Conscious Living TV Blog

The Power to Make a Difference

2010-03-31T15:32:00.000-07:00

How can we break the cycle of poverty for millions of at-risk youth in America?

Better Education? Sports? After School Programs? Parents that are involved in their child’s education and engagement in school?

All of these answers may be a part of the solution. However, they often have left me feeling that my ability to make a difference, the only way to help, was to give back by standing in a picket line or writing my congressman as one small voice in a large and daunting process to change policy.

However, many studies have shown that having a single tutor or mentor for an extended period of time can improve chances for at-risk youth to attend college, become gainfully employed and escape the cycle of poverty.

Armed with the renewed faith that I could make a difference in one young person’s life by simply spending a couple of hours each week with them, I became a tutor/mentor at Cabrini Connections, and organization that has been connecting local Chicago adults and leaders with high-risk, low-income teenagers for over 35 years. They strive to empower and encourage young adults to follow life-changing solutions through the time, effort and contribution of adult volunteers.
When I first met Shaquille, I was excited. He was a charismatic, outspoken 16 year-old. He loved music, had taught himself Final Cut Express (a student version of Apple’s highly lauded editing program utilized by many major motion pictures) to make music videos of his hip-hop group, and was a talented basketball player.
Being a teenager offers many hard choices regardless of race, class and environment. The difficulty of the myriad of choices can often be accentuated when the realities of a single parent household, socio-economic factors and being a young black man in a segregated city come into play. Such is the case with Shaquille. Although, he is a bright and talented student, Shaquille’s grades were less than adequate in his first semester working with me as a tutor. Primarily because of a school policy that penalizes children for tardiness and equates 4 tardys to one cut and four cuts to a failing grade.

Despite my weekly tutoring and mentoring sessions with Shaquille, he finished is fall semester with two Ds and an F. I knew that if his grades continued to suffer that despite his many talents and intelligence, the window of opportunity to attend college would quickly be closed to him. Further, many of Shaquille’s friends were pursuing high-risk paths that could eventually lead to jail, expulsion from school or even worse for a young black man in Chicago.
So this semester, I decided that it was time to “step up my game” with Shaquille and give him an opportunity to participate in what I called a “mastery training.” I was going to offer him a chance to interact with me not as his tutor but as an apprentice, to learn many of the life skills and disciplined work habits that carried me to graduating Phi Beta Kappa in Economics from U.C. Davis and have propelled me to a successful career building several multi-million dollar companies as an entrepreneur.

I wasn’t sure how he would respond and wanted to avoid the trap of telling him what he “needed” to do or “forcing him to do it.” It was crucial to me, that he “opted in” to the next phase of his training. So I chose attendance to a Bulls game, as the time I was going to give him this opportunity, since he is a talented basketball player, and the backdrop of a storied franchise like the Bulls would allow me plenty of examples of those who had taken the path to mastery, while their peers had taken a road to mediocrity or worse.

We discussed the idea of mastery, and what it takes to actually become a master at something. We talked about the benefits of becoming a master and he discussed his dreams, goals and aspirations. I quoted the book, Outliers, where author Malcolm Gladwell argues the point that it takes 10,000 hours of practice to become a master in whatever you choose.
Through a process of questions and examination, Shaquille was able to come to the conclusion on his own that it would take about 10 years, with 3-4 hours per day of practice to become a master. It was a perfect discussion when, at halftime, a master hypnotherapist came out to work his magic. We examined his options for mastery from “hanging out with girls” to “film/video editing and production, to basketball, to music. I was often tempted to give my advice about what “I thought” he “should do,” but remembered my commitment that it must be his decision. He had to “opt in” in order for this next phase of our relationship to truly be worthwhile.
For the rest of the game, we continued to bring our attention to the mastery we saw around us, Michael Jordan’s jersey, six world championship banners, his favorite Bulls players. As we left the game, Shaquille’s excitement seemed to be increasing, the tempo and intensity of his voice raised, he shot jumpers in the air and talked about all the things he wanted to master, or at least was excited about mastering. As we pulled up to his house, I found myself filled with the hope of possibility for him and also the fear that he may simply not willing into take on the responsibility of entering into the next phase of his training. As I shared with him that our relationship was going to change somewhat, that if he wanted to step into an apprenticeship of mastery, that certain things like, non-responses to my communications would no longer be acceptable and at he may not like me in certain instances because I would be more committed to his success than his feelings, just like my mentors had done for me.
As we stopped in front of the gate of his mother’s apartment complex, I finally asked him “Are you ready to enter the next phase of your training?” “Do you want me to support you in becoming a master?”
After a long pause, he broke out into a broad smile and said “Yeah, I’m ready, let’s do this.” With that, we shook hands and began his long road of training towards mastery. I am hopeful this next step will help him to not just step out of the cycle of poverty, but will assist him in the achievement of his dreams and aspirations.

Nevertheless, I don’t actually know how Shaquille’s story will end. Whether he will endure the trials and tribulations that are sure to come his way; whether he will continue to choose this path when all signals tell him to quit and all hope seems lost. But I do know that he has, at 16 years old, make a conscious choice, a choice of more responsibility, a choice to embark on the road less traveled, a road that will hopefully lead him to mastery.

Michael Alexander

Easy Green Resolutions for 2010

2010-01-11T20:42:00.000-08:00

Now that “green” has gone mainstream, we all know the importance of living in a more environmentally friendly way. Nevertheless, if you have yet to take a first step, making a big lifestyle change may still seem a little daunting. To get you started, here are 10 easy resolutions you can make this year to go green and reduce your carbon footprint, save money, and improve your health in 2010.

1. Recycle. Unless a product is biodegradable, throwing it “away” means it goes to a planet-polluting landfill. Don’t toss your trash: reduce, reuse and recycle it wherever you can.

2. Switch to C.F.L.s (Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs). Lower your carbon footprint by swapping out incandescent bulbs with CFLs. They use up to 75% less energy and last ten times longer—and can help you save about $30 off your utility bill over the life of each bulb.

3. Eliminate Energy Vampires. Most energy drained from your home comes from electronic appliances you aren’t using like TVs, computers and cell phone chargers. Unplug or turn off appliances when not in use for one hour, or plug into a power strip and hit the “off” switch.

4. Upgrade Your Appliances. Appliances account for 20 percent of home energy use! When old appliances give out, replace them with energy-efficient, Energy Star-certified models, which use 10-50% less energy and water and can reduce your utility bill.

5. Detox Your Home. Most homes contain dozens of hidden hazardous toxins. The biggest culprits are traditional cleaning products, which contain toxic chemicals that pose serious health risks. Protect yourself and the environment by choosing natural, organic and biodegradable cleaning and personal care products.

6. Say Goodbye to Plastic. Due to global warming and pollution, access to clean, fresh water is quickly diminishing. Cut water waste by turning off the faucet when not in use (including when brushing teeth!), and replace faucets and showerheads with low-flow alternatives.

7. Eat More Veggies. The meat industry wastes millions of tons of water, land and natural resources annually and is our planet’s largest industrial polluter. A meat diet requires 4,000+ gallons of water per day: By comparison, a vegetarian diet requires just 300 gallons. Go green and improve your health by eating less meat and eating local, organic fruits and veggies. You'll reduce your carbon footprint by nearly 15%!

8. Wear Eco-Chic Clothing. It takes 1/3 lb. of harmful pesticides to make one traditional cotton shirt. Instead, wear clothing made from sustainable, renewable fabrics like bamboo, hemp or organic cotton, or go vintage by shopping at thrift stores.

9. Green Your Commute. Cut down on greenhouse gas-causing C02 emissions by driving a fuel-efficient vehicle. Not ready to trade your car in for a hybrid? Walk, bike, carpool or take public transportation instead of driving.

10. Take Baby Steps. If overhauling your life to “go green” feels overwhelming, determine what level of green works best for your current lifestyle. Then, resolve to make one change you can commit to for 2010. Even the smallest change can make a huge difference. Here’s to a greener New Year!

Bianca Alexander is a green lifestyle expert and correspondent for Conscious Living TV and Soul of Green. Watch Bianca present a few of these tips live on WGN by clicking here: http://www.wgntv.com/videobeta/watch/?watch=18305a0c-0369-4e84-9596-c0a35f12f99c&src=front.

Or, for more tips and to stay up to date on our latest episodes, visit www.ConsciousLivingTV.com and www.SoulofGreen.com, become a fan, and sign up for our e-list!

Eco-Sexy Mineral Makeup: Stript Cosmetics

2009-11-24T08:58:00.000-08:00

By Morgan Greenwald and Bianca Alexander

When it comes to wearing make-up, why be eco-friendly when you can be “eco-sexy?” This is the mantra of Gina Austin, founder and Creative Director of Stript Makeup, a line of vegan, paraben-free mineral cosmetics that is taking the concept of natural beauty and mineral make-up to another level.

Through a variety of environmentally conscious practices, Stript commits itself “to the individual, to the community and to the world.” Stript consists of talc-free natural minerals and natural preservatives such as Naticide (which is derived from almonds) and Japanese honeysuckle. In addition to abstaining from animal testing, Stript also sells vegan and animal fur-free applicator brushes, 10% of the proceeds from which are donated to ASPCA. Stript even excels when it comes to packaging: its cosmetics are sold in recyclable plastic containers and post-consumer unit cartons printed with soy ink. All packing materials are biodegradable. Even the brushes are eco-friendly: sustainably forested trees supply the wooden handles for all of Stript’s applicators.

With its range of vibrant, highly-pigmented colors, Stript stands out from the pack of dozens of mineral cosmetics lines currently in the marketplace. Stript’s crushed mineral eye shadows, which come in colors like Venus, a turquoise blue, and Skye, a dramatic metallic gray, can be applied either wet or dry to convey various tones and shades, and are perfect for darker-skinned complexions or those wanting the option of more coverage. Stript also has a one-of-a-kind lipstick liner crayon that does the work of both lipstick and liner and contains hints of vanilla extract and almond. Its marine-based mineral foundations are made with vitamins A, C, E, and B, and create an emphasis on light diffusion and flawless, adaptable coverage. Stript’s mineral blushes feature antioxidants and amino acids that moisturize, nourish, and protect the skin. Although make-up free is the only way to go completely "natural", with Stript cosmetics, your skin will be healthy, radiant, and flawless--keeping you, and the planet sexier than ever!

You can see Stript make-up in action on Conscious Living’s host, Bianca Alexander, at www.ConsciousLivingTV.com. To learn more about Stript or review or purchase their cosmetic line of products, visit www.striptmakeup.com. For more tips on natural beauty, style and cosmetics, visit the Conscious Living TV beauty page.

Conscious Living TV Covers Carrotmob Chicago!

2009-08-13T07:36:00.000-07:00

Want to put your spending dollars toward greening your community? Recently, Conscious Living and hundreds of Chicagoans did just that by shopping at the gourmet food store Fox & Obel! Fox and Obel was host to the Carrotmob, an organization of individuals who create excitement around a particular business in order to increase that business’ profits for one day. Proceeds of the profits from that day go toward making the business more energy efficient.

Any Carrotmob event can be thought of as a reverse boycott: Carrotmobbers take to the streets outside their chosen business and encourage pedestrians to shop at the business. With the aid of signs, t-shirts, coupons and—in the case of the Fox & Obel event—a massive, papier-mâché carrot, Carrotmobbers make their business of choice the place to be.

Fox & Obel will allocate fifty percent of its proceeds on the day of the Carrotmob to making the store more energy efficient. The store’s priority is to replace its current lighting with LED lighting. With the event bringing in $4,300, Fox & Obel now has $2,150 it can now use toward energy efficiency.

To learn more about the Carrotmob and learn about upcoming Carrotmob events in your area, go to www.carrotmob.org. For our coverage on the event, check out the Food page of Conscious Living TV!

