Only 5 days left. Will you turn out your lights?

On March 26, 2011, pledge to turn out your lights at 8:30 pm for Earth Hour, a worldwide collective display of commitment to protect the one thing that unites us all–the planet.

After you take the pledge:

* Send an e-card to your friends and invite them to join you
* Download free Earth Hour wallpaper for your computer
* Join our official Earth Hour event on Facebook

This Earth Hour, when the lights go back on, we hope you go beyond the hour and think about what you can change in your daily life that will benefit the planet. Let’s work together to create a better future. Our actions can add up.

Tell us how you will go beyond the hour and help the Earth.  Make the commitment to support conservation throughout the year by joining WWF’s Conservation Action Network.

Earth Hour demonstrates the power of individuals, communities, businesses and governments to unite and make a difference. Please continue to visit our Earth Hour 2011 page for updates and ways that you can help!

By Dena Fritz

 When you purchase jewelry, consider shopping for conflict-free and fairly traded stones. A jeweler who markets this type of product is not that hard to find in an eco-conscience industry. Recycled gold is also a way to go when doing your part.

The pressures to buy conflict-free precious metal and gemstones are all too urgent. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, militia groups torture and rape innocents and force them into labor in plundering the vast mineral rich lands. Unfortunately the mineral rich land of the Congo holds metals that are highly used throughout the world and tragically, these resources are used to support and fund the violations against the people of the eastern Congo. Boycotting the resources in the region and more media exposure to the injustices will help to ensure the safety and security of the future of the people in the eastern Congo. The goal is to offer hope to the country and its resources and to develop the potential to benefit the citizens.

Used and worn-out tires are one of the earth’s worst nemeses. There are thousands of tires produced in America annually and it is said that one tire per year, per person is discarded. Old, worn-out tires are stockpiled around the country and create their own set of problems for the public and the environment in the way of health and safety risks. Tire amnesty programs are held in various cities to give citizens an opportunity to dispose of old tires properly. Look for one in your area. These programs help to decrease illegal dumping of tires and help to combat mosquito infestations.

 Rotating tires can help in the reduction of waste and manufacturers are taking steps to reduce waste at production. But still, it isn’t enough.  The material that is used in the making of tires is very resilient, thus creating an almost impossible degradation. Recycling processes are taking off in the US and are producing some positive results. Many of the usable goods that can be recycled are asphalt pavement, barriers such as: collision reduction, erosion control, rainwater runoff, wave action- that protects piers and marshes, and sound barriers between roadways and residences. Rubber mulch is a very popular way to recycle tires. Increasingly useful in building sustainable landscaping and playgrounds, it has many positive effects, from insulating soil offering a higher temperature, soil moisture retention and reduction of fungus growth. It also makes for an excellent weed barrier. In playgrounds, recycled tires create a soft cushion for children to protect them from falls. Handbags and accessories are now being made from recycled tires. A company called English Retreads has a great site selling stylish and eco friendly products from inner tubes collected from local truck stops.

By Dena Fritz

 Wrap with recycled paper this year. It is the perfect alternative to using regular store bought wrapping paper that isn’t recycled. When you open your gifts on Christmas morning, you don’t have to feel guilty about filling the trash can with mounds of non-recycled paper. If your house looks like mine, the waste is waste high. This year, I will make an attempt at using more recycled wrapping paper and using items around the house to wrap with instead of paper. I am going to get creative!

 I found this great website (FishLips.com) that you can order wrapping paper that is designed, printed and packaged in the USA on 100% de-inked recycled paper (min 50% Post Consumer Waste*) with soy inks. These sheets that are pretty, colorful and do not look drab. Sold in individual sheets (22”x 33.75”) at $4 per sheet, minimum website orders are $12.

*FishLips’ gift wrap meets ISO Standards for 100% PCW and US EPA Standards for 50% PCW.\

 FishLips reuses packing materials as frequently as possible. Don’t be surprised if you find a random mix of used bubble wrap and old newspapers inside your box protecting your items.

I am writing about the lavender with cardamom bar soap. I have written about products by Pangea before. This is a very soft soap; you must put it on a spiky soap dish so it drains off and dries quickly. Pangea uses whole plant essences in their products which leave you with a silky smooth and clean feeling. With a rich and soapy feel, this bar does not have a heavy fragrance. When lathering up with it, you can feel the whole wheat and grains set into it. This gives you a natural sloughing which is invigorating. Pangea offers whole soap kits with a variety of fragrances available and free shipping on orders over $75.

