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Clorox Going Green with Natural Cleaners

Now it’s even easier to clean green. Clorox now offers Green Works, a line of affordable, natural cleaning solutions for eco-conscious customers. The company launched the new products with a January press release (http://www.cloroxgreenworks.com/press_release.html), and I’ve started seeing them in commercials and on store shelves everywhere.

With the new line, Clorox aims to make eco-friendly cleaning both affordable and more mainstream. Green Works offers an all-purpose solution in regular and concentrated strength, a glass and surface one, a toilet bowl cleaner, and a bathroom cleaner. All five products are plant-based and 99% natural. They rely on ingredients from coconuts and lemons, among other plants, for their cleaning power. Biodegradable and non-allergenic, the solutions also come in recyclable bottles.

Clorox partnered with none other than the Sierra Club to present Green Works as a natural, high-performance alternative to conventional cleaning products. According to Sierra Club Executive Director Carl Pope, “One of the Sierra Club’s primary goals is to foster vibrant, healthy communities with clean water and air that are free from pollution. Products like Green Works help to achieve this goal in the home.”

This isn’t the first step into the green market for The Clorox Company, either. Last fall, Clorox purchased eco-powerhouse Burt’s Bees for $925 million. Since the buyout, Burt’s Bees’ natural personal care products--like the ever-popular lip shimmers or the creamy body butters—have been popping up more frequently in more stores across the country.

After natural personal care and household cleaners, what’s next for Clorox? I’m betting something green.

Amy Anaruk

Let Your Tee Speak!

A great T-shirt can say a lot about you. So, the next time you go shopping for a new t-shirt, take a look at Tees For Change. This web site makes T-shirts that are made from 100% organic cotton or a 70% bamboo/30% organic cotton blend. With phrases like “live passionately,” “choose happiness,” “today matters,” and so on, these t-shirts promote self-awareness and peace of mind.

Tees For Change’s mission is, “... to inspire you to live life with passion, purpose and positivity. They believe that practicing mindfulness and loving kindness throughout daily life can enhance our whole being — body, mind and spirit. Their eco-friendly tees are proof that you can choose to look good, do good and feel good, all at the same time.”

Partnered with American Forests' Global Releaf, Tees For Change will plant a tree for every T-shirt you buy.

The t-shirts sold at Tees For Change are all Fair Trade. The cotton used is pesticide free and grown without chemical fertilizers. Organic cotton is good for the environment and for the people who work with it. As for those shirts made with bamboo, bamboo is a naturally sustainable and fast growing plant. Furthermore, because it has natural antibacterial properties, it never needs pesticides and is 100% biodegradable.

Available on their web site and at many retail stores across the country, Tees For Change is making their mark on the way we shop, the way we feel about ourselves and the clothes we wear.

Beryl Shereshewsky

Macy’s, National Parks Partner for Earth Week

Shopping with companies that contribute part of my purchase to environmental charities creates a win-win situation for everybody. I buy what I need, the companies make a profit, and the worthy charities receive crucial funds. But Macy’s department stores are offering the chance to shop for the greater good in reverse: make a green donation, and earn a substantial discount.

Just in time for Earth Day, Macy’s is kicking off the national One Good Turn shopping event to support the National Parks Foundation. Donate just $5 at the National Parks website (http://www.nationalparks.org) or in a Macy’s store, and receive a pass to the two-day sale on April 26 and 27. The event is massive, featuring 20% off most clothing and accessories and 10% off most housewares.

This partnership has the potential to help the National Parks Foundation in a big way, considering similar Macy’s shopping events in the past have raised millions of dollars. National Park Foundation President and CEO Vin Cipolla says, “This is a truly innovative approach to corporate stewardship and we applaud Macy's commitment to help protect the environment and preserve our national parks for generations to come.”

Even better, the partnership is part of Macy’s larger Turn Over a New Leaf Campaign for Earth Week, April 20–27. The campaign stresses environmental awareness, sustainability, and green living. Other eco-friendly events during the week include an online sweepstakes for a Ford Escape Hybrid, tree sapling giveaways to the first 100 customers per store on Earth Day, April 22, and free 100% cotton totes to the first 150 customers on April 26.

Truly, this is shopping for a cause.

Amy Anaruk

Home Solutions for a Healthier Planet

As a Boulder native, I got excited about this site. Starting out in Boulder, Colorado, in 1988, the company Gaiam provides, “… information, goods and services to customers who value the environment, a sustainable economy, healthy lifestyles, alternative healthcare and personal development.”

