HELPING YOU FIND EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR

HEALTH - ENHANCING GIFT-GIVING & CELEBRATION

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Easy Ways to Support TIP                                            P. 2

Simple Gift Ideas & Philosophy                                           P. 3

Charitable, Cultural & Educational Gifts                             P. 5

New Ideas for Unique Gifts                                                  P. 9

Activities & Active Gifts                                                        P. 12

Kids Gifts & Safety Guides                                                  P. 16

Creative Gifts – Local & Online                                      P. 19

Pretty & Prudent - Personal Care                                       P. 21

Healthy Food at Home & Away                                           P. 23

Healthy Home & Clothing                                                     P. 25

Pet/Pet Owner Gifts & Holiday Safety                                P. 27

 

NOTE:  This Handbook Is Distributed Free By TIP To Enhance The Health And Well-Being Of All Readers.  Please Consider Helping Our Organization With Your Shopping, Web Surfing, & Donations.  See following Page for Ways to Support Our Efforts!

 

PLEASE TELL OUR RESOURCES THAT YOU SAW THEM IN THE HEALTHY HOLIDAYS HANDBOOK!!

 

 

 

TAKE US SURFING & SHOPPING!

 

Every Time You Search or Shop - at www.goodsearch.com/?charityid=818190

with Toxics Information Project (TIP) as your charity, we will receive a donation from the site. (Many store selections)

 

When you shop at IGive.com in our name, they’ll give us a percentage of the purchase price    (Varies with the store, lots of sites included).

www.igive.com/welcome/warmwelcome.cfm?c=38382&m=0  

AloNovo.com donates to us when you buy at one of their socially responsible stores.  www.alonovo.com/?affiliate=98

 

OR JUST DONATE DIRECTLY TO TIP -

 

Go to: www.toxicsinfo.org/subscribe.htm

Choose what you can afford to give from the suggested membership & donation categories, fill out the form, pay by credit card or PayPal online, or send a check with your contact info.  Questions?  Call 401-351-9193

 

VISIT THE TIP BOOKSTORE

 

Browse on our website at: www.toxicsinfo.org/tipstore.htm

We will be re-organizing and expanding that section to offer suggestions for the very best books.

 

Choose from the informative and fun titles there, and buy at one of the shopping sites above! This is a great way to support TIP through the donations generated!

(Note:  We are phasing out direct book sales through TIP)

 

 

 

RECESSION & CELEBRATION

 

– A CHALLENGE & AN OPPORTUNITY

By Liberty Goodwin,

TIP Directo

 

 

Everyone knows the bad news – just turn on the TV or radio.  Yet, blessings can be found midst the gloom.  One bright spot – our little holiday guide is more useful than ever.  Its focus on value instead of just spending, of activity, relationship & love rather than just stuff, can bring a holiday spirit to the tightest budget.

 

COMMENTS ON THE 2010 EDITION

New Resources vs. Oldies but Goodies:  We’ve tried to balance the desire for new ideas with the need to keep important ones from previous years – especially those you won’t find elsewhere, or might forget.  So, we’ve included brief mentions of previously used material.  You can find more info on many of these by accessing 2008 & 2009 at:  http://toxicsinfo.org/thoughts.htm .

 

Local vs. Websites:  Some services must be nearby – and it’s often hard to find less toxic ones.  Also, we favor local businesses and organizations as a matter of principle.  Note especially this year:  two new sources for personal care products – Valerie Cookson–Botto & Ava Anderson.   Also, we’ve featured bicycling, including long-time Recyle-A-Bike, and the new Casters bike shop on Providence’s East Side, P.  12-13.

 

A Note About Advertising:  Unlike typical publications & media, TIP is fussy about who we highlight.  We call only those whom we know or have good reason to believe are genuinely healthy providers of services & products (not perfect, but with good options).  We are not Consumer Reports, but we sincerely try.  So, do check out our advertisers – they’re good folks, and help TIP meet costs of operation.  We also, of course, include info about many good resources for free, because you need them.

 

So, Happy & Healthy Holidays for All!

May our little handbook facilitate that goal!

 

 

 

 

 

Simplify The Holidays Website: www.newdream.org/holiday

 

Presents & More Presents (Combining With Others to Give) http://blog.washingtonpost.com/holiday911/2006/11/presents_and_more_presents.html . Yankee Swap, etc. 

 

Holiday Gifting: 14 Ways To Give More Meaning & Less Stuff

http://moneyandvalues.blogspot.com/2007/12/holiday-gifting-14-ways-to-give-more.html

 

 

Thrift Shops Thrive Amid  Economic Downturn

www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20081007/uneasy-economy-thrift-shops, Alan Scher Zagier, |October 7, 2008

 

What Kind Of Gift Can Be Purchased “Used”?

 

Any that’s usable, works well, looks good, & is sanitary.  Jewelry & knickknacks.  Wood, metal, glass, ceramic, small appliances, sports equipment.  Avoid: clothing & stuffed furniture.  Examples:

 

Zacks Camera Repair, 791 Hope Street, Providence, RI 02906, 401‑273-7247, www.zackscamerarepair.com Zacks sells and repairs used digital & film cameras & accessories. Transfers 8mm, Super 8, VHS, DV, & Hi-8 to DVD, LPs& audio tape to CD.

