If you have not yet picked up a copy of Ode
magazine, I urge you to do so today. I started snagging copies of my Dad’s
subscriptions years ago and it has long been one of my favorite
magazines. Editor-In-Chief Jurriaan Kamp’s Letter in this month’s
issue offers a perfect glimpse into why it is growing in mainstream
popularity as well. "The history of humanity is very much a story about
creativity, about finding new solutions for new problems - in short,
about progress," he writes. "It might be better for the planet if we
all went back to our pre-historic caves . . . but it’s not going to
happen - unless a meteorite hits Earth. Our real challenge is to find
ways to make our world a better place from the starting point of our
current reality." I’ve started reading sections to Corbin and he is loving Ode too. As their subtitle says, To People, To Passion, To Possibilities. To you. Read up.
Articles by: Kimberly
Ode to Ode
March 28, 2008 – 7:10 am
Heading in a Better Direction
March 25, 2008 – 10:30 am
Had a lovely opportunity the other day to visit with Jennifer Drubner Eagen and meet Danny Seo, eco lifestyle guru and founder of Simply Green while he was on a shoot for Method and a new green line for Serena and Lily. Speaking of Method, after several of you contacted me, I spoke with them about the concern you had about the ingredients used in their products. In particular, you asked about 1, 4 dioxane, a by-product of a process called ethoxylation, which changes natural oils into gentle, effective surfactants.
In the words of founder Adam Lowry, "We don’t believe there is a healthier or safer choice for the consumer than the ingredients we have chosen to use in these products, and we are 100% confident in the safety of all of our products. In addition to our internal safety testing, we enlist Dr. Michael Braungart, the world-renowned environmental scientist and co-author of Cradle to Cradle, to conduct independent and comprehensive health and safety reviews of all of our products. After the OCA test results came out, we again contacted Dr. Braungart and confirmed that these products are indeed completely safe."
Further, many of their products are reformulated regularly as new, healthier alternatives become available. In my opinion, and perhaps of greatest import, is that these guys always seem open to learning and are genuinely trying to do good while providing an example to other companies that it is possible to do well at the same time. They have never claimed to be perfect but they are doing a good job of heading in a better direction and we can all use more of that.
Had a lovely opportunity the other day to visit with Jennifer Drubner Eagen and meet Danny Seo, eco lifestyle guru and founder of Simply Green while he was on a shoot for Method and a new green line for Serena and Lily. Speaking of Method, after several of you contacted me, I spoke with them about the concern you had about the ingredients used in their products. In particular, you asked about 1, 4 dioxane, a by-product of a process called ethoxylation, which changes natural oils into gentle, effective surfactants.
In the words of founder Adam Lowry, "We don’t believe there is a healthier or safer choice for the consumer than the ingredients we have chosen to use in these products, and we are 100% confident in the safety of all of our products. In addition to our internal safety testing, we enlist Dr. Michael Braungart, the world-renowned environmental scientist and co-author of Cradle to Cradle, to conduct independent and comprehensive health and safety reviews of all of our products. After the OCA test results came out, we again contacted Dr. Braungart and confirmed that these products are indeed completely safe."
Further, many of their products are reformulated regularly as new, healthier alternatives become available. In my opinion, and perhaps of greatest import, is that these guys always seem open to learning and are genuinely trying to do good while providing an example to other companies that it is possible to do well at the same time. They have never claimed to be perfect but they are doing a good job of heading in a better direction and we can all use more of that.
Knut
March 10, 2008 – 11:00 pm
While Vanity Fair may have gotten some slack for whatever resource rich expenditures were taken to get that picture of Leonardo and the polar bear in last year’s "green" issue, one thing is for sure. The adorable, fuzzy, innocent, looking creatures have most certainly become a symbol of the climate crisis and it breaks my heart every time I see another story about their likely extinction in wild places within the next 30 years or so. For an uplifting story about polar bears, I’ve recently enjoyed reading Knut: How One Little Polar Bear Captured the World.
What makes Knut especially kid-friendly is that Craig Hatkoff co-wrote this book with his two daughters, Isabella (age 9) and Juliana (age 12). This is the fifth book that Hatkoff has co-authored with his daughters. Knut features a true story of an animal in crisis and its survival. With amazing up-close photography as well as a simple and creative way to introduce your children to environmental responsibility
without scaring them, the book also provides smart, simple tips that your kids can do themselves.
