How To Find Fair Trade Treasures

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While I am not that enthusiastic about shopping (largely owing to my goal to save money and to reduce my “ownership of stuff”), when I do shop, I want to be able to find good buys that suit both my tastes and my price range or fair trade treasures.  This past week, I devoted some time to shopping for fair trade products with the intention of celebrating Fair Trade Month (an annual global event occurring in the month of October).

Being the creature of habit that I am, I initiated my shopping expedition on the Internet with a Google search of “fair trade” products.  I learned a lot here about fair trade in general.  Specifically, I discovered that there are several “fair trade organizations” whose labels certify its members as being in compliance with fair trade rules and standards.  These organizations include, but are not limited to:

 Fair Trade USA

Fair_Trade_USA_Logo

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Trade International

fairtrade International

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Trade Federation

Ftf-logo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Most of the products that I found were coffee, tea, handcrafts, sugar, bananas, honey, cotton, fresh fruit, chocolate, flowers and gold.  I also found some sports balls, particularly soccer balls; however, with my soccer children all being adults now, there was not anything there for me.  After poking around some more, I found some nice scarves.

Then needing a break, I visited my favorite local garden store, Homestead Gardens, where lo and behold, I was greeted by a beautiful display of fair trade roll-on bracelets by a company called Aid Through Trade.

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aidthroughtrade

 

 

Then I went to Target and found that several of the products they carry are certified green and fair trade.  I am confident that with more time, for visiting stores in my area, I will find many other fair trade products.

On my return to my computer, my search for “fair trade” products took a new and unexpected turn.   I branched out beyond the restrictions of sites operated by the major fair trade organizations, and instead, looked for products, particularly clothing, that I liked.  In each instance, while browsing the various online company catalogs, I also read the sections of the websites entitled “our story” or “our mission” and discovered many businesses, who may not carry the “fair trade certification” issued by the major fair trade organizations or federations, but who endorse sustainability, practice fair trade in their dealings with exporters who provide their materials and who promote conservation and clean energy initiatives.

The lesson learned here is that we definitely should support the certified fair trade organizations for the remarkable work that they perform and their efforts to ensure decent wages to exporters of so many of the products that we enjoy.   However, we also should support companies not listed on these sites under these “certified fair trade labels”  who also work hard to deliver quality products, treat their employees and their business partners fairly while investing in their local communities.  These companies often are under the radar of widespread advertisement, but they are the “fair trade treasures.”  I hope that each of you will get out this month and do a little shopping, paying visits to small businesses and boutiques in your neighborhoods to discover your own “fair trade treasures.”  To do so is to live green, be green.

Could Glaciers End Chilean Mining?

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When you get the chance, survey the room:

First ask, “what is a bill?”  Among the handful of answers will probably lay something along the lines of “a piece of legislation drafted and proposed to be passed into the law of the land,” although not so eloquently put, I’d imagine.

Then ask the room, “what is the largest copper-producing country in the world?” I’d bet — depending on how large of a room, of course — that the chances of finding someone who correctly replied, “Chile,” would be pretty slim.

Lastly, ask this.  “What is a glacier?”  (The outcome of this question does not even matter because I’ve already arrived at my point, albeit after a needlessly long-winded opening.)

This is precisely the question Chilean governmental officials are currently battling.  Congress there is faced with the dilemma of passing legislation that would ban mining in glacier locales.  That last part is where the legislation undoubtedly becomes questionable.  Where will the fuzzy lines of legal jargon come together to define these areas?  Will it be strictly on the glaciers or surrounding areas as well?  How far will these areas stretch?  Is all frozen land around the glaciers off limits, as well?  As the law currently stands, these surrounding permafrost areas are not covered by the proposed protection, but the details are far from set in stone.

All points aside, this is a serious issue.  Not only do these congressional decisions impact the multibillion-dollar mining industry tremendously, along with the country’s production of Copper and other mining products, but the country’s overall water supply hangs largely in the balance of this debate.  Here’s how LUIS ANDRES HENAO of the Associated Press explains the logic:

Glaciers are important because they act as natural dams, storing water for use throughout the year after the winter snow has melted. Even small glaciers can hold gigantic amounts of water that become critical during warm months and especially in long dry spells.

