Recent Posts
Organic Buzz Highlights Winter 2010
February 5, 2010 by Amy
Filed under Buzz, Recent Posts
Hearing constructive feedback from our readers and listening to our customers is one of the most valuable and rewarding parts of our jobs. Hearing from you helps us to be better at what we do. We listen to our customers who review our products on our Website; comment on our blog and post their thoughts about Organic Bug in Twitter and on our Facebook page.
It is always exciting to us when other publications and bloggers take notice of our products to promote a more sustainable and balanced lifestyle. To show our appreciation; we add these reviews to a section of our blog we call “Organic Buzz” in the right side Column. Here is a recap of the Organic Buzz highlights so far this Winter:
January Eco Giveaway
We kicked off 2010 by awarding 3 of our readers some very cool Eco-Products in a Giveaway Contest to say Thank You to our Readers and Followers in Facebook and Twitter. Congratulations again to
- Michelle from Twitter aka CanadianGoddess, who won a Rebagz Recycled Juice Pack Woven Mini Bag
- Amber from Facebook who won an Envirosax Retro Kitchen 5-Bags-In-1 Pouch
- Lois, a Feed Your Eco reader who won a Klean Kanteen Classic 40oz Water Bottle with Loop Cap and Nylon Sling
Thanks again to everyone who participated and please keep checking in to see when we will be doing our next Eco Giveaway.
We were thrilled when Hudson Valley Life, a magazine/Website serving readers in the Mid-Hudson Valley of New York including Orange, Dutchess, Rockland, Ulster and Sullivan counties chose to feature our Evergreen “Earth” Goblets in their January 2010 article What’s New? New products spark ideas for 2010! Thank you again to the editors of Hudson Valley Life!
We are also grateful to Peggy Rowland ; author of of Treehugging Family on BlissTree.com. Peggy blogged about one of our favorite Herbal Animals Organic product- the Elizabeth Bearette Browning Eye Pillow and recommended it to her readers as a soothing way to relieve headaches and eye strain. Her review can be found in her January 20 article Organic Herbal Eye Pillow in Bear!
In December 2009 we had the good fortune of having our products featured in a number of gift guides including:
Blissfully Domestic- Gift Guide for Fashionable Teens
Planet Green- A Discovery Company
The ScienceBlogs Guide to Holiday Shopping
Thanks to everyone for buzzing about Organic Bug! Feel free to give us a “buzz” anytime-
Make Love. Not Landfill.
February 3, 2010 by Emily
Filed under Good Causes, Recent Posts
If you’re cleaning out your house and find yourself not too sure about what to do with those items covered with dust, we have created a list of some odd household items that you may have never thought to recycle. There are tons of agencies, organizations and programs who would be more than happy to take those unwanted items out of your possession. When in doubt, do some research and find out how you can help people and organizations in need. Here are some items you can and should recycle!
It’s something tha
t we wear everyday, well some of us anyway, but what do you do when it doesn’t fit anymore? Yeah I am talking about your Bra. Yes, I am telling you that you can recycle your Bra! If it doesn’t fit, recycle it! A bra Recycling program called The Bosom Buddy Program is more than willing to take your old bras. The Bosom Buddy Program, started up by a textile recycling company in Arizona gives donated bras to women who need them, through shelters or other programs that help women gain self-sufficiency. So ladies, and perhaps gentlemen who enjoy wearing bras, go clean out your bra drawer and donate them to a good cause!
Enjoy your wine but recycle the rest. Recycled wine corks can be made into flooring tiles, building insulation footwear, bulletin boards, packaging materials, and sports equipment. Natural corks, which are made from the bark of a cork tree, are ideal for recycling because they are renewable, natural, sustainable and energy-efficient. However, synthetic corks are made from petroleum- based products are not accepted for recycling. Companies like Yemm & Hart produce recycled building materials, are are devoted in turning used corks into floor and wall tiles.
It’s about time you clean out that closet, and when you do, make sure to send your gently used items such as board games to people who may enjoy using them. Adult appropriate items can be sent overseas to our U.S. Soldiers through programs such as AnySoldier.com. AnySoldier has a list of items that may be of value to the men and women serving our country. Visit their website and they will tell you what to send and how to send it.
As long as they don’t stink, go through your old shoes and donate your gently used athletic shoes to a good cause. Through the organization Shoe4Africa, your old athletic shoes will be forwarded to athletes in developing countries. A little bit goes a long way and this kind of donation means more than you know.
You probably have an old iPod that you don’t feel comfortable throwing away (which you shouldn’t)! Apple’s commitment to responsible environmental citizenship, includes ensuring that an iPod is properly disposed of at the end of its life. Apple’s Recycling Program covers your iPod or any cell phone regardless if the manufacturer or model. Not to mention you get a 10% discount from your next purchase. Not a bad gig, eh?
