St. Patrick’s Day COLOR ME GREEN GIVEAWAY, March 17, 2010
March 10, 2010 by Emily
Filed under Buzz, Recent Posts
Before you head off to drink green organic beer at your local Pub Crawl on St. Patty’s Day, join our shenanigans on Twitter! Our GIVEAWAY has a new twist this time around so pay attention!
Our crafty Organic Bugs want you to get to know us a little better. So, on St. Patrick’s Day I will pose 2 questions (something like~what are some of our favorite products, what specials are we having, what are some gift ideas we love~you get the idea) at 2 different times during the day on Twitter and you can go find the answers on Organic Bug!
On St. Patrick’s Day, Wednesday, March 17th, I will tweet the first question on Twitter @OrganicBug at 1pm EST and the second question will follow at 3pm EST.
How to Participate:
- First make sure to follow me on Twitter @OrganicBug
- Watch for the 2 contest questions that I will ask on Twitter March 17th at 1pm and 3pm EST.
- Visit Organic Bug to find the answer.
- Tweet the correct answer and the 10th person to answer correctly WINS*! Include #ecogiveaway as your hashtag. Your tweet will look something like this:
@OrganicBug The answer to question 1 is… #ecogiveaway
And yes, it is possible for the same person to be the winner of both prizes IF you answer both questions correctly and happen to be the 10th person to do so for each question.
And yes, we will ship your prize to most addresses in the US including Alaska, Hawaii + US Territories, APO/FPO + Canada.
We will notify the winners via Twitter and winners will be posted on our Feed Your Eco Blog!
*Winners have 48 hours to respond to our notification with shipping information otherwise another winner will be chosen.
Now that you’re all jazzed up, see what GREEN goodies you can win during our St. Patrick’s Day COLOR ME GREEN GIVEAWAY!
Prize #1: The Green Glass Company is committed to preserving our natural resources so they developed a process to turn reclaimed bottles into usable glassware! You can win a set of “Copenhagen” Tumblers made from the bottom portion of Carlsberg beer bottles. They are fun, festive, unique and Green in more ways than one! Set of 4 emerald green 8-ounce glasses valued at $33
Prize #2: Green Toys set out to provide parents with a healthy alternative to traditional plastic toys. And so they have with a line of rough ‘n tumble plastic toys made from recycled milk jugs! Green Toys are not only healthy for kids, they put less stress on good ole mother Earth. You can win a recycled plastic Recycling Truck that not only teaches youngsters about recycling~it is recyclable, too! Interactive toy truck valued at $25
So, join the shenanigans on Wednesday, March 17th! I’ll tweet the first question at 1pm EST and the second question at 3pm EST. Go ahead and mark your calendar; set an alarm for 2 chances to win!
Dance as if no one were watching,
Sing as if no one were listening,
And live every day as if it were your last.
–Irish Saying
Let the games begin!
Music Scene Goes Green
February 27, 2010 by Emily
Filed under Buzz, Recent Posts
By nature, the touring industry has a negative impact on the environment because of the combined carbon footprint of tours, concerts, videos and albums. We are left to wonder, is there anything really green about the music scene? There wasn’t until Guster’s vocalist/guitarist Adam Gardner and his wife, Lauren Sullivan, founded Reverb- an environmental organization devoted to greening the music industry. Since its start-up in 2004, Reverb cut more than 67,000 tons of carbon from the music industry and greened 81 tours by creating outreach displays at concerts, partnering up with environmentalist groups, offering bio diesel fuel for vehicles, and encouraging recycling and waste reduction. Taking Reverb one step further, the couple started the Green Music Group, a project created to inspire environmental change. The GMG launched on January 30, 2010 and is founded by a team of musicians, fans, record labels, and music industry leaders who seek to inspire environmental change through powerful music performances that spread awareness of global issues. With the support of founding members (including Dave Mathews Band, Linkin Park, The Roots, Sheryl Crow, Barenaked Ladies, Bonnie Raitt and Maroon 5), GMG wants to “make big changes by targeting small tasks to use the collective power of the music community to take action and bring about universal environmental change”.
