urban treehugger

H&M goes green

2011-02-12T12:59:00.000-08:00

Attention bargain shoppers, no more excuses, you canofficially afford to be eco-friendly. H&M recently announced its new Conscious collection, which is notonly made from environmentally conscious materials – it is also fabulous. This isn’t their onlysustainable project; WWD’s February 3^rd issue divulged thatH&M's goal is to manufacture their products with all organic and sustainable fabrics by 2020. They are currently also one of theworld’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 theirsuppliers (see link below). Callme 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 environmentalrequirements for H&M suppliers:

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

Happy eco shopping!

eco in the rain and transformations

2011-02-03T19:39:00.000-08:00

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

2010-09-27T22:52:00.000-07:00

I have heard only positive thingsabout the documentary No Impact Man, sowhen I noticed it was playing on HBO a few weeks ago I instinctively hit record, and the other night Ifinally sat down to watch it. Tosay I am inspired is probably an understatement.

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

Although I could never go withouttoilet paper (which they did, believe it or not) and quit cold turkey on diningout (which they also did, believe it or not), I am psyched to bring some ofColin’s no impact methods into my own life. For whoever actually reads this blog and whoever is actuallyinterested, below are some ideas on how I (and maybe even you!...?) am going totry to soften my environmental impact in the coming months and years (key word:try). I feel compelled to make some positive changes along withthe changing of the seasons – a little hippie-ish of me, I know, but I like theconnection, so stop judging:

-compost (eventually)!

-start a garden, even if its justherbs (although I have a tendency to kill plants, but I have faith that I canchange… I hope)

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

-make foods that are usuallystore-bought such as hummus, veggie burgers, juice, bread, salsa, bakedgoods (cookies!), and cereal (granola!)

-make skin care or cleaningproducts that are normally store-bought such as lotion, face wash, andtile/floor cleaners (Gorgeously Greenhas a TON of recipes for all of these items; check out the website for moreinfo: www.gorgeouslygreen.com)

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

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

-walk/ride a bike/use publictransportation wherever and whenever possible

-consume less. Period.

So… here I go… at least I’m going totry.

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

2010-08-31T09:57:00.000-07:00

Many of you may be able to relateto 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 recentlyfound myself actually enjoying it. Well, at least one show…

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

“The radio show featuresentrepreneurs, visionaries, and leaders in the organic food and holistic healthmovement who share their insights and stories, giving valuable informationabout key topics such as increasing the quality of school lunches for kids,buying local and seasonal produce, food justice, progressive approaches toglobal climate change, solutions for food waste, and fostering eco-literacyamongst the general public."

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

What I love most about this show isthat instead of seeming brainwash-y, it introduces eco-friendly, ethicalcompanies and encourages sustainable practices in a way that is inviting,relatable, and exciting. Not tomention they strongly support local businesses. It’s a combination of helping the earth and helping eachother, which in turn nourishes your body and mind, which eventually leads toachieving 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 AnOrganic Conversation (or listen to Green 960 at 10 AM PST on Saturdays), and learn more on their website - their blog includesrecipes, stories, insights, and other fun facts:

www.anorganicconversation.com

b(earth) babies

2010-08-10T10:02:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-29T16:26:00.000-07:00

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)

2010-07-20T20:26:00.000-07:00

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/

Josh Podoll: eco fashion done right

2010-06-16T21:57:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of meeting the designers of the fabulous organic apparel brand, Josh Podoll, during their trunk show at Eco Citizen. They are not only a gorgeous couple, but are also extremely friendly and remarkably talented. Their garments, all made from 100% organic fabrics, are manufactured right here in San Francisco; everything is “grown and sewn” in the US. Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, it’s no lie, and they’ve worked hard for it too. Lauren explained to me that they are constantly striving to find new ways to incorporate sustainability into their business, which is something I admire and hope to strive for in my own economic ventures, whatever they may be. But enough about me…

My favorite print is the Ikat, and I am a huge fan of their witty T-shirts paired with whimsical graphics –all designed by Josh himself. Check out their website and their products at Eco Citizen on Vallejo and Polk in Russian Hill. You won’t be disappointed.

http://www.joshpodoll.com/jp/Welcome.html

eco traveler

2010-06-10T15:03:00.000-07:00

As I have been fortunate enough tohave just taken a fabulous vaca to Cabo San Lucas and will shortly be venturingto Catalina Island, I thought about the ways in which I could travel that areas eco-friendly as possible (despite the “you’recrazy” looks I get from everyone). Especially if you aren’t sure if the place you’re staying is green (which you can alwaysresearch beforehand), it can make even the smallest difference to be consciousof your travel habits. Hereare some ideas I have from my own experiences; if you feel so inclined, trythem out yourself this summer (and share your ideas, too!).

-use natural travel-sizedtoiletries, for example Burt’s Bees, Aveda, Aveeno,ecotools, Korres, and Tom’s toothpaste. You can go on Sephora.com and click on “Natural & Organic” to findout which products have mini versions. ecotools also have great cosmetic brush sets and travel cases – you canfind their products at Target, Walgreens, or online at Amazon.com and Drugstore.com. Instead of purchasing these, you couldalso put your products in little reusable containers (just make sure to recycle themat the end of their life, if possible).

http://www.parispresents.com/EcoTools_s/36.htm

-go shopping in your closet (or your friend’s, or your parent’s…). This will help you avoid spending lotso’ ca$h on new summer outfits that you probably already have/don’t need (aswell as help kick our bad habits of over consuming, of which I amdefinitely a victim of). You mightdiscover things you forgot about that you can upcycle into new pieces. Invite some friends over, make somecocktails (or have some beers - your call), and put together some newoutfits. You know you like thisidea. If you simply must shop, branch out and visit some thrift or vintagestores.

-research restaurants at your final destination that serve local, organicingredients. By eating at theseplaces you can help support the community of wherever you’re visiting. Yelp is one of my favorite sites forthis, but Google is my go-to search engine for everything and anything. One of my most frequent sayings is, infact, “Google it.”