Chile is no stranger to arid months of drought, especially with its recently trending climate change.  Those who we call environmentalists argue that when these two elements of drought and climate change combine with mining, Chile faces a severe danger of its glaciers completely vanishing, and more quickly than ever before imagined.  CECILIA JAMASMIE wrote of such an instance, wherein a glacier disappeared:

One of the best-documented examples is the 18,000-year-old Chacaltaya glacier in the Bolivian Andes, which disappeared in 2009. Experts had forecasted it would survive until 2015, but it melted faster than expected, leaving what used to be the world’s highest ski run — 17,000 feet above sea level — as a boulder-strewn slope with a few patches of ice near the top.

This may be just as dramatic a picture as our governmental leaders’ current steadfastness in delay tactics and indecision, but this, like our issues, is no laughing matter.  Serious repercussions loom large for mining projects planned for the future, as well as projects already underway.  It’s an increasingly common scenario in today’s day — ecological pressures enforced by environmentalists and economical pressures enforced by big business butt heads yet again, and this time it’s Chile’s congressional interpretation in focus.

Health Alert: Reduce The Risk Of Heart Disease — Another Reason To Walk

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Breast cancer awareness

Breast cancer awareness (Photo credit: AslanMedia)

The recently released report that walking lowers the risk of breast cancer presents yet another great reason to take up walking as a form of exercise.  We all know that walking is beneficial for weight loss, control of osteopenia, better sleep, stress reduction and improved energy.  Now a study published by Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention presents encouraging evidence that  “physical activity, even including walking, reduces a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer . . . by changing how the body deals with estrogen.”  This study is released very appropriately during the month of October when we celebrate breast cancer awareness.  This is an opportune time to present information on encouraging results to lift the spirits and give hope to the army of women and their supporters in the battle against breast cancer.

The researchers used a large database maintained by the American Cancer Society that included health and medical information for almost 74,000 post-menopausal women, ages 50-73, who had enrolled in the study in the 1990s and completed followup questionnaires biennially.  The questionnaires focused, in part, on descriptions of time spent on both leisurely activities and exercise.  While some of the study participants were very active, many playing tennis, swimming or running, the majority of the women walked, generally at a stroll or pleasant pace of approximately three miles per hour.

The study results show that 4,760 of the study participants developed breast cancer.  Interestingly, the research results indicate that women who walked at least seven hours per week at an average of one hour per day had a 14 percent reduced risk of developing breast cancer “than those who walked for fewer than three hours per week.”  Additionally, the women who were the most active (engaged in vigorous activity for up to 10 hours a week), realized a 25 percent less risk of developing breast cancer than the study participants who exercised the least.  It is important to note that these risk reductions were not affected or altered by factors, such as being overweight or on hormone replacement therapy.

This study comes with a caveat in that some of the women who walked everyday did develop breast cancer, and some of the study participants who did not exercise never developed breast cancer.  These findings indicate that more investigation is warranted.

One thing is clear, and that is walking as a form of daily exercise, regardless of pace, is very beneficial in the reduction of breast cancer in women.  This is a call to all of my sisters, regardless of age to get out and walk for your life, health and happiness.  To do so is to live green, be green!

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Source for this article:  http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/10/09/how-walking-may-lower-breast-cancer-risk/?_r=1

Fifty Shades of Green

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lubricant_ad

lubricant_ad (Photo credit: K嘛)

It goes without saying that we all are aware of the basics of living an environmentally conscientious life.  Most of us do something to live green, whether it involves recycling and reusing, making healthier food choices, driving our cars a little less to save fuel and reduce our carbon footprint and getting some exercise to lose weight so that we feel and look better.  Now indulge us while we entertain the notion of Fifty Shades Of Green, a look at our sexual health and relationships and the need to make sure they are sustainable, green and environmentally conscientious.  So today, we here at LGBG have some tips to share to ensure that we all live ecofriendly sex lives.

