3/23/14

Lots of throw blankets and pillows today use man-made fibers that are designed to feel ultra soft and luxurious to the touch. They mimic the feel of fur, cashmere and other luxurious fibers and come in vibrant colors. But many of these have to be treated with chemical fire retardants in order to be safe. Stick with natural materials, like cotton and wool. Not only are they naturally fire resistant, they come from renewable crops and feel just as nice and natural to the touch.

3/22/14

Ever wonder if your wooden cooking spoons are safe to use after a long period of time? Could they be harboring foodborne germs and bacteria in small scratches on the surface? The good news: Wood is naturally anti-microbial. In nature, trees fight infection, so the properties of wood will also inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. But to keep them healthy and working for you, always hand wash wooden spoons with hot water and dish soap. While they are dishwasher-safe, many modern dishwashers will actually over dry them and cause the wood to split and fall apart.

3/21/14

Most hotels have made it easy to go green today by giving you the option to not have your bedding and towels changed every day. The choice of reusing your linens more than once is not only good for the environment, it can actually be rewarding to you. When staying at Starwood properties, like Westin Hotels, guests who choose to decline housekeeping when staying there will be rewarded 500 Starwood preferred points or a $5 voucher, applicable toward food or beverages. So skip a night of housekeeping, help the planet and get rewarded. What's not to like?