Recycle-A-Bike At the Steel Yard, 27 Sims Avenue in Providence.  Tuesday evenings 6-9pm and Saturday afternoons 12-4 pm. Team up with Recycle-A-Bike to keep your loved ones wheelin’ through winter!  Contact info@recycleabike.org.

 

 

 

2ND TIME AROUND SPORTS,

328 Atwood Ave. Cranston, RI

Tel.  401-944-9380,

E-mail 2ndtime@cox.net.

 

Great Gifts for the Holidays.

 Save 40-80 percent.

 

All used equipment sanitized with an eco-friendly process using ozone and tea tree oil.

 

GIFTING WITH A DIFFERENCE (Besides being Less Toxic)

 

1.  Thinking Outside the Box.  Most important - don’t get caught up in the holiday ads & routine.  Be creative & independent.

 

2.  Listening, Loving & Participatory Giving/Shopping  “Surprise!” is a gamble. Consulting the giftee can find a great gift fit!

 

3.  Active & Interactive Gifts for Children and/or Adults

These can bring people together and stimulate mind and body.

 

4.  Giving Sustainable and Recession-Style.

Sometimes everyday beats “special”, & recycled can be just right.

 

5.  Charity Can Be a Buzz.  Donations generate a Christmas glow.

 

6.  Lessons Can be Lovely: What would they like to learn?

 

7.  Christmas /Hanukkah or …in July or October or…

Celebrate Xmas when together - Nicer than long distance!

 

 

 FROM UTNE READER:  Heifer International:  Gift of livestock, help people out of poverty.  Sustainable Harvest  - Sponsor an organic family garden, www.sustainableharvest.org

Global Giving Gift Card: www.globalgiving.org/gifts

 

FROM CARE2:  Charity Gift Card:   Instead of making a donation to a charity of your choice in your friend’s name, give them a cute gift card from TisBest, www.tisbest.org/default.aspx, & allow them to choose from over 250 successful, innovative non-profits.

*

 

Play an instrument?  Read music?

 

JOIN THE SUNDAY NIGHT JAMMERS!

                                 

       Not good enough for us?

Too good for us?

    Just try us once, and decide!

 

Goff Hall, 124 Bay State Rd, Rehoboth, MA

See www.contradancelinks.com/jammers.html

for details or contact Judith at  401-751-4554;

E-Mail: schrierwilde@gmail.com

 

 

MUSIC LESSONS

 

Fishel Bresler’s Music Lessons: East Side, Providence.  Clarinet, Flute, Guitar, Mandolin, Harmonica, Ukulele, Saxophone. Klezmer, Bluegrass. For details, call 401-273-9814.

 

Private Lessons.com  Independent music teachers across U.S.

Go to: www.privatelessons.com & select state, Music Lessons.

 

Joe Casano, Trumpet Lessons: for kids & adults.  781-258-1615.    jacas2002@aol.com  Web: www.trumpetlessonsatyourhome.com

 

 

 

 

GUITAR AND MANDOLIN LESSONS

 

Classical, folk, and pop!

It’s never too late to start!

 

Open new worlds to yourself!

 

Learn to read and play music

in a short time!

 

Paul Wilde

Providence, RI

zenyente@gmail.com

 

 

 

SOME RHODE ISLAND OPTIONS

 

**AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION OF RHODE ISLAND

Fight for healthy air  (see www.lungne.org or call 401-533-5171) Gift certificate for Freedom From Smoking® classes  $75.00  (8 sessions in 7 weeks) or register for premium on-line FFS class and support ($15 for 3 months, $40/yr).  Radon test kit (including analysis)  $12.00.  Registration fee for Stair Climb event (in Providence on Feb. 26 or elsewhere in New England) and/or promise of pledge for Stair Climb event or another Healthy Air event in late spring.

 

**INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF RHODE ISLAND
8 Stimson Avenue, Providence, Rhode Island 02906    

Tel: (401) 421-7181 http://members.cox.net/internationalhouse    A non-profit multicultural center providing a "link" between the community & international students & visitors, via varied cultural & social functions. Give a gift membership to someone interested in other countries & cultures - includes generous discounts for nationality dinners, language classes, & trips to places of historic & cultural interest, Membership is $30 or $45 for a family.  Other possible gifts:  Foreign Language Class, $140 (8 classes):  Italian, Spanish, French, Chinese; nationality dinners/cultural programs $25/dinner. ESL (English as a 2^nd Language) classes $35/Month.

**AS220

115 Empire St / 95 Mathewson St / 131 Washington St, Providence, RI   This holiday season, give someone an AS220 Membership or Gift Certificate for classes & studio time in the AS220 Print Shop (non-toxic solvents used), Fab Lab or the Paul Krot B&W Darkrooms.  Or, support artistic diversity in RI by gifting creations from the on-line store or not-for-profit galleries at AS220.  Consider a gift certificate for AS220 Foo(d) at Empire St., serving delicious & affordable cuisine cooked with local seasonal produce & of course -- love!  For more info visit www.as220.org or call us up - 401.831.9327

 

Susan Letendre, Sustainable Living Coach, Works with individuals & groups to actualize their sustainable potential. Call about a gift of coaching.! 401-268-9810.

