Many of you know that I’ve been “greening” my wedding photography business practices for several years now. In addition to being a Board Member for Greener Photography and a member of the Green America Green Business Network, I also offer a special eco-friendly (“green”) wedding photography option for couples interested in hiring a green wedding photographer.

One of these options is an environmentally friendly wedding album by Cypress. These albums are made by an environmentally sustainable company, and are:

• Acid-free, which keeps your photos in a PH-neutral, archival environment.
•Tree-free, made from 100% cotton linters, which are a waste byproduct of the textile industry.
•Chlorine bleach-free, keeping harmful chemicals out of our homes, not to mention our water sources.
•Sourced from environmentally conscious suppliers.

Cypress albums are unique and elegant. Lovingly handmade, these albums come in 18 different luxurious cloth cover options, 2 page edge options (straight or deckeled), 3 layout options (scrapbook, matted or flushmount) and 2 binding options (library or ribbon). Each comes with its own archival storage box. Cypress albums have a fine art feel and are of the highest quality. These true pieces of art make a wonderful family heirloom.

If you’d like to learn more about our Eco-Friendly/Green wedding photography packages, please contact us at (347) 413-4747.

Photo Credit: Cypress Albums

I hope you enjoyed my post. Click here if you’d like to View My Portfolio or Contact Me.

photo ©2009 Julia Guarino

As you probably know, Herban Lifestyle is proud to use only truly natural and organic ingredients, which means only organic and/or ethically wildcrafted herbs and essential oils, organic fabrics and fill, no preservatives, artificial colors, fragrances, or surfactants, and no synthetic, petroleum-based or other chemical ingredients. We pledge to these standards as a signer of the Compact for Safe Cosmetics, and we always adhere to Whole Foods’ Premium Bodycare Standards.

But did you know that Herban Lifestyle is green in other ways? When we package things for you, we only use 100% recycled paper labels, and all packaging and shipping supplies are recycled, recyclable and/or biodegradable. To ship, we only use the US Postal Service; did you know that the USPS holds “Cradle to Cradle”Certification at the Silver level for human and environmental health? To further ensure environmentally responsible business practice, we always offset 100% of our carbon footprint through purchase of CleanCurrents and CarbonFund RECs, and we are an Environmental Protection Agency Green Power Partner, which means we purchase green power in amounts that meet EPA’s requirements.

As a member of Green America and the Sustainable Business Network of Washington, we also pledge to practice ethical business and labor standards, which is easy since everything we sell is handcrafted in Falls Church, VA we do absolutely no manufacturing! In our efforts to be conscientious members of our community we also donate 5% of gross revenues to charity, including Feeding America (formerly America’s Second Harvest), Sierra Club, Herb Research Foundation, and Martha’s Table, we donate goods to local charities (such as EcoVentures) for their fundraising efforts, and we purchase our 800 number through Earth Tones, where 100% of their profit goes to grassroots environmental causes.

We hope you’ll celebrate Earth Day with us! Check out the EPA’s website to learn about Earth Day events and volunteer opportunities happening near you. Be green!

This post was written by guest blogger, Julia Guarino.

It’s time again to pack our bags and head out West! This year’s Seattle Greenfest is taking place this weekend, March 28th and 29th. Greenfest is a joint event put on by Green America and Global Exchange to spread awareness of green and fair trade issues. We, along with Fair Trade Sports have a booth at this year’s event. And are really excited to go!

If you are in the Seattle area, please stop by and visit us and the many other green/fair trade companies and organizations exhibiting there. We will be in Booth 1217 in the Fair Trade section. Not only will you have a chance to check out great companies and do some shopping, just in time for spring, but you will have a chance to meet amazing people and hear some great speakers. This year’s line up includes Danny Glover, John Perkins, Amy Goodman, and many many more! And for the first time ever this year’s event will feature a Live Blogging Zone, where visitors are asked to tell their friends all about the events of the day!

Seriously Greenfests are amazing places to meet like minded people and discover amazing companies and products with great missions. So please come on down and check it out! Come visit us and get a special event price on sneakers or just to say hi! Hope to see you there!!!

When: March 28-29, 2009

Saturday 10AM – 7PM  and Sunday 11AM – 6PM

Where:

Washington State Convention & Trade Center
800 Convention Place
Seattle, WA

The following is a guest post by Julia Guarino

I try to be as green a I can in all aspects of my life, but is it possible to think green when you are making decisions about everyday products like cell phones and credit card companies?

It is! I recently became an individual member of Green America, which publishes the National Green Pages – a listing of environmentally and socially responsible businesses. (Incidentally, Herban Lifestyle recently applied to be a member of their Green Business Network). They list businesses in almost any category you can think of, and (speaking from experience) their screening process is extensive, so you can feel good about working with any of the businesses they include.

One of my favorite Green companies – one that I have had a credit card with and that my family purchased long distance phone services through for years, and which I discovered has recently started a mobile phone service called CREDO Mobile on the Sprint Network – is Working Assets. They donate a portion of the revenue from their reliable, high-quality services to nonprofits “Supporting peace, equality, human rights and the environment.” This has amounted to over $60 million since 1985. You can read about the nonprofits they support, and even vote on who they should support next year, here.

