Started by two sisters who grew up living and exploring nature at its finest, they soon developed an emotional connection with the environment that they could not ignore.

American Family Naturally strives to bring you the absolute best in eco-friendly goods, whether its clothing for men, women and baby, gear for your pet, or items for your home or car. All products they carry meet and exceed eco-expectations – and it shows through the quality that they carry.

Their bamboo towels are no exception. The high thread count and fine quality deliver an indulgence that is perfect for pampering. Made of 100% organic bamboo, it combines the bonuses of bamboo as a material, with a gorgeous and comfortable end result.

Bamboo, as we’ve often highlighted, is a renewable source with many positive health benefits. Those allergic and with sensitive skin can feel at ease with its hypo-allergenic properties, and it’s deceiving durability is thanks to rejecting mold and mildew. It’s also anti-microbial and anti-static, making it an all-around good choice for your go-to towel.

But what we like most is its ability to absorb. Despite its cashmere-like thinness, bamboo is sixty percent more absorbent than Egyptian cotton, which is often the towel material of choice.

We also love their variety of colours, all of which the towels retain wash after wash. Made with Oeko-tex 100 Class1 dyes – meaning harm-free – they are completely void of any additional pesticides and chemicals.  American Family Naturally ensures that what you’re getting is high quality and comfort with a greener twist.

Bath Towel
$27.95
55 x 27 x .5 inches / 1lb

Organic Bamboo Wash Cloth
$5.95
12 x .5 inches / 0.25lbs

Organic Bamboo Hand Towels
$15.95
30 x 20 x .5 inches / 0.5lbs

Available in black pearl, charcoal grey, chocolate brown, midnight blue, pearl white, roasted almond, sage green, soft pink, steel blue, storm grey, or our favorite, sunny yellow.

For The Yoga Instructor

From Vermont Soap Organics, comes what every yoga-enthusiast needs, his or her very own yoga mat sanitizer.

The Yoga Mat Wash by Vermont Soap is the perfect solution to keeping clean. As flu season and the being perpetually indoors germs are upon us it is important to sanitize every surface, including your yoga mat, and who in better need of this than your yoga instructor.

Just aim the nozzle and spray the sanitizer onto a wet cloth or paper towel and lightly scrub. Wipe down with a dry cloth and your mat is rejuvenated! For a thorough cleaning let the solution soak in and work it into a lather before wiping off.

Buy now from Amazon.com!

To enter, comment below by telling us one way you’ve made a difference between now and December 30th. Keep reading for the review and the details for your chance to win!

The company is The Sak, a brand whose philosophy is built on two premises: happiness and freedom. They claim that harmony and peace is interwoven in their spirit – and their eclectic line of handbags exude this same personality.

The beginnings

It was a combination of a love of the hippie lifestyle that drew Mark Talucci and Todd Elliot towards this entrepreneurship. Combined with this was their interest in artisan fabrics and unique objects, and they began a business importing them from overseas to their hometown San Francisco.

Handbags soon entered the mix with inspiration from one that belonged to Todd’s sister. The rest, as they say, is history. (Read the full story here)

From 1989, Mark and Todd have been involved in the world of fashion, which soon evolved in The Sak itself, a simple, relaxed handbag making use of their trademark style.

Sustainable style

We especially love when companies take the extra step to being sustainable, and The Sak is a perfect candidate for practicing what they preach. They build their company on three concepts: Trust, Action and Ownership; they combine that with six ideals: honest, humble, loyal, driven, confident and passionate. By giving back to international communities, supporting non-profit organizations, and recently introducing an eco-friendly line, The Sak is truly a karma-based company.

Giving back

The crew at The Sak has teamed up with The Nature Conservancy’s Plant a Billion Trees campaign, aiming to restore and plant one billion trees by 2015 on 2.5 million acres of Brazil’s Atlantic Forest.  Read more here.

This eco-friendly line is called sakroots, their first-ever eco-friendly collection of their namesake bags. We’ve had the opportunity to review one, and because we know you’ll love it so much, we’re doing a giveaway, too!

sakroots eco-friendly bags

The bag is far more than just a version of a planet-friendly purse. Instead, this bamboo-based bag can easily be unisex, featuring a long strap, vibrant colours, and a tie closure.

We love bamboo for it’s renewable ways (after all, we talk about it all the time), and its softness and durability is not lost in the sakroots use of it.

The roomy bag features an interior made of 100% recycled cotton, with a zipper pocket, as well as two elastic pockets perfect for all of your essentials. Easily storing a wallet, smartphone, sunglasses, and your other daily needs, the thick, well-stitched interior will meet all your needs – and more.

True to the soul of the company, the bag features a hand-carved and hand-painted mandala made of sono-wood. Sono-wood is indigenous to Indonesia and easily replenished – and in this case, gorgeous, too.

We love the vibrant colours, a mix of purples, reds and oranges, perfectly complementing one another in a crocheted, woven mix. The long, single strap allows for hand-free carry along, and the top tie closure and deep interior give you the peace of mind that your contents are secure.

Win your own!

But here’s the best part: we’ve partnered with The Sak for a giveaway! Because we love it so much, we want one of our lucky readers to have your own.

To enter, comment below by telling us one way you’ve made a difference between now and December 30th. You can enter as many times as you’d like, as long as each comment is a different karma-driven event.

(Please note, by entering this contest, you will automatically be entered into the sak and Elliott Lucca databases for future emails.)

sakroots bag by The Sak

• Eco Harmony Space Malboro, in Sangria
• 13″ Length, 3″ Width, 10″ Height, 18″ Strap Drop
• Exterior: 100% Bamboo
• Interior: 100% recycled cotton
• Tie closure, zipper pocket, elastic pocket
• Featuring a hand carved and hand painted mandala made of sono-wood

Buy now from Amazon.com!

Images courtesy of The Sak

(Updated Note: This company is no longer making these products to our knowledge).

And when you are buying something you use every day, you want to make sure it lives up to these standards. That’s why when we discovered hu.made, we knew we found a winner.

hu.made creates handmade, eco-friendly bags and accessories, each prepared by a “real, live human being rather than a machine.” All of their gear is sweatshop-free, made within the US, individually manufactured.

The company was founded last year by Christy Schwathe, a freestyle designer, seamstress and pretty creative woman. Everything she creates is an original – fresh out of her mind, pattern-free – and they truly show.

All materials are vintage, re-used or sustainable, supporting eco-friendly initiatives both small scale and large scale, rebelling against mass-produced swag and focusing on one-of-a kind creations.

Her collection includes bags, clutches, cuffs, cloche hats, and wallets, each with distinct – yet simple – features that sets it apart. All are fully lined and fully interfaced, with extra additions that make them their own, from vintage button closures to inner pockets, to adjustable straps.

We have had the opportunity to review one of her wallets, and we love it just as much as we love her eco-driven initiatives!

The Wallet is a convenient bi-fold style, created in a convenient design perfect for a purse or back pocket. Slim and sealable, its secure with plenty of room for your most important cards, cash and contacts.

Our version of The Wallet is created with reclaimed corduroy with a Velcro closure and a handy d-ring for your keys. Opening it up, these is a clear vinyl slot suited for your ID, a pocket for your cash, and two card slots (both of which can be stuffed with plenty of cards).

The inside shares a similar corduroy atop fully-lined innards; the lining a cottage-inspired deer print. Somehow, it combines whimsical with cozy, all rolled into convenience and cleverness. Regardless, we love it.

All hu.made items are bar-tacked and fully interfaced for extra structure and strength, so even if you’re stuffing your debit and credit cards, store point cards, cash, random love notes, to-do lists, and coupons, the Velcro-closure and durable design won’t fail you.

