Green Toys & The Green Glass Company are as Green as a Company Can Get!
March 12, 2010 by Amy
Filed under News + Opinion, Recent Posts
Our St. Patrick’s Day COLOR ME GREEN GIVEAWAY was announced this week; so I felt like this would be an appropriate time to spotlight 2 of our favorite “Green Companies” in the Organic Bug family. Honestly, we don’t play favorites- but in honor of St. Patty’s Day- Green Toys and The Green Glass company is about as green as they come!
Green Toys
Green Toys makes a line of eco-friendly classic toys that are free of phthalates or Bispenol-A (BPA). These unique toys are constructed from recycled milk containers. Founders Robert von Goeben and Laurie Hyman created this company out of their desire to provide consumers with an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastic toys while making an effort to improve and preserve the world around us. Their toys have been nationally recognized by media, and have won awards from Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, Dr. Toys, and Fat Brian. We love them because they have adopted environmentally sustainable practices into their manufacturing by:
- Doing business locally. Their operations are located within close proximity of one another in California, helping to further reduce its carbon footprint by avoiding long transportation distances.
- Packaging their products in recycled corrugated boxes with no plastics, cellophane or twist-ties.
- The toys themselves are 100% recyclable too. So, not only are they earth-friendly they are ready for your recycling bin.
See for yourself in their You Tube video:
What’s so special about the Green Glass Company you ask?
They are committed to using recycled materials: Discarded bottles that would have ended up in landfills are transformed into usable and gorgeous pieces of glassware.
The glasses are works of art: Each glass from our featured prize, The Green Glass Company “Copenhagen” Tumbler Set is made from an emerald green Carlsberg beer bottle. The slight variations of color and shape make each glass a unique character and bring out the magic of the set!
Made in the USA Baby! While this glassware is collected are enjoyed on tables all over the world- they are made in a glass studio located in the peaceful woodlands of Northern Wisconsin.
They are committed to preserving our natural resources. Owners Christa Donohue and Brian Roome ensure that every step of the process is done in the most environmentally friendly manner possible.
Their quality is superior: Each piece of glassware is produced with great attention to detail. The Green Glass Company uses their own unique process to convert these bottles into reusable drinking glasses. This commitment to high quality has helped to make The Green glass Company has the largest producer of reclaimed glassware in the world.
to a lucky winner And, as you may have heard- we will be giving away a Green Glass Company “Copenhagen” Tumbler Set and a Green Toys Recycled Plastic Dump Truck on Wednesday March 17. Be sure to check the contest rules so you may also enter for a chance to win!
Equal rights, equal opportunities: Progress for all…Celebrate International Women’s Day Today!
March 8, 2010 by Amy
Filed under Good Causes, Recent Posts
Today, (March 
is International Women’s Day- a global celebration of the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. This event has been observed since in the early 1900’s and each year brings a new theme.
What is the IWD theme for 2010? Equal rights, equal opportunities: Progress for all
Today- I challenge you to take a few moments to learn about the history of International Womens Day and reflect on what it means. Here is a moving video that reminds us there is still much work to. I hope you share this post with women in your life who you admire and celebrate today!
Rebagz is Changing the World With Style
March 5, 2010 by Amy
Filed under Lifestyle, Organic Bug Spotlight, Recent Posts
Each month, we highlight artists, companies and products that truly exemplify what the Organic Bug mission is all about. This month we have chosen to feature Rebagz Eco-Chic Handbags…a line of brightly colored durable totes, packs, handbags and wallets made from woven recycled juice packs, recycled nylon rice sacks, recycled paper and PET plastic.
It is incredible how easily trash can be transformed into an array of eco-chic fashion statements! One of our favorite pieces from the Rebagz collection is the super stylish Carry Anything Anywhere Bag and we want to share a chance to WIN one of these multi-purpose totes with our loyal Organic Bug friends.
