Ocean Bag from Ecogear

Ocean Bag from Ecogear

Ever wonder where all those plastic water bottles go once they are picked up from your curbside recycling bin? Pick up an Ocean bag from Ecogear’s Earth Series and you will be holding in your hands a perfect example of what can be achieved through recycling. Discarded plastic bottles are transformed into water resistant fabric and then the fabric is used to construct a functional and stylish bag.

My daughter Savannah lives and works in the heart of Charlottesville, Virginia, an eco-friendly city known for being a pedestrian’s haven. With its historic downtown walking mall, conveniently located coffee houses, restaurants and gyms, and famous Friday’s After Five, we thought this would be the perfect place to try out the Ocean bag from Ecogear’s Earth Series.

For Savannah, style is one of her first considerations when on the lookout for a new purse, bag or accessory. The Ocean bag from the Earth Series is as stylish as it is functional. Available in two trendy shades of charcoal and pink, Ocean is a streamlined design that is both modern and chic. Says Savannah, “I love the way it looks and feels, it compliments my workout gear, and the fact that it is made out recycled plastic makes me feel like I’m giving something back.”

“I also like that I don’t have to sacrifice functionality for style. A convenient clip on the interior of the front pocket holds my keys so no more sifting through the bottom of my bag to find them when I need them. An organizer pocket has handy slots for all my loose items like my gym pass, a pen, and loose change. One of the pockets is even lined with a soft fabric to protect my iPod screen. The large interior pocket has three compartments roomy enough to hold my workout shoes, yoga pants, and a t-shirt. A zippered mesh pocket holds toiletries or valuables. There are even two zippered side pockets with interior mesh perfect for stashing a water bottle.”

Measuring just 14” x 12” x 7.5”, Savannah likes that the Ocean is small enough to fit inside the tiny lockers at the gym but large enough to hold everything she needs for yoga class. The mesh pocket on the shoulder strap is a convenient place to hold her cell phone or iPod when walking from the gym to the downtown mall for a quick cup of coffee or an outdoor concert. As an added benefit, the Ocean is a comfy fit with ergonomic mesh padded back and shoulders for support and comfort.

On sale now at Ecogear for just $39.99, Ocean is a bargain for a functional and stylish product and smart buy for the environment.

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This reviewer is not compensated for purchases made from links in this review.
Sample product(s) were provided for testing and reviewing purposes.
Please see my FTC Disclaimer for more details regarding this review.

Softsoap® Introduces Nutri Serums

Just in time for chilly temperatures and weathered skin, Softsoap® introduces Nutri Serums.  It’s the first body wash infused with nutrient rich softening Serum Pearls that help keep skin nourished and healthy.  With the fall season’s arrival and the hints of colder weather approaching, most of us will likely need moisture enhanced products to cure dry skin blues.

Being curious about this product since I have seriously dry skin all over my body, I put it to the test.  I had to see if it was something that can save my skin from the flaking, itching and dryness I deal with everyday.  Using body lotions is sometimes helpful, but it can be time consuming when I’m on the go and trying to get dressed immediately after applying them can be a challenge if not absorbed quickly.  The thought of having one product to cleanse, hydrate and soften my skin is a plus.

I used Softsoap® Nutri Serums exclusively for a 7-day period in the shower instead of my normal bar soap.  I enjoy the fresh scent because it’s clean and not heavily perfumed like most body washes.  The lather is rich and I use only a modest amount.   There is no slick film on my skin after I get out of the shower as I’ve experienced with other products that claim to be moisturizing.  I can tell the Serum penetrates my skin instead of just coating it.  I have truly had no flaking and less itching & dryness with the continued use of Softsoap® Nutri Serums everyday, without the need for additional lotions.

I’m going to keep this little gem in my shower and by using only one product, it will help me spend less on my household supplies as well as save time.  Believe me, those savings are welcome any day.  When I think of serums, high end beauty products often come to mind. Instead of breaking the bank, for a small price of $3.50 to $4.50, it is an affordable luxury that offers the advanced skin care benefits as more costly treatments.  Since I’m an avid label-reader, my only suggested improvement to the packaging of this product is the label on the back should be white or colored with larger print.  It’s a bit difficult to read with small print on a clear label.

I highly recommend (before you cover up with a sweater) to treat your skin with Softsoap® Nutri Serums. It is available in two variants; Restoring with Vitamin E and Moisture Retaining with Omegas 3 & 6.  They both offer essential nutrients (like shea butter and flax seed protein) and hydrators through innovative Serum Pearl technology. In addition, all Softsoap® BRAND pumps and bottles are coded for recycling which is kinder to our planet.  That just seals the deal.

Small Measures for Your Family – Recycle VHS Tapes

Now that DVDs have taken over and everyone has a collection of VHS tapes taking up a corner gathering dust – why not toss them out – but keep them out of the landfills.

It’s as simple as dropping them in the mail to Alternative Community Training – a nonprofit company based in Missouri that provides jobs to people with disabilities.

Workers erase the tapes, resell those in good shape and recycle the plastic in what remains.

To date, they’ve recycled more than 1 million tapes.

Mail your tapes to:

ACT

2200 Burlington

Columbia, MO 65202