Local Green Thumbs
Feb 25, 2014 09:20AM ● By Style
I’m a fiend for green
(the color and living an eco-friendly lifestyle), so when tasked with the challenge to find locally made earth-conscious items, I gladly obliged. From moving boxes and bars of soap to bottles of wine, one thing is clear: Our area embraces every shade of green. Here, we present you with six Style-approved products.
1 / MOVERS & SHAKERS
California Box Rental, Rocklin, calboxrental.com
Save time, energy and money on your next move by renting “boxes” (100-percent plastic containers with attached lids), plus hangers, totes, tubs, straps, dollies and wardrobe boxes—while also saving the environment. California Box Company’s products can be used multiple times before they need to be replaced, while also being weather resistant, waterproof and stackable. With attached tops there’s no need for tape, and they can carry more than double the weight of a comparable cardboard box. Prices vary; available at calboxrental.com
2 / WASH UP
Bella Soap Company, Loomis, bellasoapcompany.com
Soothe dry and sensitive skin with Bella Soap Company’s GMO-and gluten-free moisturizing body bar that’s received the Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association, is recommended by pediatricians and dermatologists, and was presented before Congress during hearings for the Safe Cosmetics Act. Go green while getting clean! $4.89 each; available at buybellasoap.com and at local retailers, including Whole Foods Market
3 / GREEN LIGHT
Candle Soap Bar, El Dorado Hills, candlesoapbar.com
These 100-percent soy, vegetable-based wax candles offer a clean-burning alternative to paraffin that’s environmentally sound and healthy for your home. What’s more, each candle is individually hand poured to perfection with maximum scent, and the glass jar is reusable. $23; available at candlesoapbar.com and at Taylor’s Art & Soul in Sacramento
4 / DINNER IS SERVED
Leafware, Folsom, leafware.com
Handcrafted from fallen palm leaves that are each thoroughly cleaned, heat pressed and fully sterilized, the result is sturdy, casually elegant dinnerware (plates, bowls, utensils and more)—perfect for everyday dining and relaxed gatherings. Liquid and heat safe, with no chemicals or binders, each USDA-certified, 99-percent biobased product (intended for single use) is compostable and biodegradable. Eating from the Earth will never taste better! Prices vary; available at leafware.com
5 / ALL BOTTLED UP
Mason Solar Jars, Placerville, 530-303-3190
Store up sunshine for the nighttime with these Mason Solar Jars, handmade by local crafter Domini Yeske using recycled jars, beads and glass marbles. Each ingenious offering is weather resistant and lasts for six to eight hours (after charging all day in the sun). Perfect on a picnic table, in a garden, lining a walkway or when camping—you’ll be the light of the party. $14+; available at Eco Logical in Placerville
6 / WINE DOWN
Sierra Vista Winery, Placerville sierravistawinery.com
Sierra Vista’s buzz-worthy vinos are some of the most eco-friendly out there. The winery was the first in the El Dorado American Viticultural Area (AVA) to install solar panels (produces 60 percent of their electricity) and only organic materials are used on their vines; what’s more, it’s certified sustainable by Fish Friendly Farming. We especially love the luscious and rich 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah with flavors of blackberry, plum and a hint of toasty spice. $32; available at sierravistawinery.com.