My Heart Beats for the Children of Uganda.

I’ve been a supporter of the Invisible Children for over 5 years now. This year is the final push to let our legislators know that America isn’t the only place on this planet that matters.

Watch this video to learn how to get involved in stopping Joseph Kony’s inhumane atrocities.

Help. Share. Donate.

This little guy from Minnesota has something to say about going after your dreams…

“2 million lbs of arsenic compounds have been fed to chickens every year and 85 tons of arsenic compounds to pigs.“

G. X. Sun, P. N. Williams, A. M. Carey, Y. G. Zhu, C. Deacon, A. Raab, J. Feldmann, R. M. Islam, and A. A. Meharg. Inorganic arsenic in rice bran and its products are an order of magnitude higher than in bulk grain. Environmental science & technology, 42(19):7542{7546, 2008.C. F. Jelinek and P. E. Corneliussen. Levels of arsenic in the united states food supply. Environ. Health Perspect., 19:83{87, 1977.E. K. Silbergeld and K. Nachman. The environmental and public health risks associated with arsenical use in animal feeds. Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci., 1140:346{357, 2008.

Here’s a quick tutorial on how to make your own hairspray.

*If you like your hairspray to have fragrance, you can add in 1/4 cup rose water to your cooled hairspray mixture or boil down 2 tangerines, strain, and add the tangerine water into your cooled hairspray mixture.

*Do Not add alcohol to your hairspray mixture! Not only is it not good for your hair, it is also not good to inhale when sprayed.  Alcohol in typical hairsprays dries out hair, thus causing the hair shafts to weaken to the point of breakage.

Everyone has a different version of what a sustainable lifestyle is and this blog is inspired to facilitate these ideas. I wanted to share with you my tips, successes, and challenges; and also gain ideas from others.

To me, living sustainable means living in a way that keeps me youthful mentally and physically and living in a way that contributes to the health of our planet. So how does one go about living in such a way? Where do you start?

The best approach to living sustainably for me, has been to engage in living a minimal-waste lifestyle.  In this area, I’m not a model of perfection. I hope to someday live a zero-waste lifestyle, but working towards this goal is a process.

In summary, a minimal-waste lifestyle means finding contentment and health by clearing clutter and “things” out of my life, as well as thinking about each thing I purchase, consume, and use in my home, workplace, and everyday life. I do this by rethinking the necessities in my life. What really matters and what doesn’t? What do I think I need, but can actually live without?

Back when I started this, I made a list of each area in my life and came up with ideas on ways in which I could change the way I was living to live more sustainably. I started the list with each room in my household.

A sample of my list looks like this:

Bathroom

Even shorter showers

Continue to make the majority of my own, waste-free products: Shave Cream, Body Wash, Makeup, etc.

Re-using (product) containers

Buying wooden toothbrushes

Using plants wherever else possible

Buying recycled TP and use sparingly

Eliminate: -Cotton balls -Qtips -hand towels?

Already Eliminated: Unnecessary personal care products (like kleenex, face wipes, etc), excess bathroom supplies (like towels).

Lifestyle

Continue using cloth/hemp reusable grocery bags

Refusing plastic bags at stores, straws at restaurants, take out containers, etc.

Supporting local businesses: buy local first, state, USA.

Buying Fair Trade when possible.

Donating to charity

Volunteering

Drive even less & consolidate trips: walk/bike/exercise more. Go from a two-car family to a one car family by 2014.

Keep reading for tips, recipes, and ideas on how you can transition to a minimal-waste lifestyle.

A greater percentage of the products and foods on the market aren’t good for you. In fact, they’re bad for you. And how are we to live to the fullest if we’re constantly putting ourselves at risk?  And where can one start to protect themselves?

Take a second look at the all the products you use each day.

If you haven’t heard about these, check out my review on them here.

Leave a comment stating one action you practice in your home which promotes a sustainable or environmental way of living.

Do you harvest rainwater? Make your own soap? Bike to work?

The giveaway ends Monday at Midnight. The winner will announced Tuesday (12.27) before Midnight (East Coast time).

