Earthing

I literally just stumbled upon this theory and I'm sharing it before doing any research or trying it out myself.  Here's an explanation of what Earthing is from Earthing.com:

Throughout history humans walked barefoot and slept on the ground. But modern lifestyle, including the widespread use of insulative rubber- or plastic-soled shoes, has disconnected us from the Earth’s energy and, of course, we no longer sleep on the ground. Fascinating new research has raised the possibility that this disconnect may actually contribute to chronic pain, fatigue, and poor sleep that plague so many people.

The remedy for the disconnect is simple. Walk barefoot outdoors whenever possible and/or sleep, work, or relax indoors in contact with conductive sheets or mats that transfer the energy to your body. People who do on a regular basis say they sleep better, feel better, and have more energy during the day.

This simple practice is called Earthing, and it is both a technology and a movement which is transforming lives across the planet.

I love this kind of stuff and although I won't be plunking down $60 for an Earthing Mat, I may try to get my tootsies on land before the first frost!  I sleep pretty horribly most nights (waking multiple times) and am always looking for easy solutions.

Here's the blog post that I discovered this on: Wellness Mama (she's pretty convincing!)  Have any of you heard of this before, or even tried it?

Candy

Someone I follow on Facebook alerted me to the Natural Candy Store online.  Here you can purchase treats that are:

	- Made in the USA
	- Organic
	- Vegan
	- Gluten-Free
	- Kosher
	- Feingold Stage 1
	- Feingold Stage 2
	- Allergen Free

If you're looking for the occasional lunch box or after school treat check them out.  With Halloween just around the corner this is a good link to bookmark!

Lou's Upcycles

How cool is this?  Check it out!

image from Lou's Upcycles website

Lou's Upcycles is committed to upcycling; creating new, functional pieces of wearable art sprouting from un-recyclable plastic packaging. Lou has kept over 20,000 bags out of the landfill by turning them into a sturdy, fun, graphically appealing fabric. Learn more about her mission and process and find out how you can contribute to upcycling.

GreenFest

Boston GreenFest 2012

Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau

Begins:	Thursday, August 16, 2012
Ends:	Saturday, August 18, 2012

Mark your calendar and plan to join us for Boston GreenFest, - the the region's largest multicultural environmental festival, celebrating the many ways we can create a better world by greening our lives and our communities. Turn your world around and have fun at the same time! Boston GreenFest 2012 Hours of Operation
Thursday, Aug 16, 5 pm - 9:30 pm: (Performers/Food)
Friday, Aug 17, noon - 9:30 pm: (Exhibitors/Food/Vendors/Performers)
Saturday, Aug 18, 11 am - 8 pm: (Exhibitors/Food/Vendors/Performers)
Check back for updates!
 
2012 HIGHLIGHTS:
- Native American Drum Ceremony
- Over 200 Exhibitors
- 100 Live Performances
- GreenSouleStage, EcoStage, Family Stage
- Eco Dine & Drink Emporium
- NOCHE LATINA
- EcoSalsa Fashion Show
- Tap Off with Boston Tap Company
- Green Entrepreneur Small Biz Forum
- EcoCafé, EcoGallery, EcoBazaar
- GreenFilmFest
- One Gallon ChallengeTM
- EcoTimeTrail
- BPS EcoPhoto Contest
- Fun for Kids!

Boston GreenFest is organized by the Foundation for a Green Future, Inc.

Boston GreenFest Preview Events:
Boston GreenFest Preview on Saturday, August 11th on the Greenway and on Spectacle Island (FREE)
Boston GreenFest's Sunday at the Strand, Sunday, August 12th, 3-6 pm - three hours of live multicultural performances with an eco-message! (FREE!)

"Toward Sustainability: The Roles and Limits of Certification"

image taken from http://www.resolv.org

I've only had a chance to skim this document so far (and admire the cool charts & graphs) but I thought I'd share it with you all anyway.  It's from my old friend "The Scientist" and I'm sure it's worth the read!


"Toward Sustainability: The Roles and Limits of Certification"

Congrats Kira!!

~ GGG

Soapwalla Kitchen Deodorant Cream

I've tried a lot of deodorant over the course of my life, including quite a few "green" options, and I've finally hit the jackpot thanks to a recommendation from Carrie Vitt at Deliciously Organic!  Soapwalla Kitchen Deodorant Cream exceeds even my most successful endeavor with aloe & baking soda... and it smells delectable.  Here are the details from Spirit Beauty Lounge where you can buy this product:

image from Spirit Beauty Lounge

"this all-natural yet powerful deodorant cream utilizes superfine vegetable powders, clays, and lavender, peppermint and tea tree essential oils to absorb moisture, inhibit bacteria, and ensure a long-lasting and highly effective experience. The frosting-like consistency ensures effortless manual application and quick absorption.

Soapwalla's Deodorant Cream is free from harmful chemicals, petroleum, or aluminum (linked to alzheimer's and breast cancer), is vegan, and is never ever tested on animals. Please use within 6 months.

How to use: make sure deodorant is mixed completely (some separation is normal), scoop a little with your finger and gently apply to the entire armpit (don't push hard, it's sensitive skin). Make sure it's absorbed completely (absorbs quickly), then go about your day stink-free! 2 oz.

Please note warm temperatures may cause product to soften or separate. Please simply stir and freeze to re-set cream.

Made in the USA" 

This product is luxurious to put on; unlike the mess of applying baking soda and without the stickiness of the Kiss My Face deodorant I was using.  A deodorant should prevent odor, not perspiration (that seems so unnatural to me!)  I feel like my underarms can breathe while using this product.  The cream allows perspiration, which dries naturally, without odor.  I've had some awful deodorant experiences where, as soon as you perspire, you're damp for the rest of the day.  Gross, and so unnecessary.  Soapwalla Kitchen Deodorant Cream feels great, smells great and works great; I highly recommend it!


~ GGG

EWG's 2012 Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce™

Executive Summary: Eat your fruits and vegetables! | EWG's 2012 Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce™