The Earth Savers Blog

Muncha Buncha Fritos go with GREEN

Who has not grown up eating Frito Lay? Or tasted one of their yummy, salty, greasy potato chips...yum!
Flipping through this months Fast Company and was stopped by a green ad campaign they are currently running. 

  

  The Biggest Impact we can have is not to have one.

So true. I was also happy to learn after careful review of their site that corporate has in fact been diligently trying to minimize their impact on the planet, and have even successfully experimented making their tasty snacks by harnessing the power of the sun to help make their Sun Chips- go figure.

2011 means big things for Frito Lay as well when they begin their new plan to run their facility in Casa Grande California almost entirely on renewable energy and recycled water while producing close to zero landfill waste. 

Encouraging news for an ailing planet- and a nice marketing spin it's true, but lets face it-  As companies with any sense of social responsibility face stronger restrictions and looming questions about our countries ecology, huge strides and major dollar investments sometimes need to be taken into changing manufacturing practices, and distribution methods.  Some companies are leading the pack in making these adjustments and taking these steps for less of an impact on the planet. This also means huge savings and strength in numbers to their bottom line. Although many companies shy away from the investment it takes to research and then implement change, their companies will most likely benefit over time through savings usually in unneeded packaging, excess waste, and natural resources.

Much on Frito lay- and a big thanks from your avid snacking fans for doing your little bit.

The Genie in a Bottle

The next time you want to experience a genie in a bottle try one of Brenda Brock's miracle potions from her line of gorgeous products called Farmaesthetics. The most amazing thing about this great product line is not only how it's made(100% natural!) but also how it's starting to be one of the fastest growing cosmetic lines in the industry.

In 1999 she started to sell her home made and hand packaged product at road side farm stands. Fast forward eight years later her fan base has increased to accommodate demand and stock in the finest stores, boutiques, and spa's around the country.

Committed to the finest ingredients all Farmaesthetics products are 100% natural using certified organic herbs, flowers, and grains from American family farms. She packages everything in eco-friendly glass bottles, and its simple aesthetic makes you feel as if you've bought an old time apothecary potion, but with the modern simplicity of today. 

I had the pleasure of speaking with Brenda at a local Green Drinks event in Newport RI, as the guest speaker she was inspirational as she talked about growing her tiny dream into a reality and I was most impressed when she shared that it was sticking by her belief to make her products completely natural from the first ingredient to the final stamp on the packaging that finally paid off.  I could clearly see why she has also been chosen to team up by leading scientists, cosmetologists, and manufacturers to create industry standard guidelines and policies for natural products and their packaging in both the

US

and abroad.

My favorite product is the Nourishing Lavender Milk which I use faithfully everyday. A big hit at our retail store Little Bits is the New and Nursing Mother Kit which includes six potions for face, belly, breasts and body for $57.00

Check out the entire line of products at www.farmaesthetics.com, and don't forget that because the product line is pure and beautiful it makes a great gift for almost anyone.

Back to School...

 

I still absolutely love the commercial Staples has been running for years to the Christmas tune "It's the most wonderful time of the year...." It always makes me laugh to see the Dad giddily throwing school supplies into the basket as he grins wildly while skipping down the aisles, with his less than enthusiastic child in tow. Weather you decide to back some back to school supplies at Staples or anywhere else there are some great offerings from companies who are doing their little bit for the environment.

Recycled notebooks, Stylish clothing, backpacks, lunch bags and systems, water bottles, and much more....

Here are a few of our favorites:

Sigg Water Bottles: http://www.rei.com/search?query=sigg

The Safe Sippy: http://www.littlemountainoutfitters.com/Kids-Water-Bottles/c236/index.html

Dante Beatrix Back Packs and Stylish Clothing: http://www.littlebits.com

Laptop Lunch: http://www.nubiusorganics.com/Laptop-Lunch-Bento-Set-Black-and-Red-P327.aspx

 

Down the Drain...

Did you know that the EPA ( Environmental Protection Agency) estimates that household air can be 2-10 times more polluted than outside air due to household cleaning products?! OH! I thought I was CLEANING when I was using them! No you idiot...you are polluting!

Not only do I find out that they have a significant impact on your health, but they also wreck havok on the planet when they are washed down the drain. These chemicals feed into our water supplies, rivers, lakes, and oceans...NICE!

Shockingly....I never really thought about that before! To think all the times I mopped the floor with Mr. Clean (the big menacing bald man on the package of industrial stregth house cleaner) only to dump it down the drain afterwards and never to give it a thought again...duh. I guess I considered anything that went down a drain or flushed down a toilot (potty if you prefer) was magically taken away by the drain fairies never to be seen of again. I imagine I never thought about asking for the drain itinerary like where was the next stop in my #2's travel schedule? TOO disgusting to think about really, but inquiring minds want to know...?

I was browsing the cleaning products that are now offered and Mrs. Meyers is my new favorite:

http://www.mrsmeyers.com/?gclid=CMCdnYnI95QCFQQrFQodth93qw
All Natural, effective, and smells great! I wish I could say that for a few other afore mentioned household "doodies."