Take 50% Off Everything Eco

It's clearance time at Lavish & Lime, just in time for you to stock up for Christmas! From now through the end of the month save an amazing 50% on everything eco - from BPA-free Sporks and Sesame Street Envirosax Bags to all natural Rice Bran Moisturizing Body Lotion made right here in Vancouver. Start crossing those gifts off your Christmas shopping list and pay just half price for them all. Use code SAVE50 through Saturday, November 30th - while stocks last! Shop now >>

40% Off Fall Clearout at Lavish & Lime

EXTENDED! We're having a Fall Clearout at Lavish & Lime and you get to save! Use code #FALLSALE for an amazing 40% off everything sitewide! That includes everything from stainless steel food containers and sandwich guards to water painting buddha boards and PVC-free shower curtains. It's an eco-extravaganza of savings! Sale has been extended through midnight, Friday, November 1st but don't delay, save now while stocks last. Shop sale now.
 

Lavish & Lime Summer Sale Now On

Welcome to the Summer Sale at Lavish & Lime! It's mid-summer and time to save 30% sitewide at our online eco boutique, based in Vancouver. Stock up and save on everything from natural SPF sunscreen to stainless steel everything, including all the latest waste-free lunch must-haves for Back to School 2013. Use code SUMMER30 from August 6th through August 12th. We won't be giving out rainchecks and this offer cannot be combined with any others, so hurry and shop while stocks last!

Wordless Wednesday: Beautiful Natural Wood Art

On a recent trip up Vancouver's famed Grouse Grind (yes, it was gruelling but we did it!) we came across this beautiful picture made with natural wood. So unique, almost breathtaking in its simplicity, we think it's worthy of a Wordless Wednesday post.

Win an Envirosax 3-Pack Pouch - Giveaway

We're celebrating the start of summer with a giveaway we know you'll love! Envirosax reusable shopping bags and their innovative designs have been a consistent best seller at Lavish & Lime year after year and now we want to give you the chance to try them for yourself - not just once, but three times! We're giving away a Special Edition Summer Polka Dot Envirosax 3-Pack Pouch to one lucky winner in our random draw. The handy polka dot pouch contains three washable, waterproof bags that are made with eco-friendly dyes and fold down to the size of a piece of sushi for easy transport. We think it makes such a great teacher gift, we're calling this our Envirosax Teacher Gift Pouch Giveaway! Win our Envirosax Teacher Gift Pouch Giveaway and you'll have a trio of designer bags to give as a teacher appreciation gift or you can keep it yourself and use it for everything from hitting the beach to shopping your local farmer's market!

HOW TO ENTER

Step 1
Who was your favourite teacher growing up? Tell us his or her name and you could win one of Limited Edition Summer Envirosax 3-Pack Pouches. Value $30

Leave your answer in a comment below or email it to us at customerservice(at)lavishandlime(dot)com with 'Envirosax Teacher Gift Pouch Giveaway' in the subject line. This giveaway closes at midnight PST, Sunday June 23rd, 2013. Although timing is tight, we'd like to try to get it to the winner before the end of the school year.**Please be sure to include your name and email address so we can contact you if you win.**

Step 2
Share it for a better chance to win it! Leave separate comments for each share &amp and receive extra entries.
- Subscribe to receive our Lavish & Lime email newsletter (and save 10% when you do!)
- Like, share or comment on a post about this Giveaway on our Lavish & Lime Facebook Page - the more likes, shares and comments you do, the more chances to win
- Click the 'like' button our Special Edition Summer Polka Dot Envirosax 3-Pack Pouch product page, or any of our Envirosax pages (the more the better)
- Pin this post on Pinterest
- Tweet this post on Twitter:
Name your teacher & #win an Envirosax 3-Pack Pouch via @LavishandLime #giveaway CAN/US http://bit.ly/19Pn37g #eco 
*tweet daily for more chances to win

ABOUT THE PRIZE

Special Edition Envirosax Summer 3-Pack Pouch
Now through Sunday, June 23rd you can purchase our Envirosax 3-Pack at 40% off with code #SUMMER, while stocks last. It's all part of our celebration of summer! Limited quantity available. No rain checks.

The winner will be chosen in a random draw. Deadline for entries is 11:59pm PST Sunday, June 23rd, the giveaway closing date. The winner will be notified by email by Monday, June 24th and announced thereafter. Open to residents of Canada and the U.S. who are over the age of majority in their province, territory or state of residence. Prizes must be accepted as awarded and may not be transferred or exchanged. They are not redeemable for cash and are non-refundable.