 

TELL THEM YOU SAW IT IN THE HEALTHY HOLIDAYS HANDBOOK

 

 

**SOUTH SIDE COMMUNITY LAND TRUST

109 Somerset Street, Providence, RI  02907, 401-273-9419 Give the gift of a yearly membership to SCLT, which helps people grow their own food in community gardens around Providence.  Cost: $35 for individuals & $50 for families Includes: 10% discount at annual May plant sale & admission to special pre-sale preview hour.   See: www.southsideclt.org

 

**PROVIDENCE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

100 South Street, Providence, RI. Give the Gift of PLAY!  A Providence Children’s Museum gift membership guarantees a year of joy-filled play and learning, starting at only $80.  Or give a gift certificate to the Museum Gift Shop & let the recipient choose from a selection of educational, hands-on toys.  Membership & Gift Shop gift certificates are available at the Museum or online. Visit www.childrenmuseum.org for information on membership levels & gifts, or call (401) 273-5437 X 221.

 

Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Avenue. Providence, RI  Gift Memberships. membership@rwpzoo.org  or (401) 941-3910.

 

 

,

 

GREEN DESIGN CENTER

 

www.ggreendesign.com/green-products-homeandbody.htm#Housewares

28 Bates Rd., North Market, Mashpee Commons, Mashpee, MA 02649, Tel. 508-477-7988, info@greendesign.com

This building supply showroom & design center offers a full array of products & services to make your home eco-friendly.  Samples:

 

Three by Three Seattle  products are aimed at design conscious consumers across the globe. For the Home Office: Erasable Bamboo To Do Boards, Entry Butlers, Bulletin Boards.

 

 mu Kitchen Bamboo dishtowels, dishclothes and aprons from sustainable materials. Wonderfully soft and absorbent.

Cardboard Furniture and Accessories - All are made with chemical free - recycled non bleached kraft paper.. Feel free to paint, draw or graffiti on your furniture.

 

Made By Humans  Clever, eco-friendly accessories for the home office including the Eco Staple which never needs refilling; it cuts out a tiny strip of paper & uses it to “stitch” up to four pages together. Uses no metal staples – no paper waste – and is Child safe

 

Biocompostable disposable tableware & flatware - made of sugar cane, corn, paperboard & potato (respectively). Throwing a party? Going on a picnic? Convenience while still being earth-friendly.

 

BIOgroupUSA, Inc. - BioBag sells 100% biodegradable & compostable bags & films from the material, Mater-Bi.  All contain GMO-free starch, biodegradable polymer and other renewable resources. No polyethylene used.

 

 

              CLEANING PRODUCTS & SOAPS

 

Natural Loofah Scrubbers -Loofah is a vegetable, not a sea sponge! The loofah in these "sponges" is naturally, & in some cases organically, grown. Their longer & finer textured fibers are soft & resilient, outlasting most scubbers on the market!

 

Twist Sponges - Twist makes sponges & cleaners using cellulose from renewable tree farms, ensuring that 99.7% of their waste is reused.

 

      PERSONAL ACCESSORIES

 

Solar-Powered Backpacks - Embedded with lightweight, tough, waterproof solar panels, these bags will charge most handheld electronics. The Generator produces up to 15 watts, enough to fully charge a typical laptop from a day of direct sunlight. Smaller bags produce 4 watts of power, so 1 hour in direct sun will power over 3 hrs. of                      iPod play time or 1.5 hrs. of cell phone talk time.

 

FOOD

 

Ecosource Organic Grow your Own Kit

5”wide x 11” tall, with: eco-friendly tray, soil, biodegradable seedling starter cells, re-usable “greenhouse bag”, instructions, decorative canister.  Pick from 9 Organic varieties: Carrot. Bell Pepper, Cucumber, Eggplant, SunFlower, Corn, Watermelon, HeirloomTomato, Zucchini.

SodaStream - Make carbonated water & soft drinks! Turn tap water into sparkling water in 30 seconds.

Fizz to your taste and add the flavor of your choice to make your favorite drink.  Simple to clean & reuse.

 

TELL THEM YOU SAW IT IN THE HEALTHY HOLIDAYS HANDBOOK

 

 

THE GIFT OF BICYCLING!

Nothing says Holiday fun like hubs and handlebars!

Here are several local resources that can help you

enjoy – and share the enjoyment with loved ones!

 

UNIQUE IDEA – BUILD OR BUY AN ACTIVE HEALTHY PRESENT

**RECYCLE-A-BIKE

 

At the Steel Yard, 27 Sims Avenue in Providence.  Tuesday evenings 6-9pm and Saturday afternoons 12-4 pm. Team up with Recycle-A-Bike to keep your loved ones wheelin’ through winter! 

 

 

Holiday Specials: $125 Gift Certificate for a New (to you) bike! $20 for a one -month Membership Pass to the Shop.  Contact   info@recycleabike.org or 401-525-1822  to order.  

 

Recycle-A-Bike is a volunteer- based community bike education & maintenance organization that promotes bicycling as a safe, fun, sustainable, and empowering mode of transportation. They provide access to skills & resources to maintain, repair, & build bikes in a workspace where all are welcome.

