How to Eco-shophttp://ecomama.squarespace.com/how-to-eco-shop/2007-11-19T02:51:36ZSquarespacehttp://ecomama.squarespace.com/how-to-eco-shop/being-a-green-shopper.htmlecomama2007-10-28T18:01:01Z2007-10-28T18:01:01ZIn order to become a sucessful eco-shopper, you need some tools.  Websites have become my tools for bargain hunting, and great finds.  Things to look for when shopping are; products made out of recycled materials, or eco-friendly materials such as hemp, organic cotton, anything that has been made from something pure with no added pesticides or chemicals really.  In looking for furniture, you should use that same pricnicples as food, natural, organic and free of chemicals. An easy way to start is by going toxin-free, avoiding polybrominated diphenyl ethers (flame retardants that can be harmful to developing brains) and resins and glues containing carcinogenic formaldehyde and other neurotoxic, and volatile organic compounds.  Same with Matresses, where conventional ones can be extreememly bad for your health, organic, natural ones are comfortable and won't be realeasing toxins in to your body at night.  Although I have some good resources to find bargains on eco-friendly matresses, if you can afford it, just buy an organic/natural matress cover that will block some of those harmful off-gases from penetrating.  In addition, buying a used matress that looks clean, is also a good alternative as most of the chemicals have already left the bagging area, if you know what I mean.  For furniture, go to your local artisan fair and commission an artisan to make a piece for you, or look at antique shops, thrift shops and any good resale furnishings outlet...great buys, less toxic.  Anyway, good luck, and I hope I am of some help!

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