One of the Best Gifts for Teacher Now 40% Off

If you're looking for a way to say thanks for a great year, one of the best gifts for teacher is our Special Edition Summer Polka Dot 3-Pack Pouch. Ultra durable designer Envirosax bags make the perfect teacher gift not only because they look great but you know they’ll be used! Ideal for carting books, marking, supplies – plus shopping too, our limited edition polka dot pouch contains a trio of the best and brightest Envirosax bags, all waterproof, washable and simple to roll up and snap shut for easy storage. Say thanks and take 40% OFF with code #SUMMER while stocks last*. Limited quantity available. Order before the end-of-school rush begins!

*Terms and conditions:

Our 40% OFF promotional offer applies to our Limited Edition Envirosax Summer Polka Dot 3-Pack Pouch only. While stocks last. No rain checks. This offer cannot be combined with any other promotional offer. Offer is valid through June 21st, 2013 or while quantities last. 

Use discount code: #SUMMER

5 Best A+ Gifts for Teacher

Wondering what gift to get that fabulous teacher to show your appreciation for a year's worth of hard work? The best teacher gift ideas are simple, practical and something you know they'll use. We've talked to a couple of teachers and have come up with five great gifts for teachers that are certain to earn you top marks. For more, click here.

1. Aloe Vera Coconut Gluten-Free Bubble Bath - say thank you with our toxin-free lightly scented bubble bath and help teacher relax and refresh after a long day at school! $13.95

2. Lifefactory Glass Water Bottle - better than an apple, this glass water bottle is ideal for sitting on teacher's desk all day long. Non-leaching glass paired with a protective silicone cover help keep teach happily hydrated all day long! $26

3. BYO Neoprene Insulated Lunch Bag - teachers take their lunches too, so why not give them a practical yet stylish bag to keep it in? Our colourful neoprene rambler lunch bags from Built NY fit the bill. Machine washable, durable and stretchy, these designer bags are sure to impress. $20

4. Special Edition Envirosax Summer 3-Pack Pouch - ultra durable and designer cool, Envirosax bags are ideal for teachers to take to school packed with everything from books and marking to makeup and lunch. Oh, and they're great for shopping and the beach too! Limited quantity. Only while stocks last! $29.95 SAVE 40% THROUGH SUNDAY, JUNE 23 WITH CODE #SUMMER.

5. Collapsible Eco Shopping Basket - perfect for school and just as perfect for taking to the farmer's market or grocery store on those coveted days off. Your teacher will love you for this one. $29

3 of the Best Green Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Looking for unique gift ideas for Mom? These three Mother's Day gift ideas are definitely for the Mom who likes something different, plus they're planet-friendly too so she'll have something extra to smile about every time she uses them! 

1. For the green thumb mom who loves a farmer's market: Garden Trug/Shopping Basket
This lovely shopping basket is ideal for picking produce at farmers' markets (reducing plastic shopping bag use) or in your own garden as it does double duty as a colourful garden trug. Perfect for transporting seeds, seedlings or homegrown vegetables and flowers, this award-winning basket is made from waterproof nylon and features four rubber feet plus a cushioned handle. Basket $29 Separate cover available $8

2. For the cooking mom who avoids toxins and plastic: Natural Beeswax Food Wraps
A natural alternative to plastic wrap and foil, these biodegradable hemp/cotton reusable food wrap covers are coated with beeswax are used in the same way but are far more safe, effective – and reusable, so they stay out of the landfill.  Ideal for covering cut fruit, vegetables, cheese, bread and all kinds of dish ware. 3-pack of varying sizes $15

3. For moms who like a bath without chemicals: Aloe Jojoba Biodegradable Bubble Bath
This fully biodegradable bubble bath will not harm our waterways but it will leave skin feeling smooth and conditioned. The naturally-derived formula creates what we can only describe as the bubbliest bubble bath ever plus the use of pea protein means it's gluten-free and safe for use those with gluten sensitivity or Celiac Disease. Made in Vancouver and available with a light coconut scent or fragrance-free. $13.95

Lifefactory Glass Water Bottle - Mother's Day Giveaway

A hydrated mom is a happy mom. Did you know that once you hit the point of feeling thirsty you’re already dehydrated? Tiredness, dry skin, headaches, dull sunken eyes, dizziness and constipation can all be signs telling you it’s time to re-hydrate. Yet keeping your water level up while on the go can be tricky. A great water bottle you love makes it easier. Now you can win one in our Mother's Day Giveaway! Simply tell us your favourite water bottle colour and you could win a non-leaching, recyclable, reusable Lifefactory glass water bottle - one of our most popular bottles ever!  

