News from BelleRinger PR

READY TO BE A BITER? Before you answer this question take a look at Ideal Bite , a fun site loaded with tips about going 'green'. Changing habits and products isn't always easy; this site and blog offers tips and information about small things we can do to help preserve our planet. In addition to providing daily 'bites' of information the site has an archive of past tips. I found a gem while skimming through past posts. Saying 'no' to printed catalogs and printed 'junk mail' is easier said than done; once in the clutches of mailing lists it's hard to get out. Ideal Bite offered a list of services that will actually help you escape these tree killers. Go to this post for information about sites and services that will help you "just say no''.

GOOD GREEN FUN What's a Stemcil you ask? The latest in fun for kids and adults alike! These pencils are made of recycled newspapers (vs. beautiful cedar trees) and have scented lead. Give your still life a strawberry scent or draw a picture of a bubblegum-scented dog! As someone who's trying to 'go green', I'm always on the lookout for fund and innovative ways to do so. Stemcils fundraising programs are great for enlightening kids while helping them raise money for their schools and groups. (Who wouldn't like to buy something other than a sugar-laden candy bar or more wrapping paper?) And there's even a Home Kit that allows you to scent your own Stemcil. A great rainy day or birthday party activity! Thanks to Great Green Goods for the find .

ANOTHER NEW BAG. . . Just found another 'gotta-have-it' bag, this one from Envirosax. Believe it or not, this is a grocery bag! What a great replacement for those tedious plastic bags that so often end up tangled in trees or on the side of the highway. And there's also the virtuous feeling of becoming just a little bit 'greener'. Envirosax's bags are waterproof, lightweight and hold the equivalent of two regular plastic grocery bags (thanks to reinforced seams). They also come in an array of fashionable designs . I love the black and white collection. And there's even a little pouch you can use to keep them in your glove box between trips to the supermarket. Thanks to PoppyTalk for the scoop on Delight's special free shipping offer!

SHAMELESS (?) PROMOTION Just wanted to tell you a little bit about BelleRinger PR's newest client, Nubius Organics . It's the site to visit to pick up a new SIGG bottle from their extensive selection, find an eco-friendly gift bag from B.HappyBags and darling stuffed toys to put in it . I fell for the onesies in the picture on the left. They're silk-screened with Sweet Pea, Perfect Peach, and Apple of My Eye. Designed by Elizabeth, the site owner, they're 100% organic cotton, printed with soy-based ink, and made in the U.S. Talk about all the right stuff! And only $34.75 for the set of three.

SHOES, SHOES, SHOES It just hit me. Well, not literally, but I just realized what the most important thing on my packing list will be. Comfortable shoes! Who wants to challenge rain forest terrain in stilettos? Who wants to hike through sandy beaches in Mary Janes? I'm tempted to try a pair of sandals from Terra Plana Shoes . I found these eco-friendly sandals at Great Green Goods and am intrigued by the design and material. I'm seriously considering the Dopie sandals and wonder if if they'll be practical. I remember the cozy Roxy shoes that got me through Europe, but for this upcoming trip, I'm all about comfortable flip-flops or sandals. These colorful sandals may be the perfect tropical footwear. Do you have ideas for 'rain forest shoes'? Posted by Stef.

COSTA RICA HERE WE COME! Spring is here and a change of scenery is needed soon. Fortunately for me, the Fairy Godmother of airline ticket contests has granted me a Costa Rican dream come true! After some spur of the moment research and brief consultations with anyone willing to listen, I'm whisking up a trip for two; 8 days of vacation in the north and central Pacific regions of this amazing country. After trekking through Europe last summer I learned that traveling in extremely close quarters can either make or break a trip (or a relationship). Not only do I need to plan what I have to pack and what I may need and what I most definitely cannot forget, I also have to prepare for obstacles we may each encounter, like language barriers (neither of us is fluent in Tico-Spanish or Spanish in general). He wants to rent a car - I think we should take public transportation for the lower cost and hassle. He doesn't want to plan everything to a T and neither do I, but I'm afraid we ...

GREEN IS THE NEW BLACK Being health conscious and globally aware is part of California’s culture; it only seems right that eco-friendly clothing cost proportionally as much as Bay Area gasoline. But of the ways available to protect our environment, I think ‘green’ fashion is probably the most fun and versatile. We’ve already embraced organically-grown and pesticide-free foods; now it’s time to do the same with our threads! I’ve been looking at ‘green’ fashion; unfortunately the cost of the clothing makes it unattainable for some of us. BTC Elements has amazing styles but $79.00 for a pair of shorts ? It makes more sense for me to buy recycled clothes from thrift stores. Another way to recycle! Great Green Goods features incredibly funky recycled home decor made from materials ranging from used Mardi Gras beads to old pipes. The inspiration and ability of 'green' artists make for some one-of-a-kind pieces, but again, some the costs aren't friendly to my budget. However th...

UNABLE TO PART WITH YOUR FAVORITE VINYL? No need to - with the help of JB Hoffman you can carry it with you! Their handbags and totes aren't only for music lovers - the eco-friendly folks also love them. The tote gussets and handles are vinyl and its fabric lining has two pockets and a 9" zip enclosure. The choice of LPs available is extensive and includes The Beatles, Diana Ross, Elton John, The Wiz, Supertramp, Sonny and Cher, Elvis and more. Or send in your own for a custom tote.

FOOT MASSAGE ANYONE? I found this versatile beach stone doormat while searching for interesting home stuff. We just repainted our house and a new doormat is required to complete the look. This one is made of actual river rocks that are polished and rounded before being hand-applied to indoor/outdoor carpet. The folks at Acacia Catalog mentioned that it makes a great food massager. If so, think of the $$ you can save at the spa! It's also one of those all-natural and environmentally concious products we feel so good about buying.

WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET Nothing is exactly what you get when you purchase this non-product from British company I Want One Of Those (IWOOT). The item description on their site calls it " . . . a lovingly crafted vial of emptiness . . . " It's great for the person who has everything, doesn't want anything or just plain doesn't deserve a thing. The product struck a chord - it sold out in mid-December and IWOOT won't have new inventory until early January. Those of us with concerns about the environment may cringe - the non-product sells for $6.28 in American dollars and ships for approximately the same amount. Imagine the good those dollars could do if donated to a responsible green charity . . .