Green Social Networking For Good in 2012

Many people now consider logging into Facebook as a normal routine, checking in at least once every day. But the last couple of years have shown a growth in social networks tailored to niche communities, like eco-friendly issues. Below are a few networks to take a look at if you’re interested in keeping up with the latest green causes.

The Care2 Network has over 17,000,000 worldwide members, so newcomers are bound to find a group or conversation thread to join matching their interests. The homepage features Care2′s latest petitions and actions, ranging from anti-fur campaigns to child trafficking. There are also daily eco-deals and frequently updated blog posts to keep informed. Members can earn credits for taking part in certain actions and connecting with other users. Definitely a prime information hub for all social causes, with an emphasis on saving the planet.

Carbon Rally is a great site for those hoping to decrease their footprint this year. Rallies are daily as well as are ongoing challenges that one can take part in either as an individual or a group. There are workshops to create your own challenges or sign up for existing ones. Keep track of your progress in-line with other users by using the Rally Map. The goal is to provide a fun and rewarding experience to impact energy consumption.

Change.org may be best known for its poignant and moving petition stream, where users can create a petition based on an issue they care about and use Change.org’s resources to spread the word to the masses. You can also browse hundreds of online petitions by subject area, from sustainability to women’s rights and help causes you care about gain more traction. Keep track of global progress by viewing Change.org’s map of signed petitions. To mobilize local support in your community, set up a meeting via Change.org’s platform as well.

Wiser Earth is an eco-focused network for sustainable organizations and individuals to find each other and share resources. Users can take advantage of a massive Job Board, solution sharing and view what those in your network are up to. By using mind-maps streaming from a list of ten interest areas, users can search and click on related interests and find information in that area. For example, by selecting interest in Urban Communication, I was led to many more subcategories including Green Cities. From there I was led to names of those in the Sustainable Communities program at the University of California, related jobs and events, as well as articles. Very neat!

Greenopolis is a Web 2.0 site helping ordinary folks recycle more easily, track conservation and reward those working towards a cleaner planet. By using a combination of their web network and kiosks, Greenopolis maximizes real-time services and updates, using blogs, video/photo uploads, podcasts, social networks, and infographics. Greenopolis uses branded imagery to help users track their recycling actions and receive rewards. You can find a kiosk at many Whole Foods Markets. Social recycling is in in 2012.

The Current Attack on the EPA

The Environmental Protection Agency was born during a time when air pollution was highly visible across the country and Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring topped bestseller lists. Carson’s book was a well-researched look at the unregulated use of pesticides and their effect on the environment and public health. It generated a sense of alarm and brought people from a variety of careers together to work towards a common cause. The environmental movement gained much needed strength during this time in the late 1960s.

At the Centennial of the American Museum of Natural History in April 1969, Russell E Train, the secretary of the interior, spoke about environmental issues. He stated: “If environmental deterioration is permitted to continue and increase at present rates, [man] wouldn’t stand a snowball’s chance in hell [of surviving].”

The stage had been set for strong, bold action from the government.

Despite being preoccupied with a daunting war in Vietnam, as well as a recession, President Nixon took steps to progress environmental legislation with the creation of a cabinet-level Environmental Quality Council as well as a Citizens Advisory Committee on Environmental Quality.

Critics claimed these two groups had no real power. In response, President Nixon and Congress passed the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and, a few months later, created an independent agency known as the Environmental Protection Agency.

The mission of the “Environmental Protection Agency” would be to:

• Establish and enforce environmental protection standards.
• Conduct environmental research.
• Provide assistance to others combatting environmental pollution.
• Assist the CEQ in developing and recommending new policies to the president for environmental protection.

The EPA played a significant role in administering the Clean Air Act. This act was the first major environmental law in the United States that allowed citizens to file their own lawsuits against a company or organization. The EPA develops and enforces regulations outlined in this act in order to protect the public from exposure to airborne pollutants.

Right now, the EPA is being attacked, and its funding has been threatened by conservatives in Congress. Republicans in the both the House and Senate have introduced bills that would strip the EPA of its power to act on climate change. In addition, the Republicans’ new budget proposal reduces EPA funding by $3 billion, 30 percent of its budget! This is the biggest funding cut in the proposal that any government agency will take.

Environmentalists groups warn these cuts will create permanent, lasting damages to our environment.

Lisa Jackson, head of the EPA, seems to summarize these political actions best when she stated in a TIME magazine interview:

“Congress is essentially passing a law that says, We, a bunch of lawmakers, have decided what the science is on this issue. And that to me is what this Congress could be remembered for, more than anything else. History will forget a lot of the day-to-day, inside the beltway discussions about riders and budget and trying to get rid of or defund the EPA, but I don’t think that history will forget the first time that politicians made a law to overrule scientists.”

Plan an Environmentally-friendly Vacation

Kayak through the Amazon Rainforest, visit an organic grape farm in Italy or hike through a wildlife preserve all while engaging directly with the natural beauty of the area and leaving it undisturbed by your presence.