********* This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to our winner Robyn L.! *********

HOW TO ENTER

Step 1
Tell us which is your absolute favourite water bottle colour from our collection of glass water bottles – and you could win a 450ml Lifefactory Glass Water Bottle. Value $26 

Leave your answer in a comment below or email it to us at customerservice(at)lavishandlime(dot)com with 'Mother's Day Giveaway' in the subject line. This giveaway closes at midnight PST, May 11th, 2013. The winner will be chosen and notified on Mother's Day. **Please be sure to include your name and email address so we can contact you if you win.**

Step 2
Share it for a better chance to win it! Leave separate comments for each share and receive extra entries.
- Subscribe to receive our Lavish & Lime email newsletter (and save 10% when you do!)
- Like, share or comment on a post about this Giveaway on our Lavish & Lime Facebook Page - the more likes, shares and comments you do, the more chances to win
- Click the 'like' button on any or all of our Lifefactory Bottles product pages(the more the better!)
- Pin this post on Pinterest
- Tweet this post on Twitter:
#Win a @Lifefactory glass bottle for Mom in the #MothersDay #Giveaway at @LavishandLime CAN/US http://bit.ly/12H9YED #eco #green 
*tweet daily for more chances to win

LIFEFACTORY DISCOUNT CODE

Water bottles make great gifts for all the moms in your world, including you! Choose from our selection of the top glass and stainless steel bottles on the market and use code LUVMOM through May 8th to receive 15% OFF for Mother’s Day!

ABOUT THE PRIZE

Lifefactory Water Bottles
Stylish Lifefactory reusable glass water bottles are not only the right choice for anyone concerned about BPA leaking into their drinking water, but also for anyone who likes to see exactly what they're drinking. Unlike other bottle options, see-through glass allows for 100% thorough cleaning; what you see is what you ingest. Glass also preserves water's true taste and is fully recyclable. Plus a colourful plastic sleeve on these glass water bottles helps prevent breakage. Choose from a variety of colours, two sizes and two tops – the classic screw cap or the newer flip cap spout. The glass is made in Europe, the protective silicone sleeve in the USA.

The winner will be chosen in a random draw. Deadline for entries is 11:59pm PST Saturday, May 11th, the giveaway closing date. The winner will be notified by email on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 12th and announced thereafter. Open to residents of Canada and the U.S. who are over the age of majority in their province, territory or state of residence. Prize must be accepted as awarded and may not be transferred or exchanged. They are not redeemable for cash and are non-refundable.

6 Green Giveaways for Earth Day 2013

It's Earth Day weekend and we're celebrating with loads of fun freebies – for you! We've teamed up with some of our favourite bloggers and manufacturers to bring you the chance to win fantastic prizes in six different green giveaways, all in honour of Earth Day. Each one features information and/or personal reviews about our top eco products for going green. Here they are – in no particular order – best of luck!

Little Miss Kate Lunchbots & Glob Paint Review & Giveaway - Win a $30 Lavish & Lime GC ends 23/4

FrugalMomEh Stainless Steel Straws & Sandwich Wrap Review & Giveaway - Win a $30 Lavish & Lime GC ends 30/4

Mom Vs The Boys Snack Bag & Funbites Review & Giveaway - Win a $30 Lavish & Lime GC ends 3/5

Glimpse Funbites Review & Giveaway - Win a $30 Lavish & Lime GC ends 27/4

Rants N Rascals Ecovessel Water Bottle & Lunchbots Review - Win a $30 Lavish & Lime GC ends 22/4

Good Girl Gone Green Bamboo Utensil & Lunchbots Review & Giveaway - Win a $30 Lavish & Lime GC ends 4/5

Plus, don't miss our own:
Lavish & Lime Shake it & Take it Earth Day Giveaway - Win 1 of 3 $100 Prize Packs includes a S'well bottle & a large container of Vega One nutritional shake ends 29/4

Lavish & Lime in the Press

The press is buzzing with stories about Earth Day and everywhere there's talk about the hottest eco products everyone should have to live green. Lavish & Lime has been lucky enough to be featured in some of our favourite media outlets and – at the risk of blowing our horn – we'd like to share them with you, if only to show you we're not the only ones that think these products are wonderful!

Westcoast Homes & Design featured our eco shopping basket as a garden trug.

The Greenest Family on the Block, Vitamin Daily Kids, April 20
"Fashioned from recycled newspaper, these colourful O’bon pencils last 2-3 times longer than traditional wooden pencils because the leads are better protected. They also manage to inspire awe for the wild in your child, with each pencil showcasing a different animal that corresponds to a particular colour. We love their bright hues. From $2.50 at www.lavishandlime.com"

The List: 11 Eco Ways to Live Well, Savvy Mom, April 16

"Clean Well: AspenClean Grapefruit & Lavender All Purpose Natural Spray Cleaner & Eco Cloth SetVancouver-based AspenClean’s 100% vegan cleaning spray won’t leave toxic residues on countertops but will leave your house—and the air you all breathe in—smelling beautiful with the scents of lavender and grapefruit. Given the esteemed Ecocert certification from Europe, this cleaner is an example of tough, biodegradable all-natural cleaners at their best. $18, available at lavishandlime.com"