 

You can look through their collection of refurbished road bikes, cruisers, & mountain bikes or work one-on-one with a skilled mechanic to build a new ride from a frame of your choice!  A membership pass provides access to tools & instruction from skilled mechanics for one whole month, during March-December.

 

OTHER OPTIONS: Wrenching-Wednesdays 6:30-9:30pm Intro to bike skills.  All ages.  $15 per class or $50 for a 4- week session.

One month free membership with 4 week enrollment. Open Shop Tuesdays  6-9pm Repair your bike or help others. All ages welcome.  $5 per hour or $20 for a monthly membership. Wrenching Wednesday  prerequisite. After School Programs TBA.

 

 

THERE’S A NEW BIKE SHOP IN TOWN

 

CASTER’S BICYCLES ON FOURTH (Behind Festival Ballet) 

212 Fourth St., Providence, RI (401) 274-5300

           HOURS: Mon 9-6, Tues - Fri 9-8, Sat 9-5, Sun 12-5

 

 

 

 

Make your busy life a little less hectic this holiday season.

We'll keep your special presents out of sight until you're ready to bring them home. A small deposit holds your gift.  If you're not sure what to buy, purchase a gift card!  See: www.bikeri.com 

Also visit us at:  3480 Post Rd., Warwick, RI, (401) 739-0393

 

 

**YOUR BIKE SHOP 

51 Cole St, Warren, RI 02885, Tel. 401-245-9755

AND 459 Willett Ave, Riverside, RI 02915,

Tel.  401-433-4491. Just off East Bay Bike Path.

Both shops have a large selection of road and mountain bikes, helmets, lights, bike bags, bicycle parts, and bike repair services.  Call for hours – they change seasonally.

 

East Providence Cycle. 111 Crescent View Ave Riverside, RI.  Tel. 401-437-2453. (Walking distance to East Bay Bike Path) AND 414 Warren Ave, East Providence, RI, 401-434-3838

 

GOLF

NATURAL GOLF, www.naturalgolf.com (Locations in Swansea & Providence) E-Mail:  sales@naturalgolf.com  Instructional Videos:

www.naturalgolf.com/ProShopProducts.aspx?CategoryID=53

 

ELITE GOLF TRAINING CENTER, 1865 Fall River Ave, Seekonk, MA, www.elitegolfcenter.com A 6,000 sq. feet Indoor Golf Training Center, 508-336-3776,  elitegolfcenter@yahoo.com  Membership: http://elitegolfcenter.com/membershipprograms.html

Junior training programs & golf classes, ages 5-15. 

 

MONSTER MINI-GOLF.  33 Lambert Lind Hwy (rte 5), Warwick, RI, 401-921-5472 warwick@monsterminigolf.com & 140 Taunton Ave., Seekonk MA, in the Ann & Hope Garden Outlet Plaza (not Ann & Hope on Rte 6): 508-336-8004 or 877-336-8034

seekonk@monsterminigolf.com  .

 

 

ICE SKATING

 

Kennedy Plaza Ice Rink, 2 Kennedy Plaza, Providence, RI 401.331.5544  ext. 5  Private Skating lessons, Bank of America Skating Center gift certificates. www.providenceskating.com 

 

Thayer Arena,  975 Sandy Lane, Warwick, RI, Tel. 401-738-2000

E-Mail: warwick-rec@warwickri.com  No skate rentals available.

www.warwickri.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=59&Itemid=166   Kids’ Skating Program, 508-420-3447. 

 

TABLE TENNIS

 

Rhode Island Table Tennis Association: www.ritta.org  30 Railroad St., Manville/Lincoln, RI  401-769-6666. Gift certificates.  Open 4 nights per week.  Beginner to pro, pay as you play $6 per session, $2 Senior/youth/ student discounts.  E-Mail: Contact@RITTA.org

 

CELEBRATE!  TAKE THEM DANCING!  (ALL AGES)

 

 

FREE SUNDAY NIGHT JAMMERS’ DANCES!

 

One Sunday each month:

Potluck Supper: 6 p.m.

Dancing (with teaching,

as needed): 7 to 9 p.m.

Waltz, Polka, Contradance

Israeli, English, Scandinavian, Italian

 

Goff Hall, 124 Bay State Road, Rehoboth, MA

See www.contradancelinks.com/jammers.html  for details

or contact Judith at  401-751-4554; schrierwilde@gmail.com

 

Odd Musical Activity:  Music Box Kit

Make your own metal wind-up music box.$11.98

or buy one ready-made with choice of tune: $4.99.

www.tintoyarcade.com/categories/Music-Box-Kits-and-Songs/

 

TELL THEM YOU SAW IT IN THE HEALTHY HOLIDAYS HANDBOOK

 

.

 

Bowling gift certificates are usually available in any amount.  Check with lanes near your giftee for rates.  Figure out whether Ten Pin or Duckpin Bowling is preferred. 