So what does the future look like for GMG and the music industry? We can expect to see new eco-friendly standards for venues, labels and tours, green grants given to up- and-coming artists, environmental challenges aimed at members and prizes donated to groups.
If you want to support positive environmental action within the music industry you can sign up to become a part of the GMG crew. To show their appreciation, you are automatically entered to win an autographed eco-friendly guitar and you will even receive a free song from the launch session. Not a bad gig, eh?
Stay up to date by following the Green Music Group on Twitter!
Become a fan of the Green Music Group on Facebook
Check out this video from the Launch Event!
Need an Incentive to Go Solar?
February 24, 2010 by Crystal
Filed under Buzz, Recent Posts
Going green has been a trending topic for years now, and our hopes is it won’t be a trend but a way of life. One state has implemented a bill that is allowing us to move away from coal and focus more on the use of alternative energy.
solar panel
In the state of California, a bill was implemented where a home owner using solar panels could sell their excess energy back to the utilities company. When the law was first issued, a cap of 2.5 percent of the total utilities energy was allowed to be purchased from homeowners, however recently they increased the cap to 5 percent.
Not only is this a major benefit for our beautiful planet and hopefully a lead other states will follow, but it is a plus for the homeowners who’s monthly utilities bills’ may go from $100 to as little as a dollar a month. Also, this action will create green job growth within the state of California, helping with their current state. Bill author Assembly member Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley) said, “California leads the nation in solar energy, accounting for more than 65 percent of the all the solar installed in the U.S. Net metering has been absolutely fundamental to that success. The passage of this bill means continued green job growth, further energy bill savings, progress in the fight against climate change, and a brighter future for California.”
To learn more about this bill, check out the press release.
Less is More
February 16, 2010 by Emily
Filed under Buzz, Recent Posts
Between the Saints winning the Super bowl and today being Fat Tuesday, Louisiana’s excitement has been taken to a whole new level. Despite the threat of rain and chilly temperatures, Mardi Gras events are going on as planned. Millions of people stand shoulder to shoulder in the streets of New Orleans to take part in the festive parades and to watch in awe the extravagant floats that fill the streets. This year, artist Catherine Pears impresses many by taking Mardi Gras to a whole new level by turning it green.
Recycling is something the eco artist Pea
rs surely takes seriously. Not only does she see the benefits of recycling but to her, the most obvious ways of recycling is to reduce and reuse, which is exactly what she did to create this year’s Mardi Gras float. The float features three women-the 3 graces- made from scratch out of cloth, wire, fiberglass and other random objects. The eyelashes on the women are made from old worn out paint brushes, the cloth that was used was left over from previous projects, and the wire came straight from a metal scrap yard. She’s not even ashamed to admit that she will pick up things from the side of the road if she thinks it will be useful, like dead tennis balls and pieces of styrofoam. She even used old latex paint, creating a float that is as environmentally sound as possible. We appreciate Catherine Pears and give her major kudos for her ability to conserve resources and turn Mardi Gras green.
Now, who said it ain’t easy being green?
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-
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.
Eco-Giveaway!
January 12, 2010 by Crystal
Filed under Buzz, Recent Posts
Organic Bug Eco-Giveaway ● Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Three ways to enter: Twitter ● Facebook ● Feed Your Eco Blog
To get 2010 off on the right foot, Organic Bug is giving away 3 very cool Eco-Products, absolutely FREE! We thought it would be a fun deviation from the cold weather and give you a chance to get some free goodies, too.
The more entries the better your chances! Enter as many times as you like anytime Wednesday, January 13, 2010! Here’s what you can WIN:
Envirosax Retro Kitchen 5-Bags-In-1 Pouch ($27 value)
Rebagz Recycled Juice Pack Woven Mini Bag ($28 value)
Klean Kanteen Classic 40oz Water Bottle with Loop Cap and Nylon Sling ($34 value)
So, if you’re up for a little fun, read on!