 

"Create Well: Faber-Castell Jumbo Triangular Animal EcoPencils  
It’s hard to keep kids away from plastic, particularly when it comes to playtime. But in the craft department you can clean things right up. Consider these recycled pencils that are made thick so they’re easier for smaller hands to grab a hold of. Tip: When buying pencils or pencil crayons, look for the FSC-certified wood symbol which means the product has come from sustainably managed forests and that neither wildlife, soil or waterways were harmed during the harvesting process. $10.80, available at lavishandlime.com"

Garden Gadgets for Green Thumbs, Westcoast Homes & Design Magazine, Vancouver Sun, Spring 2013
"Eco Basket. This lovely collapsible shopping basket does double duty as an unexpected garden trug. Use it to transport seeds and seedlings from teh nursery tot he the garden, or pack ti full of your own home-grown flowers and vegetables. An award-winning design made from aluminum and waterproof nylon. $29 lavishandlime.com"

DIY Plant Pot Slipcovers

Give ugly plastic garden pots a makeover with these simple DIY plant pot slipcovers – and turn your potted garden plants into a colourful focal point for your garden, patio or deck! No need to send the plastic garden pots your flowers, herbs and vegetables come in to the landfill and spend time and money replanting them into brand new ones. Use the original pots instead. Simply dress them up in your kids' old clothes (we used leggings and a long-sleeve shirt) and within minutes, you'll brighten your outdoor space like never before. The best part? Changing slipcovers is as easy as changing clothes. Every time the kids outgrow something, you can always dress your plant pot in it next!

Here at Lavish & Lime, we're always on the lookout for ideas that allow us to live more gently on this earth. This one we came up with ourselves and it fits the bill to a 'T' – it's a brilliant way to reuse. Below is a short pictogram showing how to make your own plant pot slipcovers – and an eco tip: keep fabric remnants and reuse them as cleaning rags.

Green Deals for Earth Day 2013

It's been 43 years since the first Earth Day and we've come a long way. Green is mainstream, recycling is part of daily life, innovative eco products are taking hold and the benefits of healthy eating, healthy living are being taken to heart. Earth Day on April 22nd is a time to reflect on what we're doing to relieve our impact on the planet. We believe it starts with small steps and rethinking how we do things in our daily lives. From the coffee beans we grind to the way we move house, it's all about making smart choices. In keeping with the theme of all things earthy, we'd like to introduce you to five like-minded friends – all offering great alternatives for living green. As it's Earth Day Month, they're celebrating with some great green deals – we encourage you to check them out and live gently upon this earth.

SPUD.ca connects local farmers and food producers to the community by using a just-in-time home delivery system. The result is fresher food, and healthy convenience delivered to your door. Customers can choose from a wide variety including local and organic produce, organic grass-fed meats, gluten-free products, organic dairy products, healthy snacks, and more.

Green Deal: Get $20 in FREE, local organic groceries with your first order. Use code: offer20. Start shopping here.

HALFMOON YOGA has been hand-crafting awesome yoga and meditation gear for close to 25 years. They're proud that most of their products are still locally made and hand-sewn in Vancouver. They are nature lovin' yogis and consider the community and the planet in everything they do.

Green Deal: Take 15% off Halfmoon's Breathable Eco Mat. Use code: earthday15. Retail web purchases only. Not valid with other offers. Valid until April 30th.

FROGBOX is the convenient, affordable and eco-friendly alternative to cardboard moving boxes. Traditional moving supplies are harmful to the environment. Frogbox will deliver reusable moving boxes to your home or office and pick them up when you’re done moving.

Green Deal: Receive 5 FREE additional boxes with any bundle order through April 30th. Simply mention EARTHDAYFIVEFREE in the order information field. Participating locations only.

ETHICAL BEAN COFFEE roasts only Fairtrade Certified Organic coffee from around the world. The Vancouver-based coffee company is committed to ensuring small-scale farmers receive a fair price for their efforts. Ethical Bean coffee is roasted in a carbon neutral facility where the company works from the ground up to reduce their impact on the environment. You can find Ethical Bean coffee in cafes and grocery stores across the lower mainland using this handy coffee locator guide.
 
ASPENCLEAN is a green home cleaning service that has been cleaning houses the natural way since 2004. They use only their own AspenClean 100% all natural cleaning products that are eco-friendly, biodegradable and non-toxic. AspenClean offer home cleaning services to customers throughout the Lower Mainland, BC and Calgary, Alberta. Book your natural green house cleaning here.

Frogbox will drop off and pick up reusable moving boxes.

Halfmoon's Breathable Eco Mat will stand up to a lot of use.

