I love reading and am always happy when I find a new “green” book to read. Such is the case with the book I just finished only moments ago, Confessions of an Eco-Sinner: Tracking Down the Sources of My Stuff. I found the book fascinating. Science journalist Fred Pearce traveled all over the world to see where his possessions came from, and where they went once they were thrown away or recycled.
The author not only looks into where his goods come from, but also what journey they take to travel to him (or his local market). He discovers the environmental and social impact of many common foods including his fair-trade coffee, green beans, prawns (shrimp), palm oil, and spices. He also followed the probable journey of the gold used to make his wedding ring. Other journeys in the first five parts of the book included discovering if his fair-trade socks were really fair, where his jeans were made and who made them, the route cotton takes from growth to manufacture to store, and where metals are mined, recycled and manufactured into products.
A sixth part of the book looks at waste produced and where it goes to be disposed of or recycled; believe or not this section also involved world travel and the conclusion that third world countries are much better at recycling then the Western world. Finally, the last section investigates common concerns such as the desertification of Africa, climate change and reducing carbon emission, and finally overpopulation.
One of the things I loved best about this book was that it found answers (or at least information) that I wanted to know, but had neither the time nor means to investigate. I have always wondered how clothes really were made and why they are usually made overseas (beyond the lower cost of labor). I found out about cities and towns over the world that specialize in the manufacture and recycling of certain products. This book gave me more information about why recycling is important, why we should “close the loop” and what the environmental reprocussions of obtaining virgin materials are to the surrounding country and the world.
At first I was afraid that this book would be very depressing and full of doom and gloom. However, there were many uplifting stories as well, full of innovation and hope. I would recommend this book to anyone who cares about the impact of their buying decisions on not only the environment but also on people around the world.
Product Review of Bubble Goddess Bath Company’s Mint Intention Lip Balm
Winter is a hard time of year for people with dry skin. I’m always on the lookout for natural products to keep my skin moisturized. One part of your body that is particularly hard to cover up outside in the cold is your lips. Mine are often chapped, even when I try to keep hydrated. This is why I was extremely happy to receive a package in the mail a few weeks ago.
The package contained a number of products made by a natural company called Bubble Goddess Bath Company. I was contacted by a company consultant who offered to send me some samples to try. One of the first things I tried was the lip balm – called Mint Intention Lip Balm – and I loved it! It had a fresh mint scent that didn’t burn when I applied it, and it felt smooth.
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Winter has started because we had our first snow today! I love winter and especially snow because it is equally fun to go outside to play in it and stay inside warm and cozy. The first snow almost always requires outdoors playtime as the flakes fall and the snow piles up. Snow provides a great way to have “green” play. Beyond outerwear, nothing is needed. Coats, hats gloves and mittens can be passed down or recycled from one kid to another since most children seem to grow out of them before they wear them out. Sleds are nice but optional. They are easily made (cardboard, plastic signs and other odds n’ ends work great) or obtained at a thrift shop or freecycle. Snowballs, forts and snowmen are very natural, and are returned to the Earth at the end of their life.
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Candles are found in many households across the United states and all over the world! The candle industry estimates sales at $2 million annually, exclusive of candle accessories. Picking up a candle at your local big box store is something you may take for granted, but it is not usually a very green or healthy decision.
Candles have been used for light for thousands of years. Beeswax was utilized to make candles in Egypt and Crete as early as 3000 BCE. Early candles were also made of natural fat, tallow and wax. In the 18th century, oil from the sperm whale, spermaceti, was used to make excellent candles and later that century certain plant oils were found to work well and were much cheaper than spermaceti. …read more »
While browsing one of my favorite green e-tailers Nubius Organics earlier this week, I found this awesome Limited Edition Halloween-themed Chico Bag! I love Chico bags and I love Halloween, so this bag is perfect for me. What better way to remember the fun of Halloween than to use the bag year round?