-pack healthy snacks! Myfave snacks to bring are organic dry roasted almonds, Cliff bars (especiallythe organic kid Z bars – obviously not just for kids), Larabar (gluten free,delicious), plantain chips, organic Trader Joe’s olive oil popcorn, driedfruits, trail mix (try making your own!), and apples.

http://www.larabar.com/

http://www.clifbar.com/

-pack a reusable water bottle (mine is a pretty Gaiam one) so you can fill it upat the drinking fountain AFTER security in the airport. Call me cheap, but this is my trick toavoid paying $4 for water.

http://www.gaiam.com/

-if you are a tea drinker, packa few tea bags. This way you can ask coffee shops for hot water instead ofpaying $2+ for a cup of tea either at the airport or your final destination. Myfavorite teas, which are full of antioxidants, are green and black tea (also agreat coffee alternative for your caffeine fix in the morning). It’s also smart to bring powders like Emergen-C to fight off getting sick (and to flavor yourwater).

http://www.emergenc.com/

-if you take sugar with yourcoffee/tea, take a few Stevia packets with you - I buy mine at Trader Joe’s). This is a healthy, natural alternative to sugar, and it’s SUPER sweet,so you only need to add like half a packet to a drink. Maybe even think about packing areusable coffee/tea mug. To learnmore about this nifty little sweetener, check out the website below.

http://www.stevia.com/

-pack natural sunscreen and bugspray to avoid all the narsty chemicalsthat find their way into these products. I found Alba aloe vanilla SPF 30 mineral sunscreen (smells like cookies)and Jason “Quit Bugging Me” natural insect repellent spray (smells not so good,but get over it) at San Francisco’s Rainbow Grocery. Some of these companies also have great lotions, after sunlotions, hair products, deodorants, etc. Other natural products are Aubrey Organics, Nature’s Gate, and Kiss My Face (trywandering the aisles of Whole Foods or your local natural foods store to getideas of some other natural products out there). Also don’t forget 100% aloe vera gel – I pile it on after I get burnt and it usuallyhelps reverse my mistake relatively quickly. Or just be smart and don’t get sunburnt.

http://www.albabotanica.com/

http://www.jason-natural.com/home.php

http://www.aubrey-organics.com/

http://www.natures-gate.com/

http://www.kissmyface.com/

-pack a reusable bag or two for all of your shopping needs. No more paper or plastic waste. Enough said.

-if you are really gung-ho aboutrecycling (like myself), and if you’re not sure if the place you’re going torecycles, think about packing a little bag to shove all of your recyclablesin. This way you can make sure they all get into the blue bin when you comeback home. Don’t be afraid to askthe airline, train, or boat if they recycle; if they don’t, they may be moreapt to make changes if you pester them (nicely) about it. And always remember to recyclewherever you go, the US isn’t the onlyplace with overflowing landfills.

Bonn(eco) Voyage!

viva la VeeV!

2010-05-25T14:58:00.001-07:00

The other night as Jeff’s +1 for the SF Weekly Best Of award party (in which The Café won best pickup bar and best gay bar!), I had the chance to taste VeeV Açaí Spirit. I actually didn’t need a chaser when I tasted it by itself (which never, ever happens) and it was absolutely delicious when mixed in a basil gimlet. When you buy a bottle of VeeV Açaí, $1 is donated to the Sustainable Açaí Project, benefiting the farm communities that harvest Açaí berries.

VeeV is fabulous because it is the only certified carbon neutral spirits company in the world, they get their power through renewable wind energy, and they are involved in several social efforts such Business for Social Responsibility in San Francisco, California Climate Action Registry in Los Angeles, and Co-Op America in Washington DC, all of which are geared toward sustainability. Not to mention their boxes are made from post-consumer waste, their bottles are made from partially recycled glass, AND they use recycled paper. VeeV is the coolest, most socially responsible alcohol companies I’ve ever come across. And it’s delish.

Just to be clear, I am not advocating that you should go and guzzle bottle after bottle of VeeV; if you do decide to buy it, at least you know that your drink is made from quality ingredients and your money is going toward special causes.

Check out their website to learn more. Also please drink responsibly!

www.veevlife.com

Rainbow Grocery: my supermarket mecca

2010-05-21T11:33:00.000-07:00

It’s official, I’m in love with Rainbow Grocery. During my trip there the other day, I literally caught myself giggling down the chip isle and saying things to myself like, “La la la, what to buy?!” Sounds excessive, right? It was simply a natural reaction toward the mountains of natural and organic goodies inside Rainbow Grocery. There are local products in big tubs and bins, organic fruits and veggies, pre-packaged meals like salads and veggie sandwiches (the quinoa salad looked especially delicious), baked goods and desserts, stationery, wine and spirits, cleaning products, body products, yoga products… you get the picture. It was, in a nutshell, a supermarket heaven.

Not only does Rainbow Grocery have the most enormous selection of organic goods in all of San Francisco, it involves the community in its business too. Par example, they put on cooking demos, compost, and recycle electronics. Part of the reason I love them so much is simply because of their mission:

Providing affordable vegetarian food products which have minimal negative impact ecologically and socially
Buying goods from local organic farmers, collectives, bakers, dairies and other local businesses whenever possible
Providing our customers with the best possible service
Providing Rainbow Grocery Cooperative's workers with a livable wage
Creating a nonhierarchical work space based upon respect, mutuality and cooperation
Offering low-cost health care products and resources
Supporting other collectives and worker-owned businesses
Supporting fair labor practices
Donating to local non-profit organizations and schools
Encouraging bicycling, mass transit, and alternative transportation
Composting all in-store green wastes; recycling, reducing and reusing resources whenever possible
Creating a diverse, non-discriminatory multilingual environment

How can you not want to support a business like this? In my opinion, this is the optimal structure for any type of organization.

Consider yourself warned: upon visiting Rainbow Grocery, you will most likely find yourself aimlessly wandering the aisles, neglecting any list you brought with you in order to avoid aimlessly wandering the aisles. Just roll with it.

www.rainbowgrocery.org

sustainable fashion: an homage to my thesis

2010-05-03T16:00:00.001-07:00

During the never-ending research process for my final thesis project at the Academy of Art University, I came across some truly admirable (and truly awesome) eco-friendly brands based on the west coast. I feel it is all too appropriate to include them in my sadly neglected, yet still active eco blog; some of them you may have already seen in previous posts. What can I say? I just love these brands and the various causes they support. I have seen these products in person and I highly encourage y’all to check out their websites. Without further ado: the brands of my hypothetical showroom.....

