Beth Shea

Beth is the writer and founder of Petite Planet, a blog which focuses on eco-friendly living for families and informs parents of the best “green” choices for their babies and our planet. The birth of her daughter was her inspiration to take baby steps toward changing the world and preserving it for future generations. A former travel and spa writer, Beth swapped airline miles and body wraps for long stroller walks and quick showers. She is living her dream by being a mother and freelance writer. Follow Beth on Twitter @PetitePlanet
Beth Shea

Inhabitots Link Roundup of the Week

by Beth Shea, 03/19/10

jamie oliver, jamie oliver's food revolution, diy butterfly hair clips, google biking maps, bastida clothing for kids, left hand make, soar swing, handcrafted swings, eco-friendly swings, green kids, eco kids, green design for kids

Babyology helps green kids literally swing into spring by highlighting these beautiful handcrafted “Soar” swings made from birch plywood by Left Hand Make.

Babyccino introduces us to Bastida clothing that grows with your child, showcasing a jacket that fits kids from age 6 months to 3 years!

Coochicoos urges parents to help Jamie Oliver change our children’s eating habits. Jamie Oliver’s show Food Revolution premieres March 26th but you can catch a sneak preview on ABC this Sunday night. Oliver will tackle the unhealthy eating habits of American children and try to turn back the tide on the childhood obesity epidemic.

Mom Go Green alerts us that Google has added biking to their online maps — making it even easier to carve out bike routes and commute on two instead of four wheels with the kids!

Kids Haus shares a sweet, spring-y DIY on how to make colorful butterfly hair clips.

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GUIDE: 7 Tips on Choosing the Best Pediatrician for Your Child

by Beth Shea, 03/19/10

choosing a pediatrician, how to choose a pediatrician, find a pediatrician, tips on finding a pediatrician, how to choose your baby's doctor, finding the best doctor for your baby, green baby, eco baby, green parenting, eco parenting

If you’re a first time parent, choosing the best pediatrician for your baby can be a daunting endeavor. As an expecting parent, you should begin the search for your child’s doctor at around the seven month mark of pregnancy. Doing so will give you a couple of months to find the doctor you want to care for your newborn in the hospital following your baby’s birth, and beyond. Here are 7 tips (from a mom who has been there and done all of them!) to put you on the path to selecting the best care provider for your new little baby girl or boy!

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Postcarden Pop-Up Greeting Cards Blossom Into Mini Living Gardens!

by Beth Shea, 03/18/10

a studio for design, blossoming greeting cards, eco kids, green family, green kids, greeting card garden, greeting card mini garden, greeting cards that blossom, postcarden

Who says a greeting card can’t double as a gift? Especially when it pops-up and sprouts a mini living garden! Postcardens are designed and produced in Britain by A Studio for Design — a team of artists who created these evolutionary greetings to make the experience of receiving a card “more playful, curious and interactive,” encouraging the recipient to “bond, live and grow the greeting on day by day basis.” What a perfect message to deliver to green kids to help them develop a green thumb! Learn how easy it is to plant and produce your own mini garden from a Postcarden, and watch the time lapse video of how this sweet patch of green blossoms after the jump!


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WIN IT WEDNESDAY! Win 1 of 2 $50 Gift Certificates to Shop Polarn O. Pyret’s ECO Collection for Kids!

by Beth Shea, 03/17/10

polarn o. pyret, polarn o. pyret eco collection, eco-friendly clothing for kids, green kids, eco kids, green baby, eco baby, win a $50 gift certificate to polarn o. pyret, green shopping spree, green clothing for kids, green baby clothing

Let the spring wardrobe shopping begin! This week we’re giving away TWO $50 gift certificates to TWO lucky readers! Winners will get to go on a green shopping spree, selecting clothing from Polarn O. Pyret’s ECO collection! Choose from adorable separates, all made from 100% organic cotton and bearing the Nordic Swan Eco-label. Featuring classic signature bright, bold stripes and eye-catching patterns, there’s something for every green baby or kid in sizes from newborn to age 11. Polarn O. Pyret’s ECO Collection offers many unisex options, making their long-lasting, quality apparel perfect for gender neutral hand me downs. Designed for play, Polarn O. Pyret clothing is meant to be “worn, washed and loved.” The collection ranges from cozy zip-up sleepers to tops, leggings, dresses, briefs and more. Enter to win after the jump… so you can get shopping!

