27
July
2008
Biodegradable Dishwashing Concentrate
A low foaming, concentrated, formula based exclusively on renewable raw materials and green-chemistry principles. The sugar-based surfactants in MiEnviron Dishwashing Concentrate combine excellent cleaning performance, low ecological footprint, low eco-toxicity, high biodegradability and exceptional mildness (they are classified as non-irritants). Suitable for septic tanks. The surfactants in this product are approved for use in products eco-labelled “Good Environmental Choice” (in Swedish: Bra Miljöval) by the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation. Readily biodegradable (OECD Test Guideline 301C).
How
Squirt a small amount into sink while filling. Note: Biodegradable Dishwashing Concentrate is low foaming
To buy your Dish Washing Concentrate click here
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11
July
2008
this weekend, July 12, 13 and 14, ONEGroup, founders of Miessence Certified Organic Skin Care products is celebrating 5 years and the the 3rd annual conference.
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9
July
2008
Moisturisers, Serums and Gels have begun shipping in our new, innovative airless packaging. We anticipate the transition from our current glass packaging to be completed within 60 days. Here are just some of the features and benefits you can expect to receive:
envirofriendly - our new airless packaging requires far less energy and resources to produce and of course is 100% recyclable. You’ll enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that your purchases are having a minimal environmental impact.
leakproof - the robust airless package is much less susceptible to breakage and leakage - both in use and in transit. No more messy product clean-ups and time consuming returns.
lightweight - both easier for you to carry and greener to ship. Because it weighs much less and doesn’t require wasteful, protective packing - resources are saved and shipping costs are reduced.
airless - the airless package dispenses ALL product from any position - even upside down! No product oxidation, no bacterial contamination, and no product wastage means no frustrated customers and fewer returns.
non-leaching - contains no Bispenol-A, no PVC plasticisers and no Phthalates. You’re assured of receiving the full, uncontaminated potency of each ingredient.
For more information on ONEgroup’s transition to airless polypropylene packaging, refer to the “glass vs. plastic fact sheet”.
to buy products or for more information click here
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9
July
2008
“The $1.2 billion the World Bank says will solve the food crisis in Africa is a $1.2 billion subsidy to the chemical industry. Countries are made dependent on chemical fertilizers when their prices have tripled in the last year due to rising oil prices. I say to governments: spend a quarter of that on organic farming and you’ve solved your problems.”
Vandana Shiva, an Indian physics professor and Organic Consumers Association Advisory board Member, speaking in Italy in response to the the U.N. food summit in Rome last month, where the World Bank pledged $1.2 billion in grants to help with the food crisis, most of which is earmarked for chemical fertilizers, pesticides and genetically modified (GM) crops.
Source: http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_13332.cfm
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8
July
2008
While consumers struggle to fuel their cars and put food on the table, oil companies (like ExxonMobil, BP and ConocoPhillips) and seed companies (like Monsanto, Cargill and ADM) are raking in record profits. In a fiery essay posted on the Common Dreams website and circulated widely on the internet, The Organic Consumers Association’s National Director, Ronnie Cummins, shows how the food, climate and energy crisis are connected and how the time for positive change is now:
“Fortunately, there are hopeful signs that we can move beyond crisis to positive solutions. Connecting the dots in our food-climate-energy crisis, millions of green consumers are voting with their dollars for foods and products that are healthy, locally produced, energy efficient, and eco-friendly. A growing number of politicians, mainly at local and state levels, are also waking up. Organic food and farmers markets are booming. Chemical-free lawns and gardens, green buildings, solar panels, wind generators, “buy local” networks, and bike paths are sprouting. A critical mass of organic-minded Americans are waking up to the fact that we must green the economy, drastically reduce petroleum use and greenhouse gas pollution, re-stabilize the climate, and heal ourselves, before it’s too late.”