To enter for a chance to win this coveted bag (a $94 value) be sure to visit- How to Win! Giveaway – Organic Bug – Rebagz Carry Anything Anywhere Bag – Ends 3/14/10
Here are some of the many reasons we love Rebagz! And, if you don’t already own one, you will definitely want one when you see how eco- and human-friendly the company is:
1. Rebagz handbags are manufactured using fair trade guidelines: The manufacturer in the Philippines is committed to paying employees a fair wage and providing a safe and healthy work environment….in other words, this is a company that puts people first. By supporting Rebagz, you are contributing to the financial well-being of the women they employ, along with their families and their community at large.
2. Rebagz handbags are environmentally sustainable: Made using recycled juice packs, rice sacks, paper + PET plastic, each Rebagz design incorporates lots of eco-friendly materials. Even the loop and button closure on the Carry Anything Anywhere Bag is expertly crafted from woven recycled juice packs.
Recycling uses less energy, decreasing oil dependence; reduces landfill, curbing leaching of contaminants into the soil and water supply; and improves air quality through the reduction of toxic incinerator emissions.
3. Rebagz handbags are well made and functional: The entire collection of Juicy Hand Woven bags are water resistant, easy to clean, and durable! The Carry Anything Anywhere Bag is so versatile you’ll wonder what you ever did without one. Since it is unlined it can easily be wiped clean inside and out making it useful for just about anything: gardening, the beach, a gym bag, overnight bag, shopping bag, commuter tote, the list goes on & on!
4. There is a fabulous Rebagz Eco-Chic Handbag for every occasion: Beautiful detailing, vibrant, fashionable and functional are just some of the ways to describe these amazing creations. Larger bags are multi-purpose, mid-size bags are the perfect size for bopping around town and mini bags can do double time as wristlets or cosmetics travel bags!
Learn more about the talented Rebagz creator, Marty Stevens-Heebner, on our Rebagz Brands Page and hear Marty in her own words below!
Organic Bug Spotlight On Healthy Child Healthy World
February 25, 2010 by Amy
Filed under Good Causes, Recent Posts
It is exceptionally rewarding to work with an company whose mission is to carefully examine the materials that are in our products to ensure they are natural, organic, safe, environmentally sustainable and free of harmful chemicals that are frequently found in seemingly harmless every day products.A Wake-Up Story from Healthy Child Healthy World on Vimeo.
Six Weeks Later….Rebuilding Haiti Will Continue for Years to Come
February 22, 2010 by Amy
Filed under Good Causes, News + Opinion, Recent Posts
The Artists from Caribbean Craft are Accounted for!
It has been 6 weeks since a devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake rippled through Haiti resulting in one of the largest humanitarian crisis in years. While much progress has been made to rescue and rebuild what is left from the disastrous quake and its unforgiving aftershocks; there is still much work and healing to be done.
Days after the event occurred, I posted a list of reputable organizations who needed donations to rebuild in Demonstrating Compassionate Action to Haiti’s Earthquake Victims and expressed concern for the artisans from Caribbean Craft, a Haitian group of artists who create some of our favorite home decor pieces using recycled oil drums.
I am relieved to share this update from Gifts with Humanity, the retail arm of our importer. We have been told that they have indeed heard from all their Haitian artisans from Caribbean Craft! They are all accounted for, one with a foot injury. Unfortunately they have no idea when they can resume production because of the conditions and lack of facilities to import the oil drums to recycle into their art…which is the situation thousands of survivors are now finding themselves in; the lack of resources means they cannot find employment at this time.
Green America’s Green Business Network recently shared their updates on the Haitian recover efforts with their members:
….I want to share with you a couple ways that our members and colleagues are pulling together to help the survivors of the devastating earthquake in Haiti. Our hearts are heavy as we see the suffering and feel so inadequate. There’s both immediate disaster recovery to do as well longer term rebuilding work.
First, our allies like Mercy Corps and Haiti Partners are working on addressing key issues such as clean water and shelter. Network for Good has put together a list of organizations on the ground doing direct work today.
Second, we’d like to point you to the resources in our online community investing center for ways you can invest to help Haiti rebuild over time. By searching for “Haiti,” a number of investment organizations will be there—Fonkoze and Accion International on providing microfinance to Calvert and Mennonite Economic Development Associates on providing loan programs.
