green

Ladies Live Truth T-shirt

admin — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 08:52:00 +0000

I had never seen a T-shirt made out of bamboo before, so I had no idea what it would feel like or how it would fit. This particular shirt is sixty-six percent bamboo, twenty-eight percent cotton, and six percent spandex jersey—and it is one of the softest I have ever worn in my life. The shirt drapes nicely over my body, and does not cling to my chest. The cut is flattering and tapers in towards the waist with a scoop neck that dips slightly below the collarbone. It can be worn during the day or as a workout T-shirt. While it did absorb more moisture than other workout shirts, my back still felt a tad wet after forty minutes of cardio.

A note on the sizing. The T-shirt was labeled a size large; however, it fit like a medium at the shoulder. It is slightly longer than some shirts, reaching down to my hips. But the longer length does come in handy if you choose to wear it during a workout.

The Ladies Live Truth T-shirt can be put in the washer and dryer, like any other shirt. After at least five washes, the T-shirt has not shrunk in size, nor has there been any color bleeding. Instead, it has even gotten softer. Besides being environmentally friendly, it is also an incredible fit and one of my favorite shirts.

Written by: Elizabeth Stannard Gromisch, December 25th 2009

Ladies Certified Organic White T-Shirt

admin — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 14:32:00 +0000

By Truth

Green is the new black, and no, we’re not talking about that vintage Chanel dinner party dress. From cosmetics to clothing, the determination to be more earth friendly is not just a celebrity fad, but a way of honoring Mother Nature. Many may not understand or care about what going green means, but if we research what really went in our daily couture, perhaps we would think twice before spending our green.

A recent _Seattle Times_ report claims that common fabrics, such as cotton, nylon, and polyester are either grown with a strong dose of pesticides, chemical fertilizers, or are even petroleum-based. Consequently, how can our Sunday sweats, a fall sundress, or silky lingerie made with insect poison make us look or feel good? Going green does seem like a pain, or is it? What if there’s an all-natural thread made from the fastest growing plant in the world that can sooth problematic skin, is breathable in even the hottest temperatures, and can please nearly any budget-conscious shopper? Pandas thrive on it and one Canadian designer believes it’s the key to discovering the Truth.

“When I started this company, I was not a vegetarian and was not even thinking of pursuing anything along those lines in terms of a market,” explains Reina Pruchnicki, owner of clothing company, Truth. “But the path that I took opened my eyes to many things and over the years my diet slowly became mostly vegetarian. I have become more aware of making healthy and sensible choices when it comes to food and I love how much better I feel!"

Truth, which began in 2001 in Toronto, first started as a line of leather-looking belts, which became popular among the Canadian vegan community. However, it’s her t-shirts that are gaining attention for being made with bamboo. According to the Truth website, this biodegradable fibre has “natural antibacterial properties and prevents allergies and skin irritation.” In addition, these t-shirts can reportedly absorb and evaporate up to four times quicker than other alternatives without losing its silky smooth feel. Unfortunately, these claims aren’t enough to make Truth t-shirts a must-have.

While Truth t-shirts are famous for being made with bamboo, it isn’t fully accurate. They’re actually produced with “Bamtex,” making them 66% bamboo, 28% cotton, and 6% spandex. Yes, Truth t-shirts are so velvety that you just want to wrap yourself in them, but it seems that only pencil thin girls can truly appreciate this irresistible benefit. More voluptuous women must suffer the wrath of spandex, creating a tight, snug feel that accentuates every undesirable curve, making even the most confident female self-conscious about being exposed. While Truth t-shirts seem perfect for hitting the gym or bearing sizzling hot temperatures, sweat can actually cause them to ride up. The thickness of a Truth t-shirt feels as if it’s retaining more heat even though it’s not. The top’s too-tight collar can easily smudge makeup and anyone who can’t leave the house without applying foundation for a flawless face understands how annoying this can be.

Most importantly, why is it that Pruchnicki’s latest line isn’t 100% bamboo when a few clicks of a mouse can lead shoppers to a vast world of designers providing this feature for a similar or more affordable price? If clothes make the man, then what of women? Should they suffer in the name of beauty and their environment? With so many independent online vegan shops to choose from, the troubles one must face with Truth t-shirts are unnecessary and may even discourage others in thinking that bamboo clothing is uncomfortable when it’s supreme compared to standard cotton.