Read the full essay here: http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_12893.cfm
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4
July
2008
Source: Supermarket News
Published: Thursday, July 03, 2008
LOHAS consumers, or members of the segment that leads a “Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability” when it comes to the foods they put in their body, the things they put on their body and what they put their body into, present a strong opportunity for retailers who are willing to cater to their demands, according to a speaker here last week at the Healthy Foods International Exposition and Conference.
Maryellen Molyneaux, president of the Natural Marketing Institute, described the 40 million members of the segment as brand-loyal and not price-sensitive. LOHAS consumers also typically spend two to three times as much as other consumers in categories where healthy and sustainable options are prevalent.
“This is the customer you want,” Molyneaux told retailer attendees. “When you’ve got them convinced that you’ve got the benefit that they want, or the taste they want or the shopping experience they want, you’ll have them for a lifetime. They are very, very loyal and, even better than that, they influence the rest of the marketplace.”
Molyneaux credits members of the segment with bridging the gap between organic foods and the mainstream.
In 2001, 70% of organic food users were LOHAS shoppers, and in 2007 only 30% were LOHAS shoppers.
“This doesn’t mean there are less LOHAS consumers eating organic, it just means there are more mainstream consumers using organic, because LOHAS [consumers] have helped mainstreamers by being grassroots influencers,” said Molyneaux.
She encouraged retailers interested in courting members of the segment to adopt a holistic approach.
“It’s not about one thing you do, it’s about everything you do,” she said. “These consumers demand the best — not only when it comes to healthy options, but corporate citizenship. This has very much to do with a store’s overall corporate messaging.”
LOHAS consumers spend 133% more in Whole Foods stores than members of other consumer groups, according to Molyneaux. These consumers also prefer shopping at Safeway, Target and Costco stores.
“Safeway has done a very good job of attracting its consumers and making its messaging meaningful across the store, across reporting activities and across promotions,” said Molyneaux.
Wal-Mart stores, on the other hand, attract fewer members of the LOHAS segment.
“It’s because there is a big gap between what [Wal-Mart] says, what they do and what the consumer perceives they do,” said Molyneaux. “There is an amazing amount of information that can help [these consumers] at the brand and retail level.”
Instead, segments of shoppers labeled by NMI as “Naturalites” and “Unconcerned” when it comes to sustainability, are more likely to spend money there, said Molyneaux.
Naturalites comprise 19% of the adult consumer population. Members of the group are more interested in personal health than in the effects their decisions may have on the planet. They spend less than LOHAS consumers and have lower incomes, but “they are a great secondary target” when it comes to merchandising sustainable products, stressed Molyneaux.
About 17% of shoppers are Unconcerned when it comes to sustainability. “The reasons might be age, income or that these consumers just don’t care,” said Molyneaux.
Also tracked by NMI is a group it refers to as “Drifters.” About 25% of consumers fall into this mainstream group, whose members are known for drifting in and out of LOHAS-type activity.
“Members are very driven by trends, and they present huge opportunities when it comes to CFLs [compact fluorescent lightbulbs], recycling and eating healthy foods,” said Molyneaux. “They’re becoming more LOHAS-like.”
Not considered a good target for LOHAS products are “Conventional” shoppers. Members of this group, which comprises nearly one in five shoppers (19%), do engage in ecologically friendly activities, but only when it’s convenient for them.
Lohas.com
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4
July
2008
When you head to the beach this July 4th weekend, make sure you pack a sunscreen that does its job.
Four out of 5 sunscreens don’t give the protection you need, blocking too little of the sun’s harmful UV radiation, or containing ingredients with significant safety concerns.
How does your sunscreen rank? Find out in our newly updated database of nearly 1,000 sunscreens. If yours doesn’t make the cut, find one that does.
http://cosmeticsdatabase.com/browse.php?brand_id=3717&category=sunscreen+spf+15+and+above
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3
July
2008
According to a study by the cosmetic safety database, 86 percent of sunscreens on the market are either ineffective against the sun or raise safety concerns because of their ingredients. Many contain microsized and nano-scale UVA filters with toxic properties, and some contain ingredients that absorb into the blood and may have toxic effects, acting as hormone disruptors, releasing free radicals into the skin, and causing allergic reactions.