Corbin is just learning to read and he found this touching and entertaining.
While Vanity Fair may have gotten some slack for whatever resource rich expenditures were taken to get that picture of Leonardo and the polar bear in last year’s "green" issue, one thing is for sure. The adorable, fuzzy, innocent, looking creatures have most certainly become a symbol of the climate crisis and it breaks my heart every time I see another story about their likely extinction in wild places within the next 30 years or so. For an uplifting story about polar bears, I’ve recently enjoyed reading Knut: How One Little Polar Bear Captured the World.
What makes Knut especially kid-friendly is that Craig Hatkoff co-wrote this book with his two daughters, Isabella (age 9) and Juliana (age 12). This is the fifth book that Hatkoff has co-authored with his daughters. Knut features a true story of an animal in crisis and its survival. With amazing up-close photography as well as a simple and creative way to introduce your children to environmental responsibility
without scaring them, the book also provides smart, simple tips that your kids can do themselves.
Corbin is just learning to read and he found this touching and entertaining.
A New Vision
February 25, 2008 – 9:23 pm
I’ve just learned of a very cool project initiated by Stacey Frost, founder of Urban Revision that you may want to mention to your child’s teacher. In short a poster contest called Envision: 2050 this is really an eco-literacy program that asks children in grades 6 - 12 to imagine what their city will look like when that time comes to pass and to use their creativity to symbolize their hopes, fears, dreams etc. The campaign asks, "Where will energy, food and water come from? How will people live, move
and work together? And what will where you live now look like in the
future?" Yet rather than draw focus to the children’s fears, the program offers a unique capacity for students to access some of the most brilliant minds of the sustainability revolution including Hunter Lovins and Van Jones and organizations such as Conservation International and National Outdoor Leadership School.
As Stacy wrote in a recent note to me, "Our intention is to present positive and creative role models who inspire and innovate every day." It seems like they’ve set up a fantastic program to do just that and though we, as EcoMoms, strive every day to help create a sustainable future for our children, it is they, who are growing up exposed to this sort of information, who will likely have the greatest impact in reinventing the world in which we live.
I’ve just learned of a very cool project initiated by Stacey Frost, founder of Urban Revision that you may want to mention to your child’s teacher. In short a poster contest called Envision: 2050 this is really an eco-literacy program that asks children in grades 6 - 12 to imagine what their city will look like when that time comes to pass and to use their creativity to symbolize their hopes, fears, dreams etc. The campaign asks, "Where will energy, food and water come from? How will people live, move
and work together? And what will where you live now look like in the
future?" Yet rather than draw focus to the children’s fears, the program offers a unique capacity for students to access some of the most brilliant minds of the sustainability revolution including Hunter Lovins and Van Jones and organizations such as Conservation International and National Outdoor Leadership School.
As Stacy wrote in a recent note to me, "Our intention is to present positive and creative role models who inspire and innovate every day." It seems like they’ve set up a fantastic program to do just that and though we, as EcoMoms, strive every day to help create a sustainable future for our children, it is they, who are growing up exposed to this sort of information, who will likely have the greatest impact in reinventing the world in which we live.
NY Times and Environmental Forum of Marin
February 21, 2008 – 12:21 pm
Last Saturday, just before leaving for the workshop series I am doing with the Environmental Forum of Marin I ran to my computer to check the location and lo and behold there was a "Congratulations!" email from Kevin Danaher of Global Exchange. Turns out the New York Times ran a cover story about the EcoMom Alliance. I was absolutely flabberghasted, thrilled and am now gratefully trying to keep up with the barrage of interest that has come our way. Trying to balance it with still trying to be a good mom of course and wouldn’t you know it, this is the week that Corbin gets that awful flu bug that has been going around. I thought I was doing a good job of keeping up until this morning when he informed, "Mom, I’ve been sick and I need more attention." This even though I’ve been on the couch cuddling with him despite a slew of unreturned calls and emails. So we played inside ball for a while, he felt a little more secure, and now I’m back on the computer and phone for a while. Ah, the dance. If you live in the Bay Area by the way, check out the Environmental Forum. It is a phenomenal program.
Last Saturday, just before leaving for the workshop series I am doing with the Environmental Forum of Marin I ran to my computer to check the location and lo and behold there was a "Congratulations!" email from Kevin Danaher of Global Exchange. Turns out the New York Times ran a cover story about the EcoMom Alliance. I was absolutely flabberghasted, thrilled and am now gratefully trying to keep up with the barrage of interest that has come our way. Trying to balance it with still trying to be a good mom of course and wouldn’t you know it, this is the week that Corbin gets that awful flu bug that has been going around. I thought I was doing a good job of keeping up until this morning when he informed, "Mom, I’ve been sick and I need more attention." This even though I’ve been on the couch cuddling with him despite a slew of unreturned calls and emails. So we played inside ball for a while, he felt a little more secure, and now I’m back on the computer and phone for a while. Ah, the dance. If you live in the Bay Area by the way, check out the Environmental Forum. It is a phenomenal program.
True Love
February 12, 2008 – 11:29 pm
With Valentine’s Day almost upon us, the pressure to have, or find, that perfect someone is on - as is the pressure to buy something yet again (didn’t we just have Christmas?).
Last night, my true love fell asleep by my feet during an EcoMom Alliance Board of Directors meeting. At first I was annoyed that my schedule had shifted thus that he would be there while I was trying to get business done. Somehow, "Mom? Mom. Mom!" just isn’t conducive to budget discussions, and certainly, there were moments that tested my patience. But when push came to shove, and I looked down at his pure, little face and his tiny head resting peacefully on a cushion by my chair, I felt so utterly blessed and reminded of what true love is really all about.
I hope you feel this purity of love in your life and if decide you just have to buy something this Valentine’s Day for your special someone, make sure to order from Organic Bouquet. Founded by eco-entrepreneur Gerald Prolman, Organic Bouquet is the market leader in organic flowers
and recognized in the trade as having established the organic floral sector.
Their flowers are
available online and in natural food stores,
including Whole Foods Markets nationwide and with no toxic chemicals, you can breathe in their heady aroma without fear or eco-angst. Check out their giant roses too. Just pure, simple, organic bliss. Kind of like Corbin.
Other options include California Organic Flowers Family Farm
and Diamond Organics but I’m a very loyal person and I’ve known Gerald since he was just beginning and he sponsored an event I co-produced for World Environment Day.
With Valentine’s Day almost upon us, the pressure to have, or find, that perfect someone is on - as is the pressure to buy something yet again (didn’t we just have Christmas?).
Last night, my true love fell asleep by my feet during an EcoMom Alliance Board of Directors meeting. At first I was annoyed that my schedule had shifted thus that he would be there while I was trying to get business done. Somehow, "Mom? Mom. Mom!" just isn’t conducive to budget discussions, and certainly, there were moments that tested my patience. But when push came to shove, and I looked down at his pure, little face and his tiny head resting peacefully on a cushion by my chair, I felt so utterly blessed and reminded of what true love is really all about.
I hope you feel this purity of love in your life and if decide you just have to buy something this Valentine’s Day for your special someone, make sure to order from Organic Bouquet. Founded by eco-entrepreneur Gerald Prolman, Organic Bouquet is the market leader in organic flowers
and recognized in the trade as having established the organic floral sector.
Their flowers are
available online and in natural food stores,
including Whole Foods Markets nationwide and with no toxic chemicals, you can breathe in their heady aroma without fear or eco-angst. Check out their giant roses too. Just pure, simple, organic bliss. Kind of like Corbin.
Other options include California Organic Flowers Family Farm
and Diamond Organics but I’m a very loyal person and I’ve known Gerald since he was just beginning and he sponsored an event I co-produced for World Environment Day.
Relocalization
February 10, 2008 – 8:21 pm
Like many mothers, I often find myself in the car way more that I prefer. It seems that despite my best planning - trying to group together errands to use less gas and so on - something Corbin needs (or wants) ends up being in the next town over. So the whole concept of relocalization appeals to me on many levels.
