|
|
|
This Month's
Favorites
Design Hive Market
Cambridge's
market for independent designers of hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind items
has started up again. There are market days every month through
the end of the year.
Boston Cycling Celebration
The
past year or so has seen a real burst of activity around bicycling in
Boston, which has been a long time coming, but is great to see.
The latest is the inaugural Mayor's Cup professional bike race on
September 26, to be followed by the 5th annual Hub on Wheels charity
ride.
| |
|
|
|
|
Hello!
Sigg Controversy
At
Greenward we strive to provide the most environmentally friendly,
safest, and best designed products we can find. We are constantly
researching new products and the products we already sell.
Recently, Swiss water bottle-maker Sigg made an announcement that has
led to questions about the safety of their bottles.
If you are a
follower of green products, you have likely already heard about the
controversy around Sigg bottles and BPA. Sigg revealed in August
2009 that bottles produced prior to August 2008 did include BPA in the
manufacture of the liner, though according to tests, this liner does
not leach BPA into liquids stored in the bottles. Bottles
produced after August 2008 have Sigg's new "EcoCare" liner, which is
BPA-free (look here
to see testing information on both liners). By withholding this
information for so long, however, Sigg has damaged their reputation
with many customers and retailers. Here are some articles about
the issue:
Boston Globe
Treehugger
As
you can see by reading many of the comments, the prevailing opinion
seems to be that Sigg is just out to make a buck without regard to
safety and quality. While transparency would have certainly been
preferable, we at Greenward are not ready to write off Sigg yet--they
are still one of very few water bottle manufacturers making their
bottles outside of China in a country with strong environmental and
labor policies (Switzerland) and in factories that they own, rather
than contracting production to third parties (though Sigg, like almost
all of their competition, do have their stainless steel products made
in China by third-party manufacturers). Also, of all their water
bottle competitors, they have been in business the longest (100+
years), and, at least in our view, show the strongest commitment to
design and innovation in their products.
Bottle Exchange Program
Through
October 31, 2009, Sigg is offering to exchange bottles for concerned
customers with bottles produced before August 2008. The details
of the program are available here.
You may also, before October 31, 2009, bring your bottle to Greenward
to exchange it for a new bottle (exchange bottles are limited to stock
on hand).
We hope that Sigg's experience in this matter will be
a lesson to other manufacturers about the importance of transparency
and using safe materials.
New Stuff
In other news, we have some great new stuff! Read on...
|
 |
Organic Cotton Bed and Bath by Coyuchi |
  Greenward
is happy to announce that we are now carrying organic cotton bedding
and bath products by Coyuchi. Choosing organic over conventional cotton
bedding and towels has
definite benefits for you, the environment, and the people that grow
and process the cotton. Twenty-five percent of all insecticide used
worldwide is applied to cotton! Coyuchi's
products are made from 100% organic and Fair trade cotton, certified at
each step from growing through processing. Coyuchi's cotton is hand
picked, processed safely, and finished according to the highest
environmental standards. Coyuchi's own web site has lots of
fascinating information on their cotton and their philanthropic
development projects in India: www.coyuchi.com. Due
to space constraints we will have a limited stock of sheets and towels
in the store. Coyuchi's entire range, which includes mattress
pads, shams, duvets, and a full selection of baby bedding, is available
by special order, however. We have fabric swatches for most items
in the store, and special orders for in-store pickup will have no
shipping charge. We will gradually add more of their products to
the web store to simplify orders. Here's what we've added so far. |
|
Wald Woody's Basket and Rack
|
 
The Wald Woody's Front Basket and Rear Rack are like a tuxedo for your
bicycle. Both the basket and rack are solidly made in the USA with chromed steel and slats of Ohio hardwood
white oak. Front basket: $69.99. Rear Basket: $45.99.
We also have Wald's Quick-Release Front Basket, just the thing for trips to the store, the farmers' market,
or holding your bag on the way to work or school. The mouting bracket
attaches to your handlebars and includes a lower brace to keep the
basket in position. The basket attaches to the bracket via two hooks at
the bottom and one at the top. The top hook is part of the handle, so
you just lift or lower the handle to remove or secure the basket. Super
easy! Available in white or black. Made of in the USA of powder-coated steel. $24.99.
|
|
Bite Reusable Produce Bags
|
 
You'll probably start losing weight just by using these reusable
produce bags from Bite--you'll want to use them so often, all you'll
buy will be fruits and vegetables! These bags are made in the USA of
fine polyester mesh with a decorative cotton band at the top and a
drawstring closure. You can choose from the Apple or Lemon prints, or
spin the Assorted wheel and get a surprise pattern (they are all very
attractive). $3.49 each.
|
|
|
EcoGear Bags
|
 
 
 
 
EcoGear makes a range of affordable and attractive bags for kids and adults, all made from eco-friendly materials.
Their EcoZoo bags are functional and fun: a backpack and toy
in one. They are made with organic cotton canvas and rope colored with
non-toxic dyes, with recycled plastic and wooden accents. EcoZoo backpacks feature
drawstring closure of the main compartment, padded shoulder straps, and
a carrying handle. Available in Panda, Pig, Puppy, and Elephant. $29.99 each.
The EcoGear Kids' Gorilla Messenger Bag ($19.99) and Panda Backpack ($21.99),
despite their names, do not look like animals. They are just regular
bags with room for all of junior's daily necessities. Both the
messenger bag and backpack are
made from organic cotton canvas and webbing colored with non-toxic
dyes. The messenger bag has two interior pockets, an adjustable
shoulder strap, and a divided interior pocket, while the backpack
features a carrying handle, adjustable padded shoulder straps, a
drawstring closure, and two exterior side pockets. Both are
available in blue, green, cream, and pink.
EcoGear
also has something for the grownups. The Lynx and Coho messenger
bags and Chinook Duffel bag are simple and sporty for everyday use at
the office, school, or the gym. They are all made from organic
cotton canvas with wood accents. Lynx $34.99, Coho $34.99, Chinook $29.99.
|
|
|
Eco Cup
|
Your barista will do a double take when you walk up with the Eco Cup.
Instead of plastic lined paper, cardboard, and plastic, the Eco Cup is
a single-walled porcelain cup with a silicone cap and sleeve. $7.99.
|
|
Thanks for reading!
Sincerely,
Scott & Simone Greenward | |
|
|