We always love to point out when companies and creators take the extra-step towards planet-friendly practices, and hu.made is no different. Shipped in a small envelope with no extra packaging, nary of wrapping, with just a small ID card tucked into the wallet, we were pleased with the initiative towards keeping it green.

According to the website, “When you purchase a hu.made item, you are not only getting a great product for yourself, but you are investing in a human being’s life and livelihood and investing in a future vision of a humane and responsible world, a world not dominated by faceless corporations.”

Well, if that doesn’t convince you, then this will: Schwathe says the layout of the wallet it suited for a left-hander. So we tested it out with some left-handers. The verdict? They love it. And so do we.

We yearn for that extra oomph, that pop of colour that turns heads.

Being an eco-friendly fashionista shouldn’t be difficult, combining living sustainably, giving back to the environment, and looking chic, too.

That’s why Winnipeg-based b.b.begonia has developed a line of reusable shopping bags, driven towards the chic lifestyle while simultaneously reducing our eco-impact. Function meets fashion with their exclusive prints and colours that are designed to be anything but drab.

Their designers include an eclectic group from across Europe and North America, developing a shopping bag that stands above the rest.

We’ve had the opportunity to review b.b.begonia bags, and we love the nature-inspired functionality of their fashionable line of goods.

Each bag is designed with lightweight polyester, re-enforced for extra durability. With an impressive size of 50cm x 42cm / 19.5in x 16.5in, they can hold about 45lbs in weight – perfect for the trip to the market, grocery store or library. The double-layer handles give enough length to hook around your hand, elbow or shoulder, perfect when you need that extra strength lugging home some fresh local produce.

We also love the convenience and portability of each one. All bags roll up to about the size of a smartphone, sealed with a snap to ensure unraveling won’t occur. And at just 1.4oz each, they perfect to bring along on walks or runs, adding no extra bulk or weight over longer distances.

But this convenience only comes as a close second to the gorgeous prints, with over thirty different designs for everyone to love. Among them are different themes, include Fun in the Sun, featuring bright, whimsical designs on vibrant, bold colours. Garden Bloom brings floral into the mix, while Kamakura Zen delivers nature at its best.

Ours includes one from the collection of Kamakura Zen, a botanical-based blend of greys, blacks and a pop of lime green. The detail and colour scheme perfectly complement a fashion-forward shopper, with a bold statement combined with relaxing movement.

We also love the purple-hued bag from Garden Bloom, combining a lighter lavender with bold purples and lemon yellows, mixing together femininity and fun – along with a sprinkling of snowflakes.

Each bag can be bought in a collection of five or singularly – leaving you the choice and mix-and-match possibilities of your favourite prints.

More stores are opting out of bags, while cities are not far behind. Oil-based plastic bags are littering our planet, and choosing to reuse is the way of the conscientious consumer.

We love when companies take the extra step towards eco-friendliness, and b.b.begonia is just the same. They practice and promote what they preach by partnering with 1% For the Planet, an alliance of businesses committed to using marketing forces for environmental change. Because of this b.b.begonia donates 1% of all sales to organizations that work towards helping our natural environment. They also have exemplary shipping and use FSC-certified paper.

We definitely love their durable, eco-chic reusable bags, perfect to accompany us anywhere. From it’s sleek design, compact convenience, and gorgeous prints, b.b.begonia reusable bags vibrantly combine fashion and function, helping us each reduce waste and look good, too.

Available in singles or packs of five. See more from their website, b.b.begonia.

And for the perfect addition for your reusable bags? Check out the One Trip Grip, a unique accessory that locks bags together. With its ergonomic design and soft grip, it makes carrying heavy bags easy.

It’s eco-friendly and eclectic: each case is unique with markings from the original tires.

Whether you use it as a wallet, change purse or credit card holder, it completes the task with ease, with a durable and  heavy duty zipper closure to safely secure your items .

