What is going Green, Anyway?

As the world turns, life is in fact getting greener. Homes are getting powered more and more by solar, people are buying more organic and local food and of course people are starting to buy non-toxic, sustainable and responsible products. Although this is a fantastic leap in the right direction, we all must slow down for a moment and make sure that we understand….why?

If all people understand why “living green” is so important for our species and for the world at large, it may just be the difference between the continuity of “living green” and letting it fizzle out as just another fad.

Going green is essentially the promotion of life. It promotes things like paying people the fair wages that they deserve and giving them a shot at building their own communities world wide. It promotes the protection of our ecosystem at large, this includes everything from animals, to plants, to outer space, to our air that we breathe everyday. It promotes the fair and equal treatment of all beings on earth whether we be a duck or a human. It promotes the growth and protection of our forests and wildlife areas and everything that lives in them.

Ok so now you may ask, how is me buying “green” contributing to all of this. Well, that is an excellent question. By buying, living, thinking and acting green in every move that you make you are basically creating a domino effect. You buying a head of organic locally grown broccoli is not going to save mother earth. But it is a statement amidst a large speech that they world is listening to. Not only that, but when you live and buy green, you are basically asking for the demand to raise for responsible, green products. You are asking other people to innovate and create more green companies and ideas that will further the protection and sustainability of our planet.

Companies more and more are doing things like printing on recycled, post consumer paper. Or only selling non-toxic, sustainable and fair trade products. Or even nearly halting the amount of green house gasses that are currently put out everyday with a machine. Or offsetting the carbon that they do put out into the world, kind of a “payback” system.

No matter which way you look at it, going green makes sense, but understanding why and setting the intention can make the largest difference in the history of the world. So, push the domino over and get started.

Not Too Late to Honor Mom & Mother Earth on Mothers Day!

Wow!   Mothers Day is this weekend…should I rush out and buy a gift, wrap it and ship it to Mom (who deserves only the best by the way) ?  How about flowers?  Again? No?   Luckily it is not too late to honor your Mother by honoring Mother Earth with a purchase of a gift that falls under the category of Fair Trade, Handmade, Made in the USA, Natural, Organic, Recycled or Sustainable. Read on for my top picks for Mom!

Fair Trade Gift for Mom

Why Fair Trade? Fair Trade utilizes social criteria and environmental principles that support a more equitable and sustainable economic structure that benefits people, their communities and the global markets.

MY PICK Caribbean Craft Sun Face Recycled Oil Drum Art Brighten your day with our handmade Sun Face Oil Drum Art! Craft artists design and sculpt these one-of-a-kind creations in Croix des Bouquets, Haiti using recycled oil drums. The natural patina and reflective sheen give each piece its sunny disposition that may be enjoyed in your home or garden. These talented Haitian artists continue the tradition of Oil Drum Art in their tropical Caribbean homeland. They work as employees and independent contractors for Caribbean Craft, a Fair Trade organization, developing their skills and providing a sustainable income for their families through the use of the available distribution network.

Handmade Gift for Mom

Why Choose Handmade? Handmade refers to an individual or group of skilled artisans who apply their craft to produce goods for the marketplace. Handmade is also used to identify artwork produced by individuals engaging their imagination to create aesthetic art within a particular discipline.

MY PICK: Bottled Up Designs Cobalt Glass Square Pendant & Earrings These one of a kind handmade creations by artist Laura Bergman. The vivid deep blue color of our Antique Cobalt Glass Square Pendant & Earrings comes from the broken remains of old Noxema bottles! In an effort to preserve the environment and protect an area rich in wildlife, Laura reclaims whole and broken bottles from old glass dumps found in wooded habitats and rural farmlands near her home in Pennsylvania Amish country. As a master glass cutter Laura polishes and molds the recycled glass to eliminate any sharp edges. She then skillfully mounts the glass in delicate spirals of sterling hoops to produce exquisite pendants and earrings that catch the light with every move!

Made in the USA Gift for Mom

Why Made in the USA? Made in USA identifies products made in the US that contribute to a stable US economy.

MY PICK: Fire & Light Recycled Glass Heart in Lavender This is a most elegant way to say I Love You Mom! The translucent recycled glass lavender hearts are handmade by a community of Fire & Light artisans in Arcata, California. Artisans skillfully etch the words Fire & Light onto each completed piece. A totally classy & Heartfelt gift!

Organic Gift for Mom

What Does Organic REALLY mean (is it just a marketing term?)  Organic implies food and other items derived from raw materials that are wild-crafted or organically grown. The processes used minimize damage to the environment and improve the quality of life for the workers and animals involved.