Here is a healthy organic option to those nasties………
SunScreen Reflect Outdoor Balm “Miessence Certified Organics”
Description
A water-free nourishing balm with natural minerals that help reflect damaging ultraviolet radiation. Microfine zinc oxide offers protection from harmful rays whilst organic olive oil keeps the skin supple. Potent antioxidants including natural vitamin E, beta carotene and polygonum extract, protect the skin from premature aging and prevent damage caused by the elements.
Why
We all love the outdoors - nothing makes us feel more alive than having fun in the elements. Whether it be pounding through the salty surf, shooshing down powdery ski runs, or just throwing a ball with the kids in the park; if you’re out in the sunshine, you need to protect your skin.
How
Apply generously to skin surfaces exposed to sunlight 20 minutes before exposure. Reapply every two hours. Store below 30oC / 86oF
When
Any time you’re outdoors, exposed to the elements.
Ingredients
* certified organic olea europaea (olive) fruit oilcertified organic olea europaea (olive) fruit oil
* zinc oxidezinc oxide
* capric triglyceridecapric triglyceride
* certified organic butyrospermum parkii (shea) fruit buttercertified organic butyrospermum parkii (shea) fruit butter
* certified organic unrefined cera alba (beeswax)certified organic unrefined cera alba (beeswax)
* avena sativa (oat) kernel flouravena sativa (oat) kernel flour
* mixed tocopherolsmixed tocopherols
* certified organic copernicia prunifera (carnauba) waxcertified organic copernicia prunifera (carnauba) wax
* aroma (proprietary blend of essential oils)aroma (proprietary blend of essential oils)
* certified organic rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extractcertified organic rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract
* dunaliella salina algae extractdunaliella salina algae extract
WHERE TO BUY
http://www.love.mionegroup.com
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3
July
2008
As far as holidays go, Independence Day may not rank as the most eco-sinful, but there is still plenty of room for improvement. Here are a few easy ways to begin getting some green in with your red, white and blue.
Greener Grilling
Resist the temptation to buy conventional hot dogs and hamburgers for the grill. Opt for organic products from your supermarket, or better yet, seek out local, grass-fed meats from a farmer’s market or food co-op. There are great vegetarian options for the grill as well. Try grilled eggplant burgers, grilled pizza, and rum marinated fruit kabobs.
Skip the Disposables
Nothing says “plastic forks and paper plates” quite like the Fourth of July. Picnics, parades and BBQs go hand in hand with disposables, consuming virgin resources and creating heaps of heartache for our exponentially expanding landfills. Consider these alternatives:
1. Invest in reusable bamboo dinnerware and flatware: Durable and comes from a renewable resource.
2. Create a picnic dinnerware set. Buy used items from a thrift store and have them on hand for outdoor entertaining.
3. Serve finger food, and eat with your hands.
4. Bring indoor napkins outside: Cloth napkins save trees and add ambience.
5. Use bagasse plates made from annually renewable sugarcane. Bagasse plates are biodegradable and will completely compost in 45-60 days.
6 Choose paper over foam: Paper comes from trees, foam comes from petroleum.
Drink Organic Beer
While we may not immediately associate beer with agricultural products, we should. By choosing beer made with organic hops, malt and barley, we are reducing the need for toxic and persistent pesticides that harm the soil and contaminate water. Organic beer is increasingly available at organic and natural food retailers and in mainstream supermarkets with organic and natural food sections.
Choose Healthy Sunscreen
Listen to Green Girl: According to a study by the cosmetic safety database, 86 percent of sunscreens on the market are either ineffective against the sun or raise safety concerns because of their ingredients. Many contain microsized and nano-scale UVA filters with toxic properties, and some contain ingredients that absorb into the blood and may have toxic effects, acting as hormone disruptors, releasing free radicals into the skin, and causing allergic reactions. you can buy an organic suncreen here
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