Vicarious by Nature is a men’s and women’s eco-friendly clothing brand based out of Los Angeles. Their organic apparel is soft, stylish, and represents an environmentally conscious lifestyle. They are “inspired by the notion that we can substitute old ideas for new ideas by promoting a proactive approach to environmental friendliness,” which includes organic production. VBN is very education friendly and strives to spread their knowledge of ethical fashion “with local and global communities.” They also give back to the community through partnerships with Econation and Ocean Conservation Society.

http://www.vicariousbynature.com/

Sub Urban Riot was founded by Pacific Northwesterners who eventually started this apparel company in Venice, CA. They combine sustainable materials with fun images and words, creating a laid-back aesthetic and simple, tailored clothes. Their shirts have become increasingly popular due to their exposure on the TV show It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia. Sub Urban Riot collaborates with 1% For The Planet.

http://www.suburbanriot.com/

Stewart + Brown was launched in 2002 in Los Angeles by Karen Stewart and Howard Brown. Karen and Howard previously worked for established designers; Karen is a trained painter and Howard a graphic artist; they “oversee every aspect of the product and brand themselves.” Nature and “all aspects of life” inspire them. The company only uses organic cotton, top quality surplus fabrics, and renewable fibers including non-toxic, low-impact methods, as they believe in “optimizing their designs and lives to attain the highest standards of quality and functional style while extracting the bare minimum from Earth’s precious capital.” Stewart + Brown donates a minimum of 1% sales to environmental and community organizations.

http://www.stewartbrown.com/

Juleselin is based out of San Francisco and is made from organic cotton, bamboo, and recycled fabrics in a sweatshop-free environment. Founder Julia Burnbaum is a self-taught designer who previously worked for Macy’s West and eventually decided to follow her passion for designing women's clothing, particularly jackets with classic silhouettes. She uses sustainable manufacturing practices and low impact dyes, as well as “green office practices” such as recycling shipping and packing materials, using low energy lighting, non-VOC paints, and recycled furniture. One tree will be planted for every Juleselin item sold, and they also support several charities: Dress For Success, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Stephan A. Communale, Jr. Family Cancer Foundation, and Marin History Museum.

http://www.juleselin.com/

PACT is based out of Berkeley, CA. Created by Jason Kibbey and Jeff Denby, PACT is made up of an established design team, an underwear consultant/former designer, an organic and ethically responsible cotton factory in Turkey, a sustainable marketing and public relations firm in San Francisco, and Planet Access Company, an organization committed to “social purpose.” Their underwear is made of 95% organic cotton and 5% elastane, eco-friendly dyes, is packed in its own reusable fabric bag, shipped in 100% compostable packaging, and works closely with manufacturers to minimize excess transportation. Each pair of underwear is designed for and donates 10% of their sales to specific causes such as ForestEthics, 826 National, Oceana, and Global Green.

http://www.wearpact.com/

Annatarian was created by Anna Mkhitarian in Los Angeles after September 11th, 2001. She worked for various manufacturers in LA before deciding to begin her own eco-friendly brand and curate art exhibits “with the focus being on peace, eco design, transformation, and animal rights.” A designer of eco couture, Anna creates eco-friendly jewelry called Peace Love Earth while “giving back to the environment, making a positive impact and designing in a way where there is no waste.” Peace Love Earth jewelry was launched in 2007, inspired by those very words. Annatarian supports many organizations including CARE and Urban Possibilities.

http://www.peaceloveearth.com/

Ashley Watson is based in Vancouver, Canada, and uses recycled leather products to handcraft their one-of-a-kind accessories such as bags, wallets, clutches, and belts. Ashley’s background in studio art gives her product a practical and sophisticated aesthetic through incorporating worn leather jacket pockets and seams into each piece while maintaining an “environmentally sound approach to fashion design.”

http://www.ashleywatson.net/

Hard Cards, a stationery company based out of Los Angeles, employs local designers and printers and donates 5% of their proceeds to several various social causes. Their cards are printed with soy ink on 100% Post Consumer Waste Paper. Each card depicts beautiful, colorful graphics with sarcastic, “irreverent messages” about occasions from birthdays to babies to weddings. Hard Cards “saw the need for greeting cards that make people laugh at the truth,” and is “committed to creating a line of products with minimal environmental impact.”

http://hardcardsrule.com/

Yellow Owl Workshop, based out of San Francisco, creates hand-made paper goods and home items that are “ready for the gallery wall, but formatted for everyday enjoyment.” They use non-toxic water-based inks, 100% PCW recycled paper and their own screen-printing mitts. Yellow Owl products include cards and postcards, stamps, ceramics, “correspondence sets,” prints, paintings, as well as producing designs for individual clients.

http://yellowowlworkshop.com/

Indosole is a San Francisco based company who manufacturers men’s and women’s sandals in a sweatshop-free environment in Bali. The sandals are made from old bike tires found in Bali, and two pair of Indosole sandals save one tire from a landfill. Indosole also uses sustainable materials like banana leaf, burlap coffee sacks, Indonesian grass, canvas, and grass mat for the upper soles with water based glue and hand stitched reinforcement. Each pair of sandals is handcrafted in safe working conditions, providing well-paying jobs for Balinese workers.

http://www.indosole.com/

eco hits: sasha's picks

2010-04-22T13:07:00.000-07:00

In honor of earth day I wanted to share reviews of my ownearth-friendly products that I’ve acquired during the past couple ofmonths. I have been making anhonest effort to green my every day life by buying eco-friendly products andbeing as environmentally conscious as possible without driving myself totallybonkers. This endeavor has led meto some pretty awesome things, which I feel inclined to share with all of you!

makeup: Korres

The tinted moisturizer smells like watermelon and I’venever gotten more compliments on my skin (shh, don’t tell them I’m wearing it). The face powder isn’t heavy or greasy, and their lip gloss tastes like candy and looks delicious. They use sustainable farming practices,natural ingredients, and recycled packaging, hooray!