  • Value Relationships.  A major component of a green sex life is a healthy relationship with a foundation of self-respect and respect for others.  To achieve this, it is crucial to avoid hookups or casual sexual relationships, you know — friends with benefits.  Strive for intimacy, not just physical release.
  • Ditch pornography. Turn off the television, computer, disc payer, etc., and engage your real-life partner for arousal and sexual satisfaction.  Rely on authentic scents and sounds.  Doing this, you will reduce your carbon footprint and invest in human relationships.  That makes for strong sustainability.
  • Use caution with lubrication.  If lubrication is part of your sexual routine, that is fine, but please make sure you lube up green.  Familiarize yourself with the ingredients in various lubricants, and educate yourself on the unsafe ingredients in many popular brands of lubricants, which may pose an increased risk for bacterial or viral infections.  When shopping for lubricants, try to locate brands that are made with nontoxic ingredients and that do not contain paraben or glycerin.  You will find that many of these products also are latex friendly and eco-friendly.[1]
  • Beware of plastic sex toys.  Data from adult toy manufacturer, Adam and Eve indicates that “Americans spend $15 billion on sex toys annually, that 44 percent of women 18 to 60 have used one, and that 78 percent of those women were in a relationship when they did.”  To this we say, “Buyer beware.”  It is best to avoid plastics because so many of them contain phthalates (used to chemically soften rigid plastics and linked to damage to DNA in human sperm.  We strongly recommend that you make sure your bedroom toys are “phthalate-free glass, silicone or metal.”[2]
  • Save electricity.  We all are aware of the importance of reducing the thermostat a few degrees.  This does not mean that we have to be cold.  Cozy up with that special person and create your own heat.  You also will reap the added benefit of increases pheromones, which have been shown to increase fertility and enhance the mood while alleviating depression and stress.
  • Eat good food for good sex.  A healthy diet is important for your sexual health because “good food will help keep blood pumping to your sexual organs.”  Specifically, men should eat plant-based proteins that may have a positive effect on sperm quality.  Also, both men and women should avoid diets high in saturated fats that affect LDL cholesterol levels, contributing to depressed libido and sexual performance.  So for a healthy sex life, increase the use of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and decrease the ingestion of red meat.  For sweet pleasures, try chocolate (particularly brands that are 70 percent or higher in cocoa and without added milk and sugar), which create the same feelings of pleasure achieved with arousal and orgasm.

We here at LGBG wish for everyone a happy, healthy life, including a healthy, green sex life.  We ask you to endorse our Fifty Shades of Green to protect the environment.  This is just one more way we can live green, be green.

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Sources for this article:
[1]  http://health.howstuffworks.com/sexual-health/sexuality/10-green-sex-tips.htm
[2]  http://www.mnn.com/health/fitness-well-being/stories/let’s-talk-about-green-sex-baby
[3]  “Lost Your Libido?  6 Smart Diet Choices to Get It Back.”  Health Hub from Cleveland Clinic.
[4]  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/16/sex-toy-sales-per-capita-_n_1790014.html

 

BUSINESS UPDATE: The GREEN Program

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The GREEN Program: Iceland

The GREEN Program: Iceland

Perhaps you are an avid LiveGreenBeGreen.com reader who remembers my first Business Spotlight on the GREEN Program, or perhaps you are just now visiting LGBG for the first time and should definitely read up on that ASAP.  Either way, welcome, and listen up, because we have a new update on this fantastically new age study abroad program.

Since the last article I wrote, GREEN has made some big-time organizational moves.  They have literally doubled in size, and a huge contributing factor to that has been their newly developed program in Iceland, in addition to their original Costa Rican adventure.  They have a partnership with the country’s Iceland School of Energy at Reykjavik University, whereby students can gain 1.5 U.S. college course credits for their 10-day participation in the program.

The GREEN Program is still bringing together young minds from all over the world and educating them on energy sustainability practices with hands-on experience, in the hopes that the collection of young info-seekers will eventually see to it, as future leaders, that the world creates a better tomorrow.

For all interested in learning more about the program, there is an awesome video on it,

[vimeo http://vimeo.com/74586974]

and for those considering pursuing an internship in the area of sustainability, the program is now looking for candidates in Philadelphia, PA!

