Feb
15
Review: Sun and Earth Products and Giveaway
Filed Under Giveaways Coupons, Product Reviews | 76 Comments
- 1 50 oz 2x concentrated laundry detergent
- 1 50 oz 2x concentrated free and clear laundry detergent
- 1 box (80 count) unscented fabric softener dryer sheets
- 1 40 oz ultra fabric softener liquid (for those of you looking for the smell of fresh clean laundry, this would be your product!)
- 1 50 oz deep cleaning laundry detergent
- 1 on the spot instant stain remover pen
- Join our Facebook Group
- Follow SafeMama on Twitter: @SafeMama
- Tweet this entry: Enter to win Sun and Earth Laundry Products on @SafeMama http://tinyurl.com/yl7utve
- Add our button to your website or blog and let us know in a comment below!
- An in-home consultation at the friend’s house with Dr. Alan Greene, practicing pediatrician and specialist in green living
- A one year supply of Seventh Generation products for both the entrant and the friend in need
- A trip to New York City for the entrant and her friend that includes a one-night stay at the W New York – Times Square hotel
- A day of pampering at New York’s Green Spa that will include a Body Polish, Wellness Massage, Ocean Vegan Spa Manicure/Pedicure along with a one hour make-up application and lesson
- Americans buy an estimated 28 billion plastic water bottles every year.
- Nearly 8 out of every 10 bottles will end up in a landfill.
- In 2006, it took more than 17 million barrels of oil (excluding the oil used in transporting the plastic) to produce plastic bottles.
- The manufacturing process of creating bottled water created more than 2.5 million tons of carbon dioxide.
- Only 13 percent of water bottles are recycled.
- Visit our wonderful sponsors website WaterCheck.biz
- Comment on this post and tell us what one thing you’ll be implementing in your life to help out the environment. It can be a little thing or a big thing… just let us know how you’ll make a new change in your life to help our the earth.
- Tweet this giveaway and comment here with a link to your tweet (in a separate comment so it’ll get counted!)
- Add our cute SafeMama button (get the code on the lower right hand side of the site) to your blog or website and leave a comment here to show us where it is (leave a separate comment so it’ll get counted!)
- For 5 extra entries: If you can’t wait and decide to shop on WaterCheck.biz, let us know what you bought via email (safemama at gmail.com) please provide proof of purchase. You’ll get 5 extra entries!
- First they have to be the safest product for people and pets. Both Kevin and I have young children and dogs. When doing the initial research on the idea of Better Life, Kevin came back to the table almost angry when he discovered what was really in the bottles of many of these products that are marketed as natural. This turned into a mission for Kevin to create a line or products which are made only from plants, vegetables, and water. Our products are free of petroleum, fragrances, dyes, alcohols, solvents and other nasty things that we did not want around our kids and pets.
- Second they had to be the safest for the environment. Many of the other products marketed as natural contain something called an ethoxylate (often disguised as a vegetable surfactant on the label). This is a substance that is damaging to fish and other marine life. Our products are ethoxylate free. The real proof however is a biodegradability test. When independently tested against other leading natural brands, our products biodegrade at least twice the rate of the competitor after five days.
- Lastly we felt confident that we could create a product that met our stringent safety and environmental standards that could perform better than the conventional products on the market. It was not easy, but after much trial and error we were able to create truly green products that truly perform. Luckily with houses full of kids and pets we have a pretty good environment to do our real world testing! Most importantly, we could not be more happy with the response we have been getting from people who have purchased our products. Time and time again we hear that our products knock the socks of brand “X” that they have used their entire life.
- An essential oil scented version of our all purpose cleaner, whatEVER. We do not cut or blend our essential oils with any synthetic fragrances or other respiratory irritants.
- A “squirt and go” floor cleaner. It is a ready to use product that is great on all types of hard floor surfaces such as wood, tile, stone, vinyl, bamboo, etc.
- A stainless steel appliance cleaner and polish
- A granite and marble countertop spray (Kathy says “yay!”)