In 2006, Gaiam launched the world’s first carbon-neutral product shipping program. Partnering up with The Conservation Fund, the company created a program called Go Zero. This program helped the company, and Gaiam’s customers become active participants in the fight against climate-change carbon dioxide emissions. Using only 100% recyclable and biodegradable packaging, Gaiam earned the Forest Stewardship Council certification.

So, what kinds of products does this earth-friendly store sell? Not what you would expect! From 100% organic cotton sheets, and chlorine and water-saving showerheads to bamboo screens and patchwork ottomans, you can outfit your home in the greenest way possible. Not only do their products look amazing, you will feel amazing knowing that everything in toxin free and sustainable. What’s more, you can ecofit your patio too! Gaiam sells solar-powered outdoor lights and outdoor furniture made from recycled materials.

Wondering how to upgrade your home to meet better energy efficient standards? Gaiam sells window treatments, insulating curtains and much more that will help you keep your energy costs down and your house more comfortable during the hot summers and cold winters.

So, if are you looking to redecorate or just want to shop a little, take the steps to decorate with more social responsibility and with ecofriendly products that are sustainable and/or recycled. Living greener doesn’t mean owning wooden-bead curtains or hemp rugs anymore, you can decorate your home to your personal style and taste without sacrificing the environment!

Beryl Shereshewsky

Spring is in the Air, and on Your Table!

As the first spring flowers begin to bloom, it’s always a bright idea to bring a little bit of the outside, inside. At Organic Bouquet you can bring all the colors of spring inside while still supporting an ecofriendly, organic market.

Organic Bouquet started in January 2001 with the goal of establishing a national market for organically grown and harvested flowers. According to their About Us page, “We have accomplished this by encouraging both small and large flower growers to initiate organic production while creating widespread trade and consumer awareness of the need for organic flowers. Our ultimate goal is to protect the environment and improve farm worker safety by eliminating millions of pounds of toxic pesticides from agricultural usage.”

While available online, their flowers are also available in many natural food stores, including Whole Foods Market. Organic Bouquet believes that change starts from the ground up, literally. Taken from their web site, they say, “We at Organic Bouquet believe it is our responsibility to demonstrate that business, social, and environmental interests can be successfully aligned. Our hope is to be a shining example of how the confluence of these interests can work to build a better and more sustainable future for all living beings of this beautiful planet.”

From Gerbera Daisies and Roses to Lilies and Tulips, Organic Bouquet sells plants, wreaths, flowers and beautiful arrangements, great for any occasion. And what’s even better, when you buy organic flowers, you are supporting Fair Trade industries across the world. For a gift that brings a smile to the face of the receiver, flowers that are toxin and pesticide free are a great way to maintain a healthy lifestyle while also embracing and giving thanks to the earth that gave them.

Beryl Shereshewsky

Organic in The Dog Bowl

Dogs, cats, birds, turtles, frogs, ferrets and bunnies, oh my! As the organic and holistic movement sweeps through our homes and converts our groceries and medicine into healthier alternatives – preservative, chemical and pesticide free – are we forgetting about those who we share our home with? Our pets. There are now healthy alternatives to the traditional kibble, more exotic pet foods and animal cleaners and toys that we and our pets enjoy. “In regards to the animal - pay for good food now, or vet bills later … Commercial foods are highly processed and lead to excess waste for the animals system (and our environment!),” says Diann Beason from Only Natural Pet, a new web site that offers not only healthy organic foods for pets, but a way to keep our environment safe, as well!

“Only Natural Pet Store operates as a green company purchasing wind energy, participating in Zero Waste, using recycled and biodegradable packing materials, and many more green initiatives on the horizon,” Diann explains. So, when you purchase organic dog food for Ernie, your beloved boxer dog, you are also helping to contribute to other environmentally friendly programs.

So, whether you are searching for flea control medicines, a new cat scratch post or organic food, Only Natural Pet is a great place to look around. As a pet owner, I love the idea of buying organic and environmentally friendly products for my pooch, but what I don’t love is the price difference. It is cheaper and easier to walk into a local pet food chain, but as we know, going organic has its advantages. “Once people begin feeding their pets natural and organic foods, they are amazed by the results. For example, people have noticed their pets have clearer eyes, more energy and a softer coat,” says Diann.

Of course, many different web sites sell healthy, organic pet foods. However, Only Natural Pets caught my attention because of their environmental initiatives. It’s nice to see that the green movement is also going to the dogs.