 

 

AMF Cranston Lanes, 1450 Elmwood Ave, (401) 467-8850,

Lang’s Lanes, 225 Niantic Ave., Cranston (401) 944-0500

Legion Bowl & Billiards, 661 Park Ave, Cranston, RI  781-8888 

 

East Providence Lanes., 80 Newport Ave., 401-438-2300

info@eastprovidencelanes.com Billiards

Sand Bagger’s Lounge, 6125 Post Rd., N. Kingstown, 884-4450

Old Mountain Bowling, 756 Kingstown Rd. Wakefield, RI 783-5511

 

DUCKPIN LANES

 

Bowling Academy, Inc., 354 Taunton Avenue, East Providence, RI    (401) 434-5839, http://bowlingacademy.2gobowl.com Duckpin & Ten Pin Bowling.  bowlingacademy@yahoo.com

 

Town Hall Bowling Lanes, 1463 Atwood Ave, Johnston RI  (401) 831-6940, THLBowl@aol.com  Web: www.townhalllanes.com

 

Dudek Lanes, 409 Child Street, Warren, R.I., 401 - 245 - 9471

Mac's Bowlaway, 890 Main Street, W. Warwick, R.I. 401-828-3279

 

SPORTS EQUIPMENT

 

SSG / BSN Giant Kick Croquet Set:  No mallets or small balls in this game. Kick the 16" oversize balls through the wickets to get round the course. 2 balls, 9 plastic wickets, ground stakes, 2 finishing stakes with flags. Age 3 & up.  Amazon, $27.23, shipped free.  Benefit TIP   order at; www.goodsearch.com/?charityid=818190

 

**2nd Time Around Sports, 328 Atwood Ave. Cranston, RI  401-944-9380, 2ndtime@cox.net. Used equipment is sanitized by an eco-friendly process with ozone & tea tree oil. (See ad, P. 4)

 

 

TELL THEM YOU SAW IT IN THE HEALTHY HOLIDAYS HANDBOOK

 

 

 

. LEARNING GAMES & ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN

 ”For Small Hands”, website, presented by Montessori Services.  Orders/Customer Service: 888-274-4003 M-F, 8-4:30 Pacific Time 24-Hour Orders: 888-513-3998 www.forsmallhands.com/store

 

A PHYSICALLY ACTIVE BOARD GAME?

 

Scavenger Hunt For Kids Board Game  #01427 University Games

(Find it at multiple websites).

 

COOPERATIVE GAMES & ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN

www.forsmallhands.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=82

 

CO-OP GAMES MANUAL  Cooperative activities and non-competitive multi-age games  Games are for small and large groups.  Paperback, 56 pages.

 

RHODE ISLAND - ACTIVITIES

 

Lindsay Adler as Mother Nature.  Creative songs & stories about the earth & living things for children.  Birthday parties and events.  E-Mail: aandhmusic@aol.com  Tel. 401-263-2787

 

Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Avenue. Providence, RI Give the gift of fun and learning at the Zoo with day passes or affordable year-round gift memberships. Visit www.rwpzoo.org  .

 

 

TELL THEM YOU SAW IT IN THE HEALTHY HOLIDAYS HANDBOOK

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gifts For Kids That Don’t Involve “Stuff” April 20, 2009 in Simplify

http://smallnotebook.org/2009/04/20/great-gifts-for-kids-that-don%E2%80%99t-involve-%E2%80%9Cstuff%E2%80%9D 

 

VIDEOS FOR EXERCISE?

 

Fitness Beginnings:  Fitness Videos For Kids

www.fitnessbeginnings.com/everybody-dance-dvd.html

For Moms:  Pregnancy Fitness Videos & Prenatal Exercise Videos

 

INTERACTIVE BOARD GAMES –

EXERCISE FOR THE MIND & FAMILY FUN

 

The Grouchy Ladybug Game ,  What’s Yours Like?

 

     Mattel: Apples To Apples: Party Box, Junior version for age 9 + and “On The Go” magnetic edition for the car.  (for age 12+).

(Both available at multiple resources)

 

BACK TO BASICS TOYS: www.backtobasicstoys.com

 

Rubber Horse Shoe Set, Item #: 6297, (Age 3+)

Animal Croquet Set, Item #: 5012, (Age 3+)

 

WILLOW TREE TOYS  www.willowtreetoys.com

 

LOCAL SOURCE: Creatoyvity  (Has many CE & safer plastic toys) Providence:   808 Hope Street, Providence. RI, 401-351-5718.  Wickford Village, 68 Brown Street, N. Kingstown, RI, -294-9011 Email: sales@creatoyvity.com, Website: www.creatoyvity.com.

 

 

(Also see the TIP website at: www.toxicsinfo.org/tips_kids.htm )

 

SEE THE ANIMATED “SAM SUDS” CARTOON ON AVOIDING PVC, at www.samsuds.org

   A funny, short, informative video

         also sold as a DVD.

 

 

CENTER FOR HEALTH, ENVIRONMENT & JUSTICE: www.chej.org  & the Be Safe PVC Campaign: www.besafenet.com/pvc/

 

CONSUMERS UNION:  Buy Safe, Eat Well, http://buysafeeatwell.org Actions on safe products & food.

