Going Green in 10 Easy Steps

We’ve said it before but it bears repeating: going green, or living a more natural lifestyle, does not have to be difficult. Start by making small changes and you’ll eventually see big results. To get started, consider these 10 things you should never buy again, according to Green America.

1. Styrofoam cups – they are not biodegradable.

2. Paper towels – They waste resources. If you must use them, buy recycled, non-bleached products.

3. Bleached coffee filters – Look for unbleached filters or buy a coffee maker with a reusable filter.

4. Overpackaged foods and products – Look for products with minimal, recyclable or reusable packaging. For example, buy in bulk to cut down on packaging.

5. Teak and mahogany – Using these woods to make furniture contributes to the destruction of tropical rainforests. Instead, reuse wood, buy products made of salvaged materials or look for wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.

6. Chemical pesticides and herbicides – According to Green America, Americans use 80 million pounds of pesticides every year. Instead, buy organic pest controllers or utilize native plants like flowers and herbs that act as natural pesticides.

7. Conventional housecleaners – Skip the harsh, hazardous household chemicals. Instead make your own natural and organic cleaners. See our previous blog post for ideas on how to make your own.

8. Higher octane gas – To reduce pollution, buy the lowest octane gas necessary for your vehicle. Other alternatives include buying a hybrid, using publication transportation or carpooling, biking or walking to work.

9. Toys made with PVC plastic – A chemical used to make PVC plastic is a known carcinogen, as are some of the additives in PVC plastic. Avoid plastics labeled PVC or #3. Instead, look for #1 and #2 plastics that are easier to recycle and produce fewer toxins.

10. Plastic forks and spoons – These items are convenient but not typically recyclable. Consider buying compostable silverware or bring your own from home.




Susan Thomas
Cypriana ~ the natural home store

Shop our online store now for all-natural and organic products for baby, bed & bath!

Websites We Like

At Cypriana, we are always looking for new ways to go green and to offer green resources to share with our customers. Here are a few favorites:

The Green Guide – This National Geographic site offers “going green” facts, buying guides, informational articles and more.

National Green Pages – a directory of screened & approved green businesses

Climate Action – Green America’s Climate Action Campaign

Fair Trade Action – Economic action to create a just global economy for farmers and artisans

LEAF Certified – Labeling Ecologically Approved Fabrics (LEAF)

Responsible Shopper – An online guide to promoting a responsible economy

Cypriana Home – As an online retailer, we are proud to offer products for baby, bed and bath that are all-natural or organic.

Susan Thomas
Cypriana ~ the natural home store

Shop our online store now for all-natural and organic products for baby, bed & bath!

8 Body Care Toxins to Avoid

When you shop for body and hair care products, avoid products with these potentially harmful ingredients:

1. Mercury and thimerosal
2. Lead or lead acetate
3. Nanoparticles
4. Placenta
5. Hydroquinone skin lightener
6. Phthalates
7. Petroleum by-products (e.g., 1,4-dioxane)
8. Fragrance

Thanks to Green America for providing these useful tips for going green.

Susan Thomas
Cypriana ~ the natural home store

Shop our online store now for all-natural and organic products for baby, bed & bath!

Cypriana's Kent Store is Closing

Dear Customers,

This is a sad day for Cypriana, but we have to tell you that, due to the current economic conditions, we have decided to close our downtown Kent store. Our closing date is October 30, 2009.

Storewide sales are happening now:

Towels and Bedding - 30% discount
All other items - 20% discount
Furniture & Fixtures - Priced as marked

Our website www.cyprianahome.com will continue to operate, and you may order 24/7 through the web store.

Thank you for your support.

Susan Thomas, Cypriana

New Jammies Rompers

If you are looking for comfortable, breathable playwear for your baby, consider one of Jammies’ adorable organic rompers. Available in Baby Blues-berries and Apple of My Eye, these rompers are made with 100% organic cotton and are available in 3 months, 6 months and 9 months. Your baby can be comfortable and stylish with these cute-as-a-button organic baby rompers!