Visionary Mobile Eco-Chic Boutique

2009-08-01T14:49:00.000-07:00

When fashonista entrepreneur Magda Rod opened her eco-chic Visionary Boutique on trendy Melrose in 2007, she envisioned a space where she could offer customers a taste of environmental and social consciousness without having to sacrifice quality or style. After doing just that, when the recession hit she moved her store (now located on Pico) and gave it a second life with the Visionary Mobile Boutique. Housed in this green-retrofitted 1966 Airstream trailer, it offers some of the best eco-lifestyle brands on the go, including Linda Loudermilk, Kailia Footwear and Jane Iredale cosmetics. This summer, we stopped by her new mobile pad at Malibu's eco-friendly BuFest and picked up one of her custom Ecousable water bottles and a sexy charm bracelet from her inspirational jewelry line. Keep up the great work, Magda!

Community Village Building: Blacks in Green

2009-07-27T13:36:00.000-07:00

With global warming, access to fresh, healthy food and economic disempowerment ravaging our communities, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the problems that face us. Thankfully, organizations like Blacks in Green (B.I.G.), a Chicago-based community education and trade organization founded by Naomi Davis, are digging deep for lasting solutions that will save our planet and our neighborhoods.

Born in Chicago on Earth Day 2007, B.I.G. aims to empower the African American community by incorporating green job skills into its education program in order to expand employment opportunities for this historically marginalized community. Through this education program, Blacks In Green seeks to create and sustain environmentally conscious neighbor-owned businesses in black communities throughout the country, and inspire these communities towards social, psychological and economic empowerment through the burgeoning green economy.

In order to create these “self-sustaining African diaspora communities,” B.I.G. sets forth eight founding principles for building green villages. First, each village should have its own measures, exchanges, and sources of wealth. Second, each village must locally produce energy for personal and public uses. Next, basic goods and services are supplied and recycled within the village. Each village will also provide low-income housing and green gardens that produce high quality food. Within the village, neighbors will celebrate their shared heritage through both news and entertainment. Each village will have interdependent local ties and perceptible borders. Village hubs will be epicenters for green training, development, and lifestyle transformation. Lastly, neighbor-owned businesses invent, invest, manufacture, and merchandise locally in order to circulate wealth throughout the community.

B.I.G. founder Naomi Davis cites her own childhood in the sixties and her legacy as the granddaughter of Mississippi sharecroppers as sources of inspiration for Blacks In Green. For Davis, the notion of green villages is a modern twist on the family farm. Rather than leaving land stewardship as a figment of the past, Davis sees green villages as a way to push the African American community forward.

To keep the community connected and informed, B.I.G. hosts numerous educational and networking events throughout the year. The third Friday of each month on the traditionally African-American South side of Chicago, it holds Environmental Education Afternoon Workshops and Evening Programs for both youth and adult members. Each Third Friday program features a different environmental theme, such as water use, renewable energy, green media, and environmental legislation. Blacks In Green’s next Third Friday event will be held on August 21, 2009, and will address green communication media and introduce the organization’s weekly media roundtable.

To learn more about Blacks In Green, check out their website and events page at www.blacksingreen.org.

Eco-Fashion That Gives Back: Do-Ni Shoes

2009-07-17T15:33:00.000-07:00

Before you run to the mall for a new pair of flats that was more than likely sewn by child laborers in a third world country, think about ordering a pair of Do-Ni shoes. Designed by Nancy Dong of Kailia Shoes and Carlotta Fiorini, Do-Ni is a vegan footwear company that aims to “create great looking shoes that are eco-friendly and help those without a voice.”

The Nobilia ballerina slippers from Do-Ni’s 2009 collection put that very promise into action. Using only non-animal materials, European artisans handcraft these slippers and add ribbons and embroidery for adornment with the aid of water-based glues. Although the shoes are leather-free, they provide the same comfort provided by leather shoes and come unlined with a padded insole. Do-Ni’s artisans also maintain the company’s environmentally friendly practices through the use of pre-consumer recycled components.

Do-Ni’s efforts to make this world a better place do not stop with the ecological construction of its shoes. Italian for “gift,” Do-Ni joins forces with six non-profit organizations that receive 100% of its retail profits. These NPOs include Animal Acres (a farmed animal sanctuary that promotes kind living and participates in rescue and refuge efforts), Four Legged Friends Foundation (an organization that helps needy families pay their veterinary bills), Go Vegan with Bob Linden (a radio program dedicated to animal-liberation and vegan education), Medicines Global (an organization of adventure travelers who donate basic first aid supplies to the destinations), Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (an organization that promotes compassionate medical research and practice), and A Home Away From Homelessness (an organization that seeks to meet the needs of homeless children in shelter programs). Each customer may choose which beneficiary receives the profits of their purchase.

The shoes themselves come in the following colors: champagne, a satiny gray; grass an olive green; amethyst, a deep purple; ruby a rich red; and black. Above the toe, each shoe features a knotted, matching ribbon. The champagne and black styles are also available with a crystal medallion cinching the middle of the ribbon for a dressier look.

We at Conscious Living are huge fans of Do-Ni shoes (Bianca loves them!) and believe fully in their ecological and social mission. To check out these sustainable and beautiful shoes and learn more about Do-Ni and its founders, visit http://www.do-ni.com/main.html. Or, to see co-founder Nancy Dong’s Kailia shoes in action, watch our “Chicago Eco-Fashion Cafe” or “Winter Fashion on the National Mall” episodes on the www.ConsciousLivingTV.com style page.

Conscious Living TV Goes Rooftop for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Uncommon Ground's Certified Organic Garden (the first in the U.S.)!

2009-07-13T10:58:00.000-07:00

It was a gorgeous day when we shot our latest episode from the rooftop of the Uncommon Ground restaurant in Edgewater! We came to Uncommon Ground this past weekend, along with other members of the press (and Mayor Daley!), to cover the ribbon cutting ceremony of the nation’s first certified organic rooftop garden at Uncommon Ground.

Upon our arrival at Uncommon Ground restaurant (1401 W. Devon Ave), we climbed up the stairs to the roof, which houses a multitude of luscious, green plants that allow the restaurant to grow its own organic vegetables. Besides being gorgeous and green, the rooftop offers a beautiful view of the local Edgewater community and Loyola University.

Before the ceremony began, Bianca interviewed Uncommon Ground owners Mike and Helen Cameron. To catch this interview, look out for our upcoming episode on Conscious Living TV!

After our interview with Mike and Helen, Mayor Daley arrived! Chicago’s Commissioner on the Environment, Suzanne Malec-McKenna was also among the guests at the ceremony. After a brief period of schmoozing, the ceremony began. Natalie Pfister, Uncommon Ground’s Farm Director, was the first to speak. Natalie discussed the advantages of urban agriculture in making food more accessible, claiming, “There is nothing more local than climbing your own stairs and harvesting tomatoes.” Tomatoes, we soon found out, are the main crops grown in the garden along with other vegetables such as peas and squash.

The next to speak was Alderman Patrick O’Connor, who admitted that a feat such as the organic rooftop garden has been discussed as more of a novelty than a way of the future. For O’Connor, urban organic gardens represent a return to the basics, allowing us to grow, pick, and eat vegetables in a short time. O’Connor also praised Mayor Daley for his well-known efforts toward sustaining and beautifying the environment. “Not only have we beautified the city,” O’Connor said, “but we have also taken a little of the economy and are growing on our own.”

After O’Connor’s introduction, Mayor Daley spoke about his long-held belief that “nature can coexist in urban communities.” With the organic rooftop garden at Uncommon Ground as a precedent, Daley cited the plethora of flat roofs in Chicago as an “opportunity to bring nature back into our city.” By growing our own produce organically, we can cut down the costs of shipping as well as reduce pollution and congestion throughout the city. Daley sees Uncommon Ground as the future of restaurants in Chicago.

Next, Uncommon Ground owner Helen Cameron recalled a rush of excitement when she first climbed on the roof and told her partner and husband Michael, “We can grow food up here!” From that moment, Helen and Michael knew that they would build a farm on their roof. Before they could create the garden, the Camerons had to reinforce the building’s foundation with a lot more cement and traded wood beams for steel in order to support the weight of the farm. Helen cited an overall theme of “support on many levels” as tantamount to their success. In addition to the support of Mayor Daley, Helen thanked the city of Chicago and the surrounding Edgewater community for their help and support. She recalled how many of the restaurant’s neighbors devoted much time and work to installing the garden.

For Helen, the memories of helping with her family vegetable garden as a child served as an inspiration for her to become a chef and restaurant owner and gave her the knowledge of how to operate a garden. With this knowledge in place, Helen dedicated space to as much organic food as possible for both use in the restaurant and as an educational platform for urban agriculture. Once the farm was installed, she found out about becoming certified organic. As a result of her eventual success in becoming certified, Uncommon Ground now offers the community a number of green jobs, including those held by Farm Director Natalie Pfister and her seven interns.

After Helen spoke, we heard from Steven Walker, the Certification and Compliance Manager of the Midwest Organic Services Association (MOSA), who reviewed Uncommon Ground’s application for organic certification. Walker emphasized the many standards that must be upheld in order for a farm to be organic. With the national organic program still being relatively new, Walker also stated that “regulatory boundaries continue to be defined.” Walker said, “The organic community has roots in thinking outside of the box, innovation and creativity.” Eco-preneurs like the Camerons are using just this kind of innovative thinking and hard work to help people understand the importance of eating organically grown, locally produced food.

Walker then spoke about the numerous advantages of organic food production in building safe and healthy communities. Organic food production transcends the “physical, mental, and emotional health” benefits of those who consume it. More than one billion pounds of pesticides are released in the United States each year due to non-organic practices, and conventionally produced agriculture is more likely to contain pesticide residues than organically produced food. With this in mind, Walker believes that Uncommon Ground is succeeding in its original promise and said he is proud to certify it organic!

Uncommon Ground owner Michael Cameron spoke shortly before Mayor Daley took questions from attendees. Mayor Daley said that Chicago is in the process of building a solar field on the South Side. He also emphasized that more help from the federal government and the Department of Energy will be necessary to furthering the city's green initiatives.

At this point, Mayor Daley cut the apple green ribbon and the ceremony was complete!

At the conclusion of the ribbon cutting ceremony, Bianca got an exclusive interview with Mayor Daley! To catch this interview, check out the home page of Conscious Living TV.

Afterwards, guests were invited to move downstairs to the restaurant to mingle with the Camerons while eating a delicious organic champagne brunch, including a menu of organic bellinis, fresh baked melt-in-your mouth banana bread, fresh seasonable seedling farms raspberries, blueberries and cherries, and a summer egg scramble of organic rooftop peas, summer squash, market onions, tomatoes, capriole goat cheese and fresh basil. We were so excited to have been present at this huge moment for Uncommon Ground and for organic urban farming, and we can’t wait to see how other Chicago businesses follow suit. To dine at Uncommon Ground, go to 1401 W. Devon Ave (just off the Loyola stop on the Red Line), or to visit their Farmer’s Market, visit the restaurant on Fridays from 4pm-8pm until October 30.

Special thanks to our crew for doing a bang-up job at the event, including Shu Ling Yong and Karl Geweniger, and Morgan Greenwald for reporting and live tweeting @Conscious TV.

For more tips on organic cuisine and healthy living, watch Conscious Living TV.

Chicago Eco-Fashion Focus Cafe: Hosted by City of Chicago and Conscious Living TV

2009-07-13T01:36:00.000-07:00

It was an exciting night of fashion and environmental responsibility recently at the historic Chicago Cultural Center. Hosted by Melissa Gamble, Director of Fashion, Arts and Events at the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, and Michael and Bianca Alexander of Conscious Living TV, the Fashion Café brought home an important message: you can take responsibility for the environment and still dress fabulously!

The event offered eco-fashionistas both a tactile and an intellectual experience: first, guests were treated to wine cocktails while shopping from sustainable vendors and boutiques like Pivot, McLemore’s Closet and Frei Designs. Then, attendees sat down for the main attraction: an exclusive interview with two of the hottest stars in eco-fashion--Lara Miller and Abigail Glaum-Lathbury, both based in Chicago.

First, we heard from Lara Miller, one of Chicago’s most lauded sustainable designers. Her clothes have been worn by celebrities like Angelina Jolie, and were recently featured at the People’s Choice Awards. With a down-to-earth, accessible candor, Lara discussed her philosophy of placing a premium on style, comfort, and being fashion forward. Although she offered a basic education on new options in environmentally-friendly fabrics, including tencel, linen, hemp, and rayon, she prefers to use materials like bamboo, organic cotton, and peace silk, which does not harm silk worms in the manufacturing process.

