Reviewed by Danica Stefanko, age 19


A few weeks ago, I got a package at my door. That in itself made me happy, because I was told I would receive a package from Mad Gab's, and it had gotten there within only a few days. When I opened the package, before I even saw the products, I was even happier at what fell out - biodegradable packing peanuts. These are a kind of packing peanut, not made of Styrofoam, but of cornstarch, that dissolves when put into water. There was also a leaflet that was included with my products. It was all about the company, and what they're all about and also an order form. This company makes only completely natural products (with recyclable packaging), never tests on animals, and creates local jobs in Maine, providing work for adults who have physical and mental disabilities and may not be able to get jobs elsewhere.

In this packet there was also a list of their products, all their ingredients, and different flavors/scents. Everything is made with the environment and the consumer's health in mind. Now, on to the products I received. There was something called Elephant Lube, which I thought sounded a bid odd. The one I was sent was lavender scented. It turns out this is an all-natural hand salve (basically a compact hard version of lotion). Living in the arctic of upstate NY, I have learned to appreciate good skin repairing lotion. This is definitely the best kind I have ever come across. I even put it on my 2-year-old daughter who won't leave it alone (I am always looking for something natural, and good smelling to keep her skin from drying). It soaked into my skin quickly without leaving a greasy after-feel. Also, it was one of the most pleasant but not overbearing scents I have smelled in this type of product. It smells like you are standing in the middle of a lavender field. Even my not-so-earth-conscious mother in law loved it, and said even she would buy it!

I also received the same scent in a lip balm along with a blueberry flavored one. Once again, I am always looking for a good lip balm because of the cold, dry weather where I live. I wasn't so sure of putting something scented like a flower on as lip balm, but to my surprise, it was great. It didn't taste funny, and it had the same wonderful scent as the elephant lube. The blueberry was definitely my favorite though. The lip balm didn't feel waxy and heavy like most others. It had a glossy, silk like feel to it, and it wasn't shiny so yes, guys, you can use it too. And once again, this has the definite approval of my picky little two year old.

And then came my favorite part of the package, the candle. I consider myself to be quite the candle snob, a connoisseur if you will. I generally buy only a very expensive, mail order only, lead-free wick candles that are made with essential oils to scent them. What I didn't know about those candles I was buying is that they are made with paraffin wax, which is a petroleum by-product. Mad Gab's candles are not made with that kind of wax. They are made with all-natural soy wax and are also made with essential oils and lead-free wicks. The Mad Gab's are now my choice of the two. They burn soot free, and are good for about 35 hours of burning time. The scent I received was "clove almond orange," one of the oddest combinations of smells I had ever heard of. But, once again I was surprised. The candle has a very refreshing clean citrus scent, which actually helped eliminate that hard to get rid of diaper pail smell.

The prices for all these products are generally easy on the teen consumer's pocket. They are about the average price you would pay for the equivalent of the good quality non-earth friendly versions of these products, but with the obvious benefits. Converting to these products in place of the less eco-sensitive ones would be a good choice with about the same pocket book damage. This company has definitely made one more customer.