About
Hello! My name is Jess, I live in rural Wisconsin & am the mama of two: (a son born in March of ’11, and a daughter born in July of ’13). I want to share things I’m passionate about with others, and hope at least a few parents can benefit from the time I’ve spent researching products for my own babe! I REALLY enjoy discovering new products & companies, especially “mom & pop” operations. I am a mama on a mission to provide good quality, eco-friendly AND child-friendly products for my family! This includes toys, products, and personal care items. I’m not an expert in this area, my background is in Spanish Education. I put my teaching career on hold to be a stay-at-home mom, but my love for learning, and teaching is still strong. Please ask questions, share your knowledge & help this page grow! Other topics I’m passionate about, and will likely be sharing on this page include: reusable products, homemade products, breastfeeding, cloth diapering, organic gardening & eating, human rights, just to name a few!
The purpose of this page is to help find sources for eco-friendly AND safe products made in the USA. To be clear, my 1st priority is finding safe products, my 2nd priority is that they are made in the USA. I’ve found one category in particular that requires purchasing a made in China option, stainless steel anything. But, I will take a stainless Made in China product over a plastic made in the USA option (sippy cups come to mind). Fortunately, for just about all categories there are great options being made in the USA!
There are plenty of pages to debate the hot-button issues involved with raising our babes, this page is NOT one of those pages! While shopping for these products myself, the more research I did I realized many companies making “eco-friendly” products have their headquarters in the US, but make their products in China. There were a couple catalysts for this page. Shortly after my 1st son was born, I learned of the toxins in Johnson & Johnson products. I thought it was very disappointing that the “#1 choice of hospitals” was not a product I could trust, and that started my search for the safest personal care products on the market. Then, I purchased my 1st Melissa & Doug toy after seeing recommendations for them over & over again on mama forums I frequented. I got home & unwrapped my babe’s new toy & saw “made in China” stamped on back. It just didn’t sit right with me. I felt there had to be many great toys & products still being made in the USA, and as a result of that experience this page was launched. Also, I’m on a mission to help sort out the million different personal care product lines on the market, and get to the bottom of which ones truly are SAFE!
In my opinion, if a product is manufactured & shipped from the other side of the globe it’s not eco-friendly no matter what materials are used. Not to mention the lack of environmental standards, and atrocious human rights record of countries such as China. I want this page to be a source for parents to turn to when looking for great eco- & baby-friendly products made in the USA. By supporting American workers we are strengthening local communities as well as our social security & tax bases.
CONTACT INFO: ecofriendlymamausa@gmail.com
Discover more from Eco-Friendly Mama: Safe product recommendations with a focus on organic and Made in USA!
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Eco-Friendly Mama: Safe product recommendations with a focus on organic and Made in USA! 
Dec 03, 2013 @ 06:29:15
Thank you for your passion! We are a U.S. manufacturer of products for nursing mothers and infants. We have reusable products as well as a green disposable product all made in the USA! Thank you for understanding our mission! http://www.NuAngel.com.
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Jan 06, 2014 @ 19:53:52
Thank you for providing such a valuable, educated resource to make it easier for people to buy Made in the USA
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Jan 07, 2014 @ 19:36:15
Jess. Really glad to have found your website! While there is increased awareness these days, sadly many still do not understand the importance of made in the USA and safe/natural products. I wanted to pass along this website (I have no affiliation) as I thought it might be a good one for you to review their products. Is there a way to email you directly as well? Keep up the great work – it is appreciated! http://sweetalternatives.webs.com/
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Jan 10, 2014 @ 16:32:18
Yes Seth, you can email me at ecofriendlymamausa@gmail.com
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Feb 13, 2014 @ 16:01:32
Hi Jess,
Just found your blog and I love it! I am only recently learning of all the harsh chemicals in our everyday products and was so overwhelmed! Thank You for your blog and all the research and reviews you are providing. It is so helpful and so less stressful for someone just becoming aware. I don’t know where my head has been all these years. I guess you want to put trust in that what is sold in stores are safe for us! I was actually shocked to learn that this is not actually the case. I have a three year old and have been agonizing over what she has been exposed to so far. But I am moving forward by making the healthiest choices I possibly can. I am from Newfoundland Canada, and have been finding it difficult to these healthy products. Can many of the products you feature be ordered and shipped to Canada? I have tried to access the links you have provided with your many reviews but for some I can’t.
Thanks so much
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Feb 15, 2014 @ 19:06:19
Hi Janice! We all start somewhere, and being aware is 99% of the battle. I too feel guilty at times for the things I didn’t know a couple years ago that I now know, but guilt gets us nowhere, we do the best we can with the knowledge we have & when we know better we can do better! I hear from many Canadians who voice the same frustration. I do have a Buying Club, which I accept orders for quarterly, I’m accepting orders through tomorrow for this round, with the next order taking place in May. I’m more than willing to ship to Canada, but the problem is shipping is outrageous! For a flat rate box that can ship anywhere in the US for $12, it’s $40 to Canada… But, it can hold quite a bit of product, and you may think that’s worth it, so far no one has! Here are the details if you’re interested in taking a look: https://ecofriendlyusa.wordpress.com/donations-now-accepted/eco-friendly-usa-buying-club-2/.
