The battery in the new Schwinn electric bike charges in less than 30 minutes, which means you can plug it in when you’re in the shower and jump on to get to work on time. It’s not the cheapest bike, but the electric assist might sway you to sell your gas guzzler, saving you money in the long run. And if that doesn’t work, check out the CO2/$ saved calculator at schwinnelectricbikes.com for the environmental argument. Available by special order from the Long Beach Bike Shop at 507 E. Broadway. $1,700.

When your swanky ride gets a bit grimy, wash it off without contravening Long Beach’s water laws, with this revolutionary waterless bike wash. Also available from this Inglewood-based company is car wash, tire shine, and upholstery and carpet spray. Available at luckyearth. com and locally at Whole Foods at 6550 E. Pacific Coast Highway. From $7.99.

If you do have to drive a car (and we know, it’s pretty difficult to get around Southern California without one), keep it clean and shining with this wash and wax’s plant-based ingredients. But remember to use that hose sparingly! Available at Whole Foods at 6550 E. Pacific Coast Highway. $4.39.



Bamboo is the fastest-growing plant on the planet. It’s also incredibly strong and naturally beautiful, so you can expect to see more and more of it, replacing household items that were previously either “disposable” or made out of wood. The never-burn-your-fingersagain Toast Tongs (shown) are ingenious. See more at bambuhome. com, and get yours at Whole Foods at 6550 E. Pacific Coast Highway. $3.99. Bamboo cutlery in adult and children’s sizes also available at Olives Gourmet Grocer at 5000 E. Second St. From $8.99.

Bet you didn’t think old, used cardboard would belong in anything but the recycling bin… well, how about on the kitchen counter? The Epicurean Recycled Cardboard composite makes for a cutting board that is incredibly strong, heat resistant, knife-friendly, dishwasher-safe and built for functionality. Available at Olives Gourmet Grocer at 5000 E. Second St. 9×11” – $22.99 and 11×14” – $29.99.



Aveda always has interesting, earth-friendly body and hair care products, and their newest offering does not disappoint. The Enbrightenment Skin Care line promises to brighten the skin and diminish dark spots and discoloration. As you’d expect with Aveda, the scent is fresh and delicious – imparted by organic lavender, sustainably-sourced sandalwood, organic rose geranium and organic rosemary essential oils. Available at Static Salon & Spa at 5929 E. Spring St. Prices range from $35 – $55.

When you have a baby, you inadvertently enter into a world of debates – suddenly sleeping, feeding, and more become fodder for the opinions of seemingly everyone. One of the hottest topics is disposable versus cloth diapers. Disposables aren’t great for the environment, cloth are not as convenient (and then there’s the hot water and detergent used in sanitizing them to think about). gDiapers, with their flushable and/or compostable liner are a great solution that combines the convenience of disposables with the comfort and eco-friendliness of cloth. Available at Whole Foods at 6550 E. Pacific Coast Highway. New set – $25.99 and refills – $15.99.