Friday, September 28, 2012
If you're reading this from Canada then
you've probably already started thinking about your Thanksgiving Day
plans. If you're in America, you've still got plenty of time but it never hurts to plan ahead.
Regardless, most families have their own unique traditions that they stick to year after year but there's no harm in shaking things up a little with a few eco-friendly improvements. Check out these 5 tips on how to encorporate a little green into your fun filled festivities:
Support local farmers: Thanksgiving is all about giving thanks for a bountiful fall harvest. This year why not express your gratitude by supporting your local growers and producers? In doing so you'll be helping small businesses in your area and reducing your carbon footprint. Remember, the less distance your food has to travel to get to you the better for the environment. Plus it tastes that much better when it's fresh!
Choose a free-range bird: Many families look forward to a roasted turkey dinner on Thanksgiving. Make it all the more special with an organic free-range turkey or chicken. Farms that practice sustainable agriculture decrease their chemical run-off by reducing their use of chemical fertilizers and non-organic animal feed.
Carpool: If you plan on doing any traveling this holiday season, consider using a carpooling service like Amigo Express. Or if you're not keen on the idea of sharing a car with people you've never met before, ask around amongst your friends to see if anyone you know is going your way. If you must fly, most airline companies now offer the option to purchase carbon credits to help offset some of the emissions.
Shop green: While making your purchases for the big event, don't forget to bring along your re-usable grocery bags. Another tip is to avoid products that are wrapped in non-recyclable packaging.
Use re-usable dishes: If you're catering to a large group then you may be tempted to purchase disposable dishes and napkins. Resist the urge and stick to real dishes and cloth napkins. Not only does this look nicer but it's one of the easiest ways to cut back on excess waste. If you're the head chef, I recommend pouring yourself a glass of wine and assigning the clean-up duties to your appreciative family!
Regardless, most families have their own unique traditions that they stick to year after year but there's no harm in shaking things up a little with a few eco-friendly improvements. Check out these 5 tips on how to encorporate a little green into your fun filled festivities:
Support local farmers: Thanksgiving is all about giving thanks for a bountiful fall harvest. This year why not express your gratitude by supporting your local growers and producers? In doing so you'll be helping small businesses in your area and reducing your carbon footprint. Remember, the less distance your food has to travel to get to you the better for the environment. Plus it tastes that much better when it's fresh!
Choose a free-range bird: Many families look forward to a roasted turkey dinner on Thanksgiving. Make it all the more special with an organic free-range turkey or chicken. Farms that practice sustainable agriculture decrease their chemical run-off by reducing their use of chemical fertilizers and non-organic animal feed.
Carpool: If you plan on doing any traveling this holiday season, consider using a carpooling service like Amigo Express. Or if you're not keen on the idea of sharing a car with people you've never met before, ask around amongst your friends to see if anyone you know is going your way. If you must fly, most airline companies now offer the option to purchase carbon credits to help offset some of the emissions.
Shop green: While making your purchases for the big event, don't forget to bring along your re-usable grocery bags. Another tip is to avoid products that are wrapped in non-recyclable packaging.
Use re-usable dishes: If you're catering to a large group then you may be tempted to purchase disposable dishes and napkins. Resist the urge and stick to real dishes and cloth napkins. Not only does this look nicer but it's one of the easiest ways to cut back on excess waste. If you're the head chef, I recommend pouring yourself a glass of wine and assigning the clean-up duties to your appreciative family!
Thursday, September 27, 2012
.jpeg)
Here's why:
Fabric made from
bamboo fiber is luxuriously soft and naturally hypoallergenic. This
means that allergy sufferers and people with chemical sensitivities
can sleep easy in their bamboo sheets without irritation. Plus,
bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants on the planet and does
not require pesticides to thrive, making it an environmentally sound
choice for textile products.
Another great
feature of fabric made from bamboo fiber is that it is thermal
regulating. This means that your sheets will keep you cool in the
summer and cozy in the winter. They are also highly breathable and
moisture wicking, allowing you to get the best sleep possible.
The bamboo sheet
sets that we carry at StylishOrganicFamilyLiving.com are all Oeko-Tex
certified, meaning that they are thoroughly tested for harmful
substances through all stages of the production cycle (even those
that are not yet legally controlled but known to be bad for your
health). So next time you change the sheets, consider changing them
to bamboo!
