Green Capitalism: Today’s Big Mama Hope Quandary
Making “baby steps” is a phrase sometimes used by the “light green” movement in defence of green capitalism and consumerism. But if we’re still continuously consuming, will that be enough to make a difference? Or is the marketing of consumption, even green consumption, ultimately still a part of the end?
Europe, Asia trounce U.S. in Eco-Certification
There’s a widespread demand for green products, accompanied by a demand for clear eco-certification information and eco-labeling. Why aren’t U.S. policymakers moving to provide a trustworthy national eco-certification system for consumers?
What’s Behind the Brand Names? (Natural Skin Care Preservatives, Part 2)
More and more companies are producing natural skin care products. What do natural brands use to preserve their beauty products? I surveyed major brands to get a comparison of the preservatives used…
Reusable, Upcycled Bag Giveaway at Green Mamma
A new green friend, Jessica at GreenMamma.org recently posted this recycled, reusable bag giveaway, and I just wanted to spread the word. Although I’m a bit behind the times with this post, if you comment on her blog by noon tomorrow, a new (upcycled) reJAVAnate bag could be yours for free!
Upcycling Plus!
I really like the [...]
Why DIY is all about Empowerment.
The greatest strength of Capitalism, according to economists, is its ability to self-correct. There is no lumbering government control mechanism dictating what should or should not be produced in a given year. It’s all determined by the people. And the people, to put it succinctly, know what they want. Those who fawn over capitalism’s genius [...]
George Carlin Inspired Me to Give Up My Stuff
by JustDerek
Rest in peace, George Carlin. You managed to teach your lessons while giving people a whole lot of fun and laughter. I think I was still a teenager when the implicit message from my favorite George Carlin routine first began to sink in. Want to learn the real lesson of the Three R’s? [...]
A Guide to Natural Skin Care Preservatives, Part 1
Natural products based on plant-based ingredients attempt to circumvent the use of synthetic preservatives, but there is a limit to what they can accomplish effectively. In Part 1 of this guide, I provide an overview of “what you need to know” about preservatives in personal care products, as well as methods for “do-it-yourselfers”.
Beauty and Personal Care Ingredients To Avoid
Well-researched ingredient lists are now available in the realm of personal and skin care products. If you’re looking for a clean cut list that matches the ingredient list on labels, I’ve included here a list of the best links on ingredients to avoid, as well as some relevant product lists.
Water vs. Oil in Preserving Homemade Skin Care Products
Here’s some useful information that clarifies the distinction between preserving water-based vs. oil-based skin care products, including some tips on how to use this difference to avoid worrisome preservatives…
Grapefruit Seed Extract Preservative — Safe for Homemade and Natural Products?
Grapefruit Seed Extract, used commonly as a natural preservative, has encountered controversy. One might imagine that G.S.E. is simply “extracted.” This is not the case. Studies have revealed information about the safety of G.S.E.’s ingredients that beg the question: why use a natural preservative that’s not actually natural?
I am human. -or- Earth Day ate my baby bouncer!
…Having just written a well-researched piece on “The Three R’s” of green living, I was of course beholden to my mantra to avoid buying new wherever possible. This means not rushing off to a big box store every time you have a new idea for a gadget. “But I want it now!” said my pioneering shopping spirit. Once it gets hold of an idea it is like hell on wheels…
The First “R”: 5 ways to be a better green parent
I recently discussed “The First R” of the “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” triad and its origins, but what would all the theoretics be without some good, practical ideas? Here are 5 ideas to start with when trying to reduce and enjoy a simpler more sustainable life.