 

WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?  THE VILLAINS:  PHTHALATES & BISPHENOL-A

See:  www.ehponline.org/members/2003/6601/6601.html

 

ECOLOGY CENTER:  “All I Want for Christmas Are Some Lead-Free Toys, www.alternet.org/healthwellness/69272. Also see www.healthytoys.org,

 

“Scents Kids Go Wild For” By Wendy Busfield, medical reporter, www.circlesoflearning.org.au/news-events/news/scents-kids-go-wild-for/p/97 A British study showed perfume was one of the biggest triggers for hyperactivity in children.

 

New Toy Results At Healthystuff.Org Researchers tested 87 products using the XRF analyzer.  The tests showed some toys still violate CPSC lead standards & contain illegal phthalates:  www.healthystuff.org/departments/toys/product.tmtresults.php

 

 

                CHECK OUT RECYCLING SYMBOLS:

On the bottom of plastic items is a triangle with a number indicating type & toxicity of the plastic.

 

DON’T BUY PLASTIC WITH RECYCLING NUMBERS 3, 6 OR 7. 

DO BUY TOYS & CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS WITH THE SYMBOL, “CE” ONTHE BOX OR ITEM. These comply with tougher European Union standards restricting phthalates & other chemicals.

 

**KREATELIER

804 Hope Street Providence RI 02906

Tel. 401 432 7995  E-Mail: bonjour@kreatelier.com

There is no better way than to get together and be crafty! Kreatelier offers sewing classes for adults and children.  Check out the brochure at: www.kreatelier.com

 

Snapfish:  Use Photos For Personalized Gifts:  Mug, T-Shirts, Pillowcase, Playing Cards, Teddy Bear, Tote Bag, Coasters, Desk Organizer, Keepsake Box, Calendars.www.snapfish.com/store

 

Less Toxic Artist Supplies: Water Miscible Oils. Has modified binder - thin & clean with water. Van Gogh H2Oil Colors Gift Sets:

www.dickblick.com/categories/watermiscibleoils/

 

Lunchbox.  Vinyl shows up in most insulated lunch boxes.

A green option:  Metal lunch boxes at: www.lunchboxes.com

 

Drink Containers:  Klean Kanteen®  was the first

BPA-free stainless steel  water bottle on the market.  Others followed. Avoid plastic, buy stainless steel at: www.kleankanteen.com, www.healthykitchenware.com, www.taraluna.com/garden/picnic.htm               

 

 

 

TELL THEM YOU SAW IT IN THE HEALTHY HOLIDAYS HANDBOOK

 

 

**THE GOOD EARTH ORGANIC GARDENING CENTER,

Joyce & John Holscher,  www.goodearthorganicgardencenter.com   1800 Scituate Avenue, Hope, RI Tel. 401-826-3130 E-Mail: info@goodearthorganicgardencenter.com RI's only certified organic gardening center.  Premium grade cut & Live Christmas Trees, Wreaths, Roping, Poinsettias & other plants to beautify your home for the holidays.  Special Gourmet Delights, Gift baskets & unscented Beeswax Candles. Special Fair Trade Festival Sale 11/27-12/24. Open every day.

 

Broadview Garden & Gift Floral Center, Sherry & Mark Koswaski, , 5  Langworthy Rd. Westerly, RI www.broadviewgardencenter.com Tel. 401-322-0390. E-Mail: broadview@gardener.com  Potted plants & herbs, poinsettias.  Organically grown plants.

CUT  FLOWERS: Healthier alternatives: Local Harvest, (831) 475-8150, www.localharvest.org/organic-flowers.jsp; Manic Organics Flowers, (678) 377-8258, www.manicorganicsflowers.com; Organic Bouquet, (877) 899-2468, www.organicbouquet.com; SeaBreeze Organic Farm, (858) 481-0209, www.seabreezed.com.

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TELL THEM YOU SAW IT IN THE HEALTHY HOLIDAYS HANDBOOK

 

 

 

 

LOCAL SOURCES FOR LESS-TOXIC COSMETICS

 

 

**BETTER CHOICES

RI Miessence Independent Consultant, Valerie Cookson-Botto,

Tel. 401-954-8551. Web: www.betterchoices.miessence.com Food grade certified organic skin care, baby care, whole food supplements, mineral cosmetics.  Hand crafted, made with 100% wind power.  Gift Certificates, home organic MiSpa Parties, educational seminars & workshops.  Helping individuals, families & groups reduce toxins & find sustainable, safer solutions. Email: betterchoices@ymail.com  or find us on Facebook.  Call to book an event, or for skin consultation.

 

NATURAL SOLUTIONS: VIBRANT HEALTH, BALANCED LIVING

www.naturalsolutionsmag.com  News on health conditions,  herbs supplements, natural beauty products, healing foods, conscious living.  List of 15 Toxic Ingredients In Personal Care, from 2009: 

www.care2.com/greenliving/15-toxic-ingredients-in-personal-care-products.html?&page=2

 

KIDS USE COSMETICS TOO:  See the Parents’ Guide to Kids’ Personal Care Products from Environmental Working Group (EWG)  www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/special/parentsguide

 

TELL THEM YOU SAW IT IN THE HEALTHY HOLIDAYS HANDBOOK

 

 

RESOURCES FOR CHOOSING SAFER COSMETICS

FOR YOUR PERSONAL CARE & AS GIFTS.