So, the next time you’re looking for any new service, or thinking of switching from any of your old providers, take a look at the Green Pages! And when you’re there, keep an eye out for Herban Lifestyle!

Well I finally got to see my picture from Co-op America’s booth. I still don’t know how the gentleman I spoke with managed to convince me to get my picture taken. Since I did though, I though I would share. I am hoping to be back more often after this weekend (then we will only be at one house instead of in between two). Hope you have your holiday shopping under control and are working out the kinks for your holiday celebrations!

Well here’s the picture! Oh and the guy suggested my sign say “I have worms.” I wasn’t quite ready for that!

What’s Your Favorite GREEN Thing to Do?

from Co-op America and the Green Festival

Be Well!

Sustainable Consumerism sounds like an oxymoron… but buying certified products makes good social, economic and ecological sense. It cuts out intermediary buyers and guarantees small producers prices that exceed their production costs. It also helps protect the environment. Purchase items that benefit the environment and producers in developing countries – how and where you spend your money matters!

Fair Trade Purchasing

• A GREATER GIFT
  A Greater Gift is a nonprofit program of SERRV International. They promote the social and economic progress of people in developing regions of the world by marketing their handcrafts and foods in a just and direct manner. From fairly traded garden and patio accessories to clothing and chocolate, A Greater Gift has it all.
  A Greater Gift > Get Involved > Sell Through Your Store
  http://www.agreatergift.org/default.aspx
• CENTER FOR A NEW AMERICAN DREAM
  The Center for A New American Dream (CNAD) advocates responsible consumption to protect the environment, enhance quality of life, and promote social justice. Check out the Conscious Consumer Marketplace for links to online and local sources for environmentally and socially responsible goods and services — from coffee to paper to energy for your home.
  Center for a New American Dream > Buy Wisely > Conscious Consumer > Marketplace
  http://www.newdream.org/consumer/marketplace.php
• CO-OP AMERICA
  Co-op America is a not-for-profit membership organization founded in 1982 to harness economic power-the strength of consumers, investors, businesses, and the marketplace-to create a socially just and environmentally sustainable society. Become a member and get access to Co-op America’s national directory of screened and approved green businesses.
  Co-op America > Publications > National Green Pages
  http://www.coopamerica.org/pubs/greenpages/
• FAIR TRADE FEDERATION
  The Fair Trade Federation (FTF) is an association of fair trade wholesalers, retailers, and producers whose members are committed to providing fair wages and good employment opportunities to economically disadvantaged artisans and farmers worldwide. Check out the online catalogue of FTF’s retailers.
  Fair Trade Federation > Shopping & Sales
  http://www.fairtradefederation.com/mshop.html
• INTERNATIONAL FAIR TRADE ASSOCIATION
  The International Fair Trade Association (IFAT) is the international network of Fair Trade organizations. Find suppliers of Fair Trade clothing and textile, coffee, tea, chocolate and handcrafts.
  Downloads, Library & Links > Links & Further Reading > Fair Trade Goods
  http://www.ifat.org/furtherreading/libraryftgoods.shtml
• NORTHWEST SHADE COFFEE CAMPAIGN
  The Northwest Shade Coffee Campaign educates about the connection between coffee, trade and birds. Find out where you can buy shade grown coffee in your community.
  Northwest Shade Coffee Campaign > Where To Buy?
  http://www.seattleaudubon.org/shadecoffee/wherebuy/wherebuy.asp
• PROJECT PEARL
  Project PEARL-Partnership to Enhance Agriculture in Rwanda through Linkages-is the purest application of the land-grant tradition of partnership, practical application and research. It’s also personal stories of perseverance, of vision and of triumph. Rwanda Coffee is proud to bear the Fair Trade label.
  http://special.newsroom.msu.edu/rwandacoffee/
  http://shop.msu.edu
• TRANSFAIR USA
  TransFair USA, a nonprofit organization, is one of nineteen members of Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International (FLO), and the only third-party certifier of Fair Trade products in the United States. Find out where to buy Fair Trade products online, in your community and which stores carry Fair Trade products.
  TransFair USA > Shop
  http://www.transfairusa.org/content/shop/index.php

Wood and Certification

• DOGWOOD ALLIANCE
  Dogwood Alliance is a growing regional network working to protect Southern forests and communities by engendering broad-based, diverse support for ending unsustainable industrial forest practices. Visit here for lists of paper product suppliers, of tree-free paper suppliers, of green wood products, including recycled and salvaged lumber, alternative materials, and “sustainable lumber”.
  Dogwood Alliance > Resources > Green Purchasing
  http://www.dogwoodalliance.org/action/grnPurch.php
• FOREST CERTIFICATION RESOURCE CENTER (FCRC)
  The Forest Certification Resource Center (FCRC) provides comprehensive, objective information about forest management, forest certification and responsible wood and paper purchasing. The Forest Certification Resource Center search tool enables users to navigate Metafore’s in-depth forest certification database. More than 800 certified forests and 4,500 certified business locations worldwide are within this database. This is a convenient way to find certified wood and paper suppliers by product and location. Be sure to select “FSC” in the field for “certification program.” Metafore > Certified Products
  http://www.certifiedwoodsearch.org/searchproducts.aspx
• FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL
  Founded in 1993, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is a global, non-profit organization that promotes environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable management of the world’s forests through the process of forest certification. FSC standards represent the world’s strongest system for guiding forest management toward sustainable outcomes. Check out FSC’s database of certified forest products.
  Forest Stewardship Council > Get Involved > Buy & Sell FSC Products
  http://www.fsc.org/en/getting_involved/buy_sell