Pruchnicki’s Truth t-shirts may leave eco-friendly fashionistas disappointed, but her new invention shouldn’t be tossed aside like dirty socks. Her willingness to provide healthy choices for women are admirable and hopefully she’ll offer shoppers a more improved version of her line in the upcoming future. For now, it’s certain that the truth indeed hurts.

Written by: Stephanie Nolasco, December 1st 2009

Green Kids, Sage Families: The Ultimate Guide to Raising Your Organic Kids

admin — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 09:48:00 +0000

By Lynda Fassa

New American Library

We've come a long way since that 1970s TV commercial of a Native American crying at the sight of trash by the side of the road. Green living has finally gone mainstream. Lynda Fassa (author of Green Babies, Sage Moms) takes on the tykes and tweens in her latest, similarly titled, how-to guide on raising kids to be more conscious about treating their bodies, their homes, and the environment in a healthier, more ethical way: Green Kids, Sage Families

This is a great book chock-full of tips on how kids can help contribute to a greener world at home, in school, and beyond. Fassa offers ways to save money too, which is very appealing in this weak economy. Featuring advice on green toys, home repairs, organic snacks, what to ban from the house and garden, and even tips for throwing an eco-birthday party, Green Kids, Sage Families is accessible and creative in the ways in which it offers advice. The author also informs on how to save green by going green if you convert your home's power source to solar.

Of course, most of the book is directed to parents, teachers, and other childcare providers, so that they may become better role models for living the responsible, organic lifestyle. Green Kids, Sage Families is beautifully organized for easy dips in and out for specific topics and works as a very comprehensive guide to running a non-toxic household. It accomplishes exactly what it sets out to do by showing how to go green and protect your two most precious resources: your kids and the planet.

For those seeking writing that’s clean and concise about how to go green, Green Kids, Sage Families is your manual. It offers a well-balanced selection of tips, from basic and easy things you can do to those that are more cutting edge.

Written by: Cheryl Reeves, June 5th 2009

Haley’s Hints Green Edition

admin — Sun, 17 May 2009 10:44:00 +0000

By Graham Haley, Rosemary Haley

New American Library

Green is the new black. Today, it’s fashionable to be environmentally conscious, yet many of the eco-conscious tips and remedies in Haley’s Hints Green Edition are household remedies and grocery solutions that a hardworking and wise grandmother would have meted out 'back in the day'. The collection of 1,000 tips in this well-organized collection likely contains a few classic tips that you’re now using, or have used in the past, and will jolt your memory about tips that you’ve long since forgotten.

Remember how that kid in your elementary school chemistry class added vinegar to baking soda to make his clay volcano erupt? In addition to making volcanoes erupt, white vinegar reigns as a top natural household disinfectant and cleaning agent. According to Graham and Rosemary, white vinegar can remove stubborn tub rings, brighten your white wash, clean fruits and vegetables, and remove newly dried paint from glass.

What’s best about this book is that the tips utilize household staples that most consumers are likely to have in their cupboard or refrigerator. A great number involve the following items: lemons, baking soda, white vinegar, cooking oil, cornstarch, olive oil, and salt. It’s comforting to know that the ingredients that I’ve just cited are a lot safer than the expensive and dangerous chemical cleaners that are being sold on store shelves. As Graham points out: “I don’t believe in cleaning a toilet with bleach. If you forget and use a cleaner that has ammonia in it, as soon as the ammonia mixes with any bleach residue, you could get very toxic fumes.”

Best of all, it’s nice to know that the natural products work just as effectively as commercial cleaning products. There’s no sense in spending money on a bottle of a commercial brand chemical-laden furniture polish when the book’s olive oil and lemon recipe works just as well. Plus, spraying fewer chemicals in the air is so much better for the health of our planet.

Haley’s Hints Green Edition is a great reference book to keep on hand. Use these tips to save money and save the planet at the same time.