Lara is a huge proponent of fair trade, which means paying fair, livable wages to all workers involved in the design and textile process from beginning to end. Perhaps the most unique aspect of her design aesthetic is the fact that all of her styles are reversible and can be worn flipped upside down, which allows the wearer to style each garment in a variety of ways and make it their own. As a whole, Lara sees Chicago as a great city for designers, and is happy that eco-fashion is not only making Chicago more sustainable, but also making it a generally cooler city in the process. To check out Lara’s designs, visit www.laramiller.net.

Then, we heard from Abigail Glaum-Lathbury, voted best designer this year by the Chicago Reader. Inspired by a more organic, body-conscious approach to design, Abigail initially began her design career by working with remnant fabrics, then worked her way into using more environmentally friendly, natural fabrics. Almost all of Abigail’s work is inspired from shapes and organisms found in nature, which she incorporates thematically into all of her garments to create a futuristic, organic feel for the wearer. Abigail also uses lots of screen printing in her work to set each piece apart, and believes that true fashion should transcend season and age. During the interview, she also stressed the importance of supporting fair trade design which allows workers to be paid a living wage, an idea that has not been stressed enough in the eco-fashion industry. Feel free to learn more about Abigail’s designs at www.abigail-glaum-lathbury.com.

During the conversation, both Lara and Abigail emphasized the importance of using recycled fabrics as a solution to our global climate crisis. By using mill-end or remnant fabric, the leftover fabric from another designer, we can more effectively keep fabrics out of landfills. It was also noted that even plastic can be recycled and made into fabric. Both designers see recycled fabrics as the future of eco-friendly fashion.

After the presentation, attendees were encouraged to once again shop to their hearts delight with eco-vendors like Organik Revolution and Elise Bergman. Here’s a recap of highlights from some of the incredible eco-friendly fashions and designers featured at the event:

Bryant McLemore Smith, a Chicago-area vintage stylist, showcased his collection of retro clothing and accessories for men and women. Bryant’s items date back to the decades of the forties through the seventies and come from a variety of sources including estate sales and vintage boutiques from around the country. His designs have also been featured in award-winning films. To learn more about Bryant’s vintage collection and his styling services, feel free to contact him at Bryant.mclemoresmith@gmail.com.

Mountains of the Moon is a line of organic fashion for women, whose styles range from casual, everyday wear to chic, comfortable dresses. A highlight of the collection is the coco dress, made of organic cotton, hemp, and tencel that comes in a range of vivid colors. To check out the coco dress as well as the rest of the collection, go to www.mountainsofthemoon.com, which now features a 30% discount with the coupon code WA30.

Pivot Boutique is the #1 eco-boutique in Chicago! Eco-fashion pioneer Jessa Brinkmeyer selects the hottest clothing, jewelry, purses and body products by a variety of sustainable designers, including the purple, hemp, futuristic Nature vs. Future shift dress Bianca wore during the discussion. Check out their website, www.pivotboutique.com, or check them out on twitter, pivetcofashion, to stay up to the latest on eco-fashion in Chicago.

Julia Failey hopes to inspire ecological appreciation and awareness by handcrafting beautiful, high quality jewelry made from reclaimed, deoxidized sterling silver to reduce the need for destructive mining. Deoxidized sterling is 92.5% silver alloyed with tin rather than copper, making it tarnish resistant and easily recycled. A highlight from her collection are the dragonfly earrings, and the little rose vine ring, which was recently ordered by actress Kate Bosworth. You can find these pieces along with the rest of Julia’s collection at www.juliafailey.com.

Frei Designs by Annie Novotny featured a dramatic array of dresses, tops and skirts made from voluminous feminine fabrics with sleek men’s tailoring. Annie prides herself on avoiding mass-manufacturing in the production of her line, which is fair trade, 80% organic, pesticide-free and made from renewable resources using no/low-impact dyes. Frei Designs has been featured in many publications and can currently be found in the following Chicago area boutiques: Robin Richman, Pivot, Florodora, and Asinimali in Evanston. Annie is also planning to open a new store in August at 818 West 18th St. in Pilsen. For a look at Frei Designs' Fall '09 Collection and to locate one of the many boutiques across the country where Frei Desgins are sold, check out www.freidesigns.com.

Organik Revolution has set out to prove that it is possible to produce a clothing line without the detrimental effects to the Earth’s soil, water, inhabitants and climate without compromising style or comfort. Designed by co-owner Kristin Hassan, Organik Revolution’s offers a modern, affordable approach to being green with ethically made pieces like the Cassidy dress, now $24.99, a versatile three-quarter sleeve soy jersey dress with a zipper in the front that comes in a variety of colors such as black, blue, red, yellow, and maroon. Bonus: Organik Revolution is now offering a 15% discount on everything on their website, www.organikrevolution.com/shop, with online code FC609, and offers a free t-shirt with every purchase.

Elise Bergman also believes in multi-functional outfits made from sustainable materials like luxurious silks, organic cottons, hand-dyed and hand-woven materials, and rare vintage fabrics. Her signature multi-wrap can be styled a whopping twelve different ways including a strapless dress with either a straight or a sweetheart neckline, a one shoulder dress, and a high-waisted skirt. The multi-wrap also comes in a variety of different colors and prints, including bronze, metallic purple, turquoise (which Elise modeled so beautifully for us at the Fashion Cafe), and yellow. Check out Elise’s entire collection and bridal couture at www.elisebergman.com.

Thanks so much to everyone who attended the event. A special thanks to Melissa Gamble, Pivot Boutique, Kailia Footwear, and Fanta Celah Creations jewelry for donating their designs, and to the Conscious Living TV crew, including Production Coordinator Morgan Greenwald, for helping us to report live from the event!

For more information on Chicago Fashion Focus, visit www.chicagofashionresource.com. To watch highlights from this Fashion Cafe, visit the Conscious Living TV style page at http://www.consciouslivingtv.com/style.htm.

Conscious Living Goes Platinum at our Earth Day Birthday in Chicago!

2009-04-22T23:08:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Earth Day in sustainable style at our eco-chic Earth Day Birthday/5th Season Anniversary/Chicago Launch Party last night! In honor of the launch of our
5th Season Anniversary and move to Chicago to join the Platinum LEED Green Exchange community, we'd like to thank everyone who took a walk on the green carpet and came out to share in the conscious vibes, food, wine, and eco-friendly recycled art by Gregory Coates. Big thanks to the GrNnamdi Gallery for hosting us.

The evening was both eclectic and organic. The G.R. N'Namdi contempory art gallery downtown provided a backdrop of large-scale, brighty-colored paintings made from recycled down pillow feathers and wooden columns wrapped in recycled tires. While the first four seasons of Conscious Living TV played on Phillips flat screen eco-tv's, Melissa Graham's Monogramme Events created a delicious menu consisting of unique passed appetizers like vegan polenta french fries, pureed white potato soup shots and black bean salad that kept guests raving for more. Red and white organic wines by Candid Wines complimented the dishes and taught guests how organic wines can taste good too; and Veev organic Acai cocktails partnered with Live it Green to provide the brand new mojito-like Treetini's: for every cocktail consumed, a tree gets planted--and thanks to our guests and Live it Green--100 trees will be planted to offset our footprint. Dessert consisted of melt-in-your-mouth, handmade, vanilla caramels by Katherine Anne Confections. And to bring it all back home, guests walked away with eco-friendly laundry bags by the Green Garmento, reusable laundry bags, which substitute plastic dry cleaner bags, which contribute 300 million pounds to landfills each year.

Special thanks to our host committe: Shannon Downey of Pivotal Events, Jen Katchacharian, Eco-chicorganizer and founder of Chicago Green Families, David Baum at our future home the Green Exchange, Melissa Graham from Monogramme Events & Catering, and Jaqueline and Jumaane N'Namdi. Good time, had. Total trees planted: 100. Photos By: the lovely Adrianne Hawthorne.

Check out more photos from the party on our Facebook page, or stay tuned for behind the scenes footage on an upcoming episode of Conscious Living!

Peace, love & gratitude,

Michael + Bianca
www.ConsciousLivingTV.com

The Fashionista's Guide to Rocking Eco-Fashion

2009-03-17T05:09:00.001-07:00

By Bianca Alexander

Rocking eco-fashion doesn't mean you have to give up your soulful sense of style. From wearing sustainable materials like bamboo, peace silk and organic cotton to one-of-a-kind vintage pieces, read below for tips on the latest and greatest in eco-fashion.

Peace In With Peace Silk

Did you know that all traditional silk fabric is made by literally steaming silkworms out of their silky nests? For a more humane option, wear peace silk, which is made without harming silkworms by coaxing the little creatures out of their cocoons (don't ask us how!) but still feels just as luxurious.
Soul of Green Favorite: Eco-couture by Leila Hafzi, featuring hand-painted spiritual motifs using toxin-free dyes.

Organic Threads Are Pimp

As far as I’m concerned, there’s nothing sexier than a fresh, white cotton t-shirt. But with all of the eco-friendly fashion on the market these days, wearing tees made from traditionally grown cotton--which uses tons of pesticides which pollute the earth--is not only passé, it’s played. To stay sexy every season without hurting the planet, make your next cotton purchase 100% organic.
Soul of Green Favorites: Super-soft polos and tees wtih edgy designs from Twice Shy, Edun, and Stewart + Brown.

Reduce, Reuse, and Recyle by Rocking Vintage

Tired of chasing trends? The good news is that one of the easiest—and cheapest—ways to keep your look original is by rocking vintage clothing. Not only will it reduce the total negative impact of sweatshop labor and manufacturing on the planet, but it will also reduce your chance of being caught in the same outfit as your best friend! Retro fashion is all the rage these days, so it’s no wonder stars like Angelina Jolie, Nicole Kidman and Halle Berry swear by vintage when it’s their turn to walk on the red carpet.
Favorites: American Rag Cie, Goodwill, and the local flea market.

Make the Animals Happy: Go Vegan

Every stylist knows that accessories can make or break an outfit. But for those of us who love animals, wearing brand-new leather or fur is simply not a conscious option. Luckily, there are lots of cruelty-free accessories on the market that will still keep you looking put together. From Nahui Ollin’s and Ecoist's elegant purses and organizers made from candy wrappers, to sexy vegan footwear by Kailia and Charmoné that will rival any pair of Manolo’s, you have every reason to polish off your look in style. And if you simply can’t live without leather or fur, then vintage versions will always be more conscious than spending cash on brand new skins.
Favorite: Kailea Footwear, AlternativeOutfitters

Attention Shoppers: Even Department Stores Are Going Green

Trying to dress more consciously, but green boutique shopping not your cup of tea? Well not to worry, with consumer demand for sustainable fashion on the rise, the big department stores have finally figured out that green is here to stay! Barney’s New York is leading the pack with an entire department dedicated to green fashion. And, the next time you head to Tar-jay or Wal-Mart to bulk up on CFL light bulbs, don’t forget to pick up some organic cotton duds (and for you moms out there, they even carry baby clothes!) and accessories made from recycled materials. Whoever says green isn’t mainstream is clearly missing the big picture. Power to the people!
Favorite: Tar-Jay.

Color Me Bad

By now you should already know the season's hottest shade: The Color Purple. But just because it’s on the green carpet doesn’t mean it’ll work for you! Conscious style is about more than just eco-fashion, it’s about dressing authentically in the colors, fabrics and styles that complement your natural essence. Though the thought of getting your color palette done may sound so ‘80s, it’s making a comeback with fashionistas everywhere for good reason: When you’re wearing your colors, people see you, not just your outfit.
Favorite: A color consultation with L.A.'s go-to personal shopper (and styling wizard) Jennifer Butler.

For more eco-fashion tips, check out www.ConsciousLivingTV.com's Style page.

Don't Miss 2012 Quantum Leap March 13-15, 2009

2009-02-21T11:46:00.001-08:00

Buy tickets now and get two for the price of one! For more information or to reserve your ticket, visit www.2012quantumleap.com.