This is not meant to be just another applausive article on the GREEN Program to join the already dozens written and published all over the U.S.   Rather, this is meant to show off what a ton of hard work can create in the way of educating the masses, a goal with which we at LGBG unquestionably align.  This study abroad program, still in its toddler years, is truly making energy-packed waves in the way of study abroad programs.

General Motors– Actions Indicate Major Failure At Sustainability

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This article arises from my very negative experience with a General Motors (GM) service department.  Without boring you or frustrating myself by reciting the details, suffice it to say that my problem involved a failure of the gas sensors, which in turn, activated other dashboard sensors and lights, including the engine light.  An investigation into the specifics of these encounters points to the conclusion that General Motors touts commitment to sustainability, but in reality, these largely are empty words.

English: Logo of General Motors Corporation. S...

English: Logo of General Motors Corporation. Source: 2007_business_choice_bro_en.pdf (on GM website). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

After four visits to the dealership, which included pickups, drop-offs, securing rides home, only to have my dashboard still lit up with sensor lights, I did some research on GM, particularly relative to customer service.  While surfing the Internet, I found annual reports issued by General Motors on “sustainability, conservation and protection” of the environment.  Additionally, I noted numerous sites specifically for complaints about service at GM dealerships for poor service and treatment that was deemed less than respectable.  By simply googling “complaints against GM,” I located a list of sites that would take forever to read completely.

So now I know that I am just one of many consumers who has been treated unfairly by General Motors.  I decided to delve into the matter more, analyzing my personal experience, to get to the root of the problem.  I came up with several observations.

First of all, General Motors operates largely on a flawed principle of sustainability.  While the company pays some attention to environmental issues, its concerns are corporate driven policies that focus on the bottom line and largely externalize the human impact, namely, that of consumers, as a factor in its decisions.  Consequently, the motives behind GM’s claims of sustainability seem to be to project a public appearance of being fashionable and to have mandatory bragging rights among its competitors.

As I do not want anyone to think that I am making unsubstantiated statements against General Motors, I submit the following specifics.

  • General Motors has failed to institute practices and procedures to fairly accommodate consumers in need of service.  I cannot understand why I had to drop my vehicle off at the dealership to “verify” that indeed I had the problem stated in the recall notices that I had received.  It is not like this was the first experience the company had with recalls.  There should be a process in place whereby an appointment is made to verify the recall problem while the customer waits and then to order parts at that time.  I even tried to do this with my initial phone call.   Although I was told by the customer service representative that the parts indeed were in the inventory, I was informed these parts would be ordered being ordered when I returned to the dealership for the presumed pickup of a repaired vehicle. This policy in and of itself shows General Motors’ lack of commitment to sustainability on several levels.  The goal of sustainability programs is to reduce the carbon footprint.  These repeated trips to the dealership, along with rides back and forth while the dealership has the vehicle are not environmentally conscious activities.  Also, once again there is the issue of the negative human impact.  Clearly, GM is not invested in strong sustainability, which considers people’s health, welfare and sense of wellness.  These policies contribute to frustration, stress, inconvenience, loss of time from work and added expenses for fuel.
  • General Motors totally ignores the consumer in the repair process.  When I received a call finally stating that my vehicle had been repaired at a substantial cost to me, I inquired as to the exact resolution of each sensor light problem and was told that everything was fixed.  When I arrived at the dealership to pick up my vehicle, I had to pay for it before it was brought out to me.  I was not given the opportunity to verify that the repairs were made to my satisfaction before paying.  To my surprise and disappointment, as soon as I looked inside the car with the technician standing there, the sensor lights were still brightly glowing.  I was given a song and dance from the technician about how this was an intermittent problem that the mechanics had never observed.

It was then that a strange thing happened to me at the GM service department.  I became enraged and frustrated and proceeded to do the Watusi.  I now a convinced that this is part of General Motor’s sustainability program.  If they treat you badly enough, you can reach a rage level that forces you to dance the Watusi or any other dance, thereby increasing the heart rate and blood flow.  Also, there must be something to this theory because it is unimaginable that this company would be so inconsiderate of consumers, the very same taxpayers whose money provided the bailout that guaranteed the company’s existence today.  While aerobic exercise is good for people, General Motors’ practices in terms of strong sustainability are extremely flawed.  This company needs to revamp its policies and sincerely support the movement to live green, be green.