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Inhabitots Link Roundup of the Week

Inhabitots Link Roundup of the Week

Handmade Charlotte shows us some sweet new houses on the block — these Letterpress Paper Houses are part of a DIY build-it kit which is designed and sketched by hand, turned into letterpress plates and printed on a Chandler & Price Craftsman press.

Swiss Miss highlights an alphabet made with …

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Hand-Knit, Classic Irish Aran Sweater for Green Kids

Hand-Knit, Classic Irish Aran Sweater for Green Kids

Your little Irish rose, or strapping young lad, will look adorable in this authentic hand-knit cardigan, crafted in the traditional Aran style by an Irish knitter in Ireland who boasts 40 years of knitting experience! Also dubbed a “fisherman” sweater, the classic Aran …

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WIN IT WEDNESDAY! Win Animal Wall Art from Numsi, Worth $118!

WIN IT WEDNESDAY! Win Animal Wall Art from Numsi, Worth $118!

Kids inherently love nature and wildlife, and we want to encourage their affinity for animals with Numsi’s vibrant and contemporary Animal Wall Art! We’ve teamed up with Numsi to give away a beautiful, unique framed piece of Animal Wall Art worth $118! This 12 inch by 12 inch artwork highlights a photograph of an animal set in an imaginary world. Dubbed “peculiar, wonderful and arresting,” Numsi decor is a sophisticated focal point and conversation piece with a modern aesthetic that will befit a child’s room from cradle to college, and beyond!

All Numsi wall art panels are designed, created, assembled and packaged in Numsi founder and artist Helen Jerlach’s studio in Twin Cities, Minnesota. Each piece of art starts with a photograph, taken by Helen somewhere around the Twin Cities region, which she then draws digitally. Images are printed onto the highest quality canvas with archival quality pigment inks, which have been tested to last for over 75 years. The canvas is mounted to a museum quality art panel with a 2” deep birch plywood cradle. Numsi art arrives ready to hang on your wall or be displayed on a shelf. All pieces are created with mindfulness toward a responsible use of resources and an outlook of sustainability, and Numsi is a proud member of 1% for the Planet.

The winner of the Numsi animal wall art gets to choose the animal print and color scheme that will best suit their taste and decor! Choices include: giraffes, a Takin, Dall’s sheep, sea lion, piglets, penguins, ostrich, Kudu, Snow Monkey, flamingos, tufted deer and buffalo! Enter to win after the jump!


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5 Green Etsy Finds for a Kid and Eco-Friendly St. Patrick’s Day

5 Green Etsy Finds for a Kid and Eco-Friendly St. Patrick’s Day

 
 

St. Patrick's Day is the perfect holiday for green kids! We've rounded up five great, eco-friendly Etsy finds so kids can celebrate the holiday with festive cheer in the true spirit of green. From wooden shamrock teethers to glitter shamrock crayons, St. Patty's Day lovers are in luck with this list!

 

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‘Underfull’ Tablecloth Turns Mealtime Spills into Art

‘Underfull’ Tablecloth Turns Mealtime Spills into Art

Most parents of toddlers don’t bring out the white table linens to serve a meal of grape juice and spaghetti — but Norwegian designer Kristine Bjaadal’s prototype Underfull Tablecloth could change a parent’s table reservations by taking the gasps out of spills and turning them into artistic moments. What appears as a simple, white tablecloth with a floral damask pattern is really a magical backdrop that kids prone to making mealtime messes will love — because on Underfull, a liquid spill causes an eruption of butterflies, which spread across the woven floral pattern and create a layered image as seen in action here.