Ethical Bean coffee is available both ground and whole bean.

Spud.ca delivers healthy, local food to your door.

AspenClean are the only Canadian 100% natural certified cleaners.

Wasteless Wednesday Wishlist: Window Art

Reusing old items is one of the best ways of taking small steps towards living more gently on this earth. We love the idea behind this unique piece of bathroom wall decor that doubles as a functional bathroom routine chart, particularly perfect for kids who tend to get distracted when getting ready for school – or bed. With some paint and stencils, turn an old window into bathroom routine wall art, hang it on your wall and – fingers crossed – life will run more smoothly!

Photo: bystephanielynn.com

Win 1 of 3 Prize Packs Worth $100 - Giveaway

Every day is Earth Day here at Lavish & Lime but when the official Earth Day rolls around on April 22nd, we get really excited! This year we're celebrating with an Earth Day giveaway that's healthy for the planet and you too – the chance to Win 1 of 3 Shake it & Take it Packs! Each pack contains a S'well Stainless Steel Water Bottle (one of Oprah's favourite things) plus a large container of plant-based Vega One Nutritional Shake. Win our Shake it & Take it Giveaway and you'll be whipping up your healthy dairy-, gluten-, and soy-free protein shake and taking it with you in a new insulated, ergonomically designed reusable bottle that keeps your shake cold for up to 24 hours!

******* This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to our winners Lisa, Jenn & Kelli! *******


HOW TO ENTER

Step 1
Tell us which one item from our waste-free lunch gear collection you'd pair up with a shake-filled S'well – and you could win a 500ml S'well Water Bottle in the colour of your choice PLUS a large container of Vega One Nutritional Shake. Value $106

Leave your answer in a comment below or email it to us at customerservice(at)lavishandlime(dot)com with 'Shake it & Take it Giveaway' in the subject line. This giveaway closes at midnight PST, April 30th, 2013. **Please be sure to include your name and email address so we can contact you if you win.**

Step 2
Share it for a better chance to win it! Leave separate comments for each share &amp and receive extra entries.
- Subscribe to receive our Lavish & Lime email newsletter (and save 10% when you do!)
- Like, share or comment on a post about this Giveaway on our Lavish & Lime Facebook Page - the more likes, shares and comments you do, the more chances to win
- Click the 'like' button our Green S'well Bottles product page, or any of our S'well bottles pages (the more the better)
- Pin this post on Pinterest
- Tweet this post on Twitter:
#Win 1 of 3 $100 @Swellbottle @Vegateam Shake it & Take it Packs via @LavishandLime #EarthDay #Giveaway CAN/US http://bit.ly/16KT5eB #eco 
*tweet daily for more chances to win

ABOUT THE PRIZE

S'well Bottles
Designed in New York, S'well are some of the sleekest bottles on the planet. Made of top grade stainless steel, these reusable, recyclable water bottles are ergonomically fitted to your hand for an easy grip, plus they not only keep cold drinks cold for 24 hours, they keep hot drinks hot for up to 12 hours! The best thing about S'well? Every bottle is one more step towards the elimination of single use plastic water bottles.

Vega One
A clean, plant-based nutritional shake powder, Vega One can be shaken with water, juice, a non-dairy beverage or simply added to your favourite smoothie recipe. One scoop provides 50% of your daily required vitamins & minerals, the equivalent Omega-3 as 6oz of wild salmon, 2.7 cups of blueberries, 3 servings of vegetables plus probiotics, 6g of fiber – all without artificial colours, flavours or additives.


Three winners will be chosen in a random draw. Deadline for entries is 11:59pm PST Tuesday, April 30th, the giveaway closing date. The winner will be notified by email by Thursday, May 2nd and announced thereafter. Open to residents of Canada and the U.S. who are over the age of majority in their province, territory or state of residence. Prizes must be accepted as awarded and may not be transferred or exchanged. They are not redeemable for cash and are non-refundable.

Why you Should Swap Plastic for Reusable Straws

Want to reduce your impact on the earth? Start small. Try a straw. A reusable straw, that is. Swap those endless disposable plastic drinking straws for reusable glass straws or stainless steel straws and you'll help reduce waste and damage to our environment and wildlife. Did you know it is estimated one major fast food chain alone uses 60 million straws a day? Data from plastic straw distributors suggest close to 500 million plastic straws are used daily in the U.S. It's no wonder disposable plastic straws are one of the Top 10 polluted items found on beaches worldwide. This is bad news all around, but particularly for wildlife. Seabirds and other marine life often mistake plastic straws for worms and can end up choking on them.

