H&M goes green

Attention bargain shoppers, no more excuses, you can officially afford to be eco-friendly.  H&M recently announced its new Conscious collection, which is not only made from environmentally conscious materials – it is also fabulous.  This isn’t their only sustainable project; WWD’s February 3^rd issue divulged that H&M's goal is to manufacture their products with all organic and sustainable fabrics by 2020.  They are currently also one of the world’s largest buyers of organic cotton, and are seeking "to increase the volumes by at least 50% each year until 2013” (www.hm.com).  They even have environmental requirements for their suppliers (see link below).  Call me crazy, but this makes me REALLY EXCITED.

Check out the Conscious collection, in stores April 14!

http://www.hm.com/us/press/pressreleases/fashion/fashionpressrelease.ahtml?pressreleaseid=1184&nodeid=334

Read more about the environmental requirements for H&M suppliers:

http://www.hm.com/us/corporateresponsibility/environment/environmentalrequirementsonsuppliers__supplierarticle4.nhtml

Happy eco shopping!

eco in the rain and transformations

Sometimes the things we don’t want to do can be the most transformative. – Elizabeth Neuse during Vinyasa at Yoga Works 2/2/11

I took this statement to heart for several reasons yesterday.  First of all, can we talk about this weather in New York right now?  Because I, personally, am O V E R I T.  My janky rain boots have holes in them, so I resort to wearing my snow boots, which aren’t tall enough to keep the snowy slush off of my ankles, so I wear legwarmers with them (my crafty eco solution as opposed to buying another pair of snow boots).  Something I really, really didn’t want to do yesterday morning was walk to work in the delicious icy slush-mess in Manhattan.  It was dangerously slippery, uncomfortably rainy, and just generally unpleasant, especially when my yoga mat fell out of my backpack and into a gnarly puddle in the park within two blocks from my apartment.  So riddle me this New York: how is this situation at all transformative?     

It took some serious concentration and a great yoga class later in the evening to help level out this (somewhat) newly acquired East Coast cynicism.  As I reflected on my day, I noticed that, during my laborious walk to work I began thinking of ways of how I could be eco in the rain, as well as how to walk mindfully and refrain from falling on my face.  For example: I recently bought Nike snow boots (which I tried to avoid having to own…until it snowed, then I got the picture), because I know that not only does Nike has some fabulous sustainable initiatives, their shoes would also probably save my sorry butt from slipping in the snow.  Read more about Nike and their environmental efforts here:

http://www.nikebiz.com/responsibility/

All this rain (and all the rain to come) lead me to consider searching for a legit pair of rain boots, but I refused to buy them if they weren’t eco-friendly.  That’s just how I roll.  I did some research (a.k.a. Google) and found Kamik, a Canadian brand that uses recyclable materials to construct their boots.  A few clicks through Amazon.com, and I was sold.

While milling about on Amazon.com, I also remembered my yoga mat spill earlier in the day, so I searched for yoga mat bags (eco-friendly, of course).  I came across a few interesting options, but the Gaiam bag made from recyclable materials was the final purchase.

http://www.amazon.com/Gaiam-Conscious-Recycled-Yoga-Sage/dp/B000HZDXCK

Luckily I own an umbrella, however I can feel that its life span is quickly approaching a bitter end (i.e. it barely opens).  My answer to this?  Google, and ye shall find: Totes makes eco-friendly umbrellas.  Done.

Then I really plunged into the thought of transformation.  In doing something I didn’t want to do - walk to work in icy/snowy/funk-tastical weather – I motivated myself to find more eco-conscious weather solutions.  I learned that I can surpass the discomfort of the elements by staying focused and calm, and I realized that I should simply get over it instead of complaining about it.  Doing something I didn’t want to do goes even further back before I decided to move to this merciless city: not wanting to leave the place and people I love, not wanting to risk finances and various other uncertainties.  But by taking the leap and getting through the unwanted experience(s), I am starting to see a silver lining as I become even more aware of myself and the environment; I also remember to feel grateful to own something as simple as rain boots and to have a warm place to come home to.  Living, learning, persevering, transforming.  

On a lighter note, check out these other weather trusty brands who work hard to improve their environmental impact:

Timberland

http://www.timberland.com/

Patagonia

http://www.patagonia.com/

The North Face

(Living without a puffer jacket during winter in New York is like living in a world without cookies, i.e. sad and cold.)

http://www.thenorthface.com/

Kamik

http://www.kamik.com/

Totes Umbrellas

http://www.totes-isotoner.com/

eco film: no impact man

I have heard only positive things about the documentary No Impact Man, so when I noticed it was playing on HBO a few weeks ago I instinctively hit record, and the other night I finally sat down to watch it.  To say I am inspired is probably an understatement.


For those of you who haven’t seen it, the documentary begins with an adorable family of 3 – consisting of the No Impact Man himself, Colin Beaven; his witty and sarcastic wife Michelle, and their little button child Isabella – deciding that for 1 year they would eliminate their carbon footprint, which is no easy task for Manhattan-ites.  Some changes are drastic, some are doable, some are psycho, but everything is admirable.  They travel only by foot or bike (he even winds up constructing a bike “SUV”), shop only at the farmer’s market in Union Square, forego electricity for 6 months, garden, refrain from buying anything new, do their laundry in a bath tub, and so on and so forth.  These changes taught Colin and his wife how to connect closer to the community, to the earth, and to each other.