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
As someone who is verging on the vertically challenged, I love this style because the straight cut design has a way of elongating my legs while minimizing my waist. Plus they're extremely versatile and can be worn for any number of occasions. Most variations on this fashion favourite go nicely with a pair of ballet flats or loafers, but I prefer a heel for a bit of extra height and an added slimming effect.
Check out Jonano's eco-chic spin on the classic cigarette pant. Made from certified organic cotton and organic hemp, these denim slacks will take you from day to night in a heart beat and are sure to be a staple in your fall & winter wardrobe for years to come.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Floor coverings
made from natural fibers such as bamboo and seagrass are a
great choice for high-traffic areas because they hide any evidence of
frequent use.
If you live in a place where it snows during the winter you're aware of how quickly your 'welcome' mat can go from chic to shabby. For this reason alone, I suggest switching to a highly durable, stain resistant, and easy-to-clean seagrass rug.
If you live in a place where it snows during the winter you're aware of how quickly your 'welcome' mat can go from chic to shabby. For this reason alone, I suggest switching to a highly durable, stain resistant, and easy-to-clean seagrass rug.
Seagrass is an
abundant marine grass with thick, flat, smooth fibers. It is one of
the most hard-wearing natural fibers and does not readily absorb
moisture, making it easy to blot away fresh spills or liquids with a
clean white cloth. Things like red wine can be neutralized with a
cloth dipped in club soda. Simply dab the stain away as much as
possible and let it dry. If the stain persists, try dipping your
cloth in a solution of mild soap and water and remember to thoroughly
dry the dampened area immediately after cleaning with a fan or
hairdryer.
As for general
upkeep, it's a cinch! Although you may not be able to see the dirt,
it's simply hiding between the weave and should be vacuumed on a
regular basis to prevent build-up and extend the life of your carpet.
Lastly, if you
find that the corners of your mat curl up over time weigh them down
with a heavy object over night to flatten things out again. And
that's really all there is to it!
Monday, September 24, 2012
Men, on the other hand, are still somewhat limited when it comes to yoga wear. A New York Times article published back in 2009 titled Yoga and the Missing Boutique, described the availability of men's yoga apparel as 'alarmingly sparse', explaining that men were forced to choose between absurdly large basketball shorts that interfere with poses or teeny tiny shorts that provide a little too much freedom of movement, if you catch my drift.
Thankfully, men now have a few more options to choose from since that article was published. For instance, one of our featured designers at StylishOrganicFamilyLiving.com has recently come out with an entire line of eco-friendly yoga gear specifically for men. We carry a range of yoga friendly pants, shorts and tops for men that offer an unlimited range of motion without the worry of over-exposure...ahem.
These stylish and comfortable items are all manufactured by 4-rth, a sustainable clothing company based out of sunny L.A. Their clothes are known for being extremely breathable and durable and great for moisture wicking. So if you're a man who is in the market for some yoga gear, search no further because we've got you covered!
Friday, September 21, 2012
Looking
for a fun little baby shower gift? Look no further! These soft and
snuggly baby socks arrive beautifully gift wrapped with three pairs
to a package.
Made from 95% organic bamboo and 5% spandex using sustainable business practices and fair labour standards. Plus I'm told that they won't slip off even the most active of baby feet!
These adorable socks
pair up nicely with Jonano's Snappy Pants and Sami Hats for the
perfect eco chic baby shower gift!
Made from 95% organic bamboo and 5% spandex using sustainable business practices and fair labour standards. Plus I'm told that they won't slip off even the most active of baby feet!
Thursday, September 20, 2012
The little black dress is an absolute must in every woman's wardrobe because it can be adapted to so many different types of events time and time again.
Dress it up with a pair of heels for a cocktail party with colleagues or dress it down with a pair of flats for a casual movie date.
Regardless of how you wear it, one thing is for certain: the little black dress is truly sustainable because it never goes out of style! Step in to Jonano's Petra Dress for instant eco-fashion. Made with sweatshop-free labor from a machine washable viscose from organic bamboo that is so soft it begs to be touched. So comfortable and stylish, you'll wonder how you ever did without it!