It always seems like a good idea at the time to spend a large amount on a formal dress that you know you will probably only wear once. It’s time to clean out those closets and donate those beautiful gowns so someone else can look pretty in them too. Charities such as Glass Slipper Project are more than willing to take those old prom dresses off your hands and out of your closet (making room for your new dresses). The Glass Slipper Project will provide young high school students new formal dresses that they would not have been able to afford otherwise.
Remember back in the day when we used phone books? It’s a hazy memory but I am sure you remember what those are, because they are probably taking up so much space in your kitchen drawers. When you finally get around to cleaning out those drawers, don’t throw those big books away, recycle them! You can go to yellowpages.com/recycle to find out how to dispose of them appropriately.
It’s hard to let go of the past but if you think your ready, we ask you to take out those old trophies, dust them off, kiss them farewell, and send them on their way. Send them to Art Inc. this company will gladly take your old, valuable award and make new art to give to children groups or other causes like the Special Olympics. Don’t worry, you still are #1 even if you don’t have a trophy to prove it 
Last but not least ( but maybe the most surprising) is human hair. Yes, the hair on your head. Well, you can’t recycle the hair still on your head but the hair that comes from your head, you can! Did you know that human hair can be composted? It can also be recycled into dense mats for soaking up oil. Matter of Trust is a public charity started because the Hair for Oil Spills Program in 2000. Very interesting and definitely worth checking out!
If you need more assistance in finding out what to recycle and how visit Earth911
How Would You Like Your Eggs?
January 29, 2010 by Emily
Filed under Green Travel, Recent Posts
Was there ever such a thing as an egg being an egg or have there always been specialty eggs with prices to match? Conventional, free range, organic, cage free… but what does it all mean? Let’s take a closer look at egg labels.
Conventional eggs are packaged with no special labels. However, in regards to the animal’s welfare, less than half a square foot of space is devoted to each hen (which is not even enough room for them to spread their wings) . Typically the diet is unknown or not noted.
Cage Free is pretty much self explanatory and has everything to do with the welfare of the animal and little to do with diet. The hens are free to move as they wish without being confined to a cage or any restricted space. They are able to engage in natural behaviors such as walking and spreading their wings.
Free Range implies that chickens live on thriving green pastures. Also known as Free Roaming.
Organic labels means the hens were fed only organic feed. This could also mean no animal byproducts are found in the feed. They are fed an organic all vegetarian diet, free of antibiotics and pesticides as required by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program. The USDA has to approve it to be organic in order for it to be sealed that way.
Vegetarian means the hens were fed a strict vegetarian diet. However, chickens are in fact omnivores not vegetarians and will naturally eat bugs, and grub. This term has little to no significance to animals living conditions and welfare.
Pastured means the chickens were raised on a pasture. With all access to the sun, grass, bugs, grains and other feed (sounds glamorous doesn’t it…it is).
So now the real question, which type of eggs are the healthiest? The USDA claims that all eggs are equally healthy. However, the input should correlate with the output right?
According to a study done by Mother Earth News, pasteurized eggs have 1/3 less cholesterol, ¼ less saturated fat, 2/3 more vitamin A, 2 times more omega-3 fatty acids, 3 times more vitamin E, 7 times more beta creotene, and 4-6 times more vitamin D.
So, next time you are at the store, take a closer look at the kind of eggs you tend to buy. The things that set the higher price should be taken into consideration (diet and welfare) and are worth the extra buck to make certain you are not only getting the most bang for your buck (nutrition wise) but that you are also supporting farmers that take the welfare of chickens seriously.
1% For the Planet Helps Our Environment One Purchase at a Time
January 28, 2010 by Amy
Filed under Good Causes, Recent Posts
When Patty and Peggy launched Organic Bug; one of their founding principles was to conduct business practices that nurture the delicate “relationship we all have with the Earth, each other and our own inner beings.” In keeping with that pledge- they are active members of a wonderful organization called 1% For the Planet, whose mission is very much in alignment with their ideals: businesses recognizing that industry and ecology are inherently connected.
Since 2002, 1% for the Planet has inspired members of the business community to contribute 1% of their sales to environmental organizations around the world. The group works to connect businesses directly with countless non profits to donate on a local or international scale so the funds will go to a greater good. This movement has led to over 30 million dollars supporting worthy environmental organizations. Organic Bug has chosen to donate 1% of our sales to Healthy Child Healthy World.
1% for the Planet was founded by Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, owner of Blue Ribbon Flies who decided to combine their business savvy with their passion to protect the planet. Their launched the organization in 2002 in San Francisco, California. Twenty-one businesses, including a winery, a coffee company and a guide service signed up as members. Since that time, membership has grown to over 900 and we are proud to be among this elite roster of businesses. To learn more about how to involve your business in this fine organization- visit their site and join their Facebook Page! And know that for each purchase you make with our organization- we will donate 1%, an “Earth Tax” if you will, to a non profit dedicated to preserving the planet.