Across a myriad of areas of study, from energy use to architecture, peak oil and climate change, many experts believe that it will be our ability to rebuild society based on a more localized way of living that will lead to our survival - or not. Relocalization is a strategy to build societies based on the local production of food, energy and goods, and the local development of currency, governance and culture.
The main goals of Relocalization are to increase community energy
security, to strengthen local economies, and to dramatically improve
environmental conditions and social equity.
The Relocalization strategy developed in response to the
environmental, social, political and economic impacts of global
over-reliance on cheap energy. Our dependence on cheap non-renewable
fossil fuel energy has produced climate change, the erosion of
community, wars for oil-rich land and the instability of the global
economic system.
In the United States, the Relocalization Network supports local groups
in developing community activities and programs that can be implemented
locally and as working models for other communities seeking to increase
their resilience. In the UK the Transition Towns movement is growing rapidly. Could it be that a return to the town-square-and-farmer’s-market-life holds the answers? If so, you might want to gt to know your neighbors if you don’t already. Come to think of it, do you even know their names?
–
Like many mothers, I often find myself in the car way more that I prefer. It seems that despite my best planning - trying to group together errands to use less gas and so on - something Corbin needs (or wants) ends up being in the next town over. So the whole concept of relocalization appeals to me on many levels.
Across a myriad of areas of study, from energy use to architecture, peak oil and climate change, many experts believe that it will be our ability to rebuild society based on a more localized way of living that will lead to our survival - or not. Relocalization is a strategy to build societies based on the local production of food, energy and goods, and the local development of currency, governance and culture.
The main goals of Relocalization are to increase community energy
security, to strengthen local economies, and to dramatically improve
environmental conditions and social equity.
The Relocalization strategy developed in response to the
environmental, social, political and economic impacts of global
over-reliance on cheap energy. Our dependence on cheap non-renewable
fossil fuel energy has produced climate change, the erosion of
community, wars for oil-rich land and the instability of the global
economic system.
In the United States, the Relocalization Network supports local groups
in developing community activities and programs that can be implemented
locally and as working models for other communities seeking to increase
their resilience. In the UK the Transition Towns movement is growing rapidly. Could it be that a return to the town-square-and-farmer’s-market-life holds the answers? If so, you might want to gt to know your neighbors if you don’t already. Come to think of it, do you even know their names?
–
EcoFabulous
February 7, 2008 – 6:24 pm
One of the things I love about my line of work is all of the amazing and inspiring moms I meet.
One in particular, whose path mine often crosses is Zem Joaquin, founder of EcoFabulous. If you’re looking for that perfect something, and it has to be eco, and it has to be fabulous, Zem is definitely your go to girl.
From face make-up to home make-over, EcoFabulous is filled with wonderful surprises that you never knew had been re-invented green. Zem is also the driving force and Chair for Global Green’s Gorgeous and Green event which draws a veritable who’s who of eco-chic celebs (and wanna be celebs) with all proceeds going to Global Green programming.
Just one more mom to give thanks for in this movement toward a sustainable future.
One of the things I love about my line of work is all of the amazing and inspiring moms I meet.
One in particular, whose path mine often crosses is Zem Joaquin, founder of EcoFabulous. If you’re looking for that perfect something, and it has to be eco, and it has to be fabulous, Zem is definitely your go to girl.
From face make-up to home make-over, EcoFabulous is filled with wonderful surprises that you never knew had been re-invented green. Zem is also the driving force and Chair for Global Green’s Gorgeous and Green event which draws a veritable who’s who of eco-chic celebs (and wanna be celebs) with all proceeds going to Global Green programming.
Just one more mom to give thanks for in this movement toward a sustainable future.
Are your principles principal?
February 2, 2008 – 12:22 pm
In the face of the environmental and social issues facing our world today, green businesses are popping up daily. Discerning customers are growing increasingly leery of that PR-phenomenon known as “greenwashing” – an “all natural” spin on that which is not so natural. Given that in the course of my work with the EcoMom Alliance, I am meeting many moms who are in the process of starting their own eco-friendly businesses, I wanted to mention a couple of useful guides to follow in one’s efforts to start a truly sustainable business.