Written by: Rachelle Nones, May 17th 2009

The Green Year: 365 Small Things You Can Do to Make A Big Difference

admin — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 10:16:00 +0000

By Jodi Helmer

Alpha Books

Using organic sunscreen. Buying beer on tap. Opting for eco-friendly hair dye. Simple things that can go a long way towards making a greener planet. That's the philosophy of Jodi Helmer’s book, The Green Year: 365 Small Things You Can Do to Make a Big Difference. While the more hard-core environmentalists among us invest in worm-powered composting, solar panels, or hybrid car, Helmer provides 365 small, easy-to-implement tips for even the most eco-averse.

The beauty of Helmer’s book is that most—if not all—of her tips require minimal cost and minimal effort, addressing a common concern that becoming "eco-friendly" is either too expensive, too time consuming, or a combination of the two. While I feared The Green Year would fall into the trendy, kitschy eco category that seems to be popping up everywhere, her attitude that living in an ecologically friendly way is best done in baby steps means her suggestions are likely to outlast trend status and become real lifestyle changes.

Admittedly, some of Helmer's tips are old hat, such as using LED light bulbs (but really, among 365 tips, you’ve got to expect that). Others, like turning down your thermostat, dining in instead of ordering takeout, and sending holiday e-cards may be things you do already—giving you an opportunity to pat yourself on the back.

Ultimately, Helmer's book may not be for some of the more devoted environmentalists. However, if your resolution was to "go green" this year, The Green Year is most definitely a must-buy. Just remember to recycle or pass it on when you’re done.

Written by: Gwen Emmons, March 26th 2009

Silk-Screened Bird Patch

admin — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 23:23:00 +0000

By Andy Eats Only Candy

Andy Eats Only Candy (also known as Finnish student, designer and textile maker Niina Katinka) is an incredibly Earth-friendly little outfit that specializes in silk-screening, one-inch buttons, and various clothing and purses. With a focus on squirrels, rabbits and birds, the designs are cute and a tad whimsical, without being too precious. All of the silk-screening is done with environmentally-friendly, water-based ink, and whenever possible, items are shipped with recycled or recyclable packing materials.

The patch I received is quite large, which is perhaps the only real drawback from my perspective. It wouldn’t easily fit on the back of a sweatshirt or jacket (my favorite place to adhere patches), but it would fit on a large messenger bag.

Andy Eats Only Candy has perfect feedback ratings, and refunds are also allowed, which says a lot about a designer’s commitment to her work and to your satisfaction. Hosted online in an Etsy storefront, the selection can be a bit limited, but custom orders are available and the merchandise rotates frequently.

Supporting a student and fledgling designer with a pleasant selection of green products makes this an easy call. If you’ve got some extra cash and need a new tote, check her out.

Written by: Brittany Shoot, June 21st 2008

Bitch (Issue #34: Green)

admin — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 12:33:00 +0000

B-Word Publishing

Trust Bitch to subvert their very own issue’s theme! In their Winter 2006 issue, they approach what has been become a trend in the magazine world from Elle to Vanity Fair: the “Green issue.” Thankfully, in the spirit of their moniker, the magazine offers a creative response to the very definition of what “green” might entail. Bitch turns its snarky eye toward the color, including such “green” issues as money, jealousy, and, of course, the environment.

Despite the theme’s popularity, Bitch’s approach is anything but typical; I don’t think Elle is offering a articles as diverse as “Wendy Somerson’s Knot in Our Name,” which discusses activism within knitting circles, or articles such as Audrey D. Brashcich’s “Sweet Nothings,” which discuss how girl power became a marketing tool. Along with such obvious topics as Sarah McAbee’s engaging article “Green and Not Heard,” there is also a history and analysis of the Girl Scouts in Aimee Dowl’s piece, “Troop Therapy.” Timely, as always, Hawa Allan’s piece “When Tyra met Naomi” peers in on race issues in the modeling world, particularly focusing on how the fashion world pit Tyra Banks against Naomi Campbell because there can only be one “other” or “minority” supermodel. Moving from modeling to a spiritual mode of money management, Bitch magazine hasn’t lost its diversity of focus and approach.

Written by: Lisa Bower, February 22nd 2007