MY PICK: Truly Wize Mother’s Day Super Star Gift Box Give Mom a beautiful gift box of three dozen assorted gourmet organic cookies freshly baked especially for her. And yes, she needs three dozen because in true MOM style, she will give some away and you want her to have plenty to savor and enjoy for her wonderful self! The gift box is bursting with eight hand decorated star shaped Sugar Cookies, seven melt-in-your-mouth Chocolate Truffle Cookies, seven sinfully rich signature Cinnamon Chocolate Chip Cookies (that have been featured on the Rachael Ray Show), a sweet selection of seven Iced Spring Thumbprint Soft Vanilla Cookies and seven refreshing Orange Blossom Cookies~crisp drops on the outside; soft & chewy on the inside with a fresh orange flavor. YUM!

Natural Gift for Mom

What Does Natural Mean? Natural refers to products manufactured using materials and ingredients produced conventionally but without added chemicals or synthetics, lessening their environmental impact.

MY PICK: Pangea Organics Bar Soaps Everything in these Pangea Organics Bar Soaps has been chosen with mindful intention to give you the purest, most nourishing soap possible. The gentle cold processing methods preserve the natural healing properties of each customized blend so that the benefits reach the body instead of getting boiled off, leaving the skin soft and the environment smiling. As the most trusted organic skincare line on the market Pangea Organics has been featured in more than 130 publications including Body + Soul, Jane, Natural Health and O, The Oprah Magazine! The company has enjoyed 11 television and radio segments on shows like The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch, Get Fresh with Sara Snow, The Isaac Mizrahi and The View. Additionally, Pangea Organics has received 12 awards honoring their high performance products and progressive efforts to find sustainable business solutions in every facet of their company.

Recycled Gift for Mom

Why Recycle?  Recycled is the reusing of materials to make new products, saving our precious natural resources and raw materials. Recycling uses less energy, decreasing oil dependence; reduces landfill, curbing leaching of contaminants into the soil and water supply; and improves air quality through the reduction of toxic incinerator emissions.

MY PICK: Rebagz Juice Pack Small Tie Totes This is the smaller more compact version of our wildly popular Large Tie Tote! Hollywood celebrities, sports stars and other notables have been seen carrying around our eco-friendly Rebagz! America Ferrera of Ugly Betty fame, Heidi Klum, Eva Longoria, Debra Messing, Jaime Pressly, Kate Walsh and Serena Williams to name just a few! Playful yet sophisticated, whichever one you choose will maintain its fresh and sassy look for years to come! Well-made, vibrant, fashionable and functional are just some of the ways to describe these water-resistant handmade creations.

Sustainable Gift for Mom

Why Sustainable?  Sustainable manufacturers strive to produce products in an environment that provides social and economic benefits while practicing environmental stewardship.

MY PICK: CobraHead Weeder and Cultivator-Long Handle The long hoe-type handle is a dream for gardeners with limited kneeling and bending ability~this amazing tool allows you to get back out there and enjoy gardening again! Additionally, it’s a bonus for agricultural workers because it weeds deeply and precisely next to valuable crops without damaging the crop or its root system. This reptilian head is like having a “steel fingernail” at your service, doing the work of a whole collection of garden tools! And get this! The long handle comes in three lengths to accommodate your height, all at the same great price:

Free Gift Message Cards are available…..

Organic Bug Celebrates World Fair Trade Day on May 8

Rebagz is Changing the World With Style

Each month, we highlight artists, companies and products that truly exemplify what the Organic Bug mission is all about. This month we have chosen to feature Rebagz Eco-Chic Handbags…a line of brightly colored durable totes, packs, handbags and wallets made from woven recycled juice packs, recycled nylon rice sacks, recycled paper and PET plastic.

It is incredible how easily trash can be transformed into an array of eco-chic fashion statements! One of our favorite pieces from the Rebagz collection is the super stylish Carry Anything Anywhere Bag and we want to share a chance to WIN one of these multi-purpose totes with our loyal Organic Bug friends.

To enter for a chance to win this coveted bag  (a $94 value) be sure to visit- How to Win!  Giveaway – Organic Bug – Rebagz Carry Anything Anywhere Bag – Ends 3/14/10

Here are some of the many reasons we love Rebagz! And, if you don’t already own one, you will definitely want one when you see how eco- and human-friendly the company is:

1.  Rebagz handbags are manufactured using fair trade guidelines: The manufacturer in the Philippines is committed to paying employees a fair wage and providing a safe and healthy work environment….in other words, this is a company that puts people first.  By supporting Rebagz, you are contributing to the financial well-being of the women they employ, along with their families and their community at large.