- A furniture cleaner and polish
- A hardwood floor concentrate cleaner
If there’s one thing that I love, when it comes to cleaning products, it’s options. If there’s another thing that I love, in regards to cleaning products, it’s local. And I’m lucky enough to have both in my area. I’ve long seen Sun and Earth products on my local store shelves. I had no idea that they were made right here in my area! Sun and Earth has been in the business for more than 20 years, making healthier cleaning products. To me, that’s a testament that they’re doing something right, and were trendy before green was “cool“. They make a huge array of products, from dish soap, to laundry detergent, and they’re all made with vegetable and fruit derived surfactants. All of their products are free from chlorine, dyes, perfumes, petroleum and phosphates.
Sun and Earth was nice enough to provide me with a couple of samples of their cleaning products to try out. One was the dish soap. I feel as if I spend my life washing bottles, so I go through A LOT of dish soap. One of the issues I have with a lot of soaps, even the natural ones, is that they’re scented. This annoys me, because scents do tend to leave residues, no matter how well you rinse. I think I also have very hard water, so this could also be my problem. Anyway, I notice the taste of detergents on my dishes, be it from the dishwasher, or just hand washing, and if I can taste it, I’m sure that my daughter can probably taste it when she drinks a bottle. The dish soap had a very very mild orange smell (they use orange oil), but it wasn’t overly powering. In fact, it was hard for me to tell. It suds up rather nicely and cleaned without leaving a residue. You can get either a regular variety or a concentrated variety. Anything in concentrated form, is a bonus for me. Especially given how fast I go through it.
The other product that I tried was the all purpose cleaner. I have to say, I’m kind of on the fence about this cleaner. And I can’t really say that it’s my favorite. It cleaned well enough. It has a VERY strong orange smell, which I don’t mind, actually. I personally love it, but my husband has a nose like a basset hound and citrus smells aren’t his favorite. I personally liked that it helped get rid of the “stale dog” smell I feel follows me around. Probably doesn’t help that I have stale stinky dogs following me around. The other thing I had a hard time with, was that the spray itself resembles watered down orange juice. I had a hard time getting passed this. Maybe if it was clear. I don’t know. I just felt as if I washing my counters with orange juice. I think that’s my only beef with the all purpose cleaner.
Overall, it’s a great product line, and also very forgiving on the wallet, which right now, given how much laundry I do in a week (it’s kind of sickening, really), is an added bonus.
And now onto your added bonus, the giveaway:
Sun and Earth was kind enough to provide us with a very generous giveaway, which includes:
Also, in addition to this grand prize giveaway, Sun and Earth are offering two $10 gift cards, redeemable at alice.com!!!
To Enter:
Visit SunandEarth.com. Simply leave a comment in the comments section telling us what your favorite product is.
For extra entries to win:
Please be sure to leave separate comments for each one, so that we can count your extra entries!
Please leave separate comments for each one, so that we can include them as your additional entries. Contest open to US residents only. Contest ends Feb 22nd at 11:59PM.
Congratulations to the following winners:
Aimee – Winner of the grand prize, laundry detergent galore!
NJJ – Winner of a $10 gift certificate to alice.com
Sarah – Winner of a $10 gift certificate to alice.com
please email me statia at safemama dot com with your contact info so that we can get your prizes out to you.
Thanks to Sun and Earth for the giveaway and thanks to all of the SafeMama readers for entering.
Get it: You can purchase Sun and Earth products at Sun and Earth’s website, or at Alice.com
Jul
24
What’s Under Your Sink? (And a Giveaway)
Filed Under cleaning products, Giveaways Coupons | 67 Comments
We love Seventh Generation Products. I use their diapers when we have a need for disposables (which has happened with more frequency since baby number two has arrived). So we’re really excited about their Under The Sink makeover contest. What better way to get rid of all of the bad stuff under your sink? With professional help! I know when I was starting out in greening my home products, I was really confused. It was easier for me to rent a dumpster, pitch everything in my house, and start from scratch. We know how overwhelming it is to start this transition, and so do the folks over at Seventh Generation. Here are the details at how to win:
The “Under the Sink Makeover Contest” is seeking nominations on www.SeventhGeneration.com/under-the-sink today through August 14, for under the kitchen sink areas that are in desperate need of organization and detoxification. Submit a photo of the area under a friend’s sink and a 250-word description on why they deserve an under the sink makeover, for a chance to win great prizes.