Renewable Energy

• GREEN-E
  Did you know that you can switch from your regular electricity provider to green electricity certified provider? The Green-e Renewable Electricity Certification Program is administered by the non-profit Center for Resource Solutions. Find out about switching to green electricity today!
  Green-e >Your Electric Choices
  http://www.green-e.org/your_e_choices/e_choices_index.html
• GREEN-E – PRODUCT LABELING INITIATIVE
  Businesses across the nation are purchasing Green-e certified energy and feature the Green-e logo (meaning “Made with Certified Renewable Energy”) on their products , in their offices, and on their websites. Similar to other on-package certification symbols indicating that the product meets stringent guidelines for content, the Green-e logo informs consumers that the product was made using a certified renewable, environmentally friendly, source of energy. Consumers across the United States can now choose from over 175 certified products committed to renewable energy, cleaner air and combating climate change.
  Green-e > “Made with Certified Renewable Energy” > View Products
  http://www.Green-e.org/PLI/PLI-viewproducts.htm
• THE GREEN POWER NETWORK
  The U.S. Department of Energy’s Green Power Network (GPN) provides news and information about green power providers, product offerings, consumer protection issues, and policies affecting green power markets. Find out where to buy green energy in your state.
  http://www.eere.energy.gov/greenpower/buying/buying_power.shtml
• UNION OF CONCERNED SCIENTISTS
  The Union of Concerned Scientists seeks to combine scientific analysis and citizen advocacy to build a cleaner, healthier environment and a safer world. Visit their energy page to learn about green energy in the U.S. and where to purchase it.
  Union of Concerned Scientists > Energy > Renewable Energy Basics > What You Can Do > Buy Green Power
  http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/renewable_energy_basics/buy-green-power.html

Marine Stewardship

• MARINE STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL
  The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is an independent, global, non-profit organization whose role is to recognize, via a certification program, well-managed fisheries and to harness consumer preference for seafood products bearing the MSC label of approval. Find out which fisheries are MSC certified.
  Marine Stewardship Council > Fisheries > Certified Fisheries
  http://www.msc.org/html/content_484.htm

Organic

• USDA NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM
  The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is the governmental certifying body for organic food in the U.S.. To learn about organic certification and the label to look for, check out the consumer information page.
  USDA > Agencies & Offices > Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) >National Organic Program > Consumer Information
  http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/Consumers/Consumerhome.html

Sustainable Tourism

• RAINFOREST ALLIANCE
  Rainforest Alliance’s mission is to protect ecosystems and the people and wildlife that depend on them by transforming land-use practices, business practices and consumer behavior. Rainforest Alliance sets standards for sustainability for farms and forestry enterprises and tourism. Learn what sustainable tourism means and check out their recommendations for how to be a Savvy Traveler!
  Rainforest Alliance > What We Do > Tourism > Savvy Traveler
  http://www.rainforest-alliance.org/programs/tourism/travelers/index.html

Also remember to try and buy locally sourced first if possible.

more about sustainable purchasing, see comprehensive list, buyerbefair.org

We finally got word today that we’ve made it through the intense screening process that’s been 10 weeks in the making and we’re officially Coop America Approved for people and planet.

Learn more about Coop America (Green America after Jan 1, 2009) by going here.

For anyone who might not know, Rebecca Wilkowski Photography is a member of the Green Business Network of Co-Op America.

Co-op America is a not-for-profit membership organization founded in 1982. Their mission is to harness economic power—the strength of consumers, investors, businesses, and the marketplace—to create a socially just and environmentally sustainable society.

Co-Op America works for a world where all people have enough, where all communities are healthy and safe, and where the bounty of the Earth is preserved for all the generations to come.

What Makes Co-op America Unique:

• They focus on economic strategies—economic action to solve social and environmental problems.
• They mobilize people in their economic roles—as consumers, investors, workers, business leaders.
• They empower people to take personal and collective action
• THey work on issues of social justice and environmental responsibility.
• They work to stop abusive practices and to create healthy, just and sustainable practices.

Co-Op America is changing its name as of January 1, 2009 to Green America. So, when you see the new logo and name on my site, you’ll know that I’m still a member of this fantastic organization!