A bit of history

The first known straws were made by the Sumerians and used for drinking beer, probably to avoid the solid fermented bits that had sunk to the bottom. The oldest straw in existence was found in a Sumerian tomb and dates back to 3,000 B.C. In the 1800's the rye grass straw was used because it was cheap and soft. In 1888 the modern drinking straw was patented in the U.S. by Marvin C. Stone and made of paper. While drinking a mint julep, he found the taste of the rye straw was mixing with his drink and decided to wrap paper around a pencil to create a tube, and used that instead. Paper straws were replaced with plastic in the 1960's when plastic was found to be the cheapest and most durable material.

Facts about plastic straws

Plastic straws do not decompose. Over the years (and years) they just break down into smaller and smaller bits of plastic that end up floating in our oceans (Pacific Garbage Patch) and are eaten by fish that we, in turn, eat. One estimate for plastic straw decomposition is 20,000 years.

Every straw you and everyone you know has ever used is still out there.

While the majority of straws are now made from recyclable polypropylene (#5) plastic, most people consider them disposable and toss them in the garbage after one use.

Polypropylene is considered low on the the toxic chemical front, yet running plastic straws through a dishwasher's hot water to reuse them still has the potential to cause chemical make up changes and release unwanted toxins.

Plastic straws are an energy intensive, petroleum-based product dependent on this limited resource.

The skinny on straws

Better drinking straws made out of safer, more reusable materials like toxin-free glass and stainless steel, even bamboo are available. They may cost more than plastic, but it's a healthier choice for the planet and you too. What about the millions of plastic straws being used every day? All we can hope is that as many as possible are being collected and upcycled into woven mats or bags as is done in Uganda or perhaps they're being used to create beautiful works of art like these creative and cool drinking straw creations. Anything other than ending up in our oceans, harming wildlife and our food chain.

Stainless steel straws are a great durable reusable alternative to plastic.

Straw cleaning brushes are available to help keep your reusable straws clean.

Glass drinking straws are taste-free and transparent, easy to keep clean.

FREE Envirosax: Earth Day Month Special

April is Earth Day Month. While Earth Day is officially Monday, April 22nd, we're celebrating – and drawing attention to the need to REUSE – all month long. It's a great opportunity to reflect on how we can reduce our impact on this beautiful planet of ours. For example, if we reduce our consumption of plastic shopping bags and take reusables instead, we help reduce plastic waste going into the landfill and ultimately, our oceans. To this end, we're offering you a FREE gift during Earth Month – a reusable Envirosax designer shopping bag with any purchase of $30 or more.* It's a gift for you and ultimately the planet too, valued at $9.95 – to help you reduce and reuse, in style. Use code REUSE through April 30 to receive your free gift.

Envirosax bags not only look great, but they fold down to the size of a piece of sushi for compact storage plus they’re waterproof, washable and can carry up to 44 lbs! The inks and dyes used in the printing of the bag are eco-friendly and no carcinogenic amides are used. The printing process used ensures the bags will not fade when washed. Design may vary from that shown.

Did you know?
Plastic does not decompose. Over the years (and years) it just breaks down into smaller and smaller bits of plastic that end up floating in our oceans (The Pacific Garbage Patch) and are eaten by fish that we, in turn, eat. 

Every piece of plastic you and everyone you know has ever used is still out there.


*Terms and conditions:

Our Earth Month Special applies to any purchase of $30 or more before taxes and shipping. This offer cannot be combined with any other promotional offer. Offer is valid through April 30, 2013. Bag received will be randomly chosen and design may vary from that shown.

Use promo code: REUSE

Natural Easter Egg Colouring Kit - Egg Hunt Giveaway!

Join our Eco Egg Hunt and you could win an all natural Eco Eggs Colouring Kit! Find the golden egg hidden on our site at Lavish & Lime and enter just by telling us where you find it. You can leave a message below or on our Facebook page. Hint: our green living category is a great place to start & so are our special year round 'Easter' baskets... Start hunting now: http://bit.ly/Xf06FF

The edible egg dyes in our Eco Eggs Colouring Kit are made from all natural plant, fruit & vegetable extracts & have no expiry date – take 50% OFF with code EATYOUREGGS, while stocks last.

5 Best Leak Proof Food Containers for Lunch Boxes

There's nothing worse than eagerly anticipating the arrival of lunchtime only to open up your lunch box and find a mess. Not only is it a pain to clean up on a hungry stomach, but there's less food now to fill said stomach! Been there, done that but no more. We've found five of the best no spill box lunch containers that are 100% leak proof – and made of non-leaching, recyclable and highly durable stainless steel too. So there's no concern about nasty chemicals like BPA, lead or phthalates leaking into your soups, salads, sandwiches and cereal.

Lunchbots Rounds Screw Top Food Containers are ideal for breakfast-on-the-go.