http://www.korresusa.com/

mascara: Buxom - Bare Escentuals

Hands down the bestmascara ever. I’m not kidding. Ask Kelley and Steph. Madewithout all of the nasty scary ingredients that shouldn’t ever be put inmakeup.

www.sephora.com

chapstick: Burt’s Bees

100% natural and feels glorious.

www.burtsbees.com

face lotion: Korres yogurt cream

Feels like creamy silk on your face.

http://www.korresusa.com/

face wash: Pangea Organics – Egyptian Calendula & BloodOrange Facial Cleanser

Made with organic and fair trade ingredients, they usesustainable agriculture, recycled packaging, and it makes your face smell likecitrusy goodness. Plus it actuallyworks.

http://www.pangeaorganics.com/

shampoo/conditioner: Burt's Bees - Pomegranate

Makes my hair smell like fruit all the time.

www.burtsbees.com

curl cream: Aveda - Be Curly

Doesn’t make your hair all crunchy and gross, plus it smellsgood (clearly I’m a sucker for anything that smells delicious).

www.aveda.com

toothpaste and floss: Tom’s of Maine

I love all of the minty ones.

www.tomsofmaine.com

chips: Food Should Taste This Good

OBSESSED. Organicingredients and lots of fiber. Allthings amazing. My faves right noware the Multigrain and Blue Corn, and whoa I just noticed they have CHOCOLATE.

http://www.foodshouldtastegood.com/#/home/

hummus: Trader Joe’s organic hummus

Because no day is complete without hummus. After trying several different organic hummus brands, this one remains mypersonal fave.

veggie burgers: Dr. Praeger's - Tex Mex

Yes, this is one of the most awkward names to pronounce, but these burgers are SO good and made with real ingredients - no preservatives. Also, for anyone who cares, they're gluten free.

www.drpraegers.com

ice cream: Laloo’s Goat Milk Ice Cream

This is out of control delicious and worth every penny. Plus it’s lower in fat and doesn’t havemost of the negative qualities of cow’s milk. And it has probiotics. And they have crazy yummy flavors. Please tell me how this could get any better, I bet you can’t.

http://www.laloos.com/

local ice cream: Bi-Rite

Bi-Rite is based out of SF and is God’s gift to icecream. They use local and organicingredients, so go there now if you know what’s good for you. If you don't live here, sucks for you.

http://biritecreamery.com/

toothbrush/razor: Preserve

Made out of recycled yogurt cups! Just as good as the expensive toothbrushes and razors at thedrug store. Plus when you’re donewith them, you can send them back to be recycled!

http://www.preserveproducts.com/

reusable water bottle: Gaiam and Earthlust

Aluminum water bottles are recyclable, and these have prettydesigns.

www.gaiam.com

http://www.earthlust.com/

yoga mat: Gaiam

Yes, it’s true, they have eco-friendly yoga mats.

www.gaiam.com

organic drink: Synergy Kombucha

SO many health benefits: “Its adaptogen effect is seenmostly through its influence on the liver, the blood and the digestive system,where it normalizes the acidity or pH. Metabolic balancing and detoxificationis perhaps the most important function of Kombucha.” My fave flavors are Guava, Cranberry, and Raspberry.

http://www.synergydrinks.com/

sneakers: New Balance 070

They’re super comfortable, cute, and eco-friendly. Best combo ever.

http://www.nbwebexpress.com/newbalanceWE070GN.htm

shoes: Olsen Haus and Terra Plana

I do not own these, but I really want to. Both brands are vegan, support important social causes, andtheir shoes are adorable.

http://www.olsenhaus.com/

http://www.terraplana.com/

apparel: Stewart + Brown

My fave dress (which I now own – thanks mom!!) by Stewart +Brown is the Varley Pleat dress made from organic hemp, which basically feelslike heaven. And the fit isamazing. They are insanely ethicaland innovative in every aspect of their business, read more about it and checkout their collection on their website

www.stewartbrown.com

boutique: Eco Citizen

Located all too conveniently down the street from me, EcoCitizen carries only eco-friendly, fair trade apparel and accessories, many ofwhich are local, some of which are one of a kind and really special. Joslin, the owner, is super knowledgeableabout the sustainable industry and is one of the sweetest people I’ve evermet. I love everything in this store. You can also buy stuff online, so you don’t have to live in SF to shopthere. My fave things right now,which are also on the website, are the Josh Podoll Ikat Wings dress andshirt.

http://www.ecocitizenonline.com/

underwear: PACT

Made from organic cotton, eco-friendly dyes (I love theirunique designs), packed in its own reusable fabric bag and shipped in 100%compostable packaging. Each pairof underwear is designed for and donates 10% of their sales to specific causes. There are so many wonderful things tosay about this brand, you should probably read about it immediately.

www.wearpact.com

eco websites: ecofabulous, Gorgeously Green, treehugger

All are enlightening, fun, and filled with eco ideas.

www.ecofabulous.com

www.gorgeouslygreen.com

www.treehugger.com

green book: Gorgeously Green

Sorry dudes, find your own green book, this one is mostlygeared toward the ladies. Stuffedwith important information and nifty ideas. Definitely inspired me to make changes in my own life. Check out their website (see above).

stationery: Hard Cards

Made with 100% post-consumer recycled paper and soyink. Perfect for sarcastic peoplesuch as myself.

www.hardcardsrule.com

e-cards (because e-cards save paper, duh): some e-cards

Totally inappropriate and hilarious with an overwhelmingamount of options.

http://www.someecards.com/

a food revolution is the best kind of revolution

2010-03-26T17:09:00.000-07:00

I can't even begin to explain how excited I am for this show, Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution. I stumbled upon the first episode the other day on hulu.com and thought I'd watch just a few minutes. Over half an hour later I was moved to tears (what can I say, food and passionate people make me emotional) and found myself motivated to make similar positive changes within my own life, like Jamie so eloquently does in Food Revolution.