Power to the Peaceful: The Inaugural Peace Ball

2009-02-13T09:05:00.000-08:00

By Rob Okun
Editor, Voice Male Magazine
www.voicemalemagazine.org

It had been Barack Obama’s day but the night, at least in one corner of Washington, D.C. belonged to the peace community, a moment to celebrate the sweet taste of victory. Not even the frigid Washington evening could cool the sizzling heat emanating from the nation’s first Inaugural Peace Ball, a night of inspiration and celebration. Nearly 1500 activists and optimists from around the country streamed into the grand hall of the Smithsonian National Postal Museum to sing, dance and give a shout out to joy. Indeed, “our time had come.”

Amidst the flowing gowns, tuxedos, colorful African vestments, and splashes of (code) pink, social justice voices led a call and response spanning more than 40 years, crossing the political desert in the aftermath of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Sister-troubadours Joan Baez, Bernice Johnson Reagon, Holly Near, Toshi Reagon, and Angelique Kidjo took to the stage massaging weary hearts, supporting tired legs, and tickling eager dancing feet. Meanwhile, sisters of conscience Alice Walker, Eve Ensler, Amy Goodman, Laura Flanders, and Kimberlé Crenshaw encouraged us to find balance, deepen commitment, and celebrate a common humanity.

To a pulsing beat, musician-activist Michael Franti and Spearhead moved down the chakras—head awash with both the burning light of injustice and possibility; heart beating in unison with brothers and sisters around the fragile planet; and loins aflame with the energy of love. This was one ball Michelle and Barack Obama would have benefited from attending. It generated at least a four year supply of renewable energy powered by grit, commitment, savvy, groundedness and boundlessness, all at celebratory full throttle.

At the heart of the Inaugural Peace Ball was impresario Anas “Andy” Shallal, who organized the event “as a challenge for the peace community to reclaim its rightful place in the mainstream.” Owner of the Washington progressive community’s flagship Busboys & Poets—much more than a restaurant, cultural center and bookstore (although it is all three)—Busboys is a microcosm of a healthy community where a United Nations of the soul can break bread together. Shallal seized the paradigm-shifting moment of Barack Obama’s election to create an event to help catalyze the peace movement “to set the political and social agenda for the future of our country and our planet. We can no longer afford,” Shallal said, “to be cynical or to find comfort being on the fringe.”

The mood all evening was relaxed and hummed with expectation. When he hears the reports of what went down on the night of his inauguration—and hopefully he will—President Obama would be well-advised to ask for a briefing paper.

Harry Belafonte, honorary host for the evening, would have welcomed the new president onto the stage but likely would have reminded him—as he did John Kennedy a half-century ago—that even though we worked hard for his election, we weren’t going to give him a free pass. We are going to agitate for our agenda. Activist before entertainer, the legendary Belafonte still has fire in his belly. At 81, his voice was strong as he admonished the throng at the Peace Ball, “If [President Obama] fails it’s because we failed. If we succeed, he’ll succeed.” We have to keep the pressure on, he said. Appreciated from the stage for his long service to the movement, Belafonte said no praise was necessary. “I am having the time of my life…and I love making mischief.”

Feisty and funny, Dick Gregory, full white beard and shock of white hair, is still one of our prophets of conscience and biting humor, one of the movement’s great uncles. Introduced in song by his daughter, he reminded the crowd that the peace community doesn’t need validation from the corporate media. “You are so important. What you do is so critical,” he said, pointing out at the sea of faces in the great hall. “The change is not [President] Obama; the change is us.”

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Alice Walker offered a message that holds a key to help the peace community to endure. To be peaceful, she encouraged her audience find a way to be centered each day. And “deeply revere the feminine, the goddess.” The time is past, she pointed out, for only patriarchal religious imagery to be offered at inaugurations.

When playwright-activist Eve Ensler bounded onto the stage, the energy quickened. “I believe in openings,” she said to laughter, “and today was a /big/ opening.” The author of /The Vagina Monologues/ remains hard at work putting the issue of violence against women—and Africa—in a highlighted place on the social justice agenda.

At the center of an evening of celebrating that went on for six hours, was hope and possibility, buzz words of the Obama campaign. The hall sizzled with electricity: excited first-time meetings, reunions of old friends, whoops of joy—“Yes, We Did!” coupled with “Thank God /he’s/ gone!”

Joan Baez’s set included Bob Dylan’s “Forever Young,” dedicated to the Obama family. Later, introducing another song, she told of traveling with Dr. King in Mississippi. He was an hour and a half late to deliver a sermon because he’d been taking a nap. “You wake him, Joan,” Baez recalled being asked and the young singer tentatively stood by his bed, starting in on “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.” Dr. King rolled over and said, “I believe I hear the voice of an angel. Sing me another one, Joan.” The Peace Ball was the kind of night Dr. King would have no doubt said, “Sing me another one, Joan. Tell another story, Harry.”

After eight years of the Bush regime, it was time to sing and tell stories, to feel our connection to generations of activists gone by. Ossie Davis would have loved the Peace Ball, so would have Grace Paley and Studs Terkel, to name a few. It reminds us to continue the struggle: to know our feet are meant for marching /and/ dancing; our voices for protest /and/ singing; are hearts for beating fast facing the winds of injustice/ and /slowly in the quiet of meditation. This /is/ our moment. What will we do now when we can finally step away, as Andy Shallal said, “from the comfort of being on the fringe?” We /are/ the change we have been waiting for. Barack Obama is the president we elected. What will we do?

In “Wild Geese,” poet Mary Oliver writes, in part: You do not have to be good/You do not have to walk on your knees/for a hundred miles through the desert repenting/You only have to let the soft animal of your body/love what it loves/Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine…”

We have told ourselves about our despair. Now it is time to tell ourselves about our joy, walking on our two feet, backs erect, through the desert of war to the oasis of peace. We begin, like Barack Obama, today.

/ Rob Okun is editor of /Voice Male /magazine. His essay, “Confessions of a Premature Profeminist” appears in the anthology /Men Speak Out: Views on Gender, Sex, and Power,” (/Routledge, 2008/). /He can be reached at rob@voicemalemagazine.org

Making Green Design Choices

2009-01-05T04:27:00.000-08:00

By Alicia Valair

We hear and see more and more news stories and popular television interior design programs focused on “green” and its impact on our country and the world. So, do you wonder exactly how it impacts you personally?

It actually does and in many ways! Let’s first define what green means. In the field of design, professionals start with one word “sustainability”. Sustainable design (also referred to as "green design", "eco-design", or "design for environment") is the art of designing physical objects, the built environment and services to comply with the principles of economic, social, and ecological sustainability.

The green movement is growing fast and propelled by the concern for the environment. Many of the items you now buy will in some way be affected in future. Think about this: whether it is the reduction of waste in packaging, the use of sustainable processes in the manufacturing of goods, or the design and production of “certified green goods,” all will enhance the momentum of a global movement toward greener lifestyles.

In my opinion, lifestyle issues are paramount when it comes to the future of the green residential movement. We are on the cusp of the greatest lifestyle shift in our history, where consumers will choose to live green, live well and yes, do good! We will enthusiastically select home products, furnishings and services which makes a difference. No more careless consumerism in the upcoming century.

So, begin with a small choice now. Purchase energy efficient light bulbs or green cleaning products which are so much better and safer for you and the environment! Next, when you’re ready to purchase a home décor product, stop by and visit me here on www.consciouslivingtv.com. I’ll feature the latest in green home furnishings, green interior design and green building issues which will assist you in making these lifestyle choices.

Stay well and choose a green lifestyle!

For more sustainable lifestyle tips, visit www.ConsciousLivingTV.com.

Green Up Your Bathroom

2009-01-05T03:43:00.000-08:00

By Suzanne Heibel, for www.Greeniacs.com

With the green movement taking over the production world, selling everything from toxin-free lamp shades to organic jeans, morphing your bathroom into an environmentally friendly zone is relatively simple. Greening your bathroom is not only good for the environment, but it is also great for your and your family’s health!

Biodegradable Soaps

The bathroom is the space in your house to freshen up, but there is no need to use soaps that clean your body while dirtying the environment at the same time. Unless noted on the package, shampoos, conditioners, and soaps all contain chemicals that are unable to naturally breakdown, decay, and go back into the environment without being toxic. As a result they remain harmful to ecosystems. Biodegradable soap, shampoo, and other similar products are able to be broken down into organic compounds, which occurs IN THE SOIL by microorganisms, eliminating the threat of toxicity release into the environment. People who travel often use these products to reduce their footprint in other places or countries they visit, but it makes just as much sense to reduce your footprint in your community as well.

“Biodegradable” usually implies that within six months of usage the soap will have decayed to 90% water, carbon dioxide, and biomass WHEN IN SOIL, not if just dumped into a water source. Some make take years to fully breakdown, so as a consumer it is important to differentiate between “biodegradable” and “environmentally-friendly,” because the two may always not be synonymous.1 Look for ingredients that you recognize, such as vegetable-based soaps, which tend to be more organically crafted, and look for “phosphate-free” on the label as well. A good company that is not very well known is “Further Soaps,” which uses waste from biofuels and turn it into soaps. They can be found at www.furthersoap.com. You can now find biodegradable soaps, shampoos, etc. at major retailers like Trader Joes, Whole Foods, and online, in addition to your local retailers!

Toothbrushes

I know we love to recycle, but don't worry, there is no need to share a toothbrush with Great Uncle Ned, you can have your own and still be reducing waste. Recycled toothbrushes, like the Preserve® toothbrush, are not only made from recycled plastics but are also recyclable themselves.2 Plus, they are made in the United States, so for U.S.-based consumers, they are more environmentally-friendly than products from overseas because they heavily cut down on excessive transportation and petroleum use.

Natural toothpaste

Lately it seems like there has been a lot of talk about the chemical Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), which is an ingredient commonly found in toothpastes and shampoos.3 SLS acts as a foaming agent but has a bad rap attached to it because it is also a chemical known to cause skin irritation. Because of this, some organizations have claimed that this chemical is responsible for causing canker sores, and even cancer, yet there is no clear evidence for these claims.4 It is also not listed on the Pesticide Action Network “Bad Actor” list, which identifies California's most toxic chemicals.5 Tom's of Maine toothpaste, a toothpaste brand known for its natural ingredients, says that SLS is naturally-occurring in coconut and palm oils (4) and they feel that it is just fine to use.6 If you are worried about the effects of SLS, Tom's also offers SLS-free products. You can visit their website at http://www.tomsofmaine.com/ for more information.

Toilet Paper

Toilet paper is a touchy subject because everyone needs it and everyone uses it for the same thing. For this subject, you only have two methods to reduce your use:

1. Buy toilet paper made from recycled paper. Most of the time it is cheaper than regular toilet paper, so for your wallet that's a plus; and the Natural Resource Defense Council reports that if every household in the U.S. replaced just a single roll of their regular toilet paper with a green brand, over 400,000 trees would be spared annually from being cut down.7 Imagine the impact if all rolls were replaced with recycled ones! Literally, entire forests would be saved.

2. The other way to make toilet paper more eco-friendly is to not use the entire roll every time you pee. This may seem like an exaggeration, but I know people who take three arm's lengths of squares for one pee. This is overkill. It only takes a few squares to stay clean and if you are worried about your hands, that is the reason your mom taught you to wash ‘em after you use the toilet. This concept has even become ingrained in pop-culture: singer Sheryl Crow's 2007 tour promoted single-square usage of toilet paper. Now that's an effective advertisement!

Water Usage

Cutting down water usage in the restroom is the most effective way to conserve water. That's why there is a whole article dedicated to it! To learn how to save, see the Greeniacs Article http://www.greeniacs.com/GreeniacsArticles/How_to_Conserve_Water_in_the_Bathroom for information on this subject.

Towels, Curtains, Mats

Lets face it, shower curtains and bathroom floor mats get down right disgusting. They stay constantly moist, meaning they are prone to bacteria growth and they tend to smell bad after some time. Because of this, most people throw them away after a year or so and just replace them with another plastic curtain fated to be discarded in another year's time. They are also plastic, meaning they are derived from petroleum.