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Inhabitots Link Roundup of the Week

Inhabitots Link Roundup of the Week

Ohdeedoh helps us get a jumpstart on Easter preparations with these sweet bunny and carrot figurines made with wood and felt by The Cupcake Girls. We think they’d be perfect perched in an Easter basket.

Handmade Charlotte shares this Zodiac Animals puzzle from Chigo — …

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Modern Hand Painted Nesting Dolls by Joel Henriques

Modern Hand Painted Nesting Dolls by Joel Henriques

Designer and crafting dad extraordinaire Joel Henriques was commissioned to paint a blank set of nesting dolls — and we love the way his colorful, modern version stacks up with style and flair next to its traditional counterpart. Each doll in the fifteen piece set, ranging in …

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WIN IT WEDNESDAY! Win this Prince Lionheart Balance Bike from Franklin Goose!

WIN IT WEDNESDAY! Win this Prince Lionheart Balance Bike from Franklin Goose!

We’re eagerly awaiting the arrival of the first day of spring this month — which means kids will be back to having fun in the sun outdoors! Usher them into the great wide open by giving them a brand new set of wheels! We’re giving away this Prince Lionheart Balance Bike (worth $79.99) from online retailer Franklin Goose, an eco-friendly, one-stop shop for babies and children! “Prince Lionheart’s Balance Bike teaches your child how to balance — a crucial skill necessary before transitioning to a two-wheeled pedal bicycle. Your child’s sense of independence and self-confidence will become evident as they learn to balance and steer at their own pace.” This sweet ride features a 100% birch wood frame, 12″ rubber tires, a height adjustable padded seat and solid rubber handgrips. Franklin Goose offers a wide array of toys made with natural, organic or recycled materials, as well as everything green families need from organic clothing to eco-friendly diapers. The Prince Lionheart Balance Bike fits the Franklin Goose mission to provide mindful, eco-conscious products for green kids. Enter to win after the jump!

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Handmade Headbands & Hairclips for Little Girls by Lou and Lee

Handmade Headbands & Hairclips for Little Girls by Lou and Lee

Warm hats and ear muffs will soon be out with the winter season, which means sweet hair accessories are in — and what better way to welcome spring than to add some blossoms …

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Inhabitots Link Roundup of the Week

Inhabitots Link Roundup of the Week

Kenziepoo loves the new Marionette collection of cushions from Darling Clementine seen above — and we love that these soft, sweet pillows are made with 100% organic cotton.

Growing up Green gives us a leg up on Tightology organic kids …

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Basurama Converts Electric Train Ruins in Lima into a Green Amusement Park

Basurama Converts Electric Train Ruins in Lima into a Green Amusement Park

Spanish group Basurama literally had a green ‘train of thought’ when they converted an abandoned project to build an electric train in Lima, Peru into a green amusement park for kids and adults alike. Ever since the train ruins were forsaken in 1986, the construction has been left as-is, and concrete columns have stood without purpose… until this month, when the Ghost Train park opened free of charge to jubilant attendees who indulged in merriment via park equipment made from recycled materials.


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‘Hand Made’ Eco-Friendly Wallpaper for Kids from Paperboy

‘Hand Made’ Eco-Friendly Wallpaper for Kids from Paperboy

The ancient art of shadow puppetry gets a modern day spin with Paperboy’s ‘Hand Made’ wallpaper. An enchanting herd of cleverly crafted hand animals come to life on this FSC accredited sustainable forest paper, available in berry purple ink with hand screen printed animal shapes in shiny silver, or in shadowy …

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WIN IT WEDNESDAY! BABYBEARSHOP’s Cherish Organic Gift Set for Green Mamas & Babies

WIN IT WEDNESDAY! BABYBEARSHOP’s Cherish Organic Gift Set for Green Mamas & Babies