Only A Number At GM

Only A Number At GM

Celebrating My Summer Garden

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Right before Mother’s Day, I posted an article on the gift of a garden as a special and unique present for mothers, emphasizing that a garden can be a great family activity and could be accomplished in spaces of all sizes. I am proud to report that I took my own advice and planted a summer garden, using both my upper deck and the bordering areas of my back yard.

Planning My Garden

In selecting plants for my garden, I decided that I wanted both vegetables and flowers.  I also knew that I wanted the flowers to include fragrant blooms that could be cut, placed in vases and used for decorations.  Additionally, I wanted flowers that attracted hummingbirds, honeybees and butterflies, as well as flowers that repel mosquitos.  As a result, I chose colorful dahlias (both plant and bulb varieties), Lantus, roses and red Salvia for the flowers, tomatoes (both bush and patio varieties, bush beans, cucumbers for vegetables and rosemary (my lonely herb).

I contracted with my neighbor to build two large planters, which I used for the tomatoes and bush beans.  I then proceeded to gather flower pots and planters that I had on hand for the rest of the plants.  I note that the key to the success of my garden was the use of Miracle-Gro© potting soil as opposed to topsoil.   The Miracle-Gro© is rich, clean and porous and a great medium for both vegetables and flowers.

With the assistance of my husband, I was able to prepare the lower backyard borders for planting.  After planting, we watered our garden areas and plants diligently and  fertilized a couple of times.  Most importantly, we deadheaded the flowers to keep them fresh and beautiful.

Lessons Learned From My Summer Garden

As stated previously, I learned that it was well worth it to use the Miracle-Gro© potting soil, rather than cheap topsoil.  Everything that we planted grew very well in the Miracle-Gro©.

A second lesson came as a result of my tardiness in starting this project.  Secondary to other obligations, this garden project was not initiated until the third week of June, which, in the middle Atlantic states where I reside, is “very late” for planting.  When shopping for plants, I found the inventory to be paltry in both volume and appearance.

Turning to seeds, the only thing available was seeds from Renee’s Garden, a small company committed to organic gardening for over 25 years.  I selected this company’s bush bean seeds and was very pleased with the crop.  While visiting my area Farmer’s Market the following week, I spoke to a farmer regarding the scarcity of vegetable and fruit plants and seeds.  He graciously agreed to bring me some cucumber plants on his return visit the following week. Most importantly, he cautioned me to pay attention to nature, not commercial businesses.  As hard as corporations try to harness the seed and plant industry, they cannot dictate the growing season.  That is Mother Nature‘s job.  He said, “keep planting, and your seeds and plants will grow.”

So even though I planted out of season by Monsanto and Burpee‘s definition, my garden was (and still is) hardy and beautiful.  Everyday we enjoy colorful fragrant flowers and visits by butterflies, honeybees and hummingbirds.  We are surprised on regular intervals by bursts of color from beautiful dahlia bulbs.

Gardening presents a unique opportunity to celebrate nature and its gifts of beauty and food.  Hopefully, many of you will try a garden next year or maybe a winter garden this year.  Please remember that no space is too small.  A garden can be one plant, a windowsill planter or an entire yard.  This really is a wonderful chance to live green, be green.

Pictures From My Garden

God’s Garden by Robert Frost

“God made a beauteous garden
With lovely flowers strown,
But one straight, narrow pathway
That was not overgrown.
And to this beauteous garden
He brought mankind to live,
And said “To you, my children,
These lovely flowers I give.
Prune ye my vines and fig trees,
With care my flowers tend,
But keep the pathway open
Your home is at the end.”