The solution is to purchase a curtains and mats that are made of fabric so they can be washed and used for longer than just a single year. Find one that is made from organic cotton because organically-grown items mean less pollution from agricultural runoff to adjacent ecosystems.

Another company called “bamboo and organic linens” (www.bambooandorganiclinens.com) incorporates bamboo into their products because the plant is actually a weed that needs very little resources to flourish, and it absorbs odors much better than cotton alone9. Hemp rugs and mats are also a popular environmental choice. Hemp is often too closely associated with Marijuna, yet hemp is a weed grown to be harvested for commercial use in fabrics or paper, not for drug use.Hemp is naturally pest-resistant so it can be grown without the use of chemical additives. Because it is a weed it can grow in very harsh conditions so only minimal water use is required for its growth10. A good place to find hemp bathroom products is at http://www.rawganique.com/.

Towels fit into this same material usage. Organic cotton and hemp are great choices, especially if you can find a local supplier, which cuts down on the shipping materials and costs.

Now you know what to do!

Although replacing plastic products made from chemicals and oil with organic products may sound cliché, it is ultimately the best decision when making your bathroom a little greener. These are the products you use daily and often so it makes sense to have your bathroom be the greenest room in the house.

_______________________________________________________________________________

Sources:

1http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Falls/9200/biodegradable_soap.html
2http://www.recycline.com/toothbrush.html
3http://www.natural-health-information-centre.com/sodium-lauryl-sulfate.html
4http://www.tomsofmaine.com/toms/ifs/sls.asp
5http://www.nrdc.org/land/forests/gtissue.asp#toilet
6http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6583067.stm
7http://pesticideinfo.org/Detail_Chemical.jsp?Rec_Id=PC35205#Toxicity
8http://pesticideinfo.org/Docs/ref_toxicity7.html#BadActor
9http://www.bambooandorganiclinens.com/shower-curtains
10http://naihc.org/hemp_information/hemp_facts.html#ecology

For more green bathroom tips, watch www.ConsciousLivingTV.com.

Conscious Gift Extravaganza: EcoGift 2008

2008-12-21T15:59:00.000-08:00

One of the highlights from our holiday was the second annual EcoGift Festival, held in December at the Santa Monica Civic Center. Besides being jam-packed with three days of some of the best live bands I've heard in a while, including The Luminaries, awesome organic food, and of course, the Conscious Living Lounge presented by the new Philips Eco TV, this event was the place to be for conscious shoppers looking for unique gifts that also give back.

Produced and organized by founders Tommy Rosen (a.k.a. Green Santa on the cover of Westside Today) and his wife Kia Miller, the event featured dozens of conscious gift booths and was attended by over 10,000 conscious shoppers looking for the perfect eco-friendly gifts.

Our favorites included Solio's solar powered PDA chargers, blinged-out scented soy candles by Aglow, Himalayan salt crystal lamps, colorful purses, knapsacks and even Christmas stockings by Terracycle made from recycled juice pouches, essential oil chakra cleansing sprays, and a refreshing raw juice bar. Others on our hit list: Injinji high performance toe socks made from soft-as-cashmere bamboo, Rejuvenizer healing jewelry pendants that block harmful EMF rays, Envirosax shopping bags and Aon Box individual speakers made from 100% renewable and recyclable resources.

Thanks again to Mojow and the Vibration Army band and Ogden Publications Founder Bryan Welch for keeping the energy high during the event and our presentation on the Ecogift big stage on Friday. Great job guys and see you all next year!

Peace & Love,

Michael, Bianca and the Conscious Living Lounge Team at Ecogift

What's In Bianca's Make-Up Bag?

2008-09-20T20:53:00.000-07:00

By Bianca Alexander

Ready to update your look? Then now is a perfect time to clean out your medicine cabinet and update your old, chemical-laden make-up bag with more natural cosmetics. Making the switch may require some effort, but it will keep harmful toxins away from your body and the environment. Here are a few favorite cosmetics from my make-up bag:

Foundation: Since denser make-up tends to clog pores, I skip heavier foundation for Dr. Hauschka’s Bronzing Fluid. www.DrHauschka.com. Mixing it with a few drops of their Rejuvenating Mask gives me flawless coverage (and a natural skin treatment) without the toxic build up I used to get from my old favorite, Laura Mercier. To freshen studio make-up when I’m on location: Jurlique Lavender Hydrating Mist, which replenishes moisture and calms my skin with biodynamic lavender and marshmallow. www.jurlique.com.

Eyes: Dr. Hauschka’s Eyeliner pencils are made with mineral pigments fused with natural quince wax so they glides on effortlessly, and botanical extracts that soothe the tender skin around the eyes. For defined lashes I use their Mascara Intermezzo made with soothing neem leaf extract. It conditions and strengthens my lashes so they actually grow longer and fuller! Dr. Hauschka’s entire line of decorative cosmetics—including blushes, eyeshadows and lipsticks--are so healing, you could even fall asleep wearing them without getting breakouts.

Lips: On days when I’m not on camera, I skip make-up altogether and go au naturale except for one thing I don’t leave the house without: lip balm. I picked up samples of Green By Nature’s Lip Butter in mint green tea and lip glaze in cherry mint last year at Natural Products Expo West and have been hooked ever since. Unlike most lip balms, all of their products are paraben, DEA, and sulfate-free. Their emollient lip butter protects against chapped lips, and their peppermint infused lip glaze gives great shine, while doing triple duty to cool and moisturize lips and freshen breath. www.greenbynaturebeauty.com.

For a matte finish: Jurlique’s Rose Silk Finishing Powder keeps me ready for my close-ups with the oil absorbing power of corn and rice starch combined with biodynamic essential oils that help balance skin. Best feature: this loose powder compact comes with a handy mirror and powder-puff for just the right amount of coverage. I also love Palladio’s purse-size rice paper blotting tissues. They’re made naturally from rice and control oil on two sides—a matte side that blots and absorbs excess oil, and a powdered side that comes in four skin tones to finish any look. www.palladiobeauty.com

To take it all off: After trying Comodyne’s 100% natural make-up remover cloths just once, I tossed my old Pond’s cold cream for good. Since they don’t contain harsh chemicals, they’re ideal for dry and sensitive skin but gently remove even the most stubborn eye make-up. www.comodynes.net.

Sustainable Make-Up Bag. I keep all of my fave cosmetics at my fingertips with a funky black and gold vintage Fendi purse I discovered when Feng Shui-ing my parent’s house this spring. It also doubles as a retro accessory. For great eco-friendly make-up bags, check out www.ecoist.com.

Stay beautiful!

For more tips on sustainable living, watch www.ConsciousLivingTV.com.

23 Ways to Save Energy in Your Home

2008-08-17T17:01:00.000-07:00

By Co-Op America

Check out Co-op America's list of tips you can implement in your home today, and save up to 66 percent of the energy you currently use — saving you money on your electricity bill, and helping you live more lightly on the Earth!

Level 1: Simple Things You Can Do Today
Take these actions and save up to 33 percent of your energy use!

1. Turn Off Lights You're Not Using.
Take the step: Make a pact with your family to be extra mindful about shutting off lights when they leave a room. A good rule of thumb is that there should be a maximum of one light on in your household per person at any given time. You can even put little reminders around your switchplates—download our template here. Or, install motion sensors (about $20 each) that turn the lights off after a room has remained empty for a certain amount of time.

Why: Illuminating rooms that aren’t in use is a huge waste.

2. Schedule an Energy Audit.
Take the step: Get an energy audit performed on your home.

Why: Get expert advice to help you identify ways you can use less electricity and plug energy leaks in your home. You’ll get the most cost-effective and useful steps that will help you reduce your energy use, lower your home’s global warming footprint, and lower your energy bills, too. Your local utility will probably provide an energy audit for free, but you may get a more comprehensive audit—allowing you to save even more money in the long run—by paying for a whole-house energy audit.

The big picture: Taking all of the most cost-effective strategies for energy efficiency can cut your energy use in half, save you 50 percent or more off your energy bills, and halve your household global warming emissions, too.

3. Let Your Dishwasher Breathe.
Take the step: Skip the energy-intensive drying cycle on your dishwasher and choose the “air-dry” option, or open the door overnight for some zero-energy dish-drying action.

Why: The drying cycle uses up a lot of energy and money, while just letting dishes air-dry will accomplish the task for free.

4. Shift Your Load to Off-Peak Times.
Electricity demand goes down at night and begins rising in the morning, peaking at mid-day before falling back down at nightfall again. Because power sources have to produce the electricity around the time of its use, without any capacity for long-term storage, it is our peak demand that determines the expansion of dirty coal-fired power plants and other polluting forms of energy generation. Someday, utilities may use smart meters to help us even things out, but until then, you can do your own private “load shifting” by trying, whenever possible, to wash laundry or run the dishwasher at nighttime and as far possible from mid-day. “Delay” settings on appliances sometimes make this easy to do—many dishwashers, for example, can be set after dinner to go on in four hours and wash the dishes while you sleep.

Bonus: Your utility company may shift to time-of-day metering in the future, so you’ll actually pay less when you use electricity at night.

5. Don't Heat or Cool Empty Rooms.
Take the step: If there is a room in your home that is largely unused, close the vents to save on heating and cooling costs. Always turn off room air conditioners as you leave a room. When you go on vacation, set the thermostat at least ten full degrees below (in winter) and above (in summer) where it’d be if you were home; no need to heat or cool a house when no one is home.

Why: Heating and cooling rooms no one is in wastes energy (and money!) and generates needless emissions.

6. Turn Off Your Electronics.
Take the step: If you’re going to be away from your computer or other appliance for more than an hour, turn it off as you leave the room.

Why: Some people mistakenly think it takes a giant burst of energy to power up a television, computer, or game console, and so they leave these electronics on continuously. However, even on an “energy-saver” setting, a computer, game console, or television wastes much more energy when it’s on all day than if you really turn it off.

7. Eliminate "Phantom Load".
Take the step: Many electronics use electricity even when they’re turned off—so your best bet is to unplug electronic devices and appliances when they’re not in use. Or, plug your TV and accessories into one power strip and switch off the whole strip to eliminate this “phantom load.”

Why: At least five percent of the average household’s monthly utility bill goes towards powering devices that are turned off. TVs, DVD players, computers, printers, and cell phone chargers are just some of the devices that leak power even when they aren’t on—in fact, a quarter of the energy used by your TV each year is consumed when the TV is off.

8. Eliminate Your Second Fridge, and Show the First One a Little Love.
Take the step: If you’re paying to power a second refrigerator or freezer in your basement, try to make do with one fridge in the kitchen and unplug the extra one.
You can help your first fridge function more efficiently by placing jugs of water in any empty space inside (water retains cold better than air does), and by taking some time once every six months to pull the fridge away from the wall and scrub down the grime that accumulates on the coils. (One of our editors found that her fridge was so much more efficient post-scrub that she could set the thermostat higher for the same chill!)

Why: The refrigerator is often the biggest energy-using appliance in a home. A typical refrigerator uses more than 1,300 kWh a year and costs the average American household $120 a year in electricity.

9. Wash Clothes in Cold Water.
Take the step: Turn the knob on your washing machine to “cold/cold” today, and leave it there.

Why: With modern washing machines and detergents, washing your clothes in cold water gets them just as clean as washing in hot water, but it uses half the energy. In situations where you do need hot water—for example, to kill dust mites in bedding— choose cold water for the rinse cycle.

10. Give the Dryer a Rest.
Take the step: Consider skipping the dryer and hanging your clothes to dry on a rack or a clothesline. (For support in line-drying your clothes and to help fight anti-clothesline ordinances in your neighborhood, join Project Laundry List.) You can avoid wrinkles by using your dryer for five minutes, then hanging clothes on the line. Please note that if you have pollen allergies, you’ll want to skip the outdoor clothesline and use an indoor drying rack instead.

Why: It takes a huge commitment of energy to run a dryer— all to do something that the air, given a little more time, will do for free. Many households spend more than $100 a year on the energy used by their dryer.

Level 2: A Little More Time, A Lot More Savings
Take these actions and save up to 56 percent of your energy use!