This week we’re giving away a luxurious, eco-friendly Cherish Organic Gift Set from BABYBEARSHOP! Included in this trio of BABYBEARSHOP treasures is: an 8oz bottle of Organic Mama Belly Oil ®, which is ideal for a pregnant mama’s blossoming belly! This all-natural, non-greasy formula is easily absorbed into the skin and helps keep stretchmarks at bay. It may also be poured into the bathtub as a relaxing elixir which softens and soothes skin. A 4oz jar of 99% Organic Cheeky Baby Butter®, a nutrient rich Shea butter baby creme that may be applied to baby’s dry skin or chapped cheeks, or used to give baby a skin hydrating massage. And an organic cotton grape toy baby may cuddle or use as a teether! BABYBEARSHOP is a purely organic skincare line founded by a mother of two who wanted all natural, eco-conscious body care products for her children. BABYBEARSHOP products are made in the USA from nourishing plants and plant extracts derived from organic sustainable farming methods, and they are 100% cruelty free and packaged in recyclable containers. As important as what is in BABYBEARSHOP products, is what they are free of: NO parabens, phenoxyethanol, lactoperoxidase, citrus seed extract and no other synthetic preservatives or additives. They contain no dairy, no nuts, no gluten, no soy, no egg, no oat, no colors, no artificial anything. Read more about our love for BABYBEARSHOP products in our feature, and then enter to win after the jump!

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Kids Dream Up ‘Animal Table,’ Designer Quentin de Coster Brings it to Life

Kids Dream Up ‘Animal Table,’ Designer Quentin de Coster Brings it to Life

When Belgian designer Quentin de Coster set out to create a table for children, he cleverly collaborated with a team of 5 year olds to determine the aesthetic that would be most appealing and relatable. He asked each of the children to draw tables and dogs, and he used their interpretations as the basis for …

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5 Sweet Pairs of Eco-Friendly Baby Shoes

5 Sweet Pairs of Eco-Friendly Baby Shoes

We’re still knee deep in winter, but with spring just around the corner, being fashion forward means not waiting for the thaw to shop warmer weather trends! Here are five pairs of our favorite eco-friendly shoes for green babies, to help you get your little one geared up to head outdoors in style!


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Wooden Birthday Party Set from Soopsori

Wooden Birthday Party Set from Soopsori

We all know that the excitement of turning another year older fades away all too quickly — so let kids indulge their birthday party mania while they’re still young enough to believe in their wish for a unicorn while blowing out their cake candles. Soopsori’s Birthday Party set lets kids celebrate the passage of time till their heart’s …

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Inhabitots Link Roundup of the Week

Inhabitots Link Roundup of the Week

Babyccino Kids brings us up to speed on Kiddimoto balance bikes made from Birch ply sourced from managed forests. We love the Union Jack Scooter, above, sure to make patriots out of pint-sized riders.

Holly at Stitch Craft shares the awesome handmade mini treehouse her husband …

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Eco-Friendly Giraffe Rocking Chair from Recycle Studio

Eco-Friendly Giraffe Rocking Chair from Recycle Studio

If you’ve yet to pony up for a rocking horse for your tot, opt for this hip Giraffe Rocking Chair from Recycle Studio, which is neck-deep in green design. Handcrafted in a limited run with over 90% salvaged materials — in this case, 1/2″ furniture grade 7 ply apple core plywood leftover …

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WIN IT WEDNESDAY! Win a HYmini Wind + Solar Gadget Charger!

WIN IT WEDNESDAY! Win a HYmini Wind + Solar Gadget Charger!

Why should kids get to have all the fun? Parents will also enjoy reaping the rewards of this week’s giveaway, which puts renewable wind energy in the palm of one lucky winner’s hand! We’re giving away a HYmini Portable Wind and Solar Charger, (worth $50!) which offers a revolutionary way of capturing renewable energy for your iPod, mobile phone, PDA, mp3, or digital camera on the go! The HYmini is a hybrid, tiny green power station that you can easily tote on your daily travels to recharge nearly all of your electronic gadgets via its built in mini wind turbine and miniSOLAR panels. The HYmini may also be charged in a wall plug, USB outlet or with a hand crank generator on days you’re stuck indoors. Enter to win after the jump!