Ever since Norway’s pioneering eco mom Gro Harlem Brundtland used the term “sustainability” in what would come to be known as the Brundtland Commission, the term has become more and more a part of our global lexicon. Some of the most commonly used principles by which to guide sustainable business development include the Ceres Principles, Precautionary Principle, and The Natural Step. Last but not least is my personal favorite, the The Earth Charter. If we all lived by this . . . well, the world would likely be a much happier, healthier place.
In the face of the environmental and social issues facing our world today, green businesses are popping up daily. Discerning customers are growing increasingly leery of that PR-phenomenon known as “greenwashing” – an “all natural” spin on that which is not so natural. Given that in the course of my work with the EcoMom Alliance, I am meeting many moms who are in the process of starting their own eco-friendly businesses, I wanted to mention a couple of useful guides to follow in one’s efforts to start a truly sustainable business.
Ever since Norway’s pioneering eco mom Gro Harlem Brundtland used the term “sustainability” in what would come to be known as the Brundtland Commission, the term has become more and more a part of our global lexicon. Some of the most commonly used principles by which to guide sustainable business development include the Ceres Principles, Precautionary Principle, and The Natural Step. Last but not least is my personal favorite, the The Earth Charter. If we all lived by this . . . well, the world would likely be a much happier, healthier place.
Pretty Woman
January 30, 2008 – 11:14 am
I guess this was bound to happen, but I had a funny experience at an EcoMom Party last weekend. A woman said to me, "Oh you wear make-up. I thought you’d be more pure." Well, I like to think my heart is pure but given the long nights I often pull getting work done, mother nature needs a little help sometimes and a little blush and mascara goes a long way toward brightening up a tired face.
Unfortunately most conventional cosmetics contain chemicals and toxins that have been linked to a host of health issues from breast cancer to thyroid disease. In a 2007 investigation of the ingredients in more than 23,000 products, Environmental Working Group found that nearly one of every 30 products sold in the U.S. fails
to meet one or more industry or governmental cosmetics safety
standards. Plus, close to 400 products sold in the U.S. were found to contain
chemicals that are prohibited for use in cosmetics in other countries,
and over 400 products containing ingredients that cosmetic industry
safety panels have found unsafe when used as directed on product
labels, including the U.S.-based Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) and
the International Fragrance Association. So do your due diligence and keep those chemicals off your face our out of our environment.
One of my favorite options for cleaner, healthier, cosmetics with a conscience are those by Jane Iredale. A proud signer of the Campaign For Safe Cosmetics Iredale’s products work phenomenal and are free of FD&C dyes, chemical preservatives like parabens, talc and synthetic fragrances. The ingredients for each product are listed on their website, www.janeiredale.com, so from what you’re literally putting on your face to how it is presented, this company is translucent and shining.
I guess this was bound to happen, but I had a funny experience at an EcoMom Party last weekend. A woman said to me, "Oh you wear make-up. I thought you’d be more pure." Well, I like to think my heart is pure but given the long nights I often pull getting work done, mother nature needs a little help sometimes and a little blush and mascara goes a long way toward brightening up a tired face.
Unfortunately most conventional cosmetics contain chemicals and toxins that have been linked to a host of health issues from breast cancer to thyroid disease. In a 2007 investigation of the ingredients in more than 23,000 products, Environmental Working Group found that nearly one of every 30 products sold in the U.S. fails
to meet one or more industry or governmental cosmetics safety
standards. Plus, close to 400 products sold in the U.S. were found to contain
chemicals that are prohibited for use in cosmetics in other countries,
and over 400 products containing ingredients that cosmetic industry
safety panels have found unsafe when used as directed on product
labels, including the U.S.-based Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) and
the International Fragrance Association. So do your due diligence and keep those chemicals off your face our out of our environment.
One of my favorite options for cleaner, healthier, cosmetics with a conscience are those by Jane Iredale. A proud signer of the Campaign For Safe Cosmetics Iredale’s products work phenomenal and are free of FD&C dyes, chemical preservatives like parabens, talc and synthetic fragrances. The ingredients for each product are listed on their website, www.janeiredale.com, so from what you’re literally putting on your face to how it is presented, this company is translucent and shining.
and the EcoMom logo are registered trademarks 2007