Although I could never go without toilet paper (which they did, believe it or not) and quit cold turkey on dining out (which they also did, believe it or not), I am psyched to bring some of Colin’s no impact methods into my own life.  For whoever actually reads this blog and whoever is actually interested, below are some ideas on how I (and maybe even you!...?) am going to try to soften my environmental impact in the coming months and years (key word: try).  I feel compelled to make some positive changes along with the changing of the seasons – a little hippie-ish of me, I know, but I like the connection, so stop judging:


-compost (eventually)!

-start a garden, even if its just herbs (although I have a tendency to kill plants, but I have faith that I can change… I hope)

-shop at farmer’s markets for local produce, dairy, flower, the works

-make foods that are usually store-bought such as hummus, veggie burgers, juice, bread, salsa, baked goods (cookies!), and cereal (granola!)

-make skin care or cleaning products that are normally store-bought such as lotion, face wash, and tile/floor cleaners (Gorgeously Green has a TON of recipes for all of these items; check out the website for more info: www.gorgeouslygreen.com)

-use only reusable shopping/produce bags, water bottles, coffee cups, napkins

-shop out of the bulk bins at the market (I went to the market the other day and all I saw was plastic.  Plastic EVERYWHERE.)

-walk/ride a bike/use public transportation wherever and whenever possible

-consume less.  Period.


So… here I go… at least I’m going to try.

Check out the No Impact websites for info on how to get involved in Colin's earth-friendly projects, eco tips, stories, etc.

http://www.noimpactdoc.com/index_m.php


http://noimpactproject.org/


Happy Harvest!

eco radio: an organic conversation

Many of you may be able to relate to my experiences as a child sitting in the back seat of my parents car, drowning out the monotonous tones of the horrendously boring talk radio.  I suppose I have officially reached adulthood, because I have recently found myself actually enjoying it.  Well, at least one show… 

Green 960 AM dedicates Saturday mornings, appropriately dubbed The Green Morning, to all things green, eco, organic, sustainable - you get the picture.  The fabulous show I discovered while perusing podcasts on iTunes is called An Organic Conversation – here’s a description taken from their website: 

“The radio show features entrepreneurs, visionaries, and leaders in the organic food and holistic health movement who share their insights and stories, giving valuable information about key topics such as increasing the quality of school lunches for kids, buying local and seasonal produce, food justice, progressive approaches to global climate change, solutions for food waste, and fostering eco-literacy amongst the general public."

To give you an idea of some of the topics covered on An Organic Conversation, the past couple of podcasts have focused on peaches, chocolate, solar energy, slow food, gluten free food, a local organic garden working with high schools in the bay area, and eco travel.  I’ve added multiple new websites to my bookmarks menu after every show I’ve listened to, as there is always something fascinating to learn (in other words, I geek out bigtime).  The hosts Helge Hellberg and Mark Mulcahy are professionals in the organic food industry and present their material in a manner that is educational and entertaining.  Helga has a very soothing radio voice and a pleasant German accent; Mark has a hearty Santa Claus laugh; both are all around interesting and positive people who adore everything and anything organic.

What I love most about this show is that instead of seeming brainwash-y, it introduces eco-friendly, ethical companies and encourages sustainable practices in a way that is inviting, relatable, and exciting.  Not to mention they strongly support local businesses.  It’s a combination of helping the earth and helping each other, which in turn nourishes your body and mind, which eventually leads to achieving a healthy mind, body, and planet.  Well, at least that's my equation and overall outlook on the matter.  Here I go geeking out again...

Check out the podcast for An Organic Conversation (or listen to Green 960 at 10 AM PST on Saturdays), and learn more on their website - their blog includes recipes, stories, insights, and other fun facts:

www.anorganicconversation.com

 

b(earth) babies

A friend of mine recently launched this fantastic new line of baby clothes called b(earth) based out of Seattle, Washington. Not only are the designs ridiculously cute, b(earth) uses organic materials and water based inks; they also work with local designers and printing shops. Read more in the “About Us” section on their website; the “Why b(earth)?” section explains the significance of the materials they use. No secrets here, just honest to goodness eco baby clothes. 

Founder Luke Wilson explains, “We are really proud of our ‘Re-b(earth) Project,’ where we’ve partnered with WestSide Baby in Seattle on a program where our customers can donate their gently used and outgrown b(earth) garments to needy children at WestSide Baby, in exchange for a coupon to use on our site. We really want to give back to the community in whatever way we can.” 

 

But wait, there’s more! Recycled materials and soy-based inks are used for their packaging, business cards, and nifty little pins whenever possible. They also collaborate with Dharma Merchant Services, where 10% of profits are donated to a non-profit of b(earth)’s choice. Sounds like a pretty ecologically responsible brand to me. 

