By Becky Striepe •
June 25, 2009
Last week, I got my hair done and have never felt better about it!
Clove, a brand new salon in midtown Atlanta, strives to have more than the best products and service in town. Owner Tomeca Kanu and manager Carla Kootsillas are dedicated to giving back to the community and running the greenest business they possibly can!
Tomeca bought the salon while in the middle of what turned out to be sort of a rough year. A car accident meant she had to be on bed rest just as the business was getting going. She wasn’t able to take care of the day-to-day operations for a while, which is when Carla came on board to help out.
After Tomeca’s recovery, Carla says the two of them, “took a hard look at the business and what [they] could do with it.” They wanted it to be more than your run-of-the-mill salon. They wanted to “do something [they] felt good about.” The result is a beautiful salon with great service, a mellow atmosphere, and, the best part, a conscience.
By Becky Striepe •
June 15, 2009
Between June 20th and 28th, folks all over the world will be holding vegan bake sales to raise awareness about awesome vegan food and raise money for the causes of their choice!
[Vegan Green Tea Cupcakes. Photo (and cupcakes!) by Becky Striepe]
Meat production has gotten a lot of coverage for its impact on the environment lately, but what about all those dairy cows? Whether they’re slaughtered for meat or milked, we’re still talking cows and all the impacts that go along with raising them. The Worldwide Vegan Bake Sale organizers strongly feel that veganism is better for the planet and its inhabitants. Check out their intro to veganism to learn about the story behind animal products like eggs and dairy.
From New Zealand to Nigeria to New York, groups around the world are holding vegan bake sales during the last two weekends of this month. They’re encouraging both vegan and non-vegan groups to hold events, as long as the baked goods at the sale are completely vegan. To help facilitate, they’ve set up a page of vegan baking tips and vegan recipe resource guide. Each participating group is working to benefit a cause that matters to them. Check out some of the participating groups:
By Kelly Rand •
June 4, 2009
The weather has finally started to take a turn towards the hot and muggy here in Washington, D.C. and that means I need to take a hard look at my knitting projects. Because let me tell you, knitting with wool or another heavy fiber when it get’s hot and humid, is not fun.
Thank goodness I’ve recently found Hope USA Cotton Organic. This organic cotton looks sturdy yet breathable, perfect for the season.
By Kelly Rand •
May 25, 2009
In remembrance and in honor of all that are and have served in the U.S. military on this Memorial Day, it only seemed fitting to recall knitting efforts that have taken place during war times past.
During WWI and again in WWII, women and families picked up knitting needles to help in the war effort. The American Red Cross organized many volunteer groups that knit various items for soldiers serving overseas. Socks, sweaters, helmet liners, scarfs, caps and blankets were just a few of the items that were knit up and shipped to those serving.
During WWII, the knitting effort was further encouraged and women were told to “knit for defense” and “knit for victory.” Patterns and tutorials were readily made available to those who wanted to feel like they were contributing during this trying time, even First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt was seen supporting the war effort in this way.
By Cate Nelson •
March 31, 2009
I’m all for everyone getting a set of backyard chickens. I love mine! It’s an easy step in sustainability. Plus, it’s great to see your kiddos literally play with their food, but in a more natural setting.
However, are you just getting those cute lil fuzzy birds for your children for a holiday? No coop, a little bread, and that’s all you need?
Not so much, folks. You can pick up chicks without putting their health in jeopardy. And give yourself a big ol’ pat on the back while you do.
By Courtney Maum •
March 30, 2009
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a rare disease which is currently the #1 genetic killer of children around the world. It is also 100% fatal, with no current treatment or cure available. Massachusetts-based Tracy Seckler is trying to change that. The mother of a bubbly son, Charley, Tracy has set up an organization called Charley’s Fund along with a catalogue of wearable merchandise based on the theme of belief.
Believe bracelets, believe necklaces, believe hats and clutches- every single purchase goes towards funding medical research for this disease that her son is dying of, along with so many other children all across the world.
By Jennifer Lance •
March 29, 2009
Editor’s note: The following post was originally published on Green and Clean Mom. “Green & Clean Mom can inspire you to try a little harder, be a catalyst for change and to offer you some new tips and news on how to be the green, sexy and sassy mom…I know you are!”
I take for granted the fresh air I breathe and the fact that fresh water and trees surround me and there isn’t a smell of industry or pollution. I’m aware of how fortunate I am but I just don’t think about it everyday like I should. I remember a visit to a big city a few years back and feeling like I could not breathe. I remember the smell and not enjoying how the automobile pollution made me feel. I was told I would get used to it but I never did and when it was time to leave I couldn’t wait to be home and breathe fresh air. Not that the city wasn’t fun and exciting but the air was very different.
By Lucille Chi •
February 10, 2009
Planning a romantic day this Valentines? Yes? No? Well, just in case, here is our lovely green Valentine guide for the upcoming holiday:
- Love Notes: Give your sweets a personalized note that you craft yourself or share the love with virtual notes like WWF E-cards and Nature Conservancy Valentine E-cards.
- Blooms: Organic Bouquet has wonderful ways to give fresh flowers and help charity at the same time, and Local Harvest is another favorite flower source of ours that always brings the freshness of the flower-farm into your home.
By Cate Nelson •
January 8, 2009
Oh, what to do with all those holiday cards that still deck your mantle? I mean, besides plant the ones that your greenie friends gave you. You could certainly store them away for a cool craft for next year. As in, “Collage ‘em, kids, then send off to grandma!”
But if you’re not nearly that crafty, put all your used seasons greetings to good use: recycle them. And it only takes an envelope and a few stamps, depending on how much love you’ve received lately.
By Becky Striepe •
January 7, 2009
Garbage of Eden Designs artist Stephanie Huffaker takes plastic that would be headed for the landfill and turns it into lovely necklaces, bracelets and earrings.
On top of diverting plastic from the waste stream, the Brooklyn, NY artist aims to raise awareness about plastic’s effect on our water supply through her designs.
