happy earth day: eco-friendly laundry products for a green clean

My son's allergic to lots of things...from food items, to environmental elements to my mom's Maltese. So I'm always looking for products that won't irritate his sensitive skin.

Vaska uses natural ingredients to develop laundry products that clean effectively without harming people or the planet. Whether washing high tech workout clothing or a toddler’s favorite tee, Vaska products clean even the most delicate fabrics gently yet effectively.

Whether you're celebrating Earth Day or want to be good to the planet every day of the year, check out Vaska’s home laundry product line:

• Herbatergent ™ liquid laundry detergent uses real lavender and potent botanical cleaning agents to clean clothing and linens effectively without harmful chemicals. Available in Light Lavender (it smells better than typical laundry detergents) or Scent Free, Herbatergent is free of perfumes, dyes, optical brighteners, and the traditional chemicals that damage fabrics and cause skin irritation. Ingredients include plant based surfactants, vegetable conditioner, water soluble degreasing agent, lavender extract, lavender scent (Light Lavender only) and filtered water.

$9.99 for a 48 oz bottle/32 loads and $15.99 for a 96 oz bottle/64 loads

(Available at Target)

• Herbasoft™ liquid fabric softener gives clothing and linens enhanced softness and a light, fresh, lavender scent. Herbasoft uses real herbs and advanced botanicals to soften textiles naturally, without leaving behind waxes or harmful chemicals that damage fabrics and or irritate skin (definitely better for kids with allergies, texture issues or those who just love the feel of something soft against their skin). Safe on colors, whites, natural and synthetic washable fabrics, Herbasoft is an ideal way to add an extra soft and fresh touch to laundry. Ingredients include vegetable derived softener and natural lavender scent. $9.99 for a 48 oz bottle/32 loads

• Oxygenbleach is natural, chlorine free bleach that makes whites sparkle (even those that have been spit up on and otherwise damaged) and keeps color garments bright. Oxygenbleach is safe on colors, whites, natural and synthetic washable fabrics, and it makes clothing and linens truly soft – without the stiff and crunchy bleach-feel. Oxygenbleach gets whites whiter, and unlike traditional chlorine bleaches that can harm fabric and skin, this formulation does not cause whites to become yellow over time. Ingredients include hydrogen peroxide, plant based surfactants and filtered water. $6.99 for a 48 oz bottle/32 loads

• Spotoff™ is an all natural stain remover designed to treat spills and stains on clothing, rugs, and upholstery. Spotoff uses potent botanical cleaning agents to remove wine, dirt, and other tough stains (we won't discuss which ones specifically but anyone with an infant can relate) without harming textiles. Safe on colors, whites, natural and synthetic washable fabrics, Spotoff contains no dyes or fragrances that can irritate sensitive skin and harm the environment.

Ingredients include botanical surfactants, natural blending agents, lavender extract, alcohol and filtered water. $9.59 for a 22 oz spray bottle

For additional information on Vaska’s product line, please visit www.vaskahome.com

Vaska Herbatergent is available at select Target stores nationwide and in Duane Reade in New York City. The entire line is available online at Amazon.com, Drugstore.com, and Alice.com.

earth day: make the world a better place

We've got kids. They need our support. This Earth Day, do something good for future generations. Pangea Organics recently partnered with the Jane Goodall Institute (www.janegoodall.org) in support of its mission to educate children, protect natural habitats and uplift the lives of those human populations that live among or near important protected habitats. As a result, Pangea will donate 5% net sales to the Jane Goodall Institute. The promotion comes at an exciting time--the 50th Anniversary of Dr. Goodall’s work. And while you're changing the world for your kids, do some good for yourself too. Check out Pangea Organic's line of nurturing, cruelty-free, organic products, designed to make you look and feel good. The great formulas are housed in biodegradable, sustainable packaging (think egg-carton boxes) and easy-to-maneuver, waste-minimizing pump bottles. Save 25% on all products in honor of Earth Day, through April 30th, at www.pangeaorganics.com.

fight swine flu: wash your hands!

It's a scary fact. Swine flu has hit the U.S. and could soon turn up in a town/city near you. How to keep your kids safe: The CDC advises keeping them home if they're sick, making sure they cover their noses and mouths if they cough or sneeze and last--but definitely not least--washing their hands often. We know, easier said than done, right? What kid wants to spend his/her time washing up when he/she could be doing just about anything else. Thankfully, there's a slew of soaps and hand sanitizers out there to get them interested in coming clean. One that may be considered more fun than a chore: Kids Only! Foaming Hand Soap from Jason Natural Products ($8.99). Not only is it free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, glycol, wheat, gluten, mineral oil and petrolatum, it features natural fragrances that make them fun to use. We tried Berry Burst (it also comes in Tropical Twist). My 18-month old daughter loves the pump since she can squeeze some out herself; my about-to-turn-three-year-old son loves the foam which he says is like playing with shaving cream. They both love the fruity berry scent. Available in fine natural product stores and on www.jason-natural.com.