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Based on their own business models, the two men hatch a plan to encourage more businesses to donate 1% of sales to environmental groups. Yvon calls it an “Earth Tax.” Craig calls it 1% for the Planet. They go with Craig’s idea. |
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1% FTP holds an official launch event at the Patagonia store in San Francisco, California. Twenty-one businesses, including a winery, a coffee company and a guide service sign up as members. Not bad for the first day. |
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A second launch event takes place at the Fly Fishing Retailer show in Denver, Colorado, engaging an industry that understands the connection between business and the environment like few others. Several more members are, um, reeled in. |
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Membership grows steadily by word of mouth, primarily on the West Coast of the United States and in outdoor industry circles. Jack Johnson, in conjunction with his music and film companies, Brushfire Records and The Moonshine Conspiracy, becomes the 50th member of 1% FTP. |
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Jack releases In Between Dreams, displaying the 1% FTP logo on the back of the CD jacket. Yvon authors the book Let My People Go Surfing, which culminates in the story of 1% FTP. The publicity contributes to the signing up of two to three new member companies per week, closing the year at over 200. |
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1% FTP goes prime time as NBC Nightly News features the organization in its Making a Difference series. In partnership with the Charture Institute, the first official 1% FTP local chapter is launched: 1% For The Tetons, in Jackson, Wyoming. The chapter adds 50 members within months. |
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To boost consumer involvement, the 1% FTP logo and web site are overhauled, and the first major print campaign is launched. With the total company membership exceeding 700, including more than 100 European businesses, donations approach $30 million USD. More than one new member company joins every day. The 1% FTP staff also grows—to 4, not including the dog. |
1% for the Planet promotional video – members mentioned from 1% for the Planet on Vimeo.
Breaking the Try-Cycle
January 25, 2010 by Emily
Filed under Lifestyle, Recent Posts
This is the time of the yea
r when we promise to do more of one thing or less of another. We write reminders to ourselves, we tell our friends so they can hold us accountable, we enroll at a gym, we watch what we eat, and we do anything and everything to meet those New Year’s resolutions, except for the things that will actually get us there.But we know that more than half of all New Year’s Resolutions are not met within the first 3 months. This year, lets break the Try-Cycle.
First and foremost, saying one thing and doing another are completely different. You have to start with a plan. With that, you have to define what is being taken on or given up. Then ask yourself, why? What is this going to benefit and how much? This will get you to think about how you measure success.
-Start small. You don’t necessarily need it to be a small goal because it all depends on what it means to you. However, by small we mean, defined. With that being said, make only one defined goal because it’s hard to get what you want if you don’t even know what you want! Choose a goal that is meaningful to you. Internal motivation is going to be your biggest power play that will help you reach your end goal. Choose to take on or give up something that you know benefits YOU and possibly the people around you.
-Write yourself a letter. Visualize yourself having achieved your goal. How does it feel? Address it to yourself and date it and do not open it until that date. When you do this you are getting a dose of that feeling as though you have won and this will create a positive thought process which will kick start the momentum for success.
-Avoid absolutes. Studies have shown that resolutions fail when people vow to “never do that again”. Progress and growth toward an end goal is the healthiest way to go about reaching your goal. Quitting anything cold turkey could be the ultimate set up for failure.
-Treat yourself well and set up a reward process. It’s okay to be firm about how you’re going to achieve your goal but remember you are human. Don’t worry about the setbacks because in this situation, persistence is key. Reward yourself with things that will act as motivators. After all, you do deserve it.
-Write it down and think about how you measure success. What are the pros and cons? What are the obstacles and how do you plan on getting over them? If and when you slip up, who is going to be your motivator to start back up again? Which brings me to my next and most important point…
-Tell everyone. With the support from your family and friends, anything is possible. There is absolutely no shame in not being able to keep your resolution without the help of others motivating you. Get a buddy, join an online community, zero in on a role model who you can aspire to be like. Use your resources and tell everyone you know, so they can hold you accountable and encourage you to meet your end goal.Ultimately, everything you do has to start with controlling what you are thinking, saying and doing. Hopefully, these things will help you think, say and do whatever needs to be done to achieve your goal. Good luck and remember to believe in yourself!
Shake That Thought, Give Yoga A Shot
January 21, 2010 by Emily
Filed under Lifestyle, Recent Posts
We’ve heard it from every angle and we’ve read it on the cover of every magazine, the benefits of yoga and the myths of yoga. If you are a beginner or maybe a little bit skeptical of yoga, we can clear some common misconceptions up for you!