Today, we are all increasingly aware that our actions have a significant impact on the environment. Travel and vacations are no exception. With almost one billion people traveling each year, the effects of travel on the environment are significant. Cross-country road trips and air flights use up fuel; road development, which enables people to reach some of the most remote natural environments on earth, disrupts wildlife. Forests are cleared for hotels and parking lots, and many animal species are on the brink of extinction due to a loss of habitat.

However, ecotourism has become increasingly popular and it allows people to experience nature without disrupting it. But be careful, because even ecotourism can be harmful when it is not regulated. Individuals interested solely in making a profit often advertise eco-friendly tours or resorts that do not meet any environmental guidelines or standards.

If you are planning an environmentally-friendly vacation, look into the Green Hotels Association and Planeta. The Green Hotels Association lists hotels that hold up to their environmental standards. Planeta is a world travel directory that recommends guides, tours and hotels, and only lists businesses that are environmentally-friendly.

On a day-to-day basis during your vacation, use public buses, walk or rent bicycles to get around a city rather than taking a taxi. If you are staying in the same hotel room, request that the sheets and towels are not changed daily. Seek out organic, vegetarian restaurants in the city – HappyCow offers an impressive directory of vegan and vegetarian restaurants around the world.

Despite the changes you make, it is likely that you will require transportation involving buses, trains, planes and cars on your vacation, which will produce greenhouse gases and use fossil fuels. You may offset these emissions be making a donation to renewable energy initiatives. Look on Climate Care to calculate your carbon footprint from the trip and how you may offset it.

The Benefits of Organic Cosmetics

Your skin is the largest organ in your body. It protects you every day. Many people fail to think twice about the substances and chemicals they are putting on their skin through lotions and makeup. However, if you care about the products you take into your body through eating, you should also pay attention to what you are bringing into your body through your skin.

The substances you put on your skin can easily be absorbed into the bloodstream. Imagine putting chemicals, preservatives and emulsifiers on your skin every day as part of your daily routine. Then, imagine the impact it must have on your body if you do this for 30, 40 or even 50 years of your life.

Today as more and more people become increasingly cautious about their health, they are also re-examining the ingredients in their cosmetic and personal health products. Many non-organic makeup products contain harsh ingredients such as DEA, cyclomethicone, ammonium lauryl sulfate, nitrosamines, dioxane, isopropyl alcohol and polyethylene glycol, aluminium and formaldehydes. Natural health advocates claim the FDA very loosely regulates the ingredients that companies are allowed to put in makeup and personal care products.

Here are five harmful ingredients commonly found in cosmetics and their effects on the body:

1. Formaldehyde
This substance is found in a variety of beauty products. Formaldehyde can irritate your skin, cause asthma and possibly contribute to the development of cancer.

2. Parabens
Parabens have been linked to breast cancer in several studies. They are present in cosmetics in various forms, such as propylparaben, ethylparaben, methylparaben and butylparaben.

3. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Sodium lauryl sulfate is found in soaps and shampoos. Some health advocates claim SLS can enter the heart, brain or liver through the skin and accumulate in these organs.

4. Fragrance
The danger with the term fragrance is that companies are able to hide a variety of different chemicals under this labeling term.

5. Toluene
Toluene is found in nail polish and hair dye. Toluene can be toxic to the nervous system.

As individuals learn more about these ingredients, they turn to organic cosmetics.

Organic cosmetics are cosmetic products that contain 100% natural ingredients.

 Organic cosmetics are frequently produced from fruits, vegetables, roots, botanical extracts, waxes and natural oils. They can be found in some mainstream department stores as well as at local health stores.

When choosing cosmetics, aim to choose products with simple ingredients lists containing natural ingredients, which you can pronounce. Choose organic brands to avoid harmful chemicals or embrace your natural beauty and don’t wear any makeup.

Sheryl Crow, Green Rocker Mama Extraordinaire!

With a new album on the way, rockstar Sheryl Crow is the epitome of a green celebrity living the true sustainable life (for a rockstar).  Not only is the green mother of two committed to mother earth, but also is committed to rocking our socks off year after year. In honor of a music legend releasing yet another (now here 7th) album, 100 Miles From Memphis, this is a little something recognizing her efforts.

●     From flights to ground transportation, the entirety of the carbon footprint of her tour is neutralized with the support of renewable energy source.

●     All food provided is organic, locally sourced and packaged in biodegradable/compostable containers.

●     Ms. Crow is a founding member of the Green Music Group, a group committed to rallying the music community to take environmental action.

●     Water stations with reusable water bottles have replaced plastic bottles,  for crew members and band.

●     Non-toxic supplies clean Crow’s tour buses and bathrooms are furnished with post-consumer recycled bathroom tissue.

●     The carbon footprint of Crow’s touring vehicles are nearly non-existent–they all use B20 biodiesel.

●     All of Sheryl’s concerts feature a Reverb Eco-Village offering attendees the opportunity to meet with local non-profit groups and access an on-line carpooling service.