And if you’re asking yourself, “What the heck is a “green” photographer?”…well, I’ll tell you. This means my company implements sustainable business practices whenever possible to lessen my impact on the environement. Some practices include implementing energy saving techniques; purchasing carbon off-sets; choosing pre-owned furniture and office equipment; recycling papers, packaging, printer cartridges and more; offering paperless image workflow and 100% electronic image exchange; online image proofing and ordering rather than proof prints/books; and offering eco-friendly wedding albums and boxes made from natural, non-toxic, organic materials.

I hope you will join me in the effort to preserve our environment for future generations. Check Green America out on the web here: http://www.coopamerica.org/

So many things happened over these past two days that were completely amazing. We heard from the founders of Terracycle, Honestea, Burt’s Bees, IceStone, Vital Hemptations…. just to name a few. What did we take away? So much. One of the most major ideas that happened upon us is the democratization of organics. It was a term that Seth Goldman from Honestea talked about regarding the partial sale of their business to Coca-cola. It’s a major shift in our paradigm and will take a major shift in the way most “deep green” people think. Is selling all or part of your business to a larger corporation “selling out”? Or are you giving others the chance to buy something amazing for themselves and the environment that they might not otherwise have access to? Do you want to promote “green” only to those who already live it? Or do you want to be a part of a movement to change EVERYONE’s thoughts towards organics?

That is the idea we really took away from this conference. I’ll be sure to write more about that idea when I’m actually back in Maine. For now…off to the festival!

Hey organic foodies! I just bought Frito-Lay “Natural Tostitos, made with certified organic corn” and they are great! They weren’t on sale like the regular Tostitos, though. Regular are usually 2 for $5.00 at the grocery stores here in South Jersey. I think “Natural” was $3.29 or so for a 9 oz. bag.

Anyway, Frito-Lay has a Natural line now, including Lays potato chips, Cheetos, Ruffles, and Doritos! (Why am I so happy about this?) Right on the bag it says that these chips are made “with corn grown by farmers that meet the strictest standards for organic agriculture.” Frito-Lay says this organic corn has been certified by “Oregon Tilth“.

Here is their self-description at their web site:

“Oregon Tilth is a nonprofit research and education membership organization dedicated to biologically sound and socially equitable agriculture. Oregon Tilth offers educational events throughout the state of Oregon, and provides organic certification services to organic growers, processors, and handlers internationally.”

Oregon Tilth’s web site with great information on the latest news in the organic food movement. One article of particular interest to me was “USDA Amends Certification Cost Assistance Program” dated Nov. 7, 2008, that will help more farmers, producers, and processors of organic food.

If anyone is in the San Francisco area the weekend of Nov. 14, 15, 16, why don’t you check out the Green Festival? It is sponsored by Green Festival™, a joint project of Global Exchange and Co-op America.

Here is their message:

“We’re celebrating what’s working in our communities—for people, business and the environment. Join us at the nation’s premier sustainability event in San Francisco for 3 days filled with the best in green!

A joint project of Global Exchange and Co-op America, two leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to environmental and social justice for more than twenty-five years, Green Festival is a forum to explore and build sustainable solutions for communities and the environment.  The San Francisco Green Festival will host 150 visionary speakers, 400 local and national green businesses, and dozens of community and nonprofit groups. All exhibitors must meet strict standards set by Co-op America, guaranteeing the highest level of social and environmental responsibility in everything that enters the convention center.” (Global Exchange and Co-op America, 2008)

Go, Green Festival!

Now, I know many of you organic food enthusiasts are already vegans or “health nuts” and the like, but it just makes me happy that a well-known, popular snack food company like Frito-Lay is stepping up to the organic plate and possibly setting a standard in the industry. If that sound too lofty, at least they are making the effort to listen to what the public wants. Go, Fritos! 

Next, Celestial Seasonings Tea has a cranberry pomegranate flavor Green Tea that is yummy, but more importantly, this tea was put in familiar pink packaging with a notation “proud sponsor of the National Breast Cancer Foundation“. The artist that painted the picture seen on the box of tea is a breast cancer survivor, Dagmar Fehlau.

Another plus to this product is that it is stamped with the “Ethical Trade” emblem, with a paragraph below it that says that by buying this product we are supporting ethical trade practices, like fair wages, that benefit the people and areas that grow the tea. 

I just got off the phone with Celestial’s toll free number. I called to find out exactly what country their tea came from. The very nice woman told me that the tea is grown in the likely places in Asia, mostly China and  India. Unsolicited, she told me that they test their products very thoroughly for organic compounds, heavy metals, lead, and something called Aflatoxin that apparently has been getting into the food supply from Asia. They reject any tea with “unidentified compounds” found in it.

I definitely got the feeling that Celestial Seasonings was doing a public relations campaign, probably because China, with its dangerous production methods, has been in the news. This also makes me happy to know that American companies are doing their utmost to insure high quality, safe products reach our tables. Go, Celestial!

Celestial Seasonings, Inc. (2008). Retrieved November 11, 2008 from www.celestialseasonings.com

Frito-Lay, Inc. (2008).

Green Festival. (November 11, 2008). Retrieved November 11, 2008 from http://www.tilth.org/events/green-festival

Oregon Tilth. (2008). Retrieved November 11, 2008 from http://www.tilth.org.