Patrick and Becca’s Great Adventure

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In late 2012, Patrick Halligan, co-founder and CEO of Live Green Be Green by PMD United, was presented with the opportunity of a temporary reassignment to the west coast office (San Francisco) of CityStash to assist with marketing, development and operations.

http://youtu.be/enAzQ3F2psk

Patrick and Becca’s Great Adventure

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In late 2012, Patrick Halligan, co-founder and CMO of Live Green Be Green by PMD United, was presented with the opportunity for temporary reassignment from Citystash, Washington, DC to the San Francisco office to assist with business marketing, development and operations.  Patrick, a 2012 graduate of the Fordham University Gabelli School of Business, viewed this offer as a great chance to hone his business skills and to boost his resume.  He eagerly accepted this proposition and set out to ready himself for the trip.

With the assistance and support of his girlfriend. Becca Donnelly, a recent graduate of George Washington University, Patrick carefully planned this cross-country trip.  While they realized this would be an awesome road trip, they had no idea that it would be an amazing testament to green living and sustainability.  It turned out that each step of this journey tells a story, a very personal one, of two members of the Millennial Generation, whose daily lives and interests seamlessly incorporate and reflect principles of green living and sustainability.  While having fun seeing the sites and enjoying each other’s company, Patrick and Becca’s journey unintentionally created a symbolic quilt with interlocking pieces displaying a theme of those principles.

Family.  In planning their journey, Patrick and Becca looked to family for moral support and encouragement for their trip.  Additionally, they made sure their route included stops to visit family, including cousins, a sibling and niece and nephew in Chicago.  They also reached out to west coast cousins while in California.  During their time in California, they took time out of their busy schedules to entertain east coast family members visiting in the area.

Energy Conservation.  As part of the Millennial Generation, it was only natural that Patrick and Becca chose to take this trip in a Fiat 500, a small energy-efficient car that gets great gas mileage.  With careful planning and limited space, they readily adopted a minimalist attitude, taking only what they needed.

Climate Change.  Patrick and Becca’s chosen route resulted in an unintended reference to climate change, often associated with extreme temperature changes and violent storms.  While visiting in Chicago, they encountered a severe lightning storm, and while driving through Wyoming and Nevada, they experienced continuous days of extremely hot weather with temperatures soaring as high as 118 degrees Fahrenheit.  In San Francisco, they experienced a summer quite different from the east coast, with some days not even making it to the 70 degree mark.

Nature.  Throughout this trip, Patrick and Becca experienced nature at its best, reinforcing the idea that we as humans do not own the earth.  Rather, we are stewards of this land, and as such, we are obligated to coexist with nature.  They visited many landmarks, including Mount Rushmore and Deadwood, as well as Yellowstone National Park and the Badlands.  While in Yellowstone, they saw animals free to roam, rather than being in corals.  After arriving in San Francisco, they walked the foothills, swam and played in the ocean and enjoyed the wonders of Big Sur where man’s footprint ends, and nature is in command.  They also enjoyed amazing sunsets, undisturbed by man’s light pollution.  They stood beside sea lions, allowed to coexist with man without being reduced to a commodity, contained in zoos or aquariums for the entertainment of man at a price.

Sustainability.  On their journey, Patrick and Becca included a stop to the Coors Brewing Factory in Golden, Colorado. There they were treated to a lesson in sustainability.  They toured the brewery where they were educated on the company’s business practices that makes it a priority to increase the productivity of natural resources with zero waste tolerance.

Their adventure also reflected the importance of people, which is recognized as an integral component of strong sustainability theory.  The success of their journey is largely attributable to the support of people, starting with the owners of CityStash, who believed in Patrick and offered him the opportunity to work in the west coast office.  Also, it is important to thank the Wygant family — Scott, Joelle, Bill and Diana.   These kind people graciously served as Patrick and Becca’s safety net in this leap of faith, particularly Bill and Diana, who provided them with a place to stay and helped them familiarize themselves and navigate the San Francisco landscape.

There are so many lessons to be learned from Patrick and Becca’s journey, too many to discuss in one article.  Perhaps the greatest lesson is that each of us should seek to engage the greater good in life, which in most cases will lead to living a greener and more sustainable lifestyle.  To do this, it is important to take a leap of faith, drop many of our rituals that encumber us and to heed the call of the universe to “come away with me” to a new place.  To do so is to live green, be green.

http://youtu.be/enAzQ3F2psk