2.  Rebagz handbags are environmentally sustainable: Made using recycled juice packs, rice sacks, paper + PET plastic, each Rebagz design incorporates lots of eco-friendly materials. Even the loop and button closure on the Carry Anything Anywhere Bag is expertly crafted from woven recycled juice packs.

Recycling uses less energy, decreasing oil dependence; reduces landfill, curbing leaching of contaminants into the soil and water supply; and improves air quality through the reduction of toxic incinerator emissions.

3.  Rebagz handbags are well made and functional: The entire collection of Juicy Hand Woven bags are water resistant, easy to clean, and durable!  The Carry Anything Anywhere Bag is so versatile you’ll wonder what you ever did without one. Since it is unlined it can easily be wiped clean inside and out making it useful for just about anything: gardening, the beach, a gym bag, overnight bag, shopping bag, commuter tote, the list goes on & on!

4. There is a fabulous Rebagz Eco-Chic Handbag for every occasion: Beautiful detailing, vibrant, fashionable and functional are just some of the ways to describe these amazing creations. Larger bags are multi-purpose, mid-size bags are the perfect size for bopping around town and mini bags can do double time as wristlets or cosmetics travel bags!

Learn more about the talented Rebagz creator, Marty Stevens-Heebner, on our Rebagz Brands Page and hear Marty in her own words below!

Mother Earth… Would You Be Mine?

Love… whether it’s exciting, fresh, eternal or simply just nonexistent, love deserves a day of recognition. This year, show your love of each other and your love for the earth by mixing red with green. Here are a few ways you can enjoy a relaxing, eco-fabulous Valentine’s Day:

If you’re going to love your honey like you love the planet, show it with flowers, make sure they are organic. Flowers grown organically are best for the environment because of the reduced toxic chemical usage, which creates a safer environment for the farmers and for our earth. Not to mention organic farms promote long term sustainability on farm lands which support the health of our planet. Be picky about where you buy your flowers because many flowers found at the supermarkets and other floral departments come from other countries. By doing this they are generating a larger carbon footprint since they have to import them by plane using large amounts of fuel and energy. Make sure to invest in socially responsible flower companies by buying organic or fair trade flowers. Sierra Eco is a fair trade flower company, which vows to change the world… one flower at a time. There are also ways to extend the life of your freshly cut flowers without the use of chemicals, here’s how.

Buy fair trade organic chocolate and pair it with your favorite organic fruits. Play your part in a more equitable trading partnership by purchase fair trade chocolate from companies like Divine. Look for chocolate that has a certification logo for Organic, Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, or some other indication on their packaging that assures the item to be produced both sustainably and ethically. Chocolate itself is considered and aphrodisiac and causes your brain to release serotonin which makes you feel like your falling in love, which means it’s clearly needed for Valentine’s day.

Finally, send love letters…online of course! Sending the ones you love e-greetings is a great way to reduce the need for paper consumption but still let people know that you are thinking about them. We like Evite or Punchbowl because of the variety of cool designs. Reducing the amount of cards you send drastically reduces your carbon footprint. This year, we challenge you to think outside the card stock and be considerate as to how your card sending impacts the environment as well as other traditional Valentine’s Day practices. This is the only earth we have, so let’s love it as much as we can. Happy Valentine’s Day

Organic Bug Product Spotlight: The BAT Shop Bracelets are Sustainable & Wearable Art

We are kicking off the traditional holiday shopping season by giving kudos and shining a spotlight on a well deserved company.  Many of our customers have been raving about our newest vendor, The Bartel Arts Trust aka- “The Bat Shop” based in Based in Durban, South Africa.  We recently added their stunning Telephone Wire Bangle Bracelets to our collection and I have to admit these have become one of my favorites!

Part of our mission is to support companies who exemplify fair trade practices, sustainable product development and respect for cultural diversity.  The BAT Shop is a shining example of an organization that practices all of the above. The company is made up of over 400 artists from four communities across KwaZulu-Natal who are able to support their craft and their livelihood because of the work they do. The focus of the BAT Shop is on local arts, culture, crafts and entertainment that reflect the Zulu, Indian and Western heritage of KwaZulu-Natal.

The BAT Shop Telephone Wire Bangle Bracelets are an innovative design made from telephone wire that is woven together to create a dazzling, colorful and fashionable accessory that will last for years. Should I mention we are not the only ones who think this product is wonderful?  The bangle bracelets also graced all of Diane Von Furstenburg’s models during Fashion Week debuting her Spring 2010 Collection!  Watch video below:

Fair Trade 101

A lot of people wonder how fair trade is mixed in with the green attitude and sustainable lifestyle. According to Wikipedia’s definition, “fair trade is an organized social movement and market based approach that aims to help producers in developing countries and promote sustainability”. If you haven’t experienced any A-HA moments yet trying to understand fair trade system, don’t worry, we’re about to dive a little deeper.