The Green Festival was amazing. I am so happy I decided to volunteer! I went back and forth when I was trying to decide if I wanted to volunteer or not when I first found out about it. I am not a fan of going up to people I don’t know and giving them information they may not want so I opted to do the box office. It worked out great! I sat behind a register and helped people throughout the morning and early afternoon. I even stayed a little longer to help out because there was a little bit of a shortage for a couple hours. I loved it! The positive energy that filled the place and diversity of people that were draw to the Festival. Seeing all the volunteers come together to achieve something as wonderful as this was powerful! Everyone that I dealt with was pleasant and if they weren’t smiling when they came up to my register most were once they left. It was great!

I had so much energy the entire day. After my shift I ran and got some food and then came back to help out a little longer until some of the people that were on until 1 got relieved. I worked until about 2:30 and then was able to wander around the show. I actually ended up wandering around the show until about 6:30 partially to kill time because my husband had called me and we had tickets to the CAPS game at 7. Yay! What a great way to end my day!

During the time that I was walking around the Green Festival I spoke to some amazing/inspiring and knowledgeable people. One of the first booths I had to stop at was NaturalZing. I was so excited to see them there (I just found out about them about a week ago on Rawdorable). They had a bunch of great stuff for sale and were super friendly. When I took my husband back yesterday (Sunday) they were one of the first booths that we went to. While I was there on Saturday I was lucky enough to talk to RawBin from Rawbin’s Bubble! It was so cool to put a face to the blog! I didn’t get to meet ShannonMarie (I was going to attempt to convince her to send me cupcakes…drool), oh well, maybe next time! When we went back on Sunday there was a whole new group of volunteers/employees working the NaturalZing boot and even more information to be absorbed. It was wonderful, everyone that I met there was amazingly friendly and they had fantastic customer service. They even had testers out and I was able to taste Thai Goji Berries (not to be confused with Goji Berries from China). They were excellent! I had only had the Chinese ones and I didn’t particularly care for those. We got a couple chocolate bars while we were there too that were to die for! My husband is particularly in love with the Maca one he got. We are planning to put an order in with NaturalZing in the next week (if not sooner). Yummers! Very positive experience!

Another booth that I visited was The Green Building Institutes’. What a great group of people! The gentleman (Gary) that I got talking to about permaculture was a great resource! He was full of information and energy about permaculture and the Green Building Institute. It was great! They have classes at their facility in green remodeling, agriculture and other environmentally friendly practices. I got so excited. The house we are buying is only about 10 minutes from their office! I can’t even tell you how excited I got!

I spent a good 20 minutes picking the brains of the Aura Cacia representatives. They were very knowledgeable and able to answer all my aromatherapy questions. They are a company that I had previously written off for essential oils but after talking to them I can confidently say that I would be comfortable purchasing their organic oils. My first question was about “Therapeutic Grade” oils. If you have every tried to search this term there is little information available on it anywhere. I found out that this is generally a marketing scheme. Due to FDA regulations no oils can make the claim that they are safe to ingest (which I found interesting). I spoke with both representatives for a good 10 minutes each and both of them had different information to provide on the “therapeutic grade” marketing tool. I have to admit, I had lost a lot of interest in aromatherapy because no matter what oil I was using I felt like there was something wrong with it. After talking to them I am ready to embark on my aromatherapy journey again! The other question I had for them included if mass spectroscopy and/or chromatography are used, about the chemical processing that is done with some oils, their ingredients, photo-toxicity, shelf life and application (spray, lotion, straight oil). They were very informative and helpful. I was comfortable talking to both of them and they weren’t trying to “dumb” stuff down to what they thought my knowledge level was. I feel comfortable purchasing their organic oils now (in smaller bottles) and seeing how my body responds. In the past (and it could have just been the oil) my body didn’t like their geranium oil and after talking to people who sell Young Living I was under the impression that if I used anything other than YL oils I was using the wrong oils. The learning curve with essential oils never ceases to amaze me! If you are looking for knowledge I highly recommend talking to representatives for the companies. Feel them out, see what you think. I am inclined to think that YL or FG have higher quality oils because they are a direct to consumer company, but then again, there is always direct to consumer products that are sub par and passing for premium… I wish you the best of luck on your essential oil journey!

I talked to a member of Co-op America which was cool. He managed to convince me to get my picture taken (which, for the record, I never do).He was pretty cool! We talked about having jobs that we are passionate about. He just reinvented himself a few years ago. I also spoke with a member of an outreach group which I can not think of the name of right now! He was also very energetic and passionate (and great to talk to!).

The food all looked amazing but hardly any was raw. Java Green had pizza for a very short period of time during the day (I missed it) and they had a kale salad. I was starving on Saturday so I got the kale salad. It was ok. It didn’t satisfy me though.And the price was outrageous. It was a side salad and it was $6 (FOR KALE!!! some onion and tomato, a simple Asian dressing and some mango). I ate a salad twice the size of that that I made for $3 today for lunch. I guess the price might not have been that off with mark-up but it seemed ridiculous. I was disappointed that they didn’t have more options. And no one brought their smoothie stuff! I was shocked! A smoothie stand would have made a ton of money I bet! A couple of us raw folks should get together with our VitaMix’s and make smoothies! Yummers!