1. Top of the list has to be Lunchbots rounds screw top food containers. Why we like them? They're multi-functional. Ideal for breakfast-on-the-go foods like cereal (with milk!), yoghurt – and anything else that's drippy. These easy to open, recyclable stainless steel containers are just as great for dry foods too. Plus they come in a handy two-pack, one for each child. Can't wait for Lunchbots to add more 'girlie' colours to the blue and black containers available now.

2. If you like your dressing the side, these screw top stainless steel condiment containers are definitely for you. Why we like them? They're small, they're cute, they're just the right size for dips, dressings or sauces. The screw top lid guarantees this is a no-spill condiment endeavour. There's three of them, so you'll always have on hand.

3. For a hot meal, this double layered stainless steel food container is perfect. Why we like it? This double-walled thermal container not only keeps food hot, but you can pack along a side dish in the removable top layer. Pair chili, soup or pasta with a slice of bread on top. Made of quality stainless steel, this thermal food container features a silicone seal that's backed up with two clips to keep contents sealed tight.

4. If it's a single hot something you want to pack along, a great quality option is the Lunchbots stubbie thermal container. Why we like it? Ideal for soups, pasta, chili or rice dishes, these thermal food containers are short and wide – similar to a bowl – making them easier to eat from. Plus they come in a great choice of colours: pink, blue and green.

5. For any kind of snack or meal, you can't go wrong with these Clicks snap lock steel containers. Why we like them? First off, the lid is transparent so you can see what's inside without taking it off. Love this feature. Second, the snap locks on each side of this rectangular food container are easy to open and close, even for smaller hands. They also come in a two-pack, again economically priced and one for each child. Plus when you close the locks there's a loud 'click' sound giving you an added confidence that whatever you've packed inside will definitely not leak out!

Screw Top Steel Condiment Containers

Lunchbots Stubbie Thermal

Double Layered Thermal Container

Lunchbots Clicks Snap Lock Container

Win a FunBites Food Cutter - Giveaway!

Looking to put a punch into your next packed lunch? Tired of trying to get a fussy eater to eat? Make food fun with our new FunBites food cutters! With one quick push, you can transform boring sandwiches, fruit, quesadillas, cheese slices and more into fun little squares and hearts. It's all in the spirit of bite-sized bento! Find the un-Funbites food (the one not cut out by a Funbites food cutter) in the picture below and you could win a Funbites food cutter of your choice – squares or hearts. Enter just by telling us where you found the un-Funbite, either in a comment below (with your email address) or on our Facebook page. Hint: the balls on top of the food pick sticks are not edible. Good luck everyone!

Find the un-Funbites food in this photo and win your own Funbites cutter!

 

Our Top 3 Spring Break Boredom Busters

Wondering how you're going to keep the kids off the iPads and iPods over Spring Break? Out of sight, out of mind: keep them busy with something else. That something has to be interesting, has to engaging – and it has to be fun. If you're not going skiing or to Science World every day, you might want to think about stocking up on a few activity kits and arts and crafts. Getting creative is great for exercising imagination, fine motor skill development and building confidence through a sense of accomplishment. Here are our top three ways to get creative with your kids for Spring Break 2013.

Making homemade bath & beauty products will help keep kids busy over Spring Break.

1. Make homemade bath and beauty products. Not only will know exactly what ingredients are in the products being used by your child, but you and they will have fun making them! One easy option is this Natural Soap Making Kit for Kids which makes 16 heart-shaped soaps with citrus scents. The same company makes a Bath Fizzies Craft Kit, a Homemade Lava Lip Gloss Kit and a Make Your Own Lip Balm Kit. All contain only safe, natural ingredients and include step-by-step instructions, plus they're made in Canada. If you're feeling adventurous, pick up the individual ingredients and make your own soap with these homemade soap recipes or try one of these homemade bubble bath recipes. A teen may be interested in making this Honey-Avocado Hair Revitalizing Treatment or some easy Sea Salt Body Scrub to put in jars, decorate and give as gifts.

2. Discover new painting techniques. Start out with some interesting paint to get the kids hooked, like Glob Paint Powder made from natural fruits and vegetables and the sky's the limit! Try stamping with cut vegetables and make interesting things like celery roses or these cute potato prints. If there's snow around, take the paint outside for some invigorating snow painting. Alternatively, try hammering leaves into paper for a totally different 'painting' technique.

3. Colour easter eggs. Start colouring eggs during Spring Break and you'll be ready for Easter right on time! If you're at all concerned about ingesting chemicals with your eggs or worried about the kids wearing more dye than they dip, try this natural egg colouring kit for kids. It's made with only natural and organic plant, fruit and vegetable extracts from annatto see, curcumin, purple sweet potato and red cabbage. Another option is to collect colourful tissue paper and wrap it around eggs, wet with water and remove paper for colourful imprinted patterns.