Recycled Rubber Coin Purse Wallet Case

Not only will you be saving the planet, but also be a part of a major green fashion trend.

The large tote holds all the possessions you need, and then some – perfect for work, school, or just a day on the town.

Check it out here: Juniper Tote, Organic Cotton and Bamboo, available in Four Colors

Since 2007, Sparrow Handbags have been dishing out designs based on the principle of sustainability, providing style and fashion in an animal-free alternative for the conscious consumer.

Each bag developed in their British Columbia studio is handmade with care and quality – and it shows. We have had the opportunity to review the “Judy“, a shoulder handbag that has loads to love.

A smaller version of their popular “Sophie”, we soon discovered its anything but small. Like my grandmother, I live out of my purse, fitting my Blackberry, camera, two notebooks, wallet, pens, pencils, lists, and everything else with ease. (Okay, it was getting a little snug after all that – but fit it, nonetheless).

The hemp linen bag is a ridiculously vibrant cherry red, a perfect compliment to dissipating any negative disposition. It’s fully lined with black hemp/cotton, giving a durable duo-layer that is resistant to tearing and can easily carry some heavier contents without any stress.

Sparrow Handbags uses two of our favourite materials: 100% organic cotton – which means it’s chemical-free with zero toxicity (we like that, read more here)  and  hemp, a renewable crop requiring no pesticides. They also utilize reactive, low-impact dyes and 100% solvent-free water-based inks, ensuring no harm on you, as well as the environment. No leather, fur, wool and silk to be seen.

We dig the zipper top – something that more handbags seem to be neglecting – ensuring all your contents remain intact. There’s an inside pocket, too, for slipping in your cell phone, a few cards, or a Larabar for an afternoon snack.

The Judy is a smaller version of the Sophie, but don’t underestimate its size! You can fit everything you need in this stylish over the shoulder handbag.

Little details – like the bold black contrast and the shiny side rings, add some extra flair.

We always like to highlight when companies and organizations take the extra step to practice what they preach. Sparrow Handbags is no exception. This vegan company also aims towards preserving our planet through various eco-loving efforts. They strive to minimize waste, reuse when they can, and donate extra material.

Reusing isn’t their only “R”, though. They also use recycled paper, and only print in small quantities and email when possible. Tetra boxes are recycled, too; the crew uses them in their handbags for the bag bottoms. The Sparrow team also uses local goods to reduce their carbon footprint, and feasts on plant-based fields to up the ante even more.

Sparrow Judy Handbag

• 100% SKAL certified Organic Cotton twill or hemp linen
• Fully lined; black hemp/cotton fabric
• Organic cotton batting layer
• Handmade in Canada
• 12″L x 9″H x 2.5″W; Handle, 17″L
• Available in white, natural, grey, black, yellow, red, blue, purple
• $98, available at Sparrow Handbags

Images courtesy of sparrowhandbags.com

In 2005, Blythe’s collection of vintage fabrics and immaculate seamstress talent resulted in developing a line of recycled, functional solutions for protecting your iPods, iPhone, Blackberry, MacBook and NintendoDS.

“I originally designed the iSockit to protect portable electronics from getting scratched and scuffed while being tossed among all the things we carry in our bags, backpacks, purses, and coat pockets,” she explains. And to that, we concur – it’s easy to get careless, tossing your gear into your purse only to have unfortunate meetings with your keys.

We’ve had the opportunity to review her Hackberry iSockit Deluxe. Designed from her signature vintage fabrics, it’s a wonderfully soft wool with a simple brass button.

Her Deluxe design includes a front pocket, the perfect size for a few bills, cards, keys, or your headphones. The vintage button closure ensures safety, but also gives you easy access to whatever you stow.

High quality design
The quality is obvious – it’s durably reinforced, with added padding to ensure protection – and taking a close look at the seams, it is clear that it’s made with care. She uses fabric from various dressmakers’ estates and a button from an old Japanese boarding school uniform – but don’t let this fool you. The iSockits aren’t “second-hand” in the least – the look, feel, and function surpasses anything developed from brand-new materials.