Oh and by-the-way my energy level was through the roof the entire day, even through the Caps game and dinner after! I went strong from 6 am Saturday to 12:30 am Sunday. I am pretty sure my lifestyle change played a role, but I would also like to credit Moxxor for some of that energy! I felt great and was up and running by 8 am Sunday morning.

Be Well!!

Yesterday I signed a letter that Co-op America has circulating urging the EPA to pass standards for the plethora of e-Waste that is coming with the DTV transition in February 2009 (You can sign it too.) This is what they sent to me:

“The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency encourages you to extend the life of your analog TV by connecting it to a digital-to-analog converter box or subscribing to a paid TV service.

When buying a digital-to-analog converter box, look for one with the ENERGY STAR label. Converter boxes that are ENERGY STAR-qualified use less energy than conventional converter boxes.

If you decide to buy a new digital TV and no longer want your old analog TV, look for opportunities to recycle it. Recycling TVs recovers valuable materials from the circuit boards, metal wiring, leaded glass, and plastics. Call your local household hazardous waste collection and recycling program to find out whether they will be sponsoring an upcoming event to recycle TVs and other electronics. You can also check out the attached publication in full  “FCC and EPA Joint Fact Sheet on DTVand Recycling” to find a recycling program near you.”

It is what it is, the FCC and EPA had mandated this change and thus we as consumers are forced to adapt.  But we can be smart about how we dispose of old TVs. A few hints and things I know:

1.  Best Buy will take back your TV if you have a large TV delivered to you home. Best Buy is also in beta on a take back program at 117 locations (Case study highlighted in . Here’s the list. Fingers crossed cause we all know convenience will make us recycle more.

2. In November major flat panel manufacturers will announce ENERGY STAR rated TV’s that meet Energy STAR requirement in ON mode. This is huge and can result in huge electrical savings for big TV-watching families and bachelors.

3. This will be a great source of mockery in general. This video about the DTV transition from Talkshow with Spike Fereston is very funny and worth the watch.

That’s what I have for today.

KDL | follow me on Twitter: newscaster

Earlier this year we wrote a piece on organic and vegan wine. However, we are now happy to highlight Etica Fair Trade! This is a small and new company that imports Fair Trade wines. We write this with great excitement, as an official fair trade certification for wines has been lacking! Most of their wine comes from Fair Trade wineries in Chile and South Africa. This week Co-op America has featured the owner and founder of Etica as one of their Faces of Green Pages. The company is a Co-op America Green business and is part of the Fair Trade Federation.

The wine was originally only distributed to restaurants and stores in Minnesota, but have now branched out to several states. Of course all their wine is available for sale on the website! We have yet to try the wine ourselves, as it is not yet distributed to Massachusetts and shipping wine is illegal here. But as soon as it is available in local Boston stores, you bet we will run out and support this company!

As well as providing Fair Trade wine to the US, Etica also gives back to the communities they work with and offsets their importing impact! Tiffany, the owner and founder is dedicated to the Fair Trade cause and through her interview with Co-op America states that more should be done in the wine industry to protect wokers, even here in the US.

So if you are looking for a relaxing glass of wine or night on the town, check out Etica for their Fair Trade wines. One last thing, they also have a blog: Drink Like You Give A Damn where they discuss fair trade issues as well as politics and events. We can’t wait to get our hands on our first glass of fair trade wine!!! We suggest you get some too!

Here is another helpful list from the folks at Co-op America.

1. Paint

Look for: Low or ideally, no-VOC paint.

2. Paper

Look for: Paper products with a high post-consumer recycled content.

3. Light bulbs

Look for: Compact fluorescents.

4. Appliances

Look for: Appliances with the Energy Star label.

5. Fruits and Vegetables

Look for: Organic, local, in-season produce.

Most important to buy organic to avoid pesticide residue: Apples, Bell Peppers, Celery, Cherries, Imported Grapes, Nectarines, Peaches, Pears, Potatoes, Raspberries, Spinach, and Strawberries.

[from Co-op America: Economic Action for a Just Planet]

1. styrofoam cups
2. paper towels
3. bleached coffee filters
4. overpackaged foods and other products
5. teak and mahogany
6. chemical pesticides and herbicides
7. conventional household cleaners
8. higher octane gas than you need
9. toys made with PVC plastic
10. plastic forks and spoons
11. farm raised salmon
12. rayon
13. beauty/body care with phthalates and parabens
14. cling wrap
15. high VOC paints and finishes

To learn why and the best alternatives go here: Co-op America: Shop & Unshop

Coop America (soon to be known as Green America) recently published a “Guide to Ending Sweatshops“. No industry is more challenged than the sneaker industry. For me sneakers are synonymous with sweatshop. All of the big name companies have moved their operations outside the U.S. to save on production costs. With low production costs comes very little oversight into the conditions in which the shoes are produced.