Meet the Newest Member of the Lavish & Lime Team

Meet Izzy - the newest member of our eco team! Izzy is a rescue dog from the SPCA here in Vancouver, and she's five months old. As far as we know she's a German Shepherd/Border Collie cross, although one of the volunteers at the SPCA said her tail looked like a Husky's. Izzy was orphaned with her four brothers and sisters in Salmon Arm, BC. and brought down to Vancouver for adoption along with one of her brothers. Izzy is currently enrolled in our customer service training program at Lavish & Lime and is learning lots fast. If you call us and happen to hear barking in the background, you'll know who's saying 'hello!' 

Eco Healthy Valentine's Gifts for the Class

Here's one of the sweetest Valentine's Day gift ideas to hand out to your child's class – and there's no sugar involved! Citrus-scented natural heart-shaped soaps. Easy to make up in just one hour, our Natural Soap Making Kit has everything you need to make SLS-free and paraben heart-shaped soaps. Choose from grapefruit or orange essential oil scents, add whatever food colouring you wish and the possibilities are endless. We made this soap as a birthday party activity recently and the kids loved it!

Wrap up individual soaps in parchment or tissue paper. Cut heart-shaped name tags from cereal boxes and other reused food packaging (look for reds and pinks) and use twine to tie around soap. If you have time, embellish further with paper flowers, bits of ribbon – whatever works. The kids will love having their own soap and parents will love the idea of encouraging them to wash their hands!

Eco-Friendly Valentine's Day: DIY Salt Dough Hearts

For eco-friendly Valentine's Day treats, get creative and make some salt dough hearts with the kids – each one a unique work of art from the heart. Basically, all you need is salt, flour and water. The simple, easy Salt Dough Hearts recipe at On Clever Mode includes a swirly secret and stamp tip to make some of the coolest heart dough cutouts we've ever seen. What about also trawling through the house and reusing things you already have to stamp your hearts with patterns, etc.? Over at the Pre-School Play blog they reveal their must-have ingreditent for making Super Smooth Salt Dough Hearts. The blog Heartmade Eco-Crafts suggests making Salt Dough Passion Pebble Hearts to keep in a pocket or to create a slightly larger paperweight. Using eco-friendly paints made from fruits and vegetables is a great way to give colour to your hearts. We love the idea of making salt dough hearts. Not only are they something to make at home and a craft to keep the kids busy on bad weather days, but they make great little sugar-free Valentine's Day gifts to give to parents, grandparents, friends and if you're feeling energetic, classmates too!

Photo: On Clever Mode

Reusable Sandwich Wrap Giveaway

Kick off 2013 with an eco-smart start and a reusable sandwich wrap that's good for you and the planet too! Wrap up your sandwich or snack to go securely and safely with our BPA-free, phthalate-free and lead-free reusable sandwich wrap. The inner LDPE lining keeps food extra fresh and the cotton exterior comes in a variety of colours and patterns ideal for both adults and kids. Using a wrap you simply wipe and reuse means less consumption of plastic bags and disposable plastic wrap and less garbage going into the landfill. Our reusable sandwich wrap also helps keep germs at bay. When opened, it doubles as a place mat, providing a clean place to eat. At Lavish & Lime, we're celebrating the arrival of four new sandwich wrap designs for 2013: sea life, cool camo, crop circles and peace with a giveaway! Simply tell us what you'd wrap up in one of our reusable sandwich wraps and a wrap could be yours – for free!

WIN IT!
You could win a reusable sandwich wrap in our giveaway. To enter, simply tell us what you would wrap up in one of our sandwich wraps in a comment below or email your response with 'Sandwich Wrap Giveaway' in the subject line to us at customerservice(at)lavishandlime(dot)com. This giveaway closes at midnight PST, January 31st, 2013. ****Please be sure to include your email address and name so we can contact you if you win!****

Extra Entries:
Leave separate comments for extra entries to let us know you did them.
- Send us a photo of what you'd wrap up!
- Like a post about this Giveaway or post a comment about it on our Lavish & Lime Facebook Page
- Follow us on Pinterest
- Subscribe to receive our Lavish & Lime email newsletter
- Follow us on Twitter and tweet:
#Win a reusable #sandwich wrap with @LavishandLime for an #eco-smart start to 2013! http://goo.gl/8zXcu #reuse #giveaway
*Feel free to do a tweet a day – the more tweets, the more chances you could win!

The winner will be chosen in a random draw. Deadline for entries is 11:59pm PST Thursday, January 31st, the giveaway closing date. The winner will be notified by email Friday, February 1st. Open to residents of both Canada (except Quebec) and the U.S. who are over the age of majority in their province, territory or state of residence. Prize must be accepted as awarded and may not be transferred or exchanged. It is not redeemable for cash and is non-refundable.