Cypriana ~ the natural home store

Cypriana’s Anniversary Sale - Only 10 days Left to Shop

There are only 10 days left to shop to take advantage of Cypriana’s September storewide sale. Take 20% off all organic baby clothing in our Kent (Washington) store and our webstore, organic baby bedding, organic towels, bamboo bedding, natural soaps and lotions and more! Stop in or shop online to see our customers’ favorites as well as our newest merchandise including BellySock Nursing products and That Baby CD and DVD, great for new moms and dads! (Sorry, but the 20% discount does not apply to our custom slipcovers.)

Cypriana’s organic baby line includes essentials for babies and new parents, and they make great gifts, too! Shop today and save 20%, now through September 30, 2009. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Please ask us. If we don’t carry your favorite natural or organic products, we’ll research them for you!

Cypriana ~ the natural home store

Is Your Office “Green” Yet?

A lot of consumers want to “go green” but they aren’t sure where to begin. When I made my transformation to a healthier, green lifestyle, I didn’t do it overnight. I started with one product at a time, trying new things and experimenting with new products until virtually everything I use is all-natural or organic. One way to begin the switch to “green” is by transitioning one area of your life, for example, your kitchen, your yard or maybe your office. If you want a greener officer, here are some thoughtful ways to incorporate healthier living into your daily work routine:

• Optimize your computer to maximize its energy-saving features. Try using stand-by mode or allowing your monitor to shut down if it hasn’t been used for 10 minutes or more.

• Unplug peripherals like scanners and printers when not in use and shut down your computer at the end of the day.

• Use less paper by only printing items that must be printed.

• Use the back side of old, noncritical documents for scrap paper or notes.

• Store documents electronically instead of printing them out. Store your documents online by creating meaningful, named folders in your My Documents folder: (2009 Meeting Notes, ABC Company marketing notes, Incorporation Documents, 2008 tax return, etc.).

• Utilize your printer’s double-sided printing feature.

• If you commute, try carpooling, bicycling or using mass transit.

• Pack a healthy lunch and snacks in environmentally-friendly containers. You’ll save time and money while helping to save the planet.

• Instead of drinking bottled water, bring your own filtered water from home in a recyclable, chemical-free water bottle.

Thanks to the GOGREEN blog for some of these great suggestions, and please pass them onto your co-workers, friends and family. Together we can make a difference!

Cypriana ~ the natural home store

First Avenue Block Party TODAY!

Today is the 5th Annual First Avenue Block Party & Art Sale, from 4 to 9 pm. First Avenue South will be blocked off between Gowe and Titus Streets for a good, old-fashioned block party complete with food, art and live music. Stop by Cypriana to see our newest items including FrenchyBaby organic clothing, the Kemby Sidekick, Area linens and more. Shop now for 20% off storewide through the month of September. Hope to see you soon!

Cypriana ~ the natural home store

Now Carrying FrenchyBaby, Organic Baby Clothing

If you haven’t visited Cypriana lately, be sure to stop in to see our new FrenchyBaby organic baby clothing. We carry onesies and pull-on pants adorned with dragonflies and geckos in several colors and sizes. They are just adorable, and they’re soft, natural and breathable – ideal for baby! Check out how wonderful FrenchyBaby products are:

• Pesticide free
• Herbicide free
• Sustainable land use
• Eco-friendly dyeing

If you aren’t sold yet, 5% of the company’s profits go to charities that help children. And now, through the end of September, all of our merchandise is 20% storewide, including our FrenchyBaby line. Shop Cypriana today and discover the wonderful world of organic baby, bedding and bath products!

Cypriana ~ the natural home store

First Avenue Block Party

If you love fun and supporting local businesses, then mark your calendars for the fifth annual First Avenue Block Party, scheduled for Friday, September 11 from 4 to 9 p.m. First Avenue South will be blocked off between Gowe and Titus Streets to make room for live music, local artists, a beer garden, restaurant specials and more.

In celebration of our first anniversary, Cypriana will remain open Friday night until 8 p.m. and will offer refreshments along with our anniversary sale. Stop by Cypriana during the block party and save 20% off storewide on all of our merchandise, except our custom slipcovers. The block party is a fun, community-oriented event so come out, meet your neighbors and enjoy food, refreshments and entertainment in historic downtown Kent!

Cypriana ~ the natural home store