My best definition would be along the lines of paying a just and fair amount for products rather than taking advantage of the economic situation of where that product is coming from.  It is a system of trade where living wages and employment opportunities are offered for the goods that are produced in developing countries. Fair trade is an equal exchange program where the money you pay for a product reaches the communities delivering it. Basically, it is a way for you to know that the money you are spend on products of fair trade are not being intercepted by middlemen but actually reach the people growing it.  Take a look at the Equal Exchange Coffee Chain image; the distribution of money will make more sense.

Goods, such as chocolate or coffee can be certified by fair trade by organizations like Fair Trade Labeling Organization which affiliates in 17 countries. Producers partner up with international organizations that help them build better skills to market and sell goods. All products that meet fair trade standards do so under strict values that will benefit the people and country the products come from.

So now that you know a little bit more about fair trade products, look for them in your local supermarket, food co-op or café. Perhaps you work somewhere where you can support fair trade products and we highly encourage you to do so. Remember that your actions as a buyer support or discourage actions by businesses. By becoming a conscious consumer you are making the decision to provide better standards of living for artisans all over the world, which is especially important in developing countries.

Plus, it is just another way of knowing that the businesses you support are doing their part in creating a better tomorrow for people who may less fortunate. Hopefully, this helps you understand the need to support fair trade and what it does for our interdependent earth, look for the Fair Trade icon for products that are committed to helping developing countries.

What Does Fair Trade Really Mean to Consumers?

You have  heard the term before, but what does Fair Trade really mean?  According the Fair Trade Federation ,

• Fair Trade is a method of conducting international business with the pledge to follow high ethical standards  – i.e. a fair wage for a quality product.

Our customers know that we encourage individuals to use their purchasing power as a vote for social and environmental change. No matter where you shop or what you are purchasing; whether it is a trendy beaded necklace, a new blouse, home décor, or coffee- it important to know where that product came from and who you are supporting when you make your purchase.

Quite often, products that are offered to consumers at unbelievable low prices come at an extraordinarily high human cost by foreign workers.  These workers are usually desperate for income and are subject to terrible compensation and inhumane working conditions- thus continuing the cycle of poverty in their community.

Here are some key principles of Fair Trade Organizations:

• Producer partners agree to provide workers fair wages, maintain safe and healthy working environments while offering transparency and public accountability.
• They work to raise global awareness through consumer education and campaigning for change.
• Committed to respecting the cultural identity of their producers.
• A commitment to putting the money back to the community the product came from.  Many businesses donate a portion of the proceeds to build better schools, homes, and other crucial infrastructure projects depending on the needs of the community.
• The opportunity for producers in developing and developed countries opportunities to build long term relationships.

I hope to open a discussion and hear from you!   What does Fair Trade mean to you as a consumer?  What are the most important factors to you when making a purchasing choice?  Are there Fair Trade products that have a special meaning to you?

Please leave a comment or leave a reply for us on Twitter and/or Facebook.

Things do not change; we change- Henry David Thoreau

 

Recycled Flip Flops Are Transformed Into Works of Art

The shores of the Indian Ocean in eastern Africa are awash with industrial debris from as far away as China, Indonesia, Japan and Malaysia. Hundreds of brightly colored flip flop sandal pieces and parts wash ashore daily not only causing blight along the coastlines but endangering the marine eco-system in the vast ocean that lies between these countries.

The flip flop initiative by UniquEco is a solution designed to clean up the environment by marketing products made from waste back to the consumer who generated it while providing employment opportunities to the poor communities hardest hit by this environmental degradation.

The Champali Wildlife Sculptures from UniquEco Designs are imported by Global Crafts, a fair trade company that works with artisan groups from all over the world. Champali means slipper in Swahili. Local women and children comb the shores to collect the indestructible pieces of rubber champali. Talented artisans and sculptors in the village glue the pieces together in multicolored patterns then hand carve each carefully crafted animal transforming recycled waste into stunning works of art!

It is unbelievable that an entire year has passed since these wonderful creatures were seen in O at Home, Oprah’s popular home decor quarterly magazine! Having this level of recognition helped this project that is so dear to our hearts at Organic Bug. Purchasing one of these colorful animals helps to support workers in this developing region while preserving the beauty and wonder of the natural world.