Beryl Shereshewsky

Add Glam to Your Green

Adding sparkle and shine to your outfit doesn’t mean buying diamonds anymore. Eco-friendly, low-impact jewelry designers are sprouting up all over the country, and with the Internet, you can buy their goods anytime, anywhere.
The following is a review of a few low-impact, environmentally conscious jewelry designers who make stunning pieces of art for your ears, fingers, wrists and neck.

Rust Belt
Rust Belt is the collaboration of two designers who are shying away from traditional jewelry pieces that require mining and refining, both of which have negative environmental and social impacts. Not only does Rust Belt use recycled materials in their jewelry, but when you place an order, your purchase arrives packaged in a re-purposed glass bottle.

VerdeRocks
Designer Gwendolyn Davis calls her jewelry ‘Sustainable Chic.’ Her designs use only organic, vintage, recycled and other materials that are considered certifiably sustainable. On her About Us page she says, “Fashion does not have to be purely superficial. There is power in whatever influence one may have, and this industry is more influential than any other, in my opinion.” So, according to Gwendolyn, if you are looking for the “granola-look,” you are at the wrong place! VerdeRocks is stylish and oh so trendy.

Palma Collection
Made from tague nuts, these handcrafted pieces of jewelry are sure to add an exotic look to any outfit. Each piece of jewelry is hand crafted, so no two pieces are the same. 5 percent of their gross sales go to causes that support preservation and cancer research. They use non-toxic dye and each piece is sure to turn heads with its vibrant colors and original design.

Reverie
Recycling is another form of ecofriendliness. Reusing old materials not only brings a vintage aspect to jewelry, but also demands attention. One New York City-based designer uses antiqued items in her designs to ultimately create truly spectacular works of art. You have to see these to believe them. Each piece is one of a kind and along with online shopping, there are several boutiques in the U.S. that sell her designs.

Beryl Shereshewsky

Make a Statement with Your Outfit!

Springtime is approaching and as we manicure our fingers and toes and start to change out the closet, all of us say the same thing. “I need new clothes.” New season, new feeling, new clothes! And because green is in, organic fabrics and environmentally friendly brands are more popular then ever! For some, the idea of wearing organic fabrics is reminiscent of orange hemp shirts and flowing skirts. And while, yes, the local Tibetan store that smells like incense still does sell those same outfits that flower children donned in the 1970s, ‘green’ clothing has become a bit more couture.

Tobi.com is a great new web site that caters to the ‘fashonista’ in all of us. And what’s even better, the clothing they sell has brand names that aren’t anagrams of mother earth or hemp farm. Tobi is an eco-friendly business. All of their gift boxes, tissue paper, folders, cards and stickers are made from 100% recycled material and once you receive them in the mail, they are also 100% biodegradable and recyclable. What’s more, Tobi has achieved a Zero Carbon footprint. “By supporting carbon emissions offset projects including reforestation, energy efficiency and renewable energy, we have completely offset our own emissions from utilities, air, travel, commuting, shipping and printing,” says the ‘About Us’ section of their web site.

From casual wear to dressing up for a night on the town, you can glitter from head to toe in eco-conscious garments. And what’s more, they even sell accessories that won’t break your wallet, or the planet. So make a statement with your jeans that doesn’t just say, “These cost $120.” Eco Tobi’s brands sponsor causes. So, instead of $120 jeans, buy jeans that help create sustainable economic growth in an area of world that desperately needs it.

Making a statement with your clothing can be easy, if you know where to shop.

Beryl Shereshewsky

Trading Becomes a Little More Fair

As far as sustainability goes, we have a long way to go, but in recent years the Fair trade movement has taken the Green World by storm. Perhaps you have heard of Fair trade coffee or tea? In fact, Fair traded goods cover a wide variety of goods, including, but not limited to coffee, cocoa, sugar, tea, bananas, honey, cotton, wine, fresh fruit and more.

But what does Fair trade mean, what does it encompass? According to the Fairtrade Labeling Organizations International, “Fair trade is an organized social movement and market-based approach to alleviating global poverty and promoting sustainability. The movement promotes the payment of a fair price as well as social and environmental standards in areas related to the production of a wide variety of goods”

Working mainly in developing countries, Fair trade's intent is to work with marginalized producers and workers, moving them from a position of vulnerability to one of security and self-sufficiency.