One lucky grand prize winner will receive a package that includes:
Four other finalists and their friends will receive a Seventh Generation Living Home Starter Kit containing a variety of home-cleaning products for their own under the kitchen sink makeover, in addition to a luxurious Lavera home spa kit containing Lavera’s customer favorite BODY SPA shower gel, body scrub and bath salts, and premium LAVERÉ Anti-Aging body lotion to pamper themselves.
On top of that, we have a Seventh Generation home starter kit to giveaway to another lucky winner. To win that, here’s what you need to do.
1. Tell us your favorite Seventh Generation product in the comments.
2. For an extra chances to enter, post a link to this entry on your blog and/ or follow us on Twitter. Be sure to let us know in the comments, so that your extra entries get counted.
Contest ends on August 14th at 11:59PM. Winner will be chosen at random. Contest is open to US residents only. Good luck!
Apr
22
Earth Day: No More Plastic! Klean Kanteen Mom & Me Set Giveaway
Filed Under Eco-Mama, Giveaways Coupons | 89 Comments
Happy Earth Day! I thought bringing to attention today the vast amount of unnecessary plastic we use on a daily basis was a good way to start Earth Day. That wasted plastic could be eliminated from your daily life with one small item. A reusable water bottle. I know I know you’ve heard it all 1,000 times but really – in the grand scheme, it’s one small thing you can do to help our environment while drinking out of something that won’t leech chemicals into your water. From Earth911.com:
Reusing your water bottle can really make a huge difference. Besides, think of the money you’ll save! Everyone keeps saying “In this economy…” and those people probably go out and buy flats of bottled water. Buying ONE reusable bottle can save you hundreds of dollars a year while saving the environment from unnecessary plastic and damaging resources.
That means the kids too! Now that we’re past “sippy cup” stage (well at least for my first one) we’re into the kids size Klean Kanteen for our daily water use. Klean Kanteen is made of stainless steel and comes with various fitting tops including a sippy spout (which is actually an Avent sippy spout which you can buy replacements for, all made of BPA/PVC/Phthalate Free plastic). It fits in most cup holders, doesn’t leak and looks pretty stylish. You can also use a sports top with it for older kids who are over the sippy spout.
Win A “Mom & Me” Klean Kanteen Set for Earth Day from WaterCheck.biz!
Our good friends at WaterCheck.biz have so generously offered a 12 oz. Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Sippy Top AND an 18oz. Klean Kanteen for Mom (or Dad!) to one of our loyal readers. If you haven’t heard of or checked out WaterCheck.biz it’s a great site to learn about and purchase water filtration products (they’ve got free shipping offers on their website too). Especially if you’re considering a home water filter – this is a great place to start your research.
To Enter to Win:
To Get Extra Entries:
One winner will be selected at random. Open to US residents only. Entries will be accepted until Wednesday April 29, 2009 at Midnight EST. Good Luck! CONTEST CLOSED
Congratulations Jill! Thanks to everyone who entered… don’t fret if you didn’t win, we’ll have more giveaways soon!
Dec
15
SafeMama & The Soft Landing Holiday Giveaway
Filed Under Giveaways Coupons | Comments Off
Greetings SafeParents! I meant to do this on our 1 year anniversary in November but, life got in the way, as life tends to do for us busy parents. To top off our week of giveaways I thought it would be only fitting to do a big giveaway with none other than our favorite non-toxic feeding gear friends The Soft Landing.