I am posting links from this article in our side column Rebuild Haiti. For those of us who are blessed with good health and income, my hope is that will continue to send our support their way to take on this massive undertaking. Helping to rebuild Haiti into a stronger nation and eradicating the poor and desperate conditions will have a positive long term impact on our global culture as a whole.
Organic Bug February Featured Artist: Chef Caren Weaver of Truly Wize Organic Bakery
February 9, 2010 by Amy
Filed under Buzz, Recent Posts
Each month, it is my pleasure to spotlight an Organic Bug artist who exemplifies our commitment to bringing healthier and more sustainable options to the marketplace. Peggy and I felt like February would be the perfect month to spotlight Chef Caren Weaver of Truly Wize Organic Bakery.
using 100% premium organic ingredients in her exquisite creations handbaked in her Pennsylvania kitchen. Premium organic ingredients offer superior quality, taste, nutrition and freshness, while sustainable agriculture promotes the healthy cultivation of soil, crop rotation and irrigation plus it is free of harmful pesticides, chemical fertilizers, steroids and hormones. It’s a win-win situation! On top of all that, Truly Wize Organic Bakery partners with local organic farmers as much as possible in order to keep things truly fresh and truly eco-wise and uses sustainable packaging for her baked goods.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-
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.
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.
Demonstrating Compassionate Action to Haiti’s Earthquake Victims
January 18, 2010 by Amy
Filed under Good Causes, News + Opinion, Recent Posts
Since learning about the 7.0 Magnitude Earthquake that ruptured Haiti one week ago, my heart has grown heavier each day as I see the images on the news and listen to the horrific tales of desperation.Thank you so much for your love and concern for the poor of Haiti. We still don’t have much to report on the earthquake – communication is difficult because of phones aren’t working. I’ve been in touch with Bette and Sister Maryann, who are safe. The Clinic also appears fine. Jeremie is about 100 miles from the epicenter of the earthquake – however, they DID feel it – the ground shook for about 20 seconds and there were aftershocks throughout the night.
Reports are still coming in – but we do know that buildings have been reported as damaged or destroyed, and it’s certain that the rickety housing of the poor has suffered – flimsy even in good weather - however, we are just praying that there are no injuries or deaths.
We are trying to contact all of our staff and volunteers in Haiti – some of whom are in Port au Prince. Nearly all have relatives and friends in Port au Prince, so they are all very worried. I hope to be able to have some more news soon – please know that I have relayed the absolute love and concern that has been pouring out by email… We will we assessing injuries and damage, but it will take a while – we care for 225,000 people in 100 rural villages – some as far away as 18 hours by foot.
Communication is very difficult to the most rural areas. We do ask for your continued support – if you would like to help, any donations towards our Earthquake Emergency Fund would be appreciated. As I said, we are still assessing the problems, but we will be sure that your gifts go towards the most needy. Thank you again,
Marilyn Lowney Haitian HealthFoundation
Here are some ways you can help:
This organization has extensive experience responding to disasters of this magnitude. Many of CARE’s staff in Haiti include emergency personnel who were part of the response to the devastating Hurricane Hanna in 2008. CARE began working in Haiti in 1954 to provide relief assistance after Hurricane Hazel. Today CARE’s work in Haiti includes projects in HIV/AIDS, reproductive health, maternal and child health, education, food security, and water and sanitation. CARE’s Haiti Emergency Response Fund will help address the immediate needs of the survivors of this unprecedented disaster.
Donate to the Haitian Health Foundation Earth Quake Fund (referenced in the letter above) . This organization provides healthcare for the poor in rural Haiti. HHF’s mission is to improve the health and well-being of the poor, the sick and the infirm of Jeremie, and to break the bonds of poverty, which tie so many Haitians to a life of great deprivation.
Donate to UNICEF’s Haitian relief effort
Donate to the Red Cross by going to their site or Text “HAITI” to “90999″ to donate $10 to the Red Cross (easy and fast).
I imagine as the days pass- there will be more to share; but please do whatever you can and remind your friends to help as well.