The winner will need to email me Tuesday before Midnight to provide me with a mailing address so I can mail you your gift.

Peace & Happy Holidays!

Sustainable Holiday Gift List for 2011

All of the gifts I’ve selected are perfect for the conscious consumer. I would encourage you to shop local and support your hometown businesses as well; hey, have you ever been into an antique or vintage shop? So much cool stuff! But if you can’t find what you need in your town or if like me, you don’t care for malls or retail/outlet stores due to overpricing, lack of socially responsible products, or you don’t want to join the crowed of shoppers who think it’s acceptable to pepper spray each other, then this list is for you.

What makes these gifts sustainably responsible?  They each have one or more of these traits:

• Made using renewable energy which helps reduce dependence on fossil fuels and nuclear power, thereby reducing energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Made cruelty-free.
• Chemical & toxin-free.
• Made from recycled or renewable materials.
• Good for the earth: buying this product instead of something else will help reduce your use of energy or reduce your carbon footprint.
• The product is made by a company that has strict labor or environmental laws that protect people and the earth or are Fair Trade.

General

-Water Powered Clock $30

Cool gadget. Made from non-PVC plastic this alarm clock runs entirely on tap water.

-Bamboo Beach Tank for men by blu democracy $34

Made of 60% Bamboo and 40% Sorona. This shirt used  only 1/3rd of the amount of water needed to produce a conventional cotton t-shirt. No chemicals, toxins, or sweatshop labor were used to make this clothing.

With the purchase of this tank, you will give someone in the world access to clean water for 2 years.

-Vibration Speaker $50

This portable vibration speaker takes music from your device and turns it into vibrations. Vibrations are then sent through the vibration pad (Rock-It).

-Hot Pot Simple Solar Cooking Oven $120

A little spendy, but yes, these solar ovens really work. They’re great because you can leave them sit outside unattended while your food cooks for 6 hours or so. It can reach a temperature of up to 400* and cooks all sorts of foods. If you think your loved one who likes to grill or spend time outdoors has everything, try getting her or him one of these.

-200″ Beeline Hemp Wick Lighter $17

Beeline is an organic, logical alternative to butane lighters and matches. Bee Line uses only organic  hemp string, dipped in organic bees wax. Both renewable resources (beeline.com).

-SPLAFF Grommet Guitar Strap $28-32

This guitar strap by SPLAFF (<–Incredible company, btw), is made from recycled bike inner-tube and (my favorite) hemp. Music can save the world.

Local Tunes for the music enthusiast…

From MN w/Love Album by Professor Fresh $13

If you didn’t know, Minnesota is home to some of the most talented musicians on the planet and I’m fortunate enough to live in an area that produces such artists. If you’re into underground hiphop, this record is for you. Support your local artists. Preview the album here.

- Jute Sole Sandals for Men (& Women) $25

“Aiman means “fearless” in the region of India that these flops were crafted. Each pair is handcrafted in India with minimal use of heavy machinery or processes which contribute to water and air pollution. 5% + the cost to administer from every pair sold goes to fund a new library and laboratory at the all girls school in Purchuru, India” (commonsoles) and the store offers free returns and exchanges. Awesomeness.

-VI Recycled V Shirt by Degree Six $25

Made of 50% Organic Cotton and 50% Recycled Polyester, made in the USA.

-Hemp Wrist Cuffs by SPLAFF $10-12

It’s hemp! Need I say more?

For: Your Home

-100 Ft. Clothesline Kit $50

Water & Rust-proof! Hey, my Grandma had a clothesline and I had one in my apartment. These things are more useful and practical than you’d think.

Did you know ”a dryer is typically the second biggest electricity-using appliance after your fridge” (Grassroots, Toronto) ? Not only that, dryers fade and break down fabric faster than sunlight; hence, dryer lint is also remnants of your laundry being broken down. And come on, you can’t beat the smell of freshly dried laundry off the line.

-60 gallon Rain Barrel+Diverter $200

Capture rainwater to ease drought-like conditions in your garden or yard with this heavy-duty, recycled food-grade polyethylene Rain Barrel. Multiple barrels can be linked with an ordinary garden hose.