SafeMama wants to thank our loyal and new readers for helping us keep this resource going and for making it one of the jobs I do so rewarding. Thank you everyone for your email, your questions (I try to answer as many as I can!) and your ongoing support. So as a thank you we’re giving away a big package to one lucky reader. The Momo company has released several new items this year including glass bottles with huggers, and BPA Free bottles in an assortment of sizes. The Soft Landing has generously offered a Momo Bottle Prize Pack which includes some of their fabulous new items on sale:
1 – 9oz Borosilicate Glass Bottle
1 – Large Neoprene Hugger
1 – 6oz PES Bottle
1 – 9oz PES Bottle
1 – 2pk Wide Neck Spouts
1 – 2pk Wide Neck Handles
PLUS, with your Momo gift pack you’ll also receive a $30 Gift Certificate to The Soft Landing compliments of all of us at SafeMama.com! Here’s how to enter:
Send an email to safemamaATgmail.com with the subject “Momo Holiday Giveaway” in the subject field. Please be sure to include your full name and address to avoid delivery delays. (your info will be kept private)
You must complete BOTH steps in order to qualify for this giveaway. Contest expires at midnight December 22rd. Contest is open to US and Canadian residents only. We’ll select one winner at random. Good luck!
Giveaway Ended, thanks to all who entered and Congrats to Sharon M of Hoboken!
Dec
11
Wee Generation Diaper Bag Giveaway!
Filed Under Eco-Mama, Giveaways Coupons | Comments Off
We’ve mentioned this diaper bag in the past, and I really think it’s a fabulous bag and a great idea. A group called Wee Generation is the collaboration of Seventh Generation, Healthy Child Healthy World and Rickshaw Bagworks which has joined forces on a great project. They’ve created an Eco-Friendly diaper bag. A “labor of love”, designed by parents with parents in mind, the bag boasts to appeal to men and women alike as the bag for the parent on-the-go. It has some pretty nifty features like detachable pockets and teether tethers. The exterior fabric is made from 100% post consumer recycled beverage bottles. Not to mention that when you buy the bag, 100% of the profits on each bag will be donated to Healthy Child Healthy World.
I know I’d love to get one of these in my hands but instead, we’re giving one away to one of our lucky readers. You’ll receive a Wee Generation Diaper Bag loaded with $100 worth of eco-friendly treats including Seventh Generation baby product vouchers, a copy of the book Naturally Clean: The Seventh Generation Guide to Safe and Healthy Non-Toxic Cleaning, a Wee Generation baby T and healthy household tips from Healthy Child Healthy World.
To Win It:
1. Send an email to safemamaATgmail.com with the subject “Wee Generation Giveaway” in the subject field. Please be sure to include your full name and address to avoid delivery delays. (your info will be kept private)
2. Click on the seventhgeneration.com leaderboard Ad at the top of our website and tell us which of the 3 Seventh Generation products shown you’d be most interested in trying. And tell us your answer in the email.
You must complete BOTH steps in order to qualify for this giveaway. Contest expires at midnight December 19rd. Contest is open to US and Canadian residents only. We’ll select one winner at random. Good luck!
Contest Closed, thanks to all who entered!
Nov
12
Green Your Cleaning with Better Life (Giveaway!)
Filed Under cleaning products, Giveaways Coupons | Comments Off
Cleaning is a chore. No one likes it. Especially when you have to breathe toxic fumes and expose you, your family, your pets and the earth to toxic chemicals. We’ve reviewed several ready-made alternatives to mainstream cleaning products and here we have another fantastic solution for those of us who don’t make our own. Better Life is a company founded by two long time friends and now dads, Tim Barklage and Kevin Tibbs, who wanted to create cleaning products that were safer for their families and the earth. And they do it with a bit of good humor.
One of the things I adore about this product line is they don’t fool you into thinking you need 47 different products to get your job done. They have 4 products right now and really, that’s all you will ever need to clean your home. The what-EVER™ All Purpose Cleaner is really what it says… all purpose. I’ve cleaned almost every surface of my house with this and it does a great job without the fume headache to prove it. It even got my wall clean where the dog sits. You know how they make a dark stain where they seem to lean? Came off in a snap. You’d never know it was there. (How do they get so dirty? My dog hates being outside and he still needs a bath).