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Inhabitots Link Roundup of the Week

Inhabitots Link Roundup of the Week

LMNOP features the newly opened ‘Sit Down: Seating for Kids’ exhibit at London’s V&A Museum of Childhood. Families will be able to explore over 70 examples of traditional and modern seating made for children, spanning four centuries and including works from designers …

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WIN IT WEDNESDAY! Win a Framed ‘Love’ Print on Wood from Petit Collage!

WIN IT WEDNESDAY! Win a Framed ‘Love’ Print on Wood from Petit Collage!

Valentine’s Day is this Sunday, and what better way to celebrate than with a love themed print on wood from Petit Collage? We’re giving away one framed 11 x 14 ‘Owl Love‘ or ‘Bird Love‘ Petit Collage print to one lucky Inhabitots reader (winner chooses between the prints). Made in San Francisco by designer, illustrator and founder of Petit Collage, Lorena Siminovich, each print on wood is printed on sustainably harvested maple veener, and matted and framed in a no VOC-finish, handcrafted, precision sanded maple hardwood frame. Petit Collage’s eco-friendly, modern children’s decor has been widely featured on Inhabitots, with highlights including bamboo mobiles, screenprint posters and wooden collages. We’re certain that these charming prints will bring cheery, delightful affection to baby’s nursery, a child’s space — or any room in the house!

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Forest of Woods from Pen Pencil Stencil

Forest of Woods from Pen Pencil Stencil

In addition to his vibrant Kokeshi Dolls, artist Mark Giglio of Pen Pencil Stencil creates gorgeous wooden masterpieces in his Forest of Woods collection. Crafted from different types of scrap wood expertly transformed into a miniature forest, these trees are enchanting in their simplicity and inspiring in their sustainable design. We can see them taking …

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Inhabitots Link Roundup of the Week: Green Valentine Crafts!

Inhabitots Link Roundup of the Week: Green Valentine Crafts!

Lavender and Limes shows us how to make these felt conversation hearts to send sweet love messages without the sugar!

The Long Thread makes chic Valentine cards out of recycled materials.

Oh So Crafty lives up to her blog’s name by creating a festive and rosy Valentine garland …

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WIN IT WEDNESDAY! Win a Hessnatur Organic Clothing Starter Kit!

WIN IT WEDNESDAY! Win a Hessnatur Organic Clothing Starter Kit!

Your eco baby can start life as a green fashion maven from the get-go with this beautiful collection of organic cotton clothing from Hessnatur! Filled with comfortable, versatile staple wardrobe pieces, perfect for layering and also adorable as separates, this exclusive Eco Baby Hessnatur Organic Clothing Starter Kit is valued at $125 and includes an Organic Cotton Starter Outfit (complete with a romper suit, jacket and cap), an Organic Cotton Wrap Bodysuit (long-sleeved, kimono style wrap available in an array of serene colors) and a 2-Pack of Organic Cotton Rompers (available in sweet light blue/green or orange/rose color combinations.) The lucky winner will get their choice of size and colors to perfectly fit their happy baby.

Made in Germany with eco-friendly production standards, Hessnatur clothing is crafted with 100% pure organic cotton by people whose human rights are respected. Started in 1976 by green pioneer Heinz Hess, a father determined to outfit his newborn son in organic clothing which he couldn’t find anywhere, Hessnatur was born of Hess’ desire to design pure clothing in harmony with nature. Hessnatur offers a wide collection of responsibly made clothing to outfit the entire family — and one lucky Inhabitots eco baby will be introduced to this gorgeous collection of Hessnatur’s quality green apparel in today’s giveaway!