11. Replace Your Light Bulbs.
Take the step: Replace the incandescent light bulbs in your house, even if they haven’t yet burned out, with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs).

Why: You’ve been hearing about the wonders of CFLs for years now—they last ten times longer and use one-fourth as much energy as incandescent bulbs—but you might still have some old incandescent bulbs around your house. Incandescent bulbs are inefficient because they give off 90 percent of their energy in heat—while CFLs give off little heat. Don’t let the higher price of a CFL stop you—because CFLs use so little energy and last so much longer, a CFL bulb will save you $30 or more over its lifetime.

Please note that CFLs do contain a small amount of mercury. However, CFLs still result in fewer mercury emissions than incandescents. The average coal-fired plant spews about 13.6 mg of mercury to power an incandescent bulb, while it only emits 3.3mg to power a CFL. Add that to the 5 mg of mercury the average CFL contains, and you still come out ahead. Be sure to dispose of CFLs properly: call your local solid waste authority for local options, take them to an Ikea store for recycling, or recycle them by mail with a Sylvania RecyclePak.

Light-emitting diode, or LED, lights are also becoming more widely available for uses around the home. A mercury-free LED light lasts about 50 times longer than an incandescent bulb. You can now find LED reading lamps and LED Christmas lights. A strand of LED Christmas lights uses 90 percent less energy than incandescents.

The big picture: If each home in America replaced one bulb with an Energy Star CFL, it would save enough energy to light 3 million homes for a year and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions from 800,000 cars.

Resources: The Energy Star program’s page on CFLs includes information about clean-up and disposal of broken CFLs, as well as energy-saving calculators and purchasing tips.

12. Plug Your Air Leaks.
Take the step: Plug the energy leaks in your home. Call your utility for a free energy audit, or call an energy auditor in your area—they will be able to find the air leaks in your home and assess how you can fix them. A local contractor can help you plug those energy holes, or you can seal leaks around windows and doors yourself with weatherstripping or caulk available at your local hardware store.

Why: Investing in energy-efficient heating and cooling systems will only take you so far if your home is leaking out the cool or warm air you’re putting in it. The EPA estimates that properly sealing and insulating the “shell” of your home—its outer walls, ceiling, windows, doors—is often the most cost-effective way to improve energy efficiency in your home. By properly sealing and insulating your home, you can save anywhere from 5 to 50 percent of your energy bill each year. Only 20 percent of homes built before 1980 are well-insulated, so if you own an older home, you should assess if you need more insulation.

The big picture: If one fourth of US households weatherstripped and caulked their doors and windows, it would save enough energy in heating and cooling costs to prevent 8 million tons of CO2 from being emitted.

Resources: The Energy Star program's Do-it-Yourself Guide to sealing and insulating your home includes step-by-step information on how to find and plug air leaks. Find nontoxic insulation made from recycled cotton; ask your local hardware store, or look in the "Building—Supplies/Kits" category of our National Green Pages™.

13. Reduce Your Water Use.
Take the step: Reduce the water you’re using. Simple ways to save water include fixing any leaks around your house and replacing faucets and showerheads with low-flow alternatives.

Why: According to the EPA, American public water supply and treatment facilities consume enough electricity each year to power more than 5 million homes. So think of turning off your faucet when you don’t need it as you do turning out the lights when you leave a room. In fact, the energy used to transport and treat the water that runs out of your tap for five minutes would power a 60-watt light bulb for 14 hours. Additionally, water shortages are becoming a harsh reality for many communities—a recent government survey found that at least 36 states are anticipating water shortages by 2013.

The big picture: If just one out of every 100 American homes changes to water-efficient fixtures, we would avoid adding 80,000 tons of greenhouse gas to the atmosphere, says the EPA.

Resources: The EPA’s WaterSense program has information about installing low-flow water fixtures, low-water-use landscaping, and more.

14. Cut Waste Through Windows.
Take the step: Plug window leaks: Make sure that the edges of your windows are properly sealed. Fill any gaps with caulk (find no-VOC caulk from AFM Safecoat) to stop air leaks.

Cover up in winter: By covering windows with heavy curtains or drapes, you can greatly cut down the heat loss. You can also purchase storm-window kits from your local hardware store. These kits come with plastic film and a special tape, and will cost you about $3–$8 per window. Reflective “low-e” films are also available, which reduce the amount of heat that escapes through windows while still letting light through.

Shade for Summer: While your AC is working to cool your home in the hot months, the sun shining through uncovered windows is heating up your home. Reduce solar heat gain by installing window coverings like drapes, blinds, or awnings. Awnings on the outside of your windows are about 50 percent more efficient than indoor drapes, because they stop the sun before it even hits the glass. Consider installing awnings on south-facing windows, where the sun comes in most intensely (you can retract them in the winter).

Why: Windows take up about 15 percent of wall space in the average home, and offer far less insulation than your walls. In the winter, up to 16 percent of heated air in your home can escape through your windows, and in the summer, solar glare coming in through windows heats up your home. Installing window coverings or using low-e film can stop heat gain and loss by up to 50 percent—and can save you up to ten percent of the energy you use for heating and cooling.

Resources: Gaiam has do-it-yourself window-insulating kits and more. Look in the National Green Pages™ for eco-friendly blinds and curtains, like insulated bamboo shades from Earthshade Natural Window Fashions.

15. Help Your Hot Water Heater.
Take the step: Add an insulating cover to your hot water heater and the pipes. If you have an electric hot water heater, it’s an easy job to do yourself. If you have an oil or gas-powered heater, you may need a plumbing professional. (See p. 14 for information about when to replace your hot water heater with a new, more efficient model.) You can find a blanket for your hot water heater at most hardware stores.

Why: In a typical American household, about 13 percent of the energy used goes to heating water. Insulating your hot water heater can reduce heat losses by 25–45 percent, trimming as much as ten percent off your water-heating costs. The insulation will pay for itself in less than a year.

The big picture: If half of US households simply turned down their hot water heater by ten degrees, it would prevent 239 million tons of CO2 emissions.

16. Install Ceiling Fans.
Take the step: Install ceiling fans in your most-used rooms. When shopping for a ceiling fan, look for the Energy Star label—Energy Star fans use 50 percent less energy.

Why: By helping the air in your home circulate, ceiling fans can help make your heating and cooling systems more efficient. In summer, using a ceiling fan can create a “wind chill effect” in your home, making it feel cooler than it really is, meaning you can either turn down your AC or turn it off altogether in mild weather. Using a ceiling fan in the summer can save you up to 40 percent on your cooling costs. But don’t let your fan gather dust in the winter—instead, switch the rotation direction so that the blades move clockwise—this helps circulate the warm air that is rising to the ceiling back down into the room and can save you ten percent on your heating bills.

Resources: DoItYourself.com has step-by-step instructions to help you install a ceiling fan in your home.

17. Get a Programmable Thermostat (or learn to use the one you have!)
Take the step: Check if you already own a programmable thermostat, and use it. If you don’t have one, get one at your local hardware store.

Why: Almost half of American households already have programmable thermostats, but only one quarter of their owners actually use them—a big mistake, because they can save you a lot on heating and cooling costs. A programmable thermostat allows you to automate when your heating or cooling systems come on and off—for example, it can be programmed to come on to warm the house shortly before you get up, and to automatically shut off during the hours when you are sleeping or away at work. It will pay for itself in energy savings within a year.

The big picture: If everyone who has a programmable thermostat started using it to make their heating and cooling more efficient, we would save 15 million tons of CO2 from being emitted.

Level 3: Bigger Changes, Better Paybacks
Take these actions and save up to 66 percent of your energy use!

18. Upgrade Your Applicances.
Take the step: Any time an old appliance gives out, make sure to replace it with an energy-efficient model—and follow our guidelines below for replacing existing appliances. When shopping for appliances, look for the Energy Star logo—it will ensure that you’re purchasing an energy-efficient model, and may make you eligible for a tax break.

Refrigerators: In most homes, refrigerators are the most energy-consuming appliances, accounting for about one-third of the electric bill in the average household. If your fridge was purchased before 1993, it’s very inefficient. Replace it as soon as you can with a new fridge marked with the Energy Star logo—it will pay for itself quickly in energy savings.

Washing Machines: An efficient washer expends 50 percent less energy than a standard washer and uses 15 to 22 fewer gallons of water per load, saving you about $100 per year. The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) recommends replacing washing machines older than ten years with Energy Star models.

Why: Appliances account for 20 percent of home energy use. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), efficient appliances use ten to 50 percent less energy and water than standard models. An Energy Star fridge can be 50 percent more efficient than a pre-1993 fridge, saving you over $70 a year on energy costs. When you upgrade, make sure to recycle your old appliances, instead of giving them away to be an energy hog somewhere else. Search Earth911.org for an appliance recycler near you, or contact the Steel Recycling Institute at 800/YES-1-CAN (that’s the number one between “YES” and “CAN”).

Resources: For more about how to make sure you’re saving energy through your appliances, see our Real Money article, “Buying the Best Appliances.”

19. Upgrade Your Hot Water Heater.
Take the step: Save energy, and space, by upgrading to a tankless or solar hot water heater.

Why: In the average home, 14–25 percent of the energy bills each month are going to powering the hot water heater.

Tankless Hot Water Heaters: Tankless, or on-demand, hot water heaters heat water when you need it, rather than constantly heating a tank of water to be ready for use. When you turn on your hot water tap, cold water moves through a pipe and is heated either by gas or electricity just before it gets to you. On-demand water heaters deliver a constant supply of hot water. According to the Department of Energy, on-demand water heaters can be 24–34 percent more energy-efficient than conventional storage tank water heaters for homes that use 41 gallons or less of hot water daily. Plus, you’ll never come home to a burst hot water pipe.

Solar Hot Water Heater: If you want to switch some of your energy off the grid but can’t afford to install a solar electricity system, consider installing a less-expensive solar hot water heater.

Resources: Find out if a solar-powered hot water heater is right for you by reading our Real Money article, “Try a Solar Water Heater.”

20. Green Your Roof.
Take the step: Consider installing a green roof.

Why: Green roofs—roofs that have been upgraded by covering them with a “carpet” of soil, rocks, and small plants—help save energy for building owners by insulating against cooling loss. They also aid the environment by absorbing rainwater that would otherwise contribute to polluted
stormwater runoff.

Energy savings provided by a green roof will differ depending on your climate—those in warmer climates will experience greater energy savings. Environment Canada found that a green roof on a typical one-story building would result in a 25 percent reduction in summer cooling needs.

Resources: For more information about green roofs, read our Real Money article, “Is a Green Roof Right for You?”

21. Save Energy Through Landscaping.
Take the step: Taking a conscious approach to the landscaping around your home.

Why: Doing so can help you beautify your environment and save up to 25 percent of your energy use for heating and cooling. The US Department of Energy says that the proper placement of only three trees will save an average household between $100–$250 in energy costs annually. In warmer months, strategically planted trees and other plants can shade your windows and help reduce your cooling costs. Air temperatures directly under trees can be as much as 25°F cooler than any surrounding blacktop, thereby keeping the air around your home and windows cooler. A small tree that shades your windows now will eventually grow to shade and cool your roof. Shading an AC unit can increase its efficiency by ten percent. In winter months, trees and shrubs can act as wind blockers to stop chilling winds from reaching your home.

Resources: The Department of Energy’s “Consumer Guide to Landscaping” can help you decide which landscaping steps are best for your local environment. Find a local, eco-conscious landscaper in the “Landscaping/Lawn Care” category of our National Green Pages™.

22. Replace Your Windows.
Take the step: In "Level 2," we gave you ways to keep your windows from losing precious warm or cool air from your home. For even greater energy savings, explore whether or not replacing your windows is right for you.

Why: The Department of Energy recommends that home-owners with single-pane windows replace them with more energy-efficient models, although adding a good storm window may be nearly as effective. Double-pane windows will help better-insulate a home, and extra features may be a good idea depending on your climate. In colder climates, consider gas-filled windows (a layer of gas between panes helps prevent cool air from coming through) with low-emissivity (low-e) coatings to reduce heat loss. In warmer climates, select windows with spectrally selective coatings (a special kind of low-e coating) to reduce heat gain.