Even The Kitchen Sink™ polished up my actual kitchen sink like a pro. Not that I ever was even inclined to polish it but now… whole new story. That’s not all its great for… it works on any metal surface in the kitchen, and doubles are a toilet cleanser. No fumes, no icky junk to ruin the environment or our waterways. When’s the last time you thought about your t-bowl cleaner? It’s fluorescent blue, smells like a toxic cocktail of chemicals and fake flowers. Ew. How can that be good for anyone?
Better Life has a great glass cleaner I Can See Clearly, Wow™ which works just as well as your trusty ol’ Windex. And it’s not blue… why does glass cleaner need to be blue exactly? The non-ammonia (and non-solvent) formula makes this safe for all glass and acrylic surfaces, and even tile and glass cooktops.
The cutest product, for our cutest family members is the 2am Miracle™ Nursery Cleaner. I think this is perhaps my favorite and choice product for our readers. We are constantly being asked what to do about cleaning childrens toys. Here is your answer in one safe spray bottle. This is good for any surface or material your little ones come in contact with. Cribs, changing tables, diaper pails, walls, floors, toys, high chairs… even clothing (spot treatments!), mattresses, changing pads, you name it.
What makes these so safe? All their products are free of sulfates, ethoxylates, fragrances, dyes, petroleum-based ingredients, parabens, or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as glycol ethers and alcohols. VOCs vaporize, entering the air we breathe and trigger respiratory problems, nausea, headaches, and skin irritation, and contribute to many more ailments. Not to mention that stuff is all bad for our environment, our waterways and marine life.
Ask The Experts
Finally having someone who knows about cleaning products the way these guys do was too irresistible. I had to ask them a burning question that we get here at SafeMama.com all the time.
SafeMama Asks: In light of all the “Green Washing” going on in the cleaning product industry, what is it that sets your products apart from the products lining the grocery store shelves that claim to be “safe”?
Tim Barklage Says, “First a little background on us – my business partner and co-founder of Better Life, Kevin Tibbs, spent his career as a formulation chemist and we have developed and own our entire line of product formulations. When we created the company we had three very simple yet powerful criteria that had to be met in all of our products:
We’re also near production on several more products:
A line of hand soaps is also in the works.”
Where to get it: These are a REALLY great value… for less than $7 each you get a huge bottle that will seriously last you an eternity. I’ve had them for 3-4 weeks and have barely put a dent in them… and I have a 3 year old boy who thinks painting with his food is hilarious. Find them online at Drugstore.com, or at some Whole Foods and Ace Hardware locations.
Also, please check out their interview on Food Interviews – great article if you want to know bmore about how Better Life came to be and what kind of expertise they bring to the table.
Win Some!
Better Life is giving away TWO sets of their fabulous cleaning products, each containing a reusable tote filled with What-EVER™ All-Purpose Cleaner, I Can See Clearly WOW™ Glass Cleaner, Even The Kitchen Sink™ Gentle Scrubber, and 2am Miracle™ Nursery Cleaner to two lucky SafeMama readers.
To enter: 1. Send an email to safemama (at) gmail.com with the subject “Green Clean with Better Life” along with your name and mailing address. Please also include #2 in your email.
2. Visit their website and tell us which product your house desperately needs… we want to know about your messes!
(You must do both to be eligible. Incomplete submissions will be disqualified. Open to U.S. Residents only.)
(Your info will not be saved, only used to notify you if you win) We’ll select two winners at random and announce the winners here and via PrizeyFetch. Enter by midnight EST on November 26, 2008. Good luck!
Contest Closed. Thanks to all who entered!
Jul
14
Win It: Free Subscription to KIWI Magazine
Filed Under Giveaways Coupons | Comments Off
KIWI Magazine offered one of our SafeMama readers a free subscription! KIWI Magazine is a bi-monthly, family-centered publication with a focus on natural and organic lifestyles. Since I began working on SafeMama.com my life has changed in so many positive ways. I look at parenting magazines now with a skeptic eye and moan every time I look at the newsstand. Now, finally I have found a magazine that caters to the lifestyle I am working on achieving. A magazine that helps me grow as a parent and as someone who cares about the environment. KIWI hopes to help all parents to create a safe, happy environment for our children that promotes growth and well-being.