HOW TO ENTER:
● Make sure you are following me on Twitter: @organicbug
● Become a FAN of our Facebook Page
Then you can enter 3 ways! The more entries the better your chances of winning:
- Tweet “I entered the Organic Bug Eco-Giveaway, here’s how you can, too! Via @organicbug http://ow.ly/VJoV “ (1 entry)
- Post to our Facebook Page Wall: “I entered the Organic Bug Eco-Giveaway, here’s how you can, too! Via @organicbug http://ow.ly/VJoV (1 entry)
- Leave a comment on our Feed Your Eco Blog why you should win one of our fabulous eco-products today! (this is worth 3 entries)
The three participants with the most entries overall will be chosen as our lucky winners the day following the contest, Thursday, January 14, 2010 at 12 noon EST. We will notify you via Twitter and/or Facebook PLUS the winners will be posted on our blog!
See you on Twitter!
Peggy
You Are What You Eat
January 6, 2010 by Emily
Filed under Buzz, Recent Posts, Travel
What is small, sticky and found at the grocery store on your fresh produce?
If you guessed the PLU code then you are correct! But what exactly is the PLU code anyway? Besides an easy way for the checkout computer to identify your purchase, the PLU code has so much more meaning that you should be of. The PLU code is found
in grocery stores on produce that is sold in bulk. It stands for the Price Look Up Code and is determined by the International Federation for Produce Standards. The produce either has a 4 or 5 digit code printed on a little sticker and then is applied directly to the produce.
Next time you’re at the store, pay close attention to the PLU code. Here’s why, all organic produce will have a 5 digit code beginning with the number 9 while the conventional produce will have a 4 digit code which begins with the number 4. Genetically Modified Produce (GMO) has a 5 digit PLU number that begins with the number 8.
Most people know the difference between buying organic or not. However, do you know and understand what GMO produce is and where it comes from?
Long story short, in 1992 bio tech companies thought consumers would buy more genetically altered food and since they believed that’s what we wanted, they put a label on it so it can be found easily. The number 8 was added to the beginning of their code, which is perfect for us to now know what NOT to buy! Anything beginning with the number 8! The industry soon realized that we weren’t biting the GMO bait and quickly and decided to remove the number 8 as a part of their code, making it hard to distinguish genetically modified produce.
Ironically, organic producers must follow strict rules to be able to label their foods as “organic”. The most interesting and shocking part of all of this, is companies producing GMO (and let me remind you that means genetically altered foods) do not have labeling restrictions. Now, does that make sense to you?
President Obama has recently stated that he supports mandatory labeling of GMO foods. If you would like to sign the petition, visit www.responsibletechnology.org
Organic Bug Artist Spotlight: Josh Jakus- Founder of FUZ
January 5, 2010 by Amy
Filed under Buzz, Recent Posts
A new year brings more new artists and designs to the Organic Bug family. We were thrilled to add FUZ; an innovative line of modern home accessories to our sustainable collection. Designer Josh Jakus of Berkeley, California is the artist behind these smart and elegant pieces for the home. His work is inspired by the connection between form and function.
Josh embraces what he calls a “strict material sensibility~using materials in their simplest form so intrinsic qualities show through~and a rigorous design efficiency that strives to get the most impact out of the fewest moves.”
We are not surprised to learn that Josh is an architect by training with an M.Arch from UC Berkeley. Studying architecture was a way to continue his lifelong interest in the nature of structure, space and materials. With his understanding of the built environment and how it is inhabited, coupled with his innate curiosity and passion for pushing the envelope, Josh founded his design practice in 2005. He began by designing pressed wool felt UM Handbags made from industrial factory excess and went on to experiment with other post-industrial waste materials. Some of his current products the Josh Jakus FUZ Winepocket made from recycled grey wool from factory excess (featured on our homepage) and (I love this one!) the 6-Pack Set of Coasters made from recycled rubber from tires and other factory excess.
All of the Josh Jakus collections are made in the USA. By producing small batches to meet customer demand, the 
company not only stays lean and local, they can better oversee quality and offer reasonable pricing that remains competitive. This labor of love keeps Josh in the driver’s seat and I, for one, am happy to ride along and enjoy the scenery.
Happiest making things that are meant to be used, he hopes his functional designs will attempt to foster a more intuitive understanding of all objects in