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
The cooler temperatures are upon us and it's time to start thinking about layering.
Our thermal long johns (for men) by 4-rth are just the thing for outdoor sports or day to day life in the colder regions of our planet. Made from ribbed ProModal, a highly sustainable fabric derived from birch tree fibre, they are both softer and more durable than cotton with superior moisture wicking abilities.
The sage green thread provides contrast and a touch of style while the fine ribbing achieves the 'compression' look but without the vice-like grip. Stylish, comfortable, warm, durable and perfect for layering, this thermal will last for years.
Be sure to order yours soon before supplies run out and the thermometer drops!
Our thermal long johns (for men) by 4-rth are just the thing for outdoor sports or day to day life in the colder regions of our planet. Made from ribbed ProModal, a highly sustainable fabric derived from birch tree fibre, they are both softer and more durable than cotton with superior moisture wicking abilities.
The sage green thread provides contrast and a touch of style while the fine ribbing achieves the 'compression' look but without the vice-like grip. Stylish, comfortable, warm, durable and perfect for layering, this thermal will last for years.
Be sure to order yours soon before supplies run out and the thermometer drops!
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
According to Dr. Nelson's Veterinary Blog, bed bugs are not picky about who they bite. This means that your pet is just as much at risk as you are. It is also important to note that animals do not actually carry these pests so don't blame Fido if you're unlucky enough to have an outbreak in your home.
Bed bugs like to live in dark crevices in furniture like...well...beds and usually only crawl out at night to attack their prey. If you notice that your pet is scratching more than usual, be sure to check their bed for the telltale signs of an infestation: tiny blood spots and/or bed bug dirt (feces). If you do find bed bugs, my research tells me that one of the best ways to kill them is in the dryer. Although they tend to thrive in warmer climates, they can't stand anything over 120 degrees Fahrenheit or 49 degrees Celcius. Ten to twenty minutes should do the trick.
A great way to protect your pet from the nuissance of bed bugs is to set them up with one of our organic pet beds stuffed with natural rubber. Not only do they offer joint support but they are also bed bug and dust mite inhibiting. Because the best way to deal with bed bugs is not to deal with them at all! But if you do need some advice on treating and infestation, check out Richard Cooper's Bed Bugs 101. I hope you never have to use it!
Monday, September 17, 2012
According to the Mother Nature Network, there are a number of natural ingredients that we can use to replace household bleach without breaking the bank. For lighting linens they suggest soaking your whites in water with 1/4 cup of any of the following: lemon juice, peroxide, or vinegar (don't mix). Afterwards, hang your linens in the direct sunlight to take advantage of its natural whitening power.
For stain removal, white vinegar is the way to go. Stains caused by tomatoes, sugary products, coffee, wine, mustard, grease or perspiration should be saturated in vinegar for at least ten minutes before washing. Salt or baking soda can be used to absorb fresh stains as much as possible before applying the vinegar.
And that's that! So the next time you have a stain, throw your bleach down the drain (not literally) and look to your kitchen for some eco-friendly stain removal remedies!
And that's that! So the next time you have a stain, throw your bleach down the drain (not literally) and look to your kitchen for some eco-friendly stain removal remedies!
Friday, September 14, 2012
I recently treated myself to a pair of Revy Fair Trade's Mora Fiesta Crimson Earrings and I absolutely love them! They are just the thing for adding a splash of colour to an outfit.
My favourite thing about these earrings is that they are extremely light weight. Often times when I wear earrings I have to remove them after a few hours but I was able to wear the Mora Fiesta earrings throughout the entire day without any discomfort. So if you're looking to add a little spice to your ensemble I highly recommend this eco-friendly and fashion-friendly accessory!
We have plenty of other fabulous earrings to choose from, all of which are handmade in fair trade artisan coops in El Salvador. The talented artisans in these coops use a variety of natural and recycled materials to come up with their unique and eye catching designs. Click here to browse through our stylish selection of handcrafted earrings.