There seems to be a popular misconception that you have to be flexible to do yoga. Sure, yoga has a lot to do with flexibili
ty but that doesn’t mean you should shy away from trying it even if you don’t consider yourself flexible. If you are a beginner, you should start in a beginner’s class, that way you can ease your body into the idea of performing the new yoga moves. Yoga is an individual practice, not a team sport, so your level may be different than that of your friends, remember this is okay! Flexibility from yoga comes with time. You have to begin somewhere so just be patient and consistent and you might surprise yourself at how quickly you will see and feel the results. Some gravitate towards yoga because it is assumed as the new found religion, while others steer clear from it because of any perceived religious affiliations. Either way, yoga should be looked at as a practice to calm the mind, body and soul. Yoga itself is not a religion. It should be looked at as a self meditating practice, to self reflect, to feel the silence of the body and most importantly, to breathe which many of us sometimes forget to do.
Another myth is that yoga is an expensive hobby. It can actually be one of the most inexpensive forms of exercise, if you want it to be! Whether you are in a yoga studio, a park or even in your own home, yoga is yoga. It shouldn’t matter where you are doing it, as long as you are doing it. Think about it, you may be spending 20-60 a month on a gym membership when you can practice yoga for free in your backyard! Not to mention all the energy you are saving by not using heavy powered machines as a part of your daily workout.Many assume that yoga will not give you a workout because it is not considered cardiovascular activity. However, it is a different type of work out, which still gets your heart rate dancing. It is also very good for your heart and lungs as you learn how to inhale and exhale properly.
So bottoms up to a healthy you in 2010. Now that the misconceptions have been cleared up you can be on your way to one of the most invigorating and relaxing workouts your body deserves!
The most important piece s of equipment you need for doing yoga are your body and your mind
- Rodney Yee
If you need any yoga equipment, we have a variety of great eco friendly yoga products! Check them out!
Organic Bug Artist Spotlight: Nancy Epstein from Ubuntu Jewelry
January 20, 2010 by Amy
Filed under Buzz, Recent Posts
This month, I would like for you to meet Nancy Epstein- the artist behind the stunning and socially conscious Ubuntu Jewelry and one of the new brands we have added to the Organic Bug collection to spread the message of unity and compassion. Ubuntu Jewelry embodies the concept of making a social statement through fashion- and speaks to that part in each of us that yearns for acceptance and social change.
We were inspired by Nancy’s story of how she came to create the Ubuntu line. She enjoyed a highly successful career for over 20 years as a specialty gift designer creating innovative giftware and fine jewelry for some of the worlds biggest retail companies. However, she felt she had a “greater calling” and made the decision to leave her career behind so she could find ways to use her talents to make a positive change in our society. From there Ubuntu was created and she has not looked back.
She chose the name Ubuntu because the African Bantu concept of Ubuntu means “no one
Ubuntu Signature Oxidized Sterling Silver Peace Pendant on Rolo Chain
is whole without the other”. The idea of this philosophy, the embodiment of peace and harmony, inspired Nancy to combine symbols in her designs representing oneness and unity of the human spirit.
Taking her design initiative one step further, Nancy donates 10% of sales between two notable organizations. Religions for Peace is the largest international coalition of representatives from the world’s great religions dedicated to promoting peace. 1% For The Planet uses market forces to drive positive environmental change by inspiring companies to donate.
Ubuntu is the essence of being human. Ubuntu Jewelry is the essence of you.
About Ubuntu Jewelry Symbols
Hindu Aum (also spelled Om)~is a sacred sound that mystically embodies the essence the entire universe~the root of everything that exists.
Islam Star and Crescent~not necessarily recognized as a traditional Islam symbol, this symbol is not Muslim in origin. It was a polytheistic icon adopted during the spread of Islam, historically known as the insignia
of the Ottoman Empire, not of Islam as a whole. Certainly the best known symbol used to represent Islam.
Jewish Star of David~or Shield of David is a relatively new Jewish symbol but is the universally recognized symbol of Jewry.
Christian Cross~the empty cross reminds Christians of the resurrection, a reminder of Christ’s sacrifice.
Female/Male Gender Equality~World bodies have defined gender equality as related to human rights, especially women’s rights, and economic development to level the playing field for girls and women by insuring that all children have equal opportunity to develop.
Taoist Yin Yang~a Chinese representation of two poles of cosmic energy and by their fluctuation they are believed to be the cause of the universe.
Buddhist Lotus Flower~its pattern of growth (rising up far above the muddy waters to bask in the sunlight) signifies the progress of the soul from the primeval mud of materialism through the waters of experience and into the bright sunshine of enlightenment.
Find out more about Ubuntu and Nancy on her myspace and facebook pages.