It’s all about profit, manufacturers are looking to maximize their profits with the cheapest labor possible. Along with cheap labor comes poor working conditions, extremely low wages plus a myriad of other violations like human trafficking, legal beatings and extremely low wages (6 1/2 cents an hour!), 16 hour shifts and the list goes on. It should come as no surprise that brands like Nike, Adidas/Reebok and Puma received failing marks according to ResponsibleShopper.org.

Coop America has compiled a grading system for sneaker manufacturers and the usual suspects are at the bottom of the list for all the wrong reasons. Instead of going for the usual, why not buy a pair of fair trade sneakers? For me, the great thing about selling fair trade gifts is that every item has a story, I can tell my customers about the artisans who make the crafts but they also know that they’ve made a difference in the lives of the artisans whose goods they purchased. That’s what I call socially conscious consumerism.

It’s voting time again for Co-op America’s People’s Choice Green Business of the Year Award! Please take the time to cast your vote for your favorite nominated Green Business by October 9th. The Nominees are all Co-op America Certified Green Business that have shown exceptional commitment to the Green movement in the last year. This award is very prestigious and the company chosen will be looked at as an example to all others in the country. There are several great companies nominated and we suggest you take a look at each business as they range from Fair Trade goods to Natural Food Co-ops and even recycled pet products!

Be sure to check out their National Green Pages, a directory of Green Businesses (you’ll find Autonomie there!) and enjoy reading interviews with some of the entrepreneurs themselves. And as always, please join Co-op America if you are not already a member or donate and show your support!! On last thing, DON’T FORGET TO VOTE for this year’s People’s Choice Green Business of the Year, ballots must be in by October 9th!! Winners will be announced at GreenFest San Francisco and in the Co-op America Newsletter.

Yesterday I received news from a friend that Congress has banned phthalates (chemical in plastic that softens it—-think chew toys for babies ) in children’s toys. (Green Guide).

Wal-Mart and Toys R us will stop carrying any toys made with this hormone-disruptor plastic as of January 1st, 2009. (be careful this holiday season, though, as toys will not yet be removed.) And the even better news is that the ban puts the responsibility on the manufacturer to clean up their act. Toys will need to be tested for lead and phthalates before entering the marketplace. This doesn’t mean we as consumers are off the hook from being vigilant but it is a step in the plastic-free direction.

Take a look at the following: Co-op America’s Green Gift guide for the fall. If you are going to be making purchases for your home or back to school or gifts, there are so many creative, environmentally friendly ways to do it (ex, our new bday gift we give out is an adopt an endangered animal from WWF). From shoes to stainless steel water bottles there are ways to make our purchases responsibly.

I’m not a big fan of lists of MUSTs or MUST NOTs, since I think that it’s difficult to come up with a list that is relevant for everyone.  That said, those little lists that are printed on wallet-size paper are pretty convenient.  I think of them as guides, rather than a definitive list.

So, from Co-op America, lists of what not to buy, and good alternatives. (Click on the link to read more details.)

From Co-op America has a list of
Ten Things You Should Never Buy Again:

1. Styrofoam cups  (Alternatives: Recyclable, compostable paper cups; Best: reusable mugs or cups.)
2. Paper towels  (Alternatives: Recycled, non-bleached; Best: dishtowels or rags.)
3. Bleached coffee filters  (Alternatives: unbleached paper filters; Best: reusable filters.)
4. Overpackaged foods and other products (Alternatives: minimal or reusable packaging; Best: buy in bulk and user you own containers)
5. Teak and mahogany (Alternative: Forest Stewardshiop Council; Best: reuse wood, buy furniture/products from used/salvaged wood.)
6. Chemical pesticides and herbicides  (Alternatives: organic pest controllers; Best: Plant native plants; integrated pest management; flowers and herbs as natural pesticides.)
7. Conventional household cleaners  (Alternatives: nontoxic, vegetable-based, biodegradeable cleaners; Best: make your own with vinegar, water and castile soap.)
8. Higher octane gas than you need  (Alternatives: Buy lowest-octane gas required; Best: Take public transit, bike, walk.)
9. Toys made with PVC (#3) plastic  (Alternatives: #1 or #2 plastics or sustainable materials; Best: tell manufacturers to stop using PVC plastics.)
10. Plastic forks and spoons  (Alternatives: User compostable utensils; Best: carry your own utensils and food containers.)

 Five More Things You Should Never Buy Again:

1. Farm raised salmon  (more toxins in farm-riased than wild salmon)
2. Rayon  (manufacturing process is wasteful and dirty; wood-based fiber contributes to deforestation; poor labor practices in many countries; needs to be drycleaned)
3. Beauty/Body care with phthalates and parabens  (research indicates harmful)
4. Cling wrap (made of #3 PVC; DO NOT HEAT OR MICROWAVE)
5. High VOC Paints and Finishes

Dianbaar (pronounced JAHN-BAR) is a retail store that specializes in fair trade and recycled gifts from Africa.  We opened our store in the historic City Market in downtown Indianapolis on December 17, 2007. We currently carry items from nearly a dozen African countries and are always looking to expand our offerings. Our goal is to offer unique, handcrafted gifts, jewelry and art from African artisans.