The concept of Jamie's show is to make changes in America's bogus school meal systems. He pays a visit to the most obese city in America to literally get to the heart of the problem. What he found was disgustingly alarming: kids were eating pizza for breakfast, processed nuggets for lunch, and were mindlessly throwing away all things nourishing. His mission is basically to educate people about food, especially our future generations, and explain why nutrition is so very important. Jamie wants to reevaluate the school meal systems in a way that will incorporate fresh ingredients and eliminate the fatty, preservative-infused foods that these children have become so (sadly) accustomed to.

Not only is the show moving, it is smart, funny (how can you not love British humor?), and educational. It will teach you about nutrition and maybe even give you some cooking ideas of your own (he is a chef, after all). Watch the show, and pay attention.

Read more about Jamie, the show, his multiple missions (such a do-gooder), and more!

http://www.jamieoliver.com/campaigns/jamies-food-revolution

Seattle: local pride, eco (and volcanic) hot spot

2010-01-25T19:48:00.000-08:00

I have a mouthful of wonderful things to say about Seattle,one of them being that it is home to two exceptional people, Lizzy andDave. During the 4 days I spentexploring the city, my top-notch tour guides took my friends Sarah, Jane, and I to someexcellent spots. As aself-proclaimed wannabe foodie, I took the most pleasure in discovering some ofthe city’s delicious little restaurants, many of which were organic,sustainable, and/or local. I couldtell just by looking around Freemont, Wallingford, Queen Anne, and evendowntown that Seattle takes some serious pride in their local and organicindustries. There were farmersmarkets, eco-chic boutiques, art galleries, the most delicious coffee I’ve everhad (not surprising), and many a local brewery or winery. Not to mention it was surrounded by glorious mountains, morebodies of water than I could keep track of, and a ginormous man-eatingvolcano. Here are just a few of myfavorite Seattle findings (most of which involve food… do I have a problem?):

Molly Moon Ice Cream – local ingredients (some organic;hormone free dairy), vegan choices, fantabulous flavors, compostable utensils,stores built from reclaimed wood and sustainable materials. Stomach ache was definitely worth the 2heaping scoops – 1 salted caramel and 1 chocolate. All around uh-mazing.

http://www.mollymoonicecream.com/

Homegrown – sustainable sandwich shop, compostable utensils,recycled paper menus, fresh ingredients (many of which are organic and/or local), unique menu items,totally delicious.

http://www.eathomegrown.com/

Pike Place Market – local fruits, veggies, treats,knick-knacks, art, more honey and fish in one concentrated area than I’ve everseen in my life.

www.pikeplacemarket.org

Snoqualmie Falls – get in touch with nature and visit thisvisual natural masterpiece (taller than Niagra Falls). Then go get a cup or two of coffee in the lodge’slounge upstairs and stare at the falls from a warmer, drier lookout point (homeof Lizzy and Dave’s new favorite mochas!).

http://www.snoqualmiefalls.com/

PCC Market – my new grocery mecca, like Whole Foods gonesomewhat local.

http://www.pccnaturalmarkets.com/

Freemont Farmers Market – almost anything you couldimagine: local everything, fun people, delicious smelling food, candles, andteas.

http://www.fremontmarket.com/

Islandwood on Bainbridge Island – something I have yet todo, however it sounds like eco-heaven. Teaching environmental awareness, working with the community, all aboutsustainable living. My kind of place.

http://islandwood.org/

It is definitely worth taking a short trip up north to checkout this lovely little city. Ifyou want to blend in with the other Seattleites, don’t use an umbrella, drink aton of coffee that is NOT Starbucks or Peet’s, buy some local beers or wines,and support the local shops/restaurants/farmer’s markets. And of course go say what’s up to Lizzyand Dave, they’re the best.

delicious urthy food

2010-01-07T11:09:00.000-08:00

This past summer, I visited Urth Caffe in West Hollywood,and I am now officially addicted. The menu is vast, delicious, and obviously organic. Many of the items are vegan but don’tsacrifice the appeal of a seriously awesome meal, snack, or beverage. All of theircups and utensils are biodegradable, and they work directly with sustainable coffeegrowers that are Fair Trade. Mypersonal faves out of the few times I’ve been there are the Arnold Palmers,Tuna Sandwich, smoothies, and pumpkin cheesecake (thank you, Kelley, for lettingme mooch off of your sweet-tooth cravings).

It is so important to support places like these, because ifone place uses biodegradable utensils and cooks with organic produce, there isno excuse for others not to. Spread the eco-friendly love!

http://www.urthcaffe.com/

deck the halls with eco-friendly, falalalala lalalala

2009-12-14T09:38:00.000-08:00

I l o v e the holiday season. Despite the insanity of it all (psycho shoppers, freezingcold, dark at 5 PM, etc), there is so much to look forward to: family, friends,gift-giving, decorations, and FOOD.

This holiday season, try substituting some of your regular decorations, cooking, wrapping, and cleaning products with eco-friendly ones. For example, if you MUST buy new Christmas lights,at least make sure they’re LED, like these ones I found on ecofabulous.com: http://www.holidayleds.com/. Here are some other nifty ideasto help eliminate the insane amounts of food and product waste:

-use recycled foil (found at Whole Foods or other specialtymarkets), and try rinsing it out after using it (if it’s not disgusting) torecycle it again.

-make good use of your leftovers (in other words, eat ALL ofthem). There are some awesomerecipes for leftovers on the Food Network and Cooking Light website. Wow I’m a nerd.

-store leftovers in your tupperware instead of plastic bagsor foil, they’ll stay fresher and will save a ton of unnecessary waste.

-clean up the catastrophe that is your kitchen with productslike Method or the magnificent-smelling Mrs. Meyers (my personal fave is thegardenia scent). This will help keep gnarly chemicals from seeping into oursewers and brains. Method even hasholiday scented cleaners. Mmm. www.methodhome.com

-please tell me you only run the dishwasher when it isTOTALLY FULL, otherwise I will have to hunt you down.

-as far as wrapping goes, the least you can do is buyrecycled paper such as Greenfield Paper products, which have fun holidaydesigns: www.greenfieldpaper.com(found on GorgeouslyGreen.com). OR, you can save money AND paper by re-using all the crap you didn’t uselast year. Take all of thoseannoying scraps that didn’t make the cut in ’08 (anyone get the pun?!) and makeyour own personal, unique, magical wrapping creation. Or go to town with your newspapers, magazines, etc. Maybe even grab a sharpie and test yourdrawing skills to make your wrapping even more unique. Go crazy and use a gift as thewrapping, such as a reusable canvas bag or an old tin box. Be eco-conscious and reuse all yourboxes from last year that are shoved somewhere in your laundry room. The possibilities are endless!

