that time period, a new winner will be drawn.  Contest ends June 15, 2010 at 11:59 pm CT.  Open to US residents , age 18+.

Congratulations to the confirmed winner ~ Jeanne Pellin

Filed Under: Eco-Friendly, Household Tagged With: , , ,
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ECOS Earth Friendly Products:Review

May 15, 2010 By 3 Comments

Over the last month, I have been trying out  several different eco-friendly cleaning products from ECOS, which I had been sent for review.  The products are labeled with an Earth Friendly Products logo.  This seems to be working name for the company. 

ECOS has won several awards for their eco-friendly, cruelty-free products, which are plant-based and petroleum-free.  The products are formulated to be non-toxic, biodegradable, phosphate-free and neutral in pH.

Now to get to the core of the matter.  We know they are “green” and “cruelty-free”, do they work?  As you will see below, the products I tried were rather effective, and more pleasant to use than traditional chemical laden cleaning products.  Here is the product-by-product scoop.

Baby Laundry Soap ~ Although our daughter wouldn’t be considered a baby anymore,  this the detergent we were sent to try, so we gave it a shot.  The detergent has a pleasant chamomile & lavender scent, which is not overpowering and since it comes from real essential oils, is very natural smelling.  Since it needs to be baby safe, it is also hypo-allergenic and formulated to rinse thoroughly.  The detergent worked well on our regular laundry, even my husbands work shirts, and the one my daughter got pizza sauce on.  It is reasonably priced at $6.99/50 oz. bottle,  about the same as a name brand regular detergent.

Window Cleaner (Kleener) ~ We were sent the regular version of their window cleaner, the label on mine said Kleener, rather than Cleaner.  It’s powered by vinegar and coconut based soap, and is quite effective.  It had a very light vinegar scent, that quickly dissipated.  This eco-friendly window cleaner cleaned well and I found it to be non-streaking. It retails for $3.89, for a 22 oz. spray bottle.

DuoDish ~ For the first time ever, this dish soap is formulated to work both in the dishwasher and for hand washing dishes and cookware.  I personally had a hard time getting over the lack of suds, while hand washing dishes.  Of course, a non-sudsing formula is necessary for it to be used in the dishwasher, and while the sudsless cleaning didn’t feel right for me, it did seem to work.  The product worked just as well as, most regular brands in the dishwasher, and rinsed clean, without spots.  I don’t have a price for this one, as it is just coming out.  I am sure it is competitively priced like the other products in the line, though.

Fruit & Veggie Wash ~ A tasteless odorless wash for your fruits and vegetables.  Formulated to help was off  pesticides and other contaminates off your produce, as well as dirt and wax.  I can vouch that it left no taste or odor behind, but while it did clean off the fruits I used it on, I have no way of actually knowing if residue remained.  I’m sure it helped though. 22 oz. bottle retails for $4.99.

Ecos Earth friendly Products can be ordered directly from their website, or at various retailers in your area.

Disclaimer: While I received some product samples, for the purposes of this review, all opinions presented here are my own, and no monetary compensation was given.

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