-Earth’s Berries Laundry $26 for all 3

Why would I give someone laundry wash for Christmas?! I did a blog review of Earth’s Berries- I love, love this product and if you know someone who likes trying new things in their home, wants to save money, and cares about the environment, they won’t be disappointed to receive Earth’s Berries as a gift, I promise!

-Buddha Statue, anyone? $64

I want one of these! These statues come from Bali (in Indonesia) and not only are they gorgeous and symbolic, they’re the product of a nonprofit (Mitrabali) of Balinese craftworkers who carve these individually out of Limestone. All products are created using environmentally sustainable/renewable resources only.

-Rainfall Showerhead $59

30% stronger water pressure, and saves 23+% more energy. If you haven’t experienced a rainfall showerhead, I recommend doing so.

-Market Baskets from Ghana $34

These baskets are gorgeous and consciously constructed by hand. Each design is unique and these durable baskets are great for catchalls, magazine holders or as decorative pieces.

- Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Golden Lotus Stream II $67

Stunning acrylic artwork. Thai artist, Rawat Vongla “depicts a pink lotus flower blossoming in a blue pond. Buddha was sleeping under this Holly Tree when he attained enlightenment” (ezistock.com). This piece is the only one of its kind for sale and for professional artwork, the price is fantastic.  %5 of profits are donated to different humanitarian organizations.

- Compost Buckets $12-18 (filters 3 for $8)

Tired of heavy garbage? Tired of throwing stuff away that can be given back to the earth? Compost buckets are incredibly easy and essential for anyone trying to live a sustainable+minimal-waste lifestyle. It’s made in Canada and comes in 2 sizes: one for your countertop or one for under the counter. The Compost Buckets have built-in, activated-carbon filters that absorb any odor.

For: Workout/Sports Enthusiasts 

-Green Jump Rope $15

Handles made from recycled plastic milk containers and the rope is made from 100% cotton. Safe/nontoxic and packaged in recycled materials.

- Fair Trade Sports Balls $10-$30

If you’re going to buy anyone in your life a sports ball, you should try making it a fair trade one. These are priced well and handmade extremely well. I know because my friends and I own the pictured soccer ball. It’s really a great product and is also awesome for teaching kids and school sports teams about social justice: “Fair Trade Sports Inc. is the first sports equipment company in the US to launch a full line of eco-certified Fair Trade sports balls, ensuring fair wages and healthy working conditions for workers.“

-Women’s Green Earth Bamboo Workout Jacket $85

The price is a little lofty, but the cut of this jacket is fantastic and it’s one of those products that looks good on all shapes,, and once you buy it you won’t need to replace it for a very long time.

For: Babies & Kids

- Fairy Princess Dancing Doll $75

Imagination is the key to staying youthful. Encourage it in the kids you know by giving them gifts that promote imagination and stimulate creativity. Ease up on the electronics and give them toys that they can use to interact with each other.

-Green Earth Bamboo Baby Hat by Yala $14

GEB has some of the sweetest clothes for babies and kids.

- Din Din Smart Stainless Bus Plate $20

Eating is fun enough as it is but, this plate makes it even more fun. Maybe now the kids will eat their veggies?

Eco-friendly, nontoxic: BPA, Phthalate, PVC & Lead Free. Dishwasher Safe. 

-Bento-Style Lunchbox $18

Lead, BPA, & Phthalate Free! This bento-style lunchbox is great if you’re starting a sustainable lifestyle or delving into bento lunch creations. Adorable artwork, and I must say, I like the little political message on this one. It makes for a great opportunity to teach kids about the environment and the importance of reusable resources.

-Glow in the Dark Bonne Nuit Bulbs $48

Turn off the lamp and let these wall decals provide the comfort of a nightlight for your baby or child. Or, buy them for someone you know and use it as unique wall-art for a hallway or bathroom.

For: Women

Guys, not sure what to get your Sister, Mom, Wife, Niece? Speaking on behalf of a shoe enthusiast, fanatic, addict, I can tell you that shoes are one of the most personal gifts you can give a woman. And these Miram Tobacco, Cork Shoes- oh these shoes! The straps are made from cork, a renewable+recyclable material. The cork is harvested from cork oak without harming the tree. If you didn’t know, here in Shoe World, cork’s a vegan-alternative to leather $78.