-same goes for decorations – REUSE is your new favoriteword. It is pointless to spendmoney on new ones when I guarantee you already have some lodged in yourattic/basement/storage closet etc. Especially all those weird objects you made your parents or friendsduring elementary school. Like Isaid, get creative.

-if you are throwing a party, avoid paper plates and papernapkins. They are the epitome ofwasteful, and wasteful is the epitome of evil. It will once again help you save your money and yourmorals. If you MUST get disposabledinner wear, at least buy biodegradable or recycled ones. Yes, they are slightly more expensivethan the regular stuff, but throw Mother Earth a bone and deal with it. You can probably find it at your localsupermarket, but if not here’s a great website for biodegradables and otherfantabulous eco products (maybe even some gifts..?):

www.branchhome.com

-keep tuning into your inner artist and try making your cardsinstead of buying cheesy ones at Walgreens. It will be fun and meaningful. If you do buy cards, make sure they’re recycled. Check out the plethora of options ongreenpromise.com. http://www.greenpromise.com/resources/environmentally-friendly-christmas-cards.php

Also browse through the wide selection of stationary and holiday cards on www.greenfieldpaper.com

-make your traditional meals even more delicious by usingorganic ingredients. Humor yourmarket’s produce dude by asking him what’s in season – you know they could usesome company, they always look bored. Try baking some tasty treats with seasonal fruits or making some sidedishes with seasonal veggies. Testyour cooking abilities and try making stuff from scratch! Pair that with organic wine and friendsor family and you’ve got yourself a party.

Here’s a link to 5 healthy holiday foods (may help preventone from chunking up on sugar cookies):

http://www.cookinglight.com/eating-smart/smart-choices/5-healthful-holiday-foods-00400000001519/

-R E C Y C L E - E V E R Y T H I N G you possibly can. Buy every recycled product you possibly can. Reuse everything you can. You know you want to.

-about 8 months ago I decided to stop eating meat, so my momis a little confused about the whole Christmas dinner situation. People don’t realize that it’s easy andjust as delicious (plus now I just get to pile on all the scrumptious sidedishes, which I am more than OK with). Check out some mouth-watering recipesfor vegetarian holiday dinners on the Food Network website: www.foodnetwork.com. Cooking Light is also one of myfavorite foodie sites and magazines: www.cookinglight.com. Save a turkey, pig, duck, chicken, orcow, and have a very happy, very green holiday.

IndoSole - the earth's new fave sandals.

2009-12-09T12:47:00.000-08:00

The masterminds behindIndoSole are taking eco-friendly shoes to a whole new level. Their sandals, manufactured in Bali,are made out of tires from Indonesian landfills and other natural materialslike banana leaf, burlap, vegan leather, and Indonesian grass. As it states on their website, 2 pairof IndoSole sandals can be created from 1 landfill-polluting tire. Even the packaging is sustainable – theshoes come in reusable shopping bags made from rice sacks, and the boxes aremade from 100% recycled cardboard. Indos are handmade –which means zero pollution- by happy, fairly paidBalinese workers in clean factories. I know what you’re thinking – it is possible that these sandals couldget any cooler?! ‘Tis.

Notonly are the sandals eco-friendly, they actually look and feel awesome. I would know, since I had theopportunity to meet with the founders of IndoSole a few weeks ago. Faye and Kyle are the definition ofdown to earth; they are friendly, interesting, have meaningfulvalues, and created a unique, quality product. The sandals are super sturdy, so you know they’ll reallylast. The various braided or wovenupper soles are surprisingly soft, especially with the foam inserts underneath.

IndoSoleswill be sold in stores by Spring 2010, but if you can’t wait till then, men's sandalsare currently available online (awesome holiday gift idea!). Check out their website for moreinformation on these spectacular sandals. I will definitely be getting a pair for myself, and for my brothers (ifthey play their cards right). Youshould probably do the same. Alsofriend them on Facebook!

Inthe meantime, here’s some IndoSole fun facts:
Number of Tires saved To Date: 253 (First ever production order of 506 pair) - 2pair of Indo Sandals saves 1 tire from the landfill
Number of Rice Sacks Saved To Date: 253 (First ever production order for packaging) - 2 shopping bagswith handles are made from 1 large rice sack
Number of people employed in the workshop: 20

www.indosole.com

Green Friday

2009-12-04T15:48:00.000-08:00

‘Tis the Season to Go Green. I unofficially changed Black Friday to Green Friday, and I unofficially changed the date from the day after Thanksgiving to today, the first Friday in December (when the holiday season drops like a ton of bricks). Since this is the season of giving (among other things, i.e. eating our faces off), I’d like to share some environmentally friendly gift ideas. Tip: try bulk shopping online to avoid polluting the air by driving all over town, this will also help save your gas tank AND your sanity.

west(eco)ast Holiday Gift Guide*

-I know my family sends out at least 100 Christmas cards every year. Let’s all save some trees by buying cards made from recycled paper, there are PLENTY o’ eco-friendly ones. Also remember to recycle the mass amounts of cards you receive. Explore your options on greenpromise.com.

http://www.greenpromise.com/resources/environmentally-friendly-christmas-cards.php

-Gaiam has so many products I don’t even know where to start. Everything from aluminum water bottles to yoga mats to bath towels, it is a one-stop-shop for gifts. Plus they offer FREE shipping till December 8^th!

www.gaiam.com

-Sephora now has an entire section on its website (and in stores) dedicated to natural & organic products. One of my personal fave makeup brands is Korres.

www.sephora.com

-Show your girlfriend or significant other you care just as much about fashion (and animals) as she does by splurging on a pair of shoes from Olsen Haus. They are vegan and faaaabulous. www.olsenhaus.com

-Check out Preserve products for perfect stocking stuffers.

