By Steve Savage •
November 4, 2009
In 2006 I attended a BIO meeting in Toronto focused on the new bio-based economy. Oil had just risen to $70/barrel and it was a time when environmental NGOs, biotech companies and even oil companies seemed to be on the “same page” in terms of their enthusiasm for moving to plant-based feedstocks as the perfect alternative to oil dependency. With the very obvious international security costs of the oil economy, and what were then thought to be unimaginable energy costs, it was a remarkable sort of celebration event for all the alternative energy and materials folks who has suffered under the decades of cheap oil. As much as I was happy to see such “multi-stakeholder” agreement, I was sad because anyone with an agricultural perspective could see a train-wreck coming.
People were making presentations about cool second generation innovations like “Cellulosic” ethanol from sources like switchgrass or Miscanthus and also about ethanol alternatives like butanol. People were talking about bio-materials for even things like the auto industry. However; the side conversations were about the huge boom underway in the corn ethanol industry. Orders for stainless steel tanks were back-logged two years. What had started as a local, farmer-cooperative funded industry had become a venture capital frenzy. I could see that long before the promise of “second generation” biofuels could be realized, corn ethanol would get to be big enough that it would end up fracturing the amazing consensus about the bio-economy that was functioning at that conference.
By Lucille Chi •
October 29, 2009
Trail mix is a favorite fall time snack of mine. Fun to take on hikes and picnics, it always hits the spot. Try mixing some seasonal seeds in your favorite nut mix to stay healthy this season. Here is a simple recipe with remarkable immune boosting powers.
Sunflower Seeds: Rich in vitamin E, magnesium and selenium, sunflower seeds are high in phytosterols which are known cholesterol reducers.
Pumpkin Seeds: Carve that cute [...]
By Delia Montgomery •
October 27, 2009
Designers may brace themselves with glee because recycled threads are coming to market!
German thread maker Amann, with the new Lifecycle Threads brand name, distributed press releases to the trade last August.
By Liz Thompson •
October 25, 2009
Summer may be gone for now, but certain bits of it last on: memories, vacation photos……new sun spots.
Several visitors have written to me asking for help reducing the appearance of sun spots and freckles. Though nothing short of completely avoiding the sun will totally keep spots at bay, being liberal with the sunscreen and choosing a few targeted products will definitely help.
By Julie Knapp •
October 21, 2009
If you feed your little one
Plum Organics, here’s a baby food recall you need to know about. The organic baby food company issued a
voluntary recall yesterday due to a botulism danger. The only product affected is the
Apple and Carrot Portable Pouch, which comes in a 4.22 ounce bag.
The pouches are being pulled from store shelves because of a potential risk of Clostridium botulinum contamination, which can cause botulism, a sometimes life-threatening condition that you clearly don’t want to mess around with.
In a letter on the Plum Organics website, founder Gigi Lee Chang explains that “after a routine test determined the formulation was incorrect. Plum Organics immediately investigated the matter and confirmed that a mixing error was to blame which resulted in an improper blend of carrots and apples.”
By Jennifer Lance •
October 20, 2009
I miss my baby wearing days, especially now that an organic version of my favorite carrier is available! Babybjörn Original Organic Baby Carrier is essential for any new green mommy or daddy, in my opinion. A worn baby is a happy baby because:
- Babies feel closely snuggled to the parent
- Babies are kept within their short range of vision, unlike riding in a stroller
- Babies can feel your heart rhythm and breath reminding them of the womb
- Babies and parents bonding is promoted through baby wearing
A babywearing parent is a happy parent because their baby fusses less, and grown-up arms are free for doing chores, shopping, etc..
By Lucille Chi •
October 17, 2009
Here is a scrumptious and healthy alkaline rich beet and orange salad with refreshing lemon zest and your choice of protein and toppings.
Try silky light tofu, or organic cottage cheese, crumbled feta, or plain. To top it off try fresh thyme or rosemary. I happen to have a blood orange I threw into the mix, so get creative and treat yourself to this healthy root vegetable and citrus salad.
Below is the recipe and an example menu to pair this nutritious side dish with.
By Julie Knapp •
October 16, 2009
Since October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month, it’s fitting that Dandelion Earth-Friendly Goods just launched their new
Pink Collection, a special group of
organic baby toys that will help benefit breast cancer research.
If you’re not familiar with Dandelion, they have all the “eco-ssentials” for babies including rattles, teethers, development toys and even toddler feeding products made from corn. Their classic shape sorter even made Dr. Toy’s best green product list for 2009.
By Delia Montgomery •
October 14, 2009
If you didn’t catch the Best Eco-luxury Infant Clothes Designer competition winner, read about Carrie Jekogian for LolaBabiez Organics here.
The first runner-up is Tina Bossy for Bossy Baby and the second runner-up is Rachel Hart for Miss Sugar Pops. Be sure to read the related posts below to discover all the terrific nominations.
By Liz Thompson •
October 10, 2009
It seems the moment cooler weather arrives our skin and hair feel the affects; dry, rough hands, tight skin and fly-aways. Not to worry, there are remedies for these problems. By adding a few products or ingredients to your existing regimen, you will be flake and fly-away free in no time.
By Delia Montgomery •
October 7, 2009
The competition winner of Chic Eco’s 2009 Best Eco-luxury Infant Clothes Designer poll is Carrie Jekogian for LolaBabiez Organics. Congratulations Carrie!
What’s really fun about taking nominations is to read favorable comments. Carrie’s got a fan club. Read on for testimonies.
