Green Options

It’s nearing May in the heart of Japan’s Nishio area, and beneath the cover of carefully arranged netting, row after row of brilliant jade tencha tea plants are gradually hidden from the sun.  As the sunlight fades and the plants retreat into the shade, growth of the plants’ leaves slows, allowing the chlorophyll and antioxidant content to increase.

And under this shaded refuge, Japan’s number one organic matcha is tenderly nurtured. Only the newest small leaves are harvested.  After undergoing a gentle steaming process, the tiny leaves are kiln-dried and stone-ground into the AOI (Ah-oh-ee) Tea Company’s prized green matcha powder.

Matcha, which can be enjoyed a variety of different ways, offers a wealth of fantastic health benefits, including antibacterial and antiviral properties.

Nanotechnology refers to a field whose theme is the control of matter on an atomic and molecular scale.

It involves the manipulation of matter at the nanometer (nm) scale, which is one-billionth of a meter.  The nano scale is so incredibly tiny that a human hair (which is about 50,000 nm thick) is huge by comparison.

Many researchers believe this technology has the potential to create new and unique risks to human health and the environment.

When Tamre Sutphen’s son was born, the microfiber/polyester blanket gifts from friends and family caused him to break out in a rash.   So was born Sutphen’s SHI SHU BABY, her line of baby blankets made from natural fibers bamboo and cotton.

“When I started researching alternative fabrics/fibers, I discovered bamboo and fell in love with its qualities,” says designer Sutphen. “Bamboo is antibacterial, soft as silk, keeps you cool in the summer, keeps you warm in the winter and most importantly…BREATHES.”