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Feb 20, 2014 @ 17:08:46
We are a Made in the USA children’s clothing company. We donate ONE new book to a child in need for every product purchased and all our products are MADE IN THE USA!!! Thank you for supporting small businesses that are committed to offering a quality product! Check us out at http://www.unalibri.com
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Mar 02, 2014 @ 16:16:20
Jess, I applaud your commitment to sustainable products and products made in the USA. I would ask you to consider that the USA doesn’t have the best regulations when it comes to personal care products, therefore although there are some small companies that have truly pure, sustainable products and business practices, they are are in the minority. For this reason, I turned to the internet to find a company that was really sustainable (the first cosmetic company to be carbon negative) and really pure (the first to have an entire skincare line that was certified organic to food grade standards). Although the products are not made in the US, it is hard to find a company that offers this level of sustainability and support for organic, fair trade farming here in the US. http://www.miessence.com/betterchoices/en/ourCompany/sustainability Many cosmetic companies here in the US outsource their manufacturing to large plants that don’t use green energy and manufacturing multiple lines with a broad range of chemicals. Since Miessence has their own 100% wind powered manufacturing facility, they have control over the integrity of the process from the energy used to how the organic ingredients are treated. You can see more at http://youtu.be/X0MU2vGYf4k . I welcome your comments and feedback. After being a Miessence representative for over 6 years now, I have a hard time finding anything made in the US with this level of sustainable business practices.
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Mar 02, 2014 @ 19:29:32
I don’t disagree with anything you said! But my commitment to finding the best products made in the USA remains as strong as ever, and I’m beyond thrilled with the options on my ‘approved’ list. Thanks for your thoughts as well! I have several Aussie Mom’s on the page who are always bummed they can’t get the US products over there, and I’ve told them about Miessence in the past, glad there’s at least one good option made down under!
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May 28, 2014 @ 02:51:02
How do I sign up? do I just email you with orders?
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May 28, 2014 @ 12:21:50
For the buying club, yes, we place a quarterly order. Next one is in August, I’ll be taking orders the 1st 1/2 of the month. Here’s the note from the one we’re just finishing up. I don’t anticipate adding any vendors to this line-up: https://ecofriendlyusa.wordpress.com/donations-now-accepted/eco-friendly-usa-buying-club-2/
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Jul 07, 2014 @ 04:56:38
I love your website and I thank you for all the work you’ve put into it!!!!
Would like to hear your thoughts on water filters?
Whats the best drinking water options?
Researching this for a couple of years. I think I get close to loving a certain option and then find conflicting reports. I’m just not sure what to do.
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Jul 11, 2014 @ 15:53:10
I’m pretty convinced Berkey is fabulous, although I don’t own any filters myself. This thread from our FAQ album has recommendations from others: https://www.facebook.com/397517646930548/photos/a.599365280079116.149826.397517646930548/599044033444574/?type=3&theater
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Feb 07, 2015 @ 19:30:38
love your blog! is there a way to subscribe for new posts?
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Feb 07, 2015 @ 20:47:44
Yes, you should see a ‘Follow’ tab up at the top, or at least that’s where I see it from my view. As Facebook makes it harder for people to read posts, I’ll be sure to start keeping this site more current! Thanks for asking!
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Mar 23, 2015 @ 00:57:21
Your site is AMAZING!! I am newly pregnant and this is exactly the info I was looking for! Thank you soooo much for all your hard work on this site!!
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Mar 23, 2015 @ 01:04:03
I’ll be so happy if any of the time I’ve spent researching can help you in an way!
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Jun 29, 2015 @ 05:37:17
I am sure your website ruffles some feathers because there are some who just love the product from their current company who might have made your “so so list” or the “green wash list” and well, my current company was on the green wash list and guess what… I would rather be informed and know the truth about the company I represent! Thanks Jess. I really do appreciate all the time and your knowledge.
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Jul 01, 2015 @ 19:23:10
Ruffle some feathers is putting it nicely 🙂 Believe me, I’m a very, very kind & friendly Midwestern gal, I really am! But I do not take kindly to being Greenwashed & will never apologize for wanting the absolute best products on the market for my family! So, it’s very easy to make recommendations as I’d never recommend something I wouldn’t use myself with 100% confidence! Thanks for saying hello!
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Jul 22, 2015 @ 12:37:59
Are you still with Poofy? Your link did not work.
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Jul 22, 2015 @ 13:31:32
We have a brand new website, so I need to work on re-linking, can you tell me which link you were trying to use? Yes, I am, just celebrate 1 year & am offering a 10% off sale for another 2 days to celebrate the brand new site! https://ecofriendlymamausa.com/2015/07/20/poofy-organics-by-jess-10-off-sale-12-price-shipping-short-time-only/
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Nov 14, 2015 @ 10:57:39
Hi there, I found you by searching organic reviews I am so glad I did. I love less toxic stuff ❤ Happy Holiday Season
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Nov 14, 2015 @ 15:56:28
To you as well!
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Feb 18, 2016 @ 20:31:20
Jess – What are your actual credentials other than being a 34 yr mama? What is your background and degree in? Where do your scientific disputes come from on specific ingredients? Just copying and pasting a bunch of ingredients w/o the actual scientific proof of harm is simply hearsay and you are definitely leading people in the wrong direction.
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Feb 20, 2016 @ 00:11:55
I’m now 36 🙂 I have a Bachelor’s in K-12 Spanish Education. Obtaining a degree in Education taught me many things: critical thinking, researching all sides of a topic, and many other qualifications to be able to read a label & form an opinion. It’s very easy to look at a dish soap label that lists organic coconut oil, jojoba & palm oil as the base & know that something is not right. Since I don’t have a phD in Chemistry, I paid those that do to get the scientific proof I desired. Those who can look at the science & disregard it are the ones leading people in the wrong direction, in my opinion.
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Jun 30, 2017 @ 20:57:40
Thank you for the list of places to shop for natural products! Very helpful
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