My favourite thing about these earrings is that they are extremely light weight. Often times when I wear earrings I have to remove them after a few hours but I was able to wear the Mora Fiesta earrings throughout the entire day without any discomfort. So if you're looking to add a little spice to your ensemble I highly recommend this eco-friendly and fashion-friendly accessory!We have plenty of other fabulous earrings to choose from, all of which are handmade in fair trade artisan coops in El Salvador. The talented artisans in these coops use a variety of natural and recycled materials to come up with their unique and eye catching designs. Click here to browse through our stylish selection of handcrafted earrings.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
I absolutely love Annie Leonard's animated videos because they're entertaining, packed with information and great for all age groups. I was first introduced to her work by a fellow student at Hawaii Pacific University about three years ago and I've been hooked ever since. Her teams' animated shorts are great conversation starters and also provide an excellent means of drawing attention to some very serious issues in a capacity that is fun and non-threatening.
In The Story of Electronics she addresses a
disturbing trend in electronics manufacturing which she calls
'designing for the dump'. The theory behind this concept is that
manufacturers are purposefully producing electronic goods that break
easily so that consumers will throw them away after minimal usage in
order to buy the newer 'more improved' model. One of the many
problems associated with this practice is that the electronic goods
are often filled with toxic substances and improperly disposed of causing toxic waste to build up on our planet at an alarming rate.
Thankfully, some electronics designers have started moving away from the toxins and more towards sustainable production methods. As mentioned in the video, however, we still have a long way to go.
Annie Leonard concludes this segment by urging consumers to demand stronger laws on toxic substances and on banning e-waste export to developing countries. After all, it's the access to information and entertainment that we're after, not the toxic waste!
Thankfully, some electronics designers have started moving away from the toxins and more towards sustainable production methods. As mentioned in the video, however, we still have a long way to go.
Annie Leonard concludes this segment by urging consumers to demand stronger laws on toxic substances and on banning e-waste export to developing countries. After all, it's the access to information and entertainment that we're after, not the toxic waste!
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Freerice.com is an interactive website owned by the United Nations World Food Programme that a friend of mine introduced me to some years ago.
The site is built around a simple but educational word game that involves guessing the correct definition of a given term from a list of possible definitions. For each correct response, 10 grains of rice are donated to the UN World Food Programme to help feed hungry people in need.
The site is built around a simple but educational word game that involves guessing the correct definition of a given term from a list of possible definitions. For each correct response, 10 grains of rice are donated to the UN World Food Programme to help feed hungry people in need.
I like visiting this site when I have writers block because it helps me clear my head and because it helps me feel like I'm doing something productive instead of just wasting time. So the next time you're in need of a quick diversion, I highly recommend you play a few rounds. The smarter you get, the more everyone benefits!
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Like it or not, the temperature is dropping and it will soon be time to dig up your fall and winter wardrobe. Keep cozy this fall with one of our many colourful hemp beanies made in the USA by Hempy's. They're great for both guys and girls!
According to Hemp Traders, hemp is one of the strongest and most durable natural textile fibres. Not only does it hold up well to repeated use but it is also very absorbent and great for keeping you warm during the colder weather. All of these attributes make these hats just the thing for outdoor winter sports or for day to day use during the colder months!
Friday, September 07, 2012
While I've always been a big fan of the mini skirt, I admit that it's probably not be the best choice for an office environment. A grey pants suit on the other hand, is a very professional choice but it's slightly too conservative for a 5 à 7.
My solution? The always fashionable, super-flattering, sexy but subtle pencil skirt. Here is my personal recipe for the perfect work to weekend outfit:
- Start with a low to medium height heel and add a pair of sheer nylons (substitute with woollen stockings in a pinch).
- Zip into your favourite knee-length pencil skirt and button up a tailored sleeveless blouse making sure to tuck in at the bottom.
- Next add a fitted cardigan and/or a cotton blazer for extra warmth.
- Finish off with a colourful silk scarf and head for the door!
Voila! It's easy and it looks great. And it just so happens that we carry a beautifully crafted pencil skirt by Jonano made from 100% certified organic cotton that is perfect for your fall wardrobe.
Choose from black-grey herringbone or brown-tan herringbone, or go for both! This is one fashion staple that you're sure to reach for time and time again.
Choose from black-grey herringbone or brown-tan herringbone, or go for both! This is one fashion staple that you're sure to reach for time and time again.