The big picture : Replacing windows with Energy Star triple-pane windows can prevent almost 3,400 pounds of CO2 from being emitted into the atmosphere—and the windows can save you over $3,000 in energy costs over their lifetime.

23. Don't Waste Energy on TV.
Take the step: With the switch to digital TV coming in 2009 (for more information, see www.dtv.gov), many people may be buying new, digital-ready TVs. If you must shop for a new television, look for an LCD (liquid crystal display) screen instead of plasma.

Why: Plasma screens can use up to six times the energy as LCD screens. But each TV model uses a different amount of energy, so always look for the Energy Star label, which indicates that the TV uses at least 30 percent less energy than conventional TVs. Philips recently launched its new Eco-TV, an LCD model that saves energy by dimming the screen when the TV sensors tell it the room is dark, among other measures.

Resources: Learn more about the switch to digital TV, and about the importance of recycling e-waste—check out our Getting to Zero Waste CAQ.

For more tips on sustainable living, watch www.ConsciousLivingTV.com.

The Truth About CFLs

2008-08-15T20:35:00.000-07:00

By Bianca Alexander

Q: I just made the switch to CFL light bulbs in my home, but heard they contain mercury. Is this true? If so, is it better to switch back to my old incandescents?

A: First of all, congratulations on making the switch to CFLs! Since they use up to 75% less energy than incandescents, you've probably already noticed a reduction in your energy bills. Now to your first question: Do CFLs contain mercury? Yes. One of the things that helps CFLs use less energy is the fact that they contain trace amounts of mercury sealed within their glass tubing. According to the EPA, the amount of mercury contained in each bulb is an average of about 4 milligrams, which is roughly equivalent to an amount that would cover the tip of a ball-point pen. By way of comparison, older thermometers contain about 500 milligrams of mercury. It would take approximately 125 CFLs to match that amount.

Given the small amount of mercury each CFL light bulb contains, they pose little danger to the average consumer. When in use or left intact, CFLs do not release mercury. Many manufacturers have taken significant steps to reduce the amount of mercury used in their fluorescent lighting products. Thanks to technology advances and a commitment from the members of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, the average amount of mercury in CFLs will continue to decrease as time passes.

As such, there’s no need to switch back to your old incandescent bulbs. Given the amount of energy and fossil fuels incandescents burn over their short life span, they emit more mercury (and other toxic chemicals like sulphur and nitrogen oxide) into the atmosphere than energy-efficient CFLs.

Unlike incandescents, CFLs have the distinct advantage of being designed in a way that their mercury can be collected and recycled at the end of their average 7-12 year life cycle. The only potential risk of mercury exposure from CFLs occurs at the time of their disposal. At that time, it’s best to recycle them properly by wrapping them and dropping them off for safe disposal at a CFL collection site like Home Depot or Ikea, which also recycles batteries and other toxic household products. For more information on safe disposal of CFLs, contact your local municipal solid waste agency, or go to www.epa.gov or www.earth911.org to identify your community’s recycling options.

So why all the focus on CFLs these days?

Most advocates opposing the switch to CFLs are backed by large corporate oil, coal and natural gas interests. Sadly, these fossil fuel interests are the biggest contributors to global warming and environmental pollution, and their lobbying dollars are largely responsible for the anti-environmental spin currently taking place in mainstream media.

Thankfully, conscious consumers like you are smart enough to do their homework and make informed buying decisions based on fact, not fiction. Keep up the good work!

For more tips on conscious living, watch www.ConsciousLivingTV.com.

Eco-Trippin’ on the Green Dot

2008-06-26T20:36:00.000-07:00

By Bianca Alexander

I can’t tell you how psyched I was when I first heard that the Discovery Channel was launching Planet Green, the first and only network-tv channel dedicated to “all things green”. Even though I’ve sworn off of network TV (except for Oprah, of course), I’ve always loved Discovery for being one of the few networks that offered conscious programming, like the now-defunct Discovery Health and the humanitarian-oriented Animal Planet. And then, on a recent trip, I actually got the chance to sit back and watch the channel for a couple of hours. (Though we’re tv producers, we don’t actually own a TV set. With literally thousands of channels on broadband TV, why bother?).

In any event, I was even more psyched when I learned that eco-celebs like Adrien Grenier, Ludacris and Tommy Lee would be working overtime as on-air personalities to help convert the masses to “going green”. And for the most part, I like their current line-up. But shortly after surfing my way to what I now affectionately call “the green dot channel”, I noticed something audaciously un-green: their sponsors. The first is Proctor & Gamble, a multi-billion dollar company whose personal care products are full of toxic chemicals that are polluting our planet and have been linked to cancer and a number of degenerative diseases in humans. Among a host of earth-damaging company practices, they regularly test their products on animals.

The second is GM, a Fortune 50 company whose Vice Chairman Bob Lutz recently commented that “global warming is a crock of sh#%t”. Moreover, GM has a long track record for spending billions of dollars to keep automotive mpg’s as low as possible—which makes it more expensive for consumers like you and me at the pump. Although they have made small strides to introduce several low-mpg “hybrid” vehicles and gas-guzzling SUVs into the market, the way I see it, these efforts are less about “going green”, and more about what many would call greenwashing.

But who am I to judge? As an independently-funded producer of Conscious TV programming, I understand all too well the challenges inherent in broadcasting positive messages to the masses without pandering to corporate interests which can ultimately compromise the integrity of one’s overarching mission. But perhaps naively, I expected more from a media juggernaut like Discovery Communications, and their 50 million dollar green dot channel, which combined should have the talent and resources to pursue more sustainable advertisers.

Ultimately, I have to ask myself: if GM offered to pay me a whopping $10 Million to advertise on our media platform, would I turn them down? I’d like to think so.

Toxin-Free Sun Care

2008-06-22T15:06:00.000-07:00

What You Don’t Know About Your Sunblock Could Hurt You

By Bianca Alexander

Many holistic health care practitioners recommend 20 minutes of sun exposure per day for optimum health and a daily dose of vitamin D. However, during the past few decades doctors have become increasingly aware of the rise in skin cancer and the need to protect ourselves from ultraviolet radiation, which is intensified by the effects of global warming. The harm caused by UV rays can include premature aging (such as wrinkling and age spots), skin cancer, and permanent, sometimes blinding, damage to the eyes. In addition, certain over the counter drugs like antibiotics, antidepressants, diuretics and retinoids can cause increased sensitivity to the sun. As such, it’s critical to apply UV protection anytime you head outdoors.

Unfortunately, most sunblocks that are designed to protect our skin actually contain dangerous chemicals that have been linked to degenerative diseases and even skin cancer. For example, traditional brands like Banana Boat, Bain de Soleil and even many so-called “natural” and “organic” sun care brands like Avalon Organics and Zia are made with chemicals like oxybenzone and parabens. A derivative of benzophenone, oxybenzone serves to absorb ultraviolet rays. However, when exposed to sunlight and penetrated into the skin, this compound has been known to cause malignant melanoma, which according to recent studies, is responsible for 75% of all skin cancer related deaths.

Parabens are chemical preservatives commonly found in most shampoos, shaving gels and lotions, including sunscreen. Traditionally, parabens are used for their bacteriocidal and fungicidal properties. However, when rubbed into the body or washed down the drain into drinking water, are known to disrupt the function of the body’s endocrine system (which includes the hypothalamus, ovaries, and thyroid) and mimic the hormone estrogen, which has been linked to the development of breast cancer.

Given the health and environmental risks, it’s best to avoid sunblocks—or any cosmetics for that matter—containing oxybenzone or parabens. The good news is, there are many suncare brands on the market that offer adequate sun protection without these chemicals, so it’s easier to make a more conscious choice. Be an educated consumer, and look for products that are certified organic (which means a minimum of 95% of ingredients are organic), as well as sunscreens containing titanium dioxide. Since they remain on the surface of skin, sunblocking agents like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide serve to naturally reflect--not absorb--the sun’s powerful rays. Here are a few of my favorite brands that are free of scary chemicals and safely offer a full range of sun protection:

1. Dr. Hauschka. This is hands down my favorite skin and sun care line. Their organic and biodynamic skin care line protects the skin from the sun’s rays with titanium dioxide, and natural botanicals like sea buckthorn, ice plant, jojoba oil and quince seed extract sooth skin and keep it hydrated and supple. They offer suncare products for all skin types including sensitive skin, and their waterproof SPF 30 is great for kids and those with burn-prone skin. I love their Sunscreen SPF 15 Spray, which makes application as easy as one or two pumps. Or, forego the sun altogether and try their mineral-based Translucent Bronze Concentrate, Bronzing Powder, or Toned Day Cream for an all-natural glow.

2. Juice Beauty. This USDA certified organic line is infused with natural skin enhancers like skin brightening hydroxy-acids and fruit juices, and age-defying DMAE, CoQ10 and vitamin antioxidants. If you like a little color with your sunscreen, try their 2-in-1 SPF30 Mineral Tint Moisturizers, which offer light coverage for age spots and blemishes, and can be worn under or instead of your favorite foundation.

3. DeVita Natural Skin Care. This aloe vera based skin care line is infused with rare essential and vegetal oils that sooth and normalize all skin types. DeVita’s Daily Solar Protective Moisturizer SPF 30 is a deeply moisturizing daytime cream for normal to dry skin containing two different sun screens for ultimate solar protection. This moisturizer goes on soft and smooth and absorbs into skin flawlessly, so it’s light enough to wear undetected under makeup.

Bianca Alexander is the Host of Conscious Living, an internet TV show that celebrates green and sustainable living. Visit www.ConsciousLivingTV.com for dozens of tips on toxin-free cosmetics, or for the latest and greatest in green travel and design, eco-fashion, organic cuisine and holistic living.

Healthy Beauty Makeover

2008-06-22T14:47:00.000-07:00

by Bianca Alexander

Ready to update your look? The new season is a perfect time to clean out your medicine cabinet and swap out that old, chemical-laden make-up bag for some of the hottest natural cosmetics on the market. Making the switch may require some effort (after all, it may be hard giving up formaldehyde in your nail polish) but it will keep your skin, hair, nails and the planet looking and feeling great! Here are a few tips to get started:

Healthy Hair How-Tos. There’s nothing like an updated color and style to make you feel brand new, but chemical processing and heat can wreak havoc on your hair and body. Take better care of your hair by booking an appointment with a professional coiffeur like Johnathan Gale at the John Frieda salon in L.A., who uses organic hair color and conditioning treatments on his celebrity clientele. Or, care for your hair at home with Dr. Hauschka’s organic and biodynamic shampoos and conditioners. Their world-famous Neem Hail Oil is perfect for protecting, conditioning and actually strengthening hair before and after coloring or relaxing. And to keep your color from fading between visits, avoid shampoos with hair stripping chemicals like sodium lauryl sulphate. Pureology and Lanza are SLS-free and have botanicals that help color last up to 107% longer. Worried about thinning hair? Chemicals in shampoos can worsen the condition, so try Your Crown and Glory For Thinning Hair shampoo and conditioner, which is SLS and paraben-free.

Sustainable Skin. Any make-up artist will tell you that flawless skin is the first step to creating beautiful make-up, so take care of the skin you’re in by eliminating toxic chemicals from your daily regimen. For all skin types, try Jurlique, whose biodynamically grown herb-based cleansers and tonics work with your body’s natural rhythms to heal and balance the skin. Bonus: All of their products come in eco-friendly packaging. For a more gentle alternative to damaging acid peels and dermabrasion, try Sophyto’s new line of organic skin treatments made with powerful deep-exfoliating fruit enzymes. And to clean up both your body and the planet, try Save Your Body’s new line of organic yerba maté and aloe vera infused bath and body products. Each tropical-smelling shower gel, shampoo and lotion sold saves one acre of rainforest for an entire year!