●     A comprehensive recycling/waste reduction system has been implemented backstage and on her touring vehicles.

●     Concert programs printed on, Forest Stewardship Council paper — an eco-friendly, responsible resource that uses soy inks.

Thank you to Sheryl Crow for showing all of them out there in the music land how living responsibly and kindly to the environment is done! Check out her video to learn more about her efforts.

What Does it Mean to be a Woman of Green? Check Out the Organic Bug Spotlight of the Month

When Mind Over Markets co-founder Carolyn Parrs spoke at Green America’s Green Festival in San Francisco; she asked a group of women “What does it mean to be a woman of green?”

She shares the answers on her site: Women of Green; a podcast and online community designed to give women a voice on behalf of our planet and future generations:

It means to be a woman who is willing to stand up and to speak out behalf of the earth and the people of the earth against so many of the thoughtless wrongs that are being perpetuated.

It means you are conscious about what you are doing.

It means changing habits a little at a time.

A woman a green is a woman who is connected to her heart and to her womb.

It means to be empowering and empowered and to be able to speak your voice about the things that are important to you.

It means to motivate people and inspire them to make a difference.

Carolyn’s vision has led to a wonderful online resource for business owners, entrepreneurs, parents, teachers, writers, activists- ANYONE who wants to help make a positive change for our environment. 

Women of Green is our “Organic Bug Spotlight” of the month and I encourage you to tune in so we can, as Carolyn says, “Turn Up the Volume” and add to the conversation!

BBQ This Summer Green and Clean

Life’s A Beach

If you are one of those people who is a fan of the beautiful ocean and the beaches that host them, you know that as humans, we put the oceans and their vibrant life in perilous danger with the way we live our lives. There are things that we as individuals can do to help the state of our beaches and oceans.

1. Don’t litter. It eventually finds its new home in the ocean.
2. Maintain your septic system
3. Use organic pesticides, fertilizers, fruit washes, soap and cleaners
4. Leave wildlife alone
5. Don’t leave anything at the beach. Pick up everything that you took (trash included)
6. Use trails, paths, beach walls and walkovers as much as possible. Your footsteps can erode sensitive dunes.
7. Don’t use the beach as a toilet. This goes for you and for your pooch.
8. Take part in a beach clean-up
9. Cut up the plastic rings from your six pack
10. Don’t throw garbage down storm drains
11. Wash your car in your front lawn. Soap runoff from the car eventually gets into the ocean.
12. Quit smoking. The butts not only find their way into the ocean but leak their deeply toxic elements into the ocean.

These are simple yet incredibly important ways that you as an individual can help reduce toxic poisoning and systematic killing of the beautiful ecosystem of the ocean.

60 Minutes for the Planet: Participate in Earth Hour 2010 on March 27

Organic Bug alert!  At 8:30 pm (your local time) tomorrow- Saturday March 27- millions will be turning off their lights to make a statement about climate change during Earth Hour. Please join this powerful movement by spreading the word and sharing the video below!  This is so simple and has such an enormous impact on the future of our planet!

What is Earth Hour? Earth Hour is World Wildlife Fund’s global initiative where individuals, schools, organizations, businesses and governments turn off their lights for one hour to cast a vote in favor of action on climate change. By voting with their light switches, Earth Hour participants send a powerful, visual message demanding action on climate change. Last year, nearly one billion people participated in 87 countries on seven continents and exercised their vote for change.

Organic Bug Artist Spotlight: Josh Jakus- Founder of FUZ

A new year brings more new artists and designs to the Organic Bug family.  We were thrilled to add FUZ; an innovative line of modern home accessories to our sustainable collection.  Designer Josh Jakus of Berkeley, California is the artist behind these smart and elegant pieces for the home.   His work is inspired by the connection between form and function.

Josh embraces what he calls a “strict material sensibility~using materials in their simplest form so intrinsic qualities show through~and a rigorous design efficiency that strives to get the most impact out of the fewest moves.”

We are not surprised to learn that Josh is an architect by training with an M.Arch from UC Berkeley. Studying architecture was a way to continue his lifelong interest in the nature of structure, space and materials. With his understanding of the built environment and how it is inhabited, coupled with his innate curiosity and passion for pushing the envelope, Josh founded his design practice in 2005.  He began by designing pressed wool felt UM Handbags made from industrial factory excess and went on to experiment with other post-industrial waste materials.  Some of his current products the Josh Jakus FUZ Winepocket made from recycled grey wool from factory excess (featured on our homepage)  and (I love this one!) the 6-Pack Set of Coasters made from recycled rubber from tires and other factory excess.

All of the Josh Jakus collections are made in the USA. By producing small batches to meet customer demand, the company not only stays lean and local, they can better oversee quality and offer reasonable pricing that remains competitive. This labor of love keeps Josh in the driver’s seat and I, for one, am happy to ride along and enjoy the scenery.

Happiest making things that are meant to be used, he hopes his functional designs will attempt to foster a more intuitive understanding of all objects in the people who use them.

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