Environmental Working Group (EWG)  Skin Deep Less Toxic Cosmetics Database   Safety ratings for nearly 25,000 personal care products & the 7,000 ingredients they contain. www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/index.php?nothanks=1

Also visit the EWG site:  www.ewg.org 

Organic Consumers Association:  20 Ways to Reduce Your Intake of Chemicals in Body Care Products

www.organicconsumers.org/bodycare/reduce052104.cfm

 

Greenpeace, www.greenpeace.org.uk & Women's Environmental Network www.wen.org.uk,  have useful lists of products to avoid, & companies with good track records.

 

Moist As A Dewdrop, Fresh As A  Flower:  For the magic of makeup, hair products, scents &  moisturizers, women may

be paying a higher price than they think. www.valleyadvocate.com/article.cfm?aid=8132

 

TO DYE OR NOT TO DYE? PERMANENT HAIR DYES,

www.care2.com/greenliving/permanent-hair-dye-dangers.html

 

by Annie B. Bond. For info on Safer Ways to Color Your Hair, see: www.care2.com/greenliving/safer-ways-to-color-your-hair.html

         

 AVA ANDERSON NON-TOXIC

        Truly non-toxic skin care

All ingredients score a perfect

  “0” on the EWG database

No FRAGRANCE toxins, ever. 

 

Support Rhode Island-based Ava

in this revolutionary skin care line.

www.AvaAndersonNonToxic.com/lorigibson

 

 

Or call Lori Gibson (401) 789-7381

 

TELL THEM YOU SAW IT IN THE HEALTHY HOLIDAYS HANDBOOK

 

 

 

CONSUMERS UNION ON IMPORTANT FOOD CHOICES

BPA FOUND IN SURPRISING PLACES

 

  www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine-archive/december-2009/food/bpa/overview/bisphenol-a-ov.htm

 

LOCAL & ORGANIC FARM FOOD SOURCES

 

 

 

Wintertime Farmers’ Market!  Hope Artiste Village, 1005 Main St, Pawtucket, RI.  Organizer:  Farm Fresh Rhode Island, 480-0102.

 

Little Rhody Foods Customer List – Rhode Island.  Locally produced, hormone-free milk & eggs.  For a list of stores that carry Little Rhody see:  www.rhodyfresh.com/where_to_buy.html

 

**Red Horse Farm, Exeter, RI  401-439-1047.  Homespun yarn, wooly sheep ornaments, dog toys with wool stuffing.  Adopt-A-Sheep program makes a great gift!  Fresh Christmas wreaths.

 

Farm Fresh Rhode Island  One of the best sources of info about local farms & food is this 501c3 non-profit organization.  Check for farmers markets, restaurants & more at: www.farmfreshri.org 

 

DINING OUT HEALTHY

 

 

 

GARDEN GRILLE:

727 East Ave, Pawtucket, RI 02860

(401) 726-2826 www.gardengrillecafe.com

The perfect holiday choice for your vegetarian or vegan friend or family member: 

A Garden Grille gift certificate!

 

Full service vegetarian, entrees, fresh juice bar, whole- wheat tortilla roll-ups,

soups, salads & sandwiches.

 

Many vegan options, including desserts!

Open 7 days a week.

.

 

 

TELL THEM YOU SAW IT IN THE HEALTHY HOLIDAYS HANDBOOK

 

MORE HEALTHY LOCAL EATERIES

 

**LOCAL 121

121 Washington Street, Providence, RI Tel. (401) 274-2121 Lunch: Tuesday- Saturday, Dinner served nightly from 5pm. A restaurant that strives to be ecologically, culturally, and agriculturally sustainable. Working with small New England family  farms and food artisans to provide seasonally inspired menus in the  elegantly restored dining room of the historic Dreyfus Hotel in  downtown Providence. www.local121.com

 

Chipotle, 969 Bald Hill Road, Warwick, RI 821-3007. Serves some naturally raised meat, cheese not made with rBGH treated milk. Also has organic milk at some locations. 

 

Meeting Street Cafe   220 Meeting Street, Providence, RI 

401-273-1066  100% natural chicken, turkey & Angus beef - no hormones & antibiotics.

 

Organically Good  267 Thames Street Bristol, RI  401-253-0300

100% organic eatery & a market stocked with organic produce from local farms.  Website:  www.organicallygoodri.com

 

 

 

 

 

**SPRUCE POND CREAMERY

370 King Street, Franklin, MA 02038. 

(508) 520-7900 www.organicflatbread.com

 

Organic Thin-Crust Wood-Oven Pizza, using a special mix of organic whole grain, unbleached and semolina flour. 

 

Lasagna & Pasta Dishes, all organic including meat, cheese, & sauce. Sausage, pepperoni and cheese from Organic Valley. 

     All Natural Homemade Ice Cream, formerly at Maxmillian’s,

 no hormones or antibiotics, & more!  Worth a hop over the state line - only 22 minutes from Providence, Exit 16 off Rte. 495.