Natural Nails. Allow your nails to emerge this season with Sparitual’s sophisticated line of vegan, eco-friendly nail polishes. Unlike most nail polishes, which contain formaldehyde, toluene and DBP (a.k.a. dibutyl phthalate, a plasticizing agent and reproductive toxin linked to birth defects that’s currently banned from cosmetics in Europe), Sparitual’s polishes and chakra-specific spa treatments are made from wildcrafted and organic plant essences, and free of toxins and synthetic dyes. And even though their products are so darn conscious, there’s no need to sacrifice color: with hundreds of perfect shades for every color palette, you’ll still be able to stop traffic with your favorite flirty shade of red, apricot or pink. Bonus: Sales of their new color, Aware (a vibrant coral), will benefit the Go Green Initiative, an environmental stewardship program for schools. Other lines to try: OPI, whose nail lacquers are all formaldehyde, DBP, and toluene free.

Mineral-Based Make-Up. Let your natural beauty shine this season with Rituals new line of make-up made with pure silk leaves and precious stones that have absorbed the earth's energy over millions of years. Their products include eye shadows, lipsticks and foundations made from gemstones like amethyst, and are free of animal testing and added fragrances with little to no preservatives. My favorite: Their Super Shine Lip Gloss enriched with sparkling ruby, which provides will-power and stimulates blood circulation for a healthy glow and a perfect pout.

And with Dr. Hauschka, there’s no need to sacrifice healthy skin to look your best. They offer a complete line of all-natural cosmetics made from pure mineral pigments and nurturing botanicals that actually improve the quality of your skin. My favorite: The Mascara Intermezzo made with soothing Neem leaf extract, which conditions the lashes so they grow longer and stronger.

De-Tox for Beauty Inside and Out. Over time, your body stores environmental toxins that prevent it from functioning properly, which can lead to low energy, headaches, mental fogginess and disease. According to traditional medicine practices, proper diet alone is not enough to eliminate these stored toxins which accumulate in our digestive systems. Spring is a perfect time to give your inner body a boost with a whole-body cleanse, which will clean, nourish and support your digestive system for good health. Try Symmetry’s BotanaCleansePlus, a two-week cleansing system that detoxifies your entire body. When taken properly, it can even help your lose weight or clear up problem skin! Tip: Consult your naturopathic doctor before beginning any cleansing regimen, and don’t forget to drink plenty of water to aid the detoxing process.

And if you’re looking to detox your mind this season, try Emmet Fox’s 7-Day Mental Diet. Even one day on this positive thinking regime could do wonders for your outlook on life.

For more tips on eco-friendly living, watch www.ConsciousLivingTV.com.
Labels: beauty, cleanse, conscious consumption, conscious living, detox, hair, make-up, nails, natural cosmetics, organic, skin, sustainable restaurants

Eco Trippin'

2008-06-11T19:53:00.000-07:00

by Michael Alexander

I just read in the Sierra Club newsletter that the “biggest single step we can take to cut global warming pollution is to make our cars go farther on a gallon of gas.”

Are you kidding me??? My beloved Sierra Club, the ivory tower of the environmental movement, is still proclaiming that gas efficiency is the key to reversing global warming?

While improving gas efficiency standards is certainly a critical step necessary to reverse global warming, it is NOT the biggest single step we can take. The biggest single step we can take is to switch to a vegetarian diet. In fact, by switching to a vegetarian diet an individual can immediately reduce their carbon footprint by an average of 75%!!! This switch can clearly make a much greater impact on solving global warming than improving a car’s mpg. Unfortunately, most individuals and organizations in the environmental movement fail to address vegetarianism as a viable solution for global warming for one reason and one reason alone: they’re unwilling to give up consuming meat.

But why? Many argue that protein from meat is crucial for a healthy diet. This is simply not true. In fact, many other food groups are excellent sources for protein, including beans, grains, nuts, eggs, fake meats and even green leafy vegetables like broccoli. Moreover, though I have type O blood (which many doctors claim means I must eat meat to stay healthy), I have been a vegetarian since 2005 and since then, have consistently been able to maintain my ideal weight, have never felt better, and have had several doctors tell me that I’m the healthiest person they have ever seen.

More often than not, most meat-eaters-—many of whom are self-proclaimed environmentalists--are just not willing to give up the taste. But is the taste of a bloody burger fresh off the grill worth ruining our planet for future generations?

Since I no longer eat meat, I can’t answer that question. But one thing I do know: the next time I meet a Prius-driving, meat-eating, card-carrying environmentalist--I’ll be sure to ask them.

For more insights on sustainable living, watch www.ConsciousLivingTV.com.

Toxin-Free Cleaning

2008-06-11T16:51:00.001-07:00

by Bianca Alexander

Still cleaning your sacred space with toxic cleaning products?

Did you know that most cleaning products are made with poisonous chemicals--like phosphates and pesticides--that are polluting our planet and contributing to global warming? The average cleaner is made with hundreds of toxic chemicals just to give it a "fresh" scent. Traditional cleaners can be lethal to our bodies, and have been linked to health problems like liver failure and even cancer. They're also responsible for between 5-10 million household poisonings per year, most of which are fatal and involve children.

There's no point in cleaning with tools that will beautify your home but dirty up the planet. Instead, spif up your space using a line of eco-friendly cleaning products like Epic, which donates 100% of proceeds to environmental conservation, education and research. Tackle dirt with die-free sponges by Twist, which are made from natural loofah and cellulose sourced from renewable tree farms. For mopping and sweeping, try Quickie's new line of mops and brooms made from sustainable bamboo and natural cotton. And to freshen your home safely, Pure Ayre's all-natural enzyme-based air fresheners break down even the worst odors and are great in your car, for pets, and even the nursery.

Or, make your own all-natural cleaning products at home with lemon, vinegar and baking soda and all-natural essential oils like lemon, tea tree, and lavender. Feel free to use the following recipes as a guide:

For All Surfaces.
Tee tree and lavender have anti-bacterial properties that are great for cleaning countertops. Just mix a few drops of either essential oil with water and spray on kitchen counters or around the bathroom. For large jobs like killing mold and mildew, add about 50 drops into a bucket of water.

For Cleaning Floors.
To clean floors, combine 15 drops of orange essential oil and 8 drops of lemon essential oils, 1 gallon hot water and 2 tablespoons liquid soap. This mixture will work on tough jobs and will leave the room smelling fresh.

To Freshen Carpets.
Here's a simple recipe for a homemade carpet freshener: Mix 4 cups of baking soda or cornstarch in a bowl with 25 drops of essential rosewood oil, 35 drops of eucalyptus oil and 30 drops of lavender oil. Stir well until baking soda clumps are broken apart. Pour into a shaker bottle and sprinkle on carpets about 15 minutes prior to vacuuming. Feel free to substitute this recipe with your favorite essential oils.

For Your Laundry.
Make your own homemade dryer sheets by placing several drops of lavender, rose or your favorite essential oil onto a towel. Add the towel into the dryer along with clothes and dry as you normally would to give your clothes a naturally fresh scent.

To Freshen the Air.
To freshen up the air inside your home, place several drops of your favorite essential oil into a pot of water and simmer the mixture on the stovetop on low heat for several hours. To ensure there's always a fresh scent in the bathroom, squeeze a few drops of essential oil onto the cardboard toilet paper roll that holds the toilet paper. The fragrance will release each time you pull a sheet of paper. Recycled the old roll, then repeat with each new one you hang.

Note: As with all household cleaning and freshening products, remember to keep all essential oils away from your eyes when mixing or cleaning. Also, properly label all products and store them in areas where children or pets won’t have access to them. Although essential oils and natural cleaners are non-toxic, ingestion of excessive quantities can cause sickness.

To watch an eco-friendly home cleaning, or for more tips on sustainable living, watch www.ConsciousLivingTV.com.

!Organic Cinco de Mayo Celebration!

2008-05-05T13:33:00.000-07:00

by Bianca Alexander

To celebrate Cinco de Mayo, we headed South of the Border to Rancho La Puerta, a destination spa routinely named by Travel & Leisure as one of the best resorts in Mexico. Located just an hour and 1/2 drive from San Diego at the base of majestic Mt. Kuchumaa, one of the most unique aspects of Rancho La Puerta is their organic gourmet cooking school, La Cocina que Canta.

To plan your Mexican fiesta, check out a few of our favorite recipes from Jesus Gonzales, creative chef and instructor at La Cocina que Canta, and 4 Copas Certified Organic Tequila. !Salud!

Corn Jalapeno Tortillas
2 cups maseca*
3 tablespoons spring garlic, minced (or 1 clover regular garlic, minced)
1 jalapeno, de-veined, seeds removed, minced
1 1/2-2 cups water

*(Maseca is a finely ground corn flour, found in Mexican markets. Note: Maseca can not be substituted with coarse corn flour or corn meal).

1. Combine the maseca garlic and jalapeno. Add the water 1/2 cup at a time and knead until the water is incorporated. You may not need all of the water. The dough is wet enough when it feels like playdough.

2. Form the dough into several golf-ball sized balls.

3. Press the dough balls one at a time in a tortilla press between two pieces of plastic wrap.

4. Preheat skillet over medium heat and cook the tortillas, without oil, about 30 seconds on the first side, then turn and cook another 30 seconds on the other side. Turn once more for an additional 30 seconds. The tortillas should look slightly dry around the edges, but should not be browned. Place in a cloth-lined basket and cover.

Nopalito Salad
*5 small nopales, thorns cleaned, diced
1 cup red onion, small dice
1 tablespoon jalapeno, minced
½ cup cilantro, chopped
1 cup fresh corn
¼ cup fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ cup fresh cheese (Mexican panela, or feta)
salt and fresh ground pepper

*Nopales are cactus leaves typically sold in Latin markets. The smaller ones are most tender, but if only larger ones are available, use about 3.

1. Dry-roast the corn in a small pan until it turns just slightly golden.
2. Combine the corn with all the remaining ingredients in a bowl and toss.
3. Season to taste.

Low-Fat Aztec Guacamole
1 10-ounce package of organic frozen peas
1 medium avocado, pit removed, scooped out and chopped
1 lime, juiced
1/8 teaspoon salt
½ cup cilantro, chopped
½ ripe tomato, seeded and diced
½ small yellow onion, finely diced
½ small jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely diced

In a food processor bowl fitted with a sharp blade, combine the peas and avocado. Process until creamy. Add the lime juice and salt and pulse to blend.

Add the cilantro, tomato, onion and jalapeno and pulse about 3 times. Do not over-process the guacamole. It’s best to retain the texture of the tomatoes and onions as much as possible.

Variations: Instead of peas, feel free to use 10 ounces of broccoli flowers (boiled 7 minutes and drained under running cold water) or 10 ounces of edamame “beans” or asparagus spears (boiled 3-5 minutes then drained under cold running water).

Makes 2 cups of low-far, creamy guacamole. Serves approximately 8, 2.8 ounce servings.

Mexican Papaya Salad on Red Leaf Lettuce with Pepitas
and Roasted Cumin Orange Dressing
For the salad:
4 cups mixed baby greens
2 cups papaya slices
2 navel oranges, peeled and cut in wedges
3 tablespoons pepitas (pumpkin seeds), toasted
Red onion rings, 3 separated rings per plate
Cilantro sprigs for garnish

Roasted Cumin Orange Dressing:
2 teaspoons cumin seed, roasted and ground
1 cup fresh-squeezed orange juice
1 medium shallot, minced
¼ cup red wine vinegar or sherry vinegar
1 tablespoon agave syrup
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons chopped cilantro
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
½ jalapeno pepper, minced

1. In a blender cup or processor bowl combine all ingredients. Blend until smooth. Makes 1 ½ salad dressing.

2. To assemble the salad: Toss the baby greens with ½ cup of dressing. Arrange the papaya, oranges, pepitas and onion over the greens. Lightly drizzle 1 teaspoon of dressing over the fruit. Refrigerate any remaining dressing up to 3-4 days. Yields 6 salads.

4 Copas Margarita Azul
2 ounces organic 4 Copas Blanco Tequila
1.5 ounces organic 4 Copas Agave Nectar
1.5 ounces organic lime juice
.5 ounces Blue Curazao

Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain over fresh ice in a margarita glass. Garnish with lime and serve.

To watch us cooking these recipes or for more tips on the soul of green, watch Conscious Living TV.