Thursday, September 06, 2012
Cotton covers 2.5% of the world's cultivated land yet uses 16% of the world's insecticides - more than any other single major crop (Organic Trade Association)
Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants in the world making it highly renewable & sustainable (GreenPlanet.com)
Hemp is grown with fewer chemical inputs than non-organic cotton, or none at all, meaning less water pollution, less air pollution and because of hemp's soil anchoring qualities, less soil erosion (Hempys.com)
Modal is a textile made from reconstituted cellulose from the beech tree and is extremely water-absorbent (WiseGeek.com)
Wednesday, September 05, 2012
The owners of the club, Stephanie Karlovits and Neil Frotten, promise a good time for the entire family with tours of their new facility, complimentary refreshments and food, games, prizes, and music too! Between now and September 8th they are also running a pre-sale membership promotion, so be sure to get yours before they run out.
Although I'm not a fitness expert, myself, I feel very confident in promoting this new club because Neil was my personal trainer for more than two years before I moved to go back to school. In addition to seeing great results, I also had a lot of fun while working with Neil! Knowing how passionate both he and Stephanie are about health and fitness I am sure that EPIC Fitness will deliver nothing but the best!
For details on their grand opening event, pre-sale membership promotion, and further information on their new club, check out the EPIC Fitness website at: www.epicfitnessottawa.com. Hope to see you there this Saturday!
Tuesday, September 04, 2012
Next time you're out to dinner, impress your friends with some fun and interesting sustainability facts, courtesy of UCLA. Here are some of my favourites:
- Office buildings use approximately 19 percent of all energy consumed in the US
- A five minute shower is equal to 20-35 gallons of water
- Recycling 1 ton of glass saves the equivalent in energy of 10 gallons of oil
- In 1993, for the first time in history, more paper was recovered for recycling in the United States than was landfilled
Many of these tidbits are great motivators to continue along the path to sustainability because they show how small gestures can have big impacts if they're adopted by large amounts of people. Plus they can help you develop a solid argument for the green movement if you happen to come across a sceptic.
Should this occur, simply remind your friend that the “energy saved from recycling one aluminum can could operate a computer or TV for three hours and a six-pack saves enough energy to drive a car five miles” (UCLA). Now who could argue with that?
Should this occur, simply remind your friend that the “energy saved from recycling one aluminum can could operate a computer or TV for three hours and a six-pack saves enough energy to drive a car five miles” (UCLA). Now who could argue with that?Monday, September 03, 2012
Labour Day Monday is all about rest and relaxation and quality time with the family before jumping into the busy fall season. For some of us, this may be our last opportunity for a while to catch up on some much needed sleep. And as we all know, getting enough rest is essential to good health.
According to the American ChiropracticAssociation (AMA), there are a number of ways to ensure a better quality of sleep, including:
(1) regular exercise;
(2) limiting your intake of caffein;
(3) avoiding cold water during the night so as not to disrupt the digestive system;
(4) eating an early dinner;
(5) getting into a regular sleep routine; and
(6) keeping your bedroom at a cool, comfortable temperature with as little light as possible while you're trying to sleep.
(1) regular exercise;
(2) limiting your intake of caffein;
(3) avoiding cold water during the night so as not to disrupt the digestive system;
(4) eating an early dinner;
(5) getting into a regular sleep routine; and
(6) keeping your bedroom at a cool, comfortable temperature with as little light as possible while you're trying to sleep.
In addition to these tips, they also stressed the importance of finding a comfortable pillow and mattress. Unfortunately, we can't help with finding the right mattress but we do offer a number of high-quality pillows that are sure to maximize your comfort level while sleeping.
Our pillows stuffed with organic shredded rubber (made by Pure Rest) are a great choice because you can move the stuffing, just as you would a buckwheat-fill pillow, to create just the right amount of support for your head and neck.
Pure Rest also takes great pride in their pillows stuffed with certified organic wool, which we carry in various weights and sizes to suit your preferences. Light fill is recommended for back sleepers, medium fill for side sleepers, and heavy fill for larger folks or for those who prefer a bit of a lift.
Whether you opt for the organic wool or organic rubber filling you can sleep easy knowing that your head is resting on a chemical-free pillow designed with your health and comfort in mind. Wishing you and your family a great holiday Monday and a great start to the fall season filled with lots of good quality rest!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)