Chicks go green...

Checking in...

I went to Dallas recently for the eWomen Network conference and was bombarded with marketing messages. It was a bit overwhelming at times but I had a great time anyway. I didn't go to the conference to build my business (I have just the right number of clients), I went for my personal development. I am going through a divorce right now and the conference really empowered me to remember how beautiful I am. What struck me most was the video montage at the end of the last day. It showed pictures of the women at the conference and every one of them was smiling and radiating their beauty. They might not have been "good looking women" (although some of them were), but they were all beautiful and smiling and radiating their good fortune. They all looked FABULOUS! That reminded me of the fact that anyone can be beautiful if they have a smile on their face and are enjoying life. It doesn't matter how big or how small you are, as long as you are happy--you are beautiful.

A friend of mine sent me a link to a blog post the other day and it reinforced that message. It is more about body image but the end result is the same--I am perfect just the way I am.

Here is that blog post if you are curious:

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=61706395&blogID=400908621

The author is an excellent writer and I was moved by her words. Happy Monday.

Another great blog...

I am always on the lookout for great blogs to follow and I just found another one that is noteworthy:

www.ecowomen.wordpress.com

I love their subtitle: "Protectors of the Planet!" So, stay tuned to their blog and keep the green flowing.

Eco-friendly dry cleaners

I just found a website that lets you look up by zip code and find green dry cleaners! I am thrilled to know that I have several choices in my immediate area. Check them out here:

http://nodryclean.com/

Another great green biz...

I love to promote other green businesses and today I am here to tell you about a very special new company. They are launching September 1st, but have some great pre-release pricing. I just had a demo of the system today with Lloyd Eggers, CEO/President, and I am trully impressed by what they are going to be offering. Please note that although we have the same company name, we are not affiliated (but I think very highly of them). Here is a little bit about Green Office Solutions:

Green Office Solutions.biz is "Your Anywhere, Anytime, Green Office Solution". Increase your productivity, decrease your travel time, and your carbon footprint!

Let’s face it gas is expensive and will only get more expensive in the future. Always driving or flying to meet customers no longer makes sense. It’s time to find a new way to meet your customers, business associates and/or co-workers.

Start saving time, money, and the environment today. All you need for a brand new way to meet with customers, business associates and co-workers is an internet connection and Green Office Solutions.biz!

They are offering a front end package with a great meeting/webinar space that is super affordable and full featured. Check them out here:

www.greenofficesolutions.biz

We Add Up!

Green Fashions and Shoes

Are you ready to update your wardrobe? Think green and choose environmentally friendly apparel that is stylish, comfortable, and easy on our planet. Look for clothing made from organically grown natural fibers, such as cotton, hemp, wool, and silk, as well as newer synthetics, including bio-plastics and man-made cellulosics. These materials require less harmful chemical and energy use in the production process and help protect land resources. If you’re shopping for footwear, try on a pair of vegan shoes made from advanced synthetic materials. Vegan shoes not only get you where you’re going, but they also look great and are animal-friendly.

You can look your best and really feel good about what you wear, especially when you choose sustainable fashions. Here are some great sites to shop:  

https://www.organicfred.com/
http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/home/index.jsp?OPTION=HOME_PAGE&assetid=1704
http://www.timberland.com/home/index.jsp
http://www.thegreenloop.com/
http://www.sprig.com/fashion/shoes/
http://www.shoefly.com/

Green Promotional Products

Everyone loves getting something for free! Whether it’s a pen, mug, or logo imprinted t-shirt, promotional items are great for marketing a product, building brand recognition, or even outfitting your child’s soccer team. Whatever your need, you can choose to buy from a “green” company that offers eco-friendly products made from materials which help sustain our environment. Green companies offer a wide variety of items that are biodegradable, recycled, organic, solar-powered, and even post industrial plastic. Some companies further demonstrate their good citizenship by donating a portion of their sales to help nonprofit organizations.