Giveaway Closed! One lucky reader will recieve a subscription to KIWI Magazine. Send an email to safemama (at) gmail.com with the subject “Kiwi Please!” to enter. Please include a mailing address where you’d like your magazine sent. Submissions will be collected until July 25, 2008 at midight EST.
Giveaway Closed! Congratulations Jill from Wisconsin!
Jun
15
Happy Father’s Day Giveaway from Safe Mama!
Filed Under Giveaways Coupons, Skin Care | Comments Off
In honor of Father’s Day we want to give a little something to the Dad’s out there. Have a great Dad? Tell us why and we’ll send one lucky Dad out there some BeeCeuticals Lip Balm as a little thank you. Send an email to safemama (at) gmail.com and tell us why your Dad, Husband, Partner makes a great Dad. We’ll pick our favorite and send him some lip balm’s from our favorite company BeeCeuticals. Email us before midnight EST on Monday June 16th.
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!!
Update: Congratulations to Michelle and her nominated husband. She wrote a very compelling argument (all over lip balm!) and won us over. Here is my favorite part:
I am a full time working mother and Dave now stays home with our little one until he begins the MA program at SDSU. The three months I had for maternity leave was an amazing bonding experience and now he has been at home with her every day keeping our baby BPA free, cloth diapered, and expressed breast milk fed (moving into homemade solids!). He’s amazing! …
… When I first saw the chance to enter to win I instantly thought, “Cool! Dave would be stoked if I win.” After writing my entry it’s more than the lip balm I want. I want Dave to read this on Father’s Day and realize how grateful I am to have him. Thank you for that Safe Mama.
So cute. But since I’m a big softie… everyone who entered gets a free lip balm! Lip balm for everyone! I’ll email all of you for your mailing addresses. Thanks everyone for entering.
Mar
19
Book Review and Giveaway! The Baby Gizmo Buying Guide
Filed Under Giveaways Coupons, Product Reviews | 31 Comments
Enough of all this dioxane talk for a minute and let’s discuss something a little more fun… and let’s give away some free gifts! I recently had the opportunity to check out The Baby Gizmo Buying Guide written by Heather Maclean and Hollie Schultz, the creators of BabyGizmo.com. This is a hefty book, packed to the gills with tips and buying advice on everything baby related from the basic needs with a newborn to outfitting your preschooler with a potty. They cover the grounds from soup to nuts.
I’ll admit I was a little skeptical when I first got it in my hands. I thought, “Gee another baby gear book… whoopie.” However I soon discovered it’s value over a glass of wine and a quick scour of it’s contents. They really cover a lot of ground without becoming too wordy or opinionated. They guide you towards how to shop most efficiently for your new arrival so you’re not breaking the bank on every baby gadget in the universe. They give you the low-down on what you really need versus what is just an extra perk. From help with buying car seats, strollers, high chairs and more, these gals really give you the insiders edge on buying for your baby.
This book works great as a reference and what I found wonderful was they even covered “safe bottles” and toy safety, and using the CPSC, which as we all know are topics close to my non-toxic heart. They do it all without telling you what exact products to buy, rather they give you the information you need in your back pocket so you can make the best decisions for yourself and your kids.
This book is the perfect gift for a new mom, or even a rookie who is still learning the ropes. I’m no expert with a 2 year old and I already learned a thing or two about what kind of potty to look for. Double thumbs up from this Mom.
Giveaway Time! I’ve got 6 shiny new copies of The Baby Gizmo Buying Guide ready for your reading pleasure.
How to win it: Leave a comment on this entry by5:00pm EST on Thursday March 27, 2008 and you’ll be entered to win your copy. Duplicate comments will disqualify you from the giveaway. For an extra chance to win, send an email to safemama @ gmail.com with the subject “I Need the Baby Gizmo Buying Guide!” and you’ll get an extra entry.
Winners will be announced on Friday March 28th!
Congratulations to Karin, Margaret Cambric, cairomama, Christy, Ester and Melissa Dessaint! You have all won a copy of The Baby Gizmo Buying Guide. Thank you to all who entered!

















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