www.preserveproducts.com

-Priti NYC non-toxic nail polish has an ungodly amount of colors to choose from. They also have a non-toxic nail polish remover. No more nasty smells or chemicals seeping into your nails.

www.pritinyc.com

-Dogeared is one of my favorite brands for jewelry, among other things. They also have an eco-friendly section on their website with fun trinkets like candles, totes, bracelets, earrings, jewelry bags, the list goes on. See for yourself, just type “eco-friendly” in the search box.

www.dogeared.com

-PACT underwear are undergarments with a cause. With designs for both men and women, they will make the perfect ethical present.

www.wearpact.com

-Green Toys for the wee ones.

www.greentoys.com

-Organic Play Dough (found on ecofabulous.com)! Yes, it’s true. Is it weird if I get some for myself?...

http://organicfundough.com/

-Pacifica has delicious soy candles, fragrances, sopas, and body butters. Yum.

www.pacificaperfume.com

-For your creative, stationary-loving friends, check out Yellow Owl Workshop and Hard Cards for cards, stamps, and more.

www.yellowowlworkshop.com

www.hardcardsrule.com

-Molly M jewelry is unique and eco-chic. That rhymes!

www.mollymdesigns.com

-Branch has some super cool home items from ornaments to pillows to salad bowls. See for yourself.

www.branchhome.com

-Indosoles are my favorite eco sandals for beach-loving friends and family members. www.indosole.com

-My roommate enlightened me the other night with this website, which is chalk full of glorious gift ideas. Find the “Eco-Friendly Gifts” option under the Category tab, or type “eco-friendly” in the search box. You can even edit your findings by price. Warning: this could wind up occupying several hours of your day. I’m not kidding.

http://www.gifts.com/

-Here’s some other awesome gifty websites I found on ecofabulous.com:

www.organicadeluxe.com

www.organicstyle.com

www.ecoexpress.com

www.earthtechproducts.com (for all the techies in your life)

www.vivaterra.com

http://www.holidayleds.com/ (for LED Christmas lights!)

While you're perusing the web, take a break from online shopping and watch this funny video of my friend and I busting a move and battling ourselves.

http://www.youtube.com/ihoptowhatship#p/u/0/Fhq2_usJlK0

paper towels: a Thanksgiving challenge.

2009-11-23T15:23:00.000-08:00

In honor of Thanksgiving and all the insanity that will potentially take place in the kitchen, I felt compelled to find at least one way to minimize the amount of waste involved in cooking, cleaning, and general turkey-day preparations. As a person who is thankful for nature (it's the hippie in me), I will no longer be using paper towels on a daily basis. It’s a total waste of paper; we could easily use regular towels, old rags, or destroyed T-shirts to do the dirty work. I probably use way too many paper towels myself, so I am giving all of us a fun little test. I challenge you, on whatever day you read this (if you are feeling particularly adventurous, try it on Thanksgiving!), to use ONLY 1 PAPER TOWEL today. Think of how much paper you will save if you only use 1 as opposed to multiple. It's mind boggling.

If you just can't part from your beloved paper towels, try replacing the regular ones with recycled products. According to the National Resources Defense Council, “If every household in the United States replaced just one roll of virgin fiber paper towels (70 sheets) with 100% recycled ones, we could save 544,000 trees.” That’s a ton of trees. Some products even have chlorine in them to make them brighter – who wants to wipe their mouth on a chemical infused napkin? Not I.

So remember - when you buy paper towels, TP, or napkins, go for the eco-friendly brands like Seventh Generation or Green Forest. They are slightly more expensive, but get over it, because I’m sure we could all spare an extra dollar to help the environment. Have a heart. And have a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Here’s a link to the NRDC website with some great info on recycled paper products - http://www.nrdc.org/land/forests/gtissue.asp

one exception where plastic makes it possible: Plastiki

2009-11-09T16:12:00.000-08:00

You have got to check out this website and read about the amazing San Francisco-based project called Plastiki. I discovered Plastiki on ecofabulous.com and was so inspired I had to spread the word to my fellow (though very few!) readers. There are so many wonderfully innovative people out there that are making a positive impact on environmental awareness, and this guy is definitely one of them.

The brains behind Plastiki, David de Rothschild, is building a catamaran out of about 12,000 reclaimed plastic soda bottles (one of the ocean’s biggest pollutant), which will eventually be sailed across the Pacific. They will be using energy bikes to produce electricity for the ship, as well as solar panels to help power the ship and its communications system. They’ll also have a little fruit and veggie garden and a solar/pump powered water purifier on board, no big deal. Their mission is “to beat waste by inspiring sustainable solutions and to highlight the ecological damage being done to the world’s oceans.” That’s my kind of mission. One of the coolest parts about this project is that their 100 day journey from SF to Sydney, Australia will be filmed; I will absolutely be watching this adventure, and so should you. Or at least take a look at the website, it has fun graphics.

http://www.theplastiki.com/

Read more about Mr. de Rothschild here, he’s ridiculously accomplished:

http://www.theplastiki.com/content/david/

the wonder that is tea tree oil

2009-11-07T23:51:00.000-08:00

I recently bought some tea tree oil after reading about it in Gorgeously Green. Being the space cadet that I am, I completely forgot what it was used for and how to use it, so I did un peu de research (God bless the internet) and discovered some fun facts. One of the more fantastic qualities of this oil is its disinfectant ability - add some to water for a miraculous, home-made cleaning solution or bug repellent (no need to buy harmful, chemical-happy crap anymore to scrub your bathroom, among other things). I have never been so excited to clean! I wanted to share with you the wonder that is tea tree oil, so here are some uses I found on care2.com:

For Health

1. Use a dab to treat acne.
2. An anti-fungal for treating Athlete’s Foot, eczema, various yeast infections, etc.
3. An antiseptic to be used on cuts and burns.
4. An anti-viral: it may lessen the symptoms of colds and flu. Try using a few drops in the bath.
5. Add to a vaporizer to loosen chest congestion.
6. Add a small amount to shampoo to destroy head lice.
7. A small amount added to your bath can help with persistent body odor.
8. Treating sinus infection.
9. For dandruff and dry scalp.
10. In the form of aromatherapy, tea tree oil is used to treat colds, persistent coughs, acne, toothaches, and sunburn.