According to Fairtrade.net, in 2006 Fairtrade certified sales amounted to approximately $2.3 billion worldwide, a 41% year-to-year increase. By promoting community and economically stable projects, Fair trade advocates, in general, support the following principles and practices in trading relationships:
(This list was taken from http://www.ifat.org/)

Creating opportunities for economically disadvantaged producers —
Fair trade is a strategy for poverty alleviation and sustainable development. Its purpose is to create opportunities for producers who have been economically disadvantaged or marginalized by the conventional trading system.
Transparency and accountability —Fair trade involves transparent management and commercial relations to deal fairly and respectfully with trading partners.
Capacity building —Fair trade is a means to develop producers’ independence. Fair trade relationships provide continuity during which producers and their marketing organizations can improve their management skills and their access to new markets.
Payment of a fair price —A fair price in the regional or local context is one that has been agreed through dialogue and participation. It covers not only the costs of production but enables production that is socially just and environmentally sound. It provides fair pay to the producers and takes into account the principle of equal pay for equal work by women and men. Fairtrader employers ensure prompt payment to their partners and, whenever possible, help producers with access to pre-harvest or pre-production financing. They also provide money for free primary schools and health care, which really help the people who are not earning enough to send their children to school.
Gender equality —
Fair trade means that the work of women and men is properly valued and rewarded. Each person is always paid for their contribution to the production process and are empowered in their organizations, regardless of gender.
Safe working conditions —Fair trade means a safe and healthy working environment for producers.
Environmental protection —Fair trade actively encourages better environmental practices and the application of responsible methods of production. Fair trade certifiers, for example, strictly prohibit the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), promote integrated farm management systems that improve soil fertility, and limit the use of harmful agrochemicals in favor of environmentally sustainable farming methods that protect farmers' health and preserve valuable ecosystems for future generations.

Where can you buy Fair trade products? Here is a list of a few vendors to help get you started:

Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shops - Ask for Vanilla, Chocolate, Coffee or Coffee Heath Bar Crunch ice cream.
Bruegger's - Ask for their daily Fair trade certified brewed coffee.
Caribou Coffee - Ask for the Fair trade blend.
Dunkin' Donuts - Order any hot or iced espresso drink.
Einstein Bagels - Ask for their Global Village Fair trade blend.
Seattle's Best Coffee - Ask for the Fair trade certified Organic French Roast.
Starbucks Coffee - Ask for Cafe Estima.
Tully's Coffee - Order any hot or iced espresso drink.

Fair trade Certified products are available at many national retailers:
Costco
Fred Meyer
Kroger
Publix
Safeway
Sam's Club
Stop 'n' Shop
Target
Trader Joe's
Wegman's
Whole Foods Market
Wild Oats

Beryl Shereshewsky

Giving Back, One Grain at a Time

Gathering momentum on the Internet is a new type of viral web site. Instead of watching a funny kid dance on a trampoline or a dog skateboard down the street, FreeRice.com is taking a stance and drawing crowds for a good cause. The web site’s aim: “To provide English vocabulary to everyone for free and to help end world hunger by providing rice to hungry people for free.”

So the question remains, how do these two seemingly unrelated goals work together? The answer, quite simple, FreeRice.com quizzes you on English vocabulary. For each word you get right, FreeRice.com donates 20 grains of rice, for every five words you get right, 100 grains. And while 20 grains of rice may sound small, in total, the web site has donated over 22 billion grains since October 2007.

Where does the rice come from? How is it paid for? The answer, more straight forward than you might have imagined. The rice is paid for by the advertisers whose names appear on the bottom of the vocabulary screen. When you play the game, you see the ads and the money generated by those advertisements is then used to buy the rice. So, the more you play, the more money you generate, and the more rice can be donated to hungry people. The site is non-profit, which means that it generates no income itself.

For those of you who have not yet played, the game is quite simple. You are given a vocabulary word that you may or may not already know and four choices. Get it right, win some rice, get wrong, you are on to the next word. The site automatically adjusts to fit your vocabulary level so you are actually learning something new.

And who is the man behind the words? John Breen, a computer programmer from Bloomington, Indiana who has also created thehungersite.com, therainforestsite.com and Poverty.com. Working hand-in-hand with the United Nations' World Food Programme (WFP), John Breen’s FreeRice.com has raised enough rice to feed over 50,000 people for a day.

Today, this internationally acclaimed web site is getting press, and all the good kinds. “Freerice.com is an international, viral sensation. Folks from Thailand to Germany and India are just as enthusiastic . . . improving thousands of lives, all with a simple, collective, click of a mouse,” says CBS evening news.
“Addictive, yes. But . . . each correct answer results in the donation of rice to help feed the hungry around the globe. Perhaps that qualifies the game as a good addiction . . . one with redeeming qualities, something that’s, oh, didactic and edifying,” says the Kansas City Star.

Beryl Shereshewsky