Our retail location is: 222 East Market in downtown Indianapolis. We are open Monday – Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.  We also have presence on the web at: www. dianbaarart.com.

We are members of Co-op America, an organization that promotes environmental responsibility and social justice. In keeping with our mission, we also support community organizations like Gleaners Food Bank and Coburn Place.

In my previous post about the rapidly approaching extinction of several species, including primates, I mentioned making changes to your life to help save your planet and all the life on it. Well, here’s a list of things you can do in your daily lives to USE LESS ENERGY. Really people, it’s not about drilling for more oil or gas prices driven sky-high by speculators – it’s about USING LESS ENERGY. This goes for apartment-dwellers, too! I bug management here all the time to seal my windows, lower the water heater thermostat, install a retractable clothesline, fix leaks, get more recycling bins, install a programmable thermostat, install ceiling fans, etc. You can make your apartment energy efficient – trust me.

This is not just another list of energy savings ideas. We’re asking you to jump in big –- so we’re asking you to reduce your energy use by 10% per year. And we’ll show you how.
You know those skyrocketing gasoline prices? Electricity rates will soon do the same. You’ll be glad that you’ve taken these steps now, when everyone else’s electricity bills start rising and yours is going down.
We’re asking you to take big, bold action. But the benefits are even bigger, starting with saving lots of money, and making a real difference on climate change.

1. Turn off lights you’re not using – We even have switchplate reminders for you, downloadable on our Web site. (2% energy savings per year, assuming an average family’s energy use)

2. Schedule an energy audit – Your local utility will probably provide an audit for free, and you may also get a more comprehensive audit (saving you more money in the long term) by paying for a whole-house audit. (Up to 50% energy savings per year)

3. Don’t heat or cool empty rooms – If there is a room in your house that is rarely used, close off the vents to save on heating and cooling. (Varies by size of room.)

4. Give your dishwasher a rest – Skip the energy-intensive drying cycle on your dishwasher and choose the air-dry option, or open the door for zero-energy dish drying. (5% energy savings per year)

5. Shift your energy load to off-peak hours – Because power sources must produce electricity around the time of use (without capacity for long-term storage) it is our collective peak demand that triggers the building of more polluting power plants. (Varies)

6. Turn off your electronics – If you’re going to be away from your computer or other appliance for more than an hour, turn it off. (5% energy savings per year)

7. Eliminate “phantom load” – Many electronics use energy even while turned off, so your best bet is to unplug them when not in use. (5% energy savings per year)

8. Make your fridge more efficient – Keep your refrigerator’s coils clean to boost its overall power, and store jugs of water in any empty space inside, because water retains coldness better than air. (4% energy savings per year)

9. Wash clothes in cold water – Your clothes will get just as clean, on half the energy. (7% energy savings per year)

10. Give up your dryer – Hang your clothes to dry on a clothesline or indoor rack. (10% energy savings per year)

11. Plug your air leaks – Energy-efficient heating and cooling systems are wasted when you’re leaking out the cool or warm air you’re putting in. (5% energy savings per year)

12. Reduce your water use – Simple ways to save water include fixing any leaks and replacing faucets and showerheads with low-flow options. (3% energy savings per year)

13. Cut waste through windows – Properly seal window edges, cover windows with curtains to prevent heat loss, or coat windows with reflective “low-e” films that reduce heat loss while still allowing light to shine through. (10% energy savings per year)

14. Help your hot water heater – Add an insulating cover to reduce heat loss. (1% energy savings per year)
15. Install ceiling fans – Reduce your air conditioner usage with ceiling fans. Look for “Energy Star” models that use 50 percent less energy. (19% energy savings per year)

16. Get a programmable thermostat – Automate when your heating or cooling systems come on to save energy while you sleep or are away from home. (10% energy savings per year)

17. Upgrade your appliances – Look for the “Energy Star,” and you may be eligible for a tax break. (3 – 12% energy savings per year)

18. Upgrade your hot water heater – Save energy and space by upgrading to a tankless or solar hot water heater. (14% energy savings per year)

19. Green your roof – Studies have found that a green roof on a typical one-story building can result in a 25 percent reduction in summer cooling needs. (12% energy savings per year)
20. Save energy through landscaping – The US Department of Energy found that the proper placement of as few as three shady trees will save an average household between $100 and $250 in energy costs annually. (12% energy savings per year)

21. Replace your windows – In step 13, we have recommendations for working with the windows you have. Replacing your windows with more energy-efficient versions can save you even more. (14% energy savings per year)

22. Don’t waste energy on TV – With the switch to digital TV coming in 2009, many people are buying new, digital-ready TVs. If you must shop for a new television, look for an LCD (liquid crystal display) screen, which uses six times less energy than a plasma screen. (2% energy savings per year

s.

Don’t Heat or Cool Empty Rooms