To those of you with children, those of you searching for baby gifts, or those of you who will be having children in the future, do yourselves a favor and support b(earth). It’s not every day you find a conscious company with adorable designs (I love them all, but I think my favorite is “Give a Hoot” pictured below.  Does not come with baby.). 

You can friend them on Facebook to get updates on new styles, trade shows, and more:

http://www.facebook.com/bearthclothing 

Props to Luke Wilson and friends for founding this wonderful brand! Check out their website for more information and images of their sweet summer collection. 

http://www.bearthclothing.com/

eco beekman boys

I have a new favorite TV show: The Fabulous Beekman Boys on Planet Green TV.  Not only are these guys a hoot to watch (chasing goats, getting to know Polka Spot the llama, a general Martha Stewart-esque aura about them), they lead a pretty fascinating life. (I reference Martha because Brent was the former VP for Healthy Living at Martha Stewart Omnimedia.  No big deal.)

Dr. Brent Ridge and Josh Kilmer-Purcell, partners for over 10 years, one day decided to purchase the 200+ year old Beekman estate in upstate New York, meaning trading in their Manhattan city life for rural farm life (although Josh still travels back and forth between his job in the city and the farm; he is also a New York Times bestselling author.  Again: no big deal.).  This transition is visibly rough (learning to garden, shovel manure, herd goats, and raising your own pigs which will eventually be slaughtered is no picnic), but the boys’ alluring personalities along with the beautiful Beekman scenery makes for a pretty fabulous show. 

One of the things I admire most about both the show and the actual situation of the Beekman boys is their overall spunk and strife toward an eco-friendlier life.  As they state ever so eloquently on the Beekman 1802 website, “we can all better learn how to live naturally, seasonally, and stylishly from one another.”  Brent and Josh, with the help of a few local artisans and farmers, are raising their own livestock, making their own cheese, growing their own produce, and making products such as goat milk soaps, skin care, stationery, and linens – their products can be purchased online. 

The Beekman 1802 website also has witty blog posts written by the stars of the show, including recipes and silly farm stories.  It’s fun (and educational) to both read about and watch how Brent and Josh try to eco-fy their lives at the Beekman; I suggest you take a look for yourselves.  You can also watch this show On Demand (which has proven to be a wonderful indoor summer activity for me).

http://www.beekman1802.com/

http://planetgreen.discovery.com/tv/the-fabulous-beekman-boys/the-fabulous-beekman-boys.html

eco foodie (wannabe)

 

I am obsessed with food; anyone close to me will concur. I could squeal with joy when biting into a ripe peach or avocado, I do a happy dance when eating fresh hummus and pita, and I frequently geek out while watching the Food Network (and recently the new Cooking Channel) or reading health and food magazines/books (currently Omnivore’s Dlimma by Michael Pollan, which is uh-mazing). Poke fun at me all you want, I just LOVE the feeling of stuffing my face with healthy, delicious grub. I love reading about it, talking about it, and especially eating it. I love learning more about food and sharing my knowledge with others, as well as trading recipes or meal ideas. 

So what does food have to do with being eco-friendly? Much of what goes into healthy eating involves organic, fresh, and local foods, meaning no pesticides, fresh ingredients/no preservatives, and a smaller carbon footprint from not sending produce across the ocean or the air. The best advice I’ve acquired in terms of being an eco-friendlier eater and shopper is to shop local (the iPhone app, Farmer’s Market Finder, helps you find farmer’s markets in your area!), shop seasonal, and shop organic as much as possible. This doesn’t mean just shopping at Whole Foods, there are a whole lot of other health food stores and farmer’s markets out there (Real Foods and Rainbow Grocery are my favorite markets in San Francisco, and the Ferry Building hosts a fantastic farmer's market).  Or get really adventurous and plant your own garden (I have yet to tackle this task, but I anxiously await the day when I decide to take the plunge)!

This also means refraining from eating so much meat (sorry carnivores), as livestock is a large emitter of the very non eco-friendly CO2 (as well as methane and nitrous oxide), not to mention the amount of fossil fuel that is burned to feed, slaughter, and transport it – I am by no means an expert on this subject, but if anyone is interested in learning about this I definitely recommend Omnivore’s Dilemma (shout out to those who recommended that book to me!).  In other words: everything in moderation (although chocolate is a personal exception to this rule).

Also remember to take your reusable shopping bags with you! 

Here’s a few of my fave magazines and websites with lots of healthy recipes and information (thank you Ashley for letting me mooch off your magazines): 

Self – www.self.com 

Women’s Health – www.womenshealthmag.com 

Health – http://www.health.com/ 

Shape – www.shape.com 

Cooking Light - http://www.cookinglight.com/ 

Rachel Ray (feel free to laugh at me for this one) – www.rachaelraymag.com 

Food Network – www.foodnetwork.com 

The Cooking Channel - http://blog.cookingchanneltv.com/ 

Happy Little Vegans – http://happylittlevegans.com/wordpress/

Epicurious – http://www.epicurious.com/ 

Whole Living - http://www.wholeliving.com/