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Turned Wood Works of Art: Kokeshi Dolls from Pen Pencil Stencil

Turned Wood Works of Art: Kokeshi Dolls from Pen Pencil Stencil

Artist Mark Giglio gives vibrant new life to scrap wood with these turned wood Kokeshi Dolls made in his Pen Pencil Stencil studio in Oakland, California. A delightful intersection between works of art and toys, Kokeshi Dolls would be right at home on the shelf or in the playroom of a green family who appreciates sustainable design. …

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Inhabitots Link Roundup of the Week

Inhabitots Link Roundup of the Week

We’re smitten with the creative DIY masterpieces that designer dad Joel, of Made by Joel whips up for his adorable kids. Above, doll house furniture fashioned with hand printed fabric scrap embellishments, wire for the chair, a swatch of faux fur from a household rug, and a twig …

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Upcycled Plush Owls Deliver Special Valentine Messages

Upcycled Plush Owls Deliver Special Valentine Messages

If you have a Valentine who shares our affection for owls, the adorable parliament of Tiny Wee Hoot Owls from Etsy shop Buttercupbloom make wise, eco-friendly gifts with heart. Each colorful, snuggly plush owl is handmade from a variety of upcycled fabrics from wool sweaters to the faux bois …

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WIN IT WEDNESDAY! Win an Exclusive Collection of Mama K’s Aromatic Play Clay Valued at $105!

WIN IT WEDNESDAY! Win an Exclusive Collection of Mama K’s Aromatic Play Clay Valued at $105!

Mama K has partnered with Inhabitots to offer an exclusive collection of her amazing Mama K’s Aromatic Play Clay worth $105 to one lucky winner! Mama K’s Aromatic Play Clay offers endless fun for both kids and parents. The perfect indoor activity during the winter or any season, this kid-safe, 100% natural, gluten free, biodegradable clay is made with gluten free flours, extra virgin olive oil, vegetable colorants — and is infused with subtle aromatherapy organic essential oils to soothe the mind during playtime. Handmade in Seattle, Washington, and packaged in reusable/recyclable containers, Mama K’s play clay is suitable for children with Celiac and Autism Spectrum disorders. See the collection of amazing Mama K’s goodies you could win in this exclusive giveaway after the jump!

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Inhabitots Link Roundup of the Week

Inhabitots Link Roundup of the Week

We’re smitten with these adorable, handmade stuffed animals we spotted on mmmcrafts, created with love by an Etsy artist and mom — and she sells the PDF patterns to create your own!

We love our animal shaped book cases, and Bambino Goodies trumpets the upcoming spring/summer 2010 debut of this bright yellow elephant bookcase on Habitat –  we know there will be …

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WIN IT WEDNESDAY! We’re Giving Away TWO 100% Organic Cotton Patemm Changing Pads!

WIN IT WEDNESDAY! We’re Giving Away TWO 100% Organic Cotton Patemm Changing Pads!

Green diapers? Check. Reusable baby wipes? Check. Eco-friendly changing pad? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! This week, we’re giving away TWO 100% organic cotton Patemm changing pads valued at $55 each. Now, your green diapering routine can come full circle… literally! The mom-invented circular Patemm pad measures 30 inches, and allows parents to place their child in any direction for full coverage. Patemm pads are lined with interior pockets to store  diapers, wipes and a change of clothes — and they conveniently collapse into a compact carrier, with four outside handles designed to allow you to fold and unfold the pad with one hand. Proudly made in San Francisco, CA, eco-friendly Patemm pads are PVC-free and made of 100% GOTS certified organic cotton — they are non-coated and machine washable. We are giving away two Patemm pads: 1 in Avocado (green), and 1 in Hibiscus (pink)! Enter to win after the jump!

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Inhabitots Link Roundup of the Week

Inhabitots Link Roundup of the Week

Ohdeedoh highlights creative and dedicated mom Laura Frantz, for designing an amazing bunny house world for her kids, complete with grass, a pond and a path, as well as felted rugs and bowls and tiny sewn curtains and pillows. Check out the …

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LOTS MORE GREAT GREEN DESIGN STORIES HERE... KEEP READING!