-Also consider these boots! $100

- Bamboo Tye-Dye Tee by blu democracy $38

Made of 60% Bamboo and 40% Sorona. This shirt used only 1/3rd of the amount of water needed to produce a conventional cotton t-shirt. No chemicals, toxins, or sweatshop labor were used to make this clothing.

With the purchase of this tee you will give someone in the world access to clean water for 2 years.

-Thai Tree/Jewelry Holder $40                                               From Hope Fair Fashion in Action, fair trade tribes in Thailand, this jewelry tree is a cool way to display and organize jewelry. Made from 100% iron.

- Herbal Choice Mari natural Perfume $26

- No synthetic fragrance
- 60-Day satisfaction guarantee
- Alcohol, petroleum oil, preservative, paraben, mineral oil, and chemical–free!
- Free of gluten, dairy, soy and corn
- Cruelty-free/Vegan
- 100% Organic

-PeaceKeeper Nail Polish by Paint Me Luminous $7

Vegan and made in the USA! All distributable profits, after taxes, support women’s issues. *Rated by the Environmental Working Group as the Safest Paint-Based Natural Nail Polishes.

For: Artists 

-Natural Tempera Paints, Set of 6 for $18    Mayan mineral earth pigments: free of chemical dyes and petrochemicals.

-Sono Wood Carved Tree Jewelry Holder, On Sale $25

Hand-carved from natural wood. This jewelry holder can also double as just an art piece. The base contains a small, carved tray for holding small pieces. Handcrafted from sustainably grown, plantation sono wood by a fair trade family-run business (Mitrabali).

-Cardstock made from… a renewable resource!    2 paper stacks for $5

And it’s for a good cause: life. For elephants and humans alike.

-Linocut Elephant Prints $50

Beautiful & reasonably priced artwork.               5% of product sales are donated to the following causes (1% each): Unicef, Doctors without borders, Global action for children, H2O Africa, 1% for the planet.

For: The Cooking Enthusiast

  - 4-Blend Variety, Fair Trade Vastu Chai Tea $40 for 4

Yum! 100% Organic: Traditional, Rooibos, Green Tea Masala, & Pure White Tea. Great for anyone who enjoys hot beverages or anyone who appreciates food in general.

- Countertop Plastic Bag Dryer $20

Crafted from sustainably harvested birch and ash woods, this clever Countertop Bag Dryer makes it easy to dry and reuse plastic bags.

- Stone-Ground Fair Trade Chocolate Stack $25 for 5 discs (featuring flavors like cinnamon, almond, & coffee).

“Sought after by enthusiasts. Minimal processing preserves the original bright fruity cocoa flavors of the bean and creates a chocolate with an endearing crunchy texture. Five disk assortment tied up with a natural raffia ribbon from Madagascar. USDA certified organic. Direct Trade with growers!” (NewLeaf Chocolates, Arlington)

- OXFAM Fair Trade, Organic Sour GummyBears $4

Sweet stocking stuffers for a sweet cause. Made with Fair Trade+Organic cane sugar from Paraguay & orange juice concentrate from Brazil.

- Reusable Produce Bags $8

If you or someone you know already grocery shops with cloth bags, then these produce bags are a great addition to a sustainable lifestyle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Custom-Designed KitchenAid Mixer $500

by Nicole Dinardo @ Un Amore Custom Designs

Spendy much? Yes. Worth it? Well, just go check out the gallery of work she’s done, and I think you’ll agree with me that if you’re into this kind of thing, the money’s totally worth it. Granted I can’t imagine a time when I’ll ever have $500 to spend on a custom design (plus the actual mixer), but if you’re someone out there’s who’s totally stumped on what to get your kitchen enthusiast and you have this kind of money, you really can’t beat a gift like this! Also, Nicole wrote a blog post about how she breaks down her pricing for her work.

*Nicole also paints skate decks, guitars, and does other custom renderings.

*KitchenAid Mixers are made in the U.S.