For Cleaning

11. To create an all-purpose cleaner, combine 2 teaspoons of tea tree oil in 2 cups of water in a spray bottle.
12. Another version would be 14 ounces of water with 1 ounce of Murphy’s oil soap and 10 drops of tea tree oil.
13. Mix the above solution with kosher salt to scrub bathtub and bathroom tiles.
14. Add a few drops to dishwasher dispenser, then fill with a green dishwashing soap.
15. A few drops added to each load of laundry leave your clothes smelling cleaner.
16. Control mold with a tea tree oil/water spray.
17. Remove mustiness with that same tea tree oil/water spray.
18. To keep germs at bay, spray it on high chairs, car seats, and other high traffic spots.
19. 15 drops in a quart of water can be an effective insect repellent.
20. Be sure to take some with you when hiking and camping to put directly on insect bites or blisters.

Info taken from:

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/20-great-uses-for-tea-tree-oil.html#

bi-rite creamery: everything ice cream should be, and more.

2009-11-01T22:47:00.000-08:00

A few weekends ago I went to Bi-Rite Creamery with my fellow dessert-loving, recycling-happy friend, Katy. She prepared me for something amazing, and it definitely lived up to my expectations. Delicious, crazy flavors like honey lavender, cinnamon snickerdoodle, and malted vanilla with peanut brittle will make your taste buds do cartwheels of joy. Bi-Rite rocks because they use local organic ingredients; their organic milk, cream, and eggs come from Straus Family Farm, 45 miles away from San Francisco. They provide a list of ingredients on their website, of which there are rarely more than 5 in their unique flavors. Their utensils are biodegradable, they source their ingredients as locally as possible, and even their sugar cones are made from organic ingredients.

Bi-Rite also has popsicles, sundaes, sorbet, ice cream sandwiches, cakes, pies, fresh hot chocolate, and baked goods. I want it all NOW.

Check out their website and their SF location on 18^th St at Dolores. Get excited.

http://biritecreamery.com/

trick-or(ganic)-treat

2009-10-21T17:19:00.000-07:00

With Halloween just around the corner, I felt the need to embrace my inner geek and look up some organic candy (yes, there is such a thing). Just because Halloween is a candy-filled holiday, it does not give us an excuse to gorge on only nasty processed junk. I won't condemn you for eating a Snickers, but there are other alternatives that do not sacrifice deliciousness or festiveness that are worth being explored. That being said...

I got embarrassingly excited about this website (which I found on GorgeouslyGreen.com), check it out! Natural and fairtrade Halloween candy! So many varieties!

http://www.naturalcandystore.com/

*(to learn more about why Fairtrade is so awesome and so important, read the "About Fairtrade" section on this website http://www.fairtrade.net/)*

I also came across this brand YummyEarth - they have everything from lollipops to gummy bears/worms to fruit drops. The company was started by two dads who didn't want to feed their kids crap-filled candy, and they provide a list of ingredients on their website. You can find it at places like Whole Foods, Borders, Toys R Us, Amazon.com, and other health food stores or supermarkets. Their website also recommends trying Trader Joe's organic candies. I haven't tasted any YummyEarth products yet, but it's gotten great reviews. I'm definitely hoping to find it at the nearest Whole Foods so I can hand them out to the kids on Union Street on Halloween. You should probably do the same.

http://yummyearth.com/

green team

2009-10-19T11:17:00.000-07:00

Watching videos online is totally green (as long as you don't leave your computer plugged in ALL DAY ALL THE TIME). Here are some silly environmental-related ones.

I love Will Ferrell. This gets extremely inappropriate, so if there are small children in the room – EARMUFFS.

http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/fa1420df1f/green-team-from-will-ferrell-adam-ghost-panther-mckay-and-john-c-reilly

Even the guys on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia are jumping on the green wagon. One of my favorite shows.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGWt9Q9Ktgs&feature=PlayList&p=7366C101F9276491&index=8

la boulange: rainy day savior, everyday gem

2009-10-13T18:51:00.000-07:00

I am a sucker for all things delicious (and French), which is one of many reasons why San Francisco based La Boulange is one of my favorite places in the city. There is one location conveniently across the street from my work on Union St, and another conveniently down the street from my apartment on Polk St; I somehow have yet to get sick of it.

The founder, Pascal Rigo, opened Boulangerie Bay Bread in 1995, which eventually evolved into La Boulange. Everything from the bread to the coffee is organic, which automatically makes them awesome. My favorites are their soy chai latte, homemade granola, tomato soup, mini brie and apple sandwich, open faced goat cheese/roasted red pepper/portobello mushroom sandwich, and the lovely accoutrements (cornichons rock my world). They are super eco-heroes because they recycle and compost, use biodegradable packaging, and they are making small steps to make their stores as green as possible. They are also involved in great volunteer and fundraising projects. YAY!

Today, in a desperate attempt to find a dry place to sit during a torrential downpour, I found refuge under the awning of La Boulange at Market St. To my EXTREME delight, they had recently started serving hot apple cider. They even put a cinnamon stick on top, which made it delicious by default. It tasted like holiday parties and fall festivities. I obviously recommend trying this immediately.

Check out their website and support their several SF locations! Hooray for organic food and biodegradable things.

http://laboulangebakery.com/

greetings fellow eco-enthusiasts

2009-10-11T14:03:00.000-07:00

My name is Sasha, and I love all things eco-friendly. I am not a crunchy hippie nor am I a crazy activist, I just love polar bears, clean air, recycling, and the earth. I hope you'll join me on my little adventure through the greening of my everyday life. I'll also throw out some recipes (because food is all kinds of wonderful), eco-friendly discoveries, reviews, the occasional YouTube video, and random thoughts, facts, or observations. I also promise to try and be funny (keyword: try).

I hope this blog of mine can inspire you to make a few changes in your lives that will benefit your body and soul, and will hopefully help keep the planet from overflowing with filthy trash during our lifetime. I hope to help you realize that being a little more green is really not as annoying as it seems. And if making just one small change to help the environment gives you no satisfaction whatsoever, chances are you have a heart of stone. And you're probably lazy. Sorry.

peace, love, and recycle.