So, the next time you are in the market for a promotional product, consider a green company and help support their commitment to a healthier environment.  Here are a few resources to help you find what you’re looking for:

http://greenpromotionalitems.com/

http://www.iaspromotes.com/Categories/SubCategories/Ecofriendly.html

http://www.motivators.com/Promotional-EnvironmentallyFriendly-Products-252.html

http://www.greenpromotions.com/

http://www.newdream.org/consumer/promotion.php  

ewaste

Shopping for a new computer, TV, or cell phone? If so, how will you dispose of your old or obsolete equipment?  Electronic waste, better known as ewaste, is a growing environmental problem and health hazard. Electronics are often composed of plastic, glass, metal, and some very toxic chemicals, including lead, cadmium, and mercury. These components are not biodegradable and if discarded improperly, the toxins can pollute our soil, water, and air. Fortunately, you can prevent further damage to our environment by managing your own personal ewaste. Consider ways to reuse the item by selling it on eBay or donating it to charity. Check into recycling programs that can help recover steel, glass, plastic, and precious metals for other purposes. For more information on ewaste, as well as available programs and services in your local area, visit these resources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste
http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/recycle/ecycling/donate.htm
http://www.globalwarmingsolutions.org/personal-action/recycle-your-e-waste
http://www.cristina.org/donate.html

Manufacturers, federal, state and local governments, and environmental groups are all working together to manage the ewaste issue. You can help, too!

Green Investing

Money is a great way to green our world! By practicing socially responsible investing, you can support companies that meet your personal standards for social and environmental performance. Before you invest, learn more about  a company’s workplace practices to see if it’s a good fit for you.  Are employees treated fairly and provided with health insurance options? Does the company participate in fair trade agreements? Is the company in compliance with environmental regulations and committed to recycling?  Does the company support the local community?  The answers to these and other questions will help guide you to make good choices. 

These books are great resources to help you get started. Begin green investing and maximize both financial return and positive social impact!

(All books listed are in the Amazon widget to the right, if you are interested in purchasing.)

Socially Responsible Investing : Making a Difference and Making Money (Paperback)
by Amy Domini

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Socially Responsible Investing (Complete Idiot's Guide to) (Paperback)
by Ken Little

The SRI Advantage: Why Socially Responsible Investing Has Outperformed Financially (Hardcover)
by Peter Camejo (Editor)

Compelling Returns: A Practical Guide to Socially Responsible Investing (Hardcover)
by S. J. Budde

Kids Making a Difference!

Who says you need to be an adult to help our environment! Kids of all ages around the world are getting involved in projects to plant trees, clean up litter, and recycle soda cans and clothes. Your kids can make a difference, too. Encourage them to bike, jog, or walk to cut down air pollution, turn off lights, the radio, or TV to save energy, and turn off the tap while brushing their teeth. Make it fun! A weekly bike trip to the local farmer’s market not only supports local food production and improves air quality, but it’s also a great family outing.

 

You, too, can help inspire your kids to take action! For more information and kid-friendly ideas, check out these paperback books—the first book is my 9-year old’s favorite about the environment!

 

(All books listed are in the Amazon widget to the right, if you are interested in purchasing.)

 

Everything Kids' Environment Book: Learn How You Can Help the Environment-by Getting Involved at School, at Home, or at Play (Everything Kids Series
by Sheri Amsel and Christopher J. Maron

 

The New 50 Simple Things Kids Can Do to Save the Earth
by Sophie and John Javna (to be published in September 2008)

 

Go Green, Live Rich: 50 Simple Ways to Save the Earth and Get Rich Trying
by David Bach and Hillary Rosner

 

50 Simple Things Kids Can Do to Save the Earth
by The EarthWorks Group

 

Earth Book for Kids: Activities to Help Heal the Environment
by Linda Schwartz

 

This Is My Planet: The Kids' Guide to Global Warming
by Jan Thornhill

 

Down-to-Earth Guide To Global Warming
by Laurie David and Cambria Gordon