It’s the little things…
Blythe goes the extra step with details that give her creations an extra boost. We love the sewn in “bk” (for Blythe King) emblem in the back of the iSockit, and her creative touch with the addition of a luggage tag inside, featuring the information about the specific case. Aside from the padding to keep your gadget protected, no new materials are purchased in making her products – making it a sustainable solution!

Bonus points for Blythe
We always love when eco-friendly companies practice what they preach – and in Blythe’s case, she surely does. Minimal materials were used in shipping – in fact, she uses recycled brown paper bags from the market for packaging. But that’s not all – she included a letter written on vintage typewriting paper (which she also uses for the packaging labels). We love it.

The  Hackberry iSockit Deluxe easily can fit your iPod Classic or Touch, iPhone (including 3G), BlackBerry Curve 8900. It also fit my Canon Powershot camera with ease, as an alternative.

Hackberry iSockit Deluxe
Includes: front pocket with button closure.
Pocket: about 2″x3″, 5.1×7.6cm
Case: fits approximately 4.5″x 2.5″x.5″, 11.7×6.4×1.3cm.
$25

blytheking.com
flickr.com/blytheking
cosaverde.com

Envirosax® makes it easy, by providing eco-friendly followers through brightly coloured, reusable bags. Devoted to helping create a better future, their alternative to disposable shopping bags offer the perfect solution.

Founded by Belinder and Mark  David-Tooze in 2004, this Australian company truly practices what they preach. Living amid a rainforest, the family (with three children) use solar hot water, photovoltaic cells, and recycle their waste water (in addition to the 5,000+ trees on the premises).

The company supports various initiatives, including a percentage of its sales to various charities and organizations. These include The Surfrider Foundation, dedicated to ocean protection, the Australian Marine Conservation Society, devoting their time to marine environment preservation, and The Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of New Zealand, the largest national conservation organization in the country, working to preserve and protect native plants and animals of New Zealand.

What makes Envirosax so great?
These lightweight bags are perfectly portable and can go anywhere with you. Weighing just 1.4 ounces, you can easily toss it in your purse, put it in your pocket, and keep it in your glove compartment. Afterall, it folds up into a conveniently small square, about the size of your palm.

They’re also perfect for those traveling by foot or bike, because they don’t add any extra girth to the load that you might be carrying.

The seams are durable, and doubly reinforced; according to Envirosax, they can hold the equivalent of two grocery store plastic bags. The original version is developed from polyester, also making it waterproof. (Which works whether your grocery finds have sprung a leak, or your protecting your good from the rain).

We’ve had the opportunity to review the Candy Bag, one of Envirosax’s newest Candy Series. With a retro-inspired look, these double-sided bags highlight vivid patterns in analogous shades of blues and purples, complemented with neutrals and bold black. Inspired by Italian designer Emilio Pucci, they add a little flair to your every day needs.  We can’t lie when we say we feel a little cooler with it when carrying our produce and grocery staples.

Envirosax also features an Organic line, manufactured from natural fibres including  bamboo, linen and  hemp. Their Envirosax Kids feature children-inspired images, with cartoon-like animals in bright colours (we mentioned them in our article Four ways to an eco-Easter basket for an alternative to the Easter baskets we often fill with goodies for our kids).

The Envirosax Greengrocer™  are a range of solid-coloured bags, perfect to replace your every day grocery bags, with extra reinforcement if they get a little heavy. With colours such as Aubergine to Champignon, their food-inspired monikers make your grocery shopping a little more fun.

We also want to note their shipping methods, void of extra packaging in a small, convenient envelope! Kudos to you, Envirosax, for your lack of excess. We love it – and your bags, too.

Candy Bag
$8.50

Check out the rest of their goods at Envirosax.