Aloe Vera has been empirically known as a plant with healing properties. When I was a girl, my mom always had an Aloe Vera plant around the house. If we would get sunburned, she would break off a stalk of the plant and rub the gel on our burned spots to cool, soothe and heal our over exposed skin.  Aloe is a succulent plant growing in tropical and temperate climates, it is grayish green with leaves that are spongy and can grow up to a foot high. It has little spines that run up the leaves that are not sharp to the touch. One of the easiest plants to grow in a pot, the Aloe Vera plant is low maintenance. You do not have to water it too often (only twice a month) and it is hardy in stature as well as in sustenance. Many confuse it for a cactus but it is really from the lily family. Aloe Vera has been known for centuries as the natural healer. The gel found in the leaves of this plant can be used to treat burns, skin rashes, poison ivy, eczema, fever blisters and beauty applications to the face.

You can order your very own Aloe plant online at Amazon.com. It comes in a 4” pot,is about 8” tall and it needs full sun.

Pyrenees Lavender with Cardamom         

Simply Silky!

I tried this product out this morning and was delighted by the aroma and the silky feeling that I had when my shower was over. I like it! Hours later and I can still smell the lavender on my skin. Pangea markets several products but this is the first one that I have tried. I also purchased Pangaea Italian White Sage Bar Soap (I will review that later). With no-nonsense packaging and all natural ingredients, Pangea is a good choice. An award winning company for products that they manufacture, Pangea never uses petroleum-based ingredients, sulfates or detergents, synthetic preservatives, artificial colors or fragrances.

Savings alert! Currently Pangea is offering free shipping on orders of $75 or more and through September you receive a FREE bar soap with any purchase of $30 or more.

I tried Origins Sunshine State  two weeks ago on vacation. I have to say that I liked it and will be buying more of it. It was an easy rub-in and smelled nice. I spent considerable amounts of time by the pool enjoying the sun and refreshing water. This sun screen did not fade and was not oily on my skin. It doesn’t leave a white-wash look to your face like some of the heavier zinc products. It contains mineral based products, vitamin E and Bisabolol, from Chamomile to soothe your sun exposed derma. With no harsh chemicals to react to, you skin will be soft, smooth and protected. Resistant to water and sweat, Origins is a great product that beckons you to try it out and do your part for our environment and yourself.

 Origins’  mission is to create quality natural skincare products using organic ingredients and 100% natural essential oils. It is their commitment to protect the planet.

Burt’s Bees Peppermint Shower soap is 99.9% natural with the following ingredients; vegetable soap, glycerin, almond meal, rosemary oil, peppermint oil, rosemary leaves, peppermint leaves, comfrey leaves and calendula flowers. It is also NOT tested on animals. How much more natural can you get than that? I do recommend using it as it makes you feel very clean after you’ve showered and you know that you did your little part for our environment. Burt’s Bees products are in no-nonsense packaging and printed on recycled board containing 30% post-consumer waste.

When it comes to being eco-friendly green and all-natural, it’s always best to make your own, whatever it is. Then you know exactly what the ingredients are and if you don’t like it, you can start new without spending a ton of money. I did some research on a product that I use every day and feel I couldn’t live without. Skin toner is a must have, at least in my bathroom and I look forward to the effects that it has on my face every day. I was just wondering…. Is there a recipe out there that I could make my own toner, save money, be green and have a natural product that is still good for my skin? Well, the answer is YES, I can! Below are some recipes that I found and some I put together myself after experimenting. Try it, you may like it.

• Green Tea Toner – 1 Cup of lemon and green tea, steep for an hour, cool completely. Put in a small recycled spray bottle and spritz your face. You can use it refrigerated for extra coolness! Gets rid of unwanted oils and keeps your face balanced. There are other variations for this recipe out there like adding vinegar or thyme. Will last a week in the refrigerator.
• Floral Water Toner – Add 1-3 drops of essential oil(s) to 8 oz. of floral water in a clean, sterile bottle. Shake to thoroughly blend the ingredients. Mist or splash it on your face after cleaning skin.
• Aloe Vera Toner – One tsp. of Aloe Vera gel, a tsp. of lemon juice, and a cup of water. Add 3 tsp. of rubbing alcohol if you have oily skin.
• Herbal Toner – 1 tsp. horsetail herb, 1 tsp. lavender flowers, 1 tsp. lemongrass leaves. Add herbs to ½ cup of water and stir in 4 tsp. witch hazel, 4 tsp. Aloe Vera gel and 2 tbsp. orange blossom water. Shake together and mist, pat or sponge on clean face.
• Green Tea and Chamomile Toner - 1 green tea bag, 1 chamomile tea bag. Steep tea for an hour in 1 cup of boiling water. Let cool, add 1 tsp. Aloe Vera gel and shake or stir. Use as a mist in a small spray bottle.