 

 

 

TELL THEM YOU SAW IT IN THE HEALTHY HOLIDAYS HANDBOOK

 

CAREFUL CHOICE & CARE OF CLOTHES

 

 

LESS TOXIC LAUNDRY

www.gaiam.com/category/eco-home-outdoor/household/laundry.do

 

 

HEALTHIER DRY CLEANING & LOCAL RESOURCES

Healthier Dry Cleaning Alternatives: Yes! Magazine, Fall, 2003 www.yesmagazine.org/article.asp?ID=628

 

Zoots Dry Cleaning,  www.zoots.com   Zoots uses a non-toxic, odorless cleaning process. Warwick, RI, 401-885-5513 .  Attleboro, MA, 508-399-7011, Bellingham, MA 508-966-2245,

 

Natural Dry Cleaners, Rhode Island Elmgrove Ave, Providence (401) 334-1840   Geo. Washington Hwy, Lincoln (401) 334-1840

 

Green Earth Dry Cleaning:  Silicone-based solvent, chemically inert, odorless, biodegradable, www.greenearthcleaning.com

RI:  Hudson Services, Providence, 401-521-6767, x102

MA: Bush Quality Cleaners, 800-BCLEAN9 (225-3269).  (24-hour drop box)  www.bushqualitycleaners.com

 

TELL THEM YOU SAW IT IN THE HEALTHY HOLIDAYS HANDBOOK

 

 

Are Your Cleaning Supplies Safe?   Environmental Working Group (EWG) tested: www.ewg.org/schoolcleaningsupplies/overview

 

Upholstery Cleaning:  Do it yourself with plain water & a Scunci or other steamer. (high heat sanitizes) Or, hire someone to do it with your Steamer.  Or, call a Carbonated (Chem-dry) Cleaning Process franchise: Lil Rhody Chem Dry (401) 351-9220.

 

INDOOR AIR QUALITY – A PROBLEM, ESPECIALLY IN WINTER

 

Gaiam Green Living Energy Efficient Air Purifiers

www.gaiam.com/category/eco-home-outdoor/air-quality.do

 

Wein AS-250 Sani-Mate Ionizer/ Sanitizer.

 

(Used by Liberty G – great bathroom freshener.  $40 List price – discounts available)

 

 

How To Grow Fresh Air”, Book on plants that absorb chemicals.

 

(Buy both  thru  Amazon & benefit TIP – See P. 2)

 

Carpets Can Stink. So, Make Your Own!  “Unknown” rug fibers are treated with fire retardants, fungicides, dye & adhesives made of VOCs. Backings are polyurethane, latex, or PVC. One carpet company, FLOR has eco-standards for offering low-VOC’s.  See:

www.care2.com/greenliving/carpets-stink-so-make-your-own.html

 

 

 

TWO OUT OF THE BOX GIFT OPTIONS FOR

YOUR FRIEND WITH 2 DOGS & 2 CATS

 

 

 

How about a really useful gift certificate for veterinary services

from a real holistic

pet Doc like:

 

 Liz Hassinger DVM,

Wolf Rock Animal

Health Center

www.wolfrockanimals.com

 

 

OR ONE OF THESE OTHER HOLISTIC VETS IN RI?

 

 

**SHARON R. DOOLITTLE, DVM

357 Putnam Pike #6, Smithfield, RI 02917.

Website:  www.holisticanimalvet.com Tel. (401) 349-2668

E-Mail: vetinfo@holisticanimalvet.com Alternative health care for dogs, cats &  horses.  Nutritional and Herbal Therapies, Applied Kinesiology, Chiropractic, Autonomic Response Testing, Acupuncture.  Get a Gift Certificate for a pet lover!

 

Crowing Hens Veterinary Homeopathy, Laurie Lofton DVM, CVH, 113 Joe Sweet Rd., Chepachet, RI. Tel.: 401-568-4154 , 

 

 

TELL THEM YOU SAW IT IN THE HEALTHY HOLIDAYS HANDBOOK

 

 

 

Alternatively,

find an exciting

gift for animule

or owner at

healthy pet-related retailers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**PSYCHIC KITTY

The Village at South County Commons, Rte. 1, South Kingstown, RI. 401-284-0660, Web: www.psychic-kitty.com, Hours:  Mon., Tues., Wed., Fri., 10 am - 6 pm, Thurs. 2-6 p.m. Sat. 10 am - 5 pm, Sun. Closed.  A unique source for holistic pet care to help your dogs and cats thrive.  Learn about their many offerings:  certified organic food & treats, herbal and natural options, collars/harnesses, bowls, toys, coats, sweaters & much more + gifts for the discriminating pet lover.

 

Wholy Earth, Franklin, MA (508) 520-0064, Natural pet foods, books on natural health, teas, homeopathic remedies for pets.

 

Our Green House, Monroe, CT  203-445-2926 willow02@aol.com  Organic pet food, clothes, toys,. more.  Stuff for people too: 

www.ourgreenhouse.com/natural_pet_products_s/22.htm

 

Animal Rescue League of Southern Rhode Island, Wakefield, RI 401.792.2233  ARL/SRI is a "limited admission" shelter. ("no kill").  Besides dogs & cats, they accept small animals, & birds.  Give a

donation on behalf of a friend? Give a friend a “furry friend”? (Ask)

 

 

 

TELL THEM YOU SAW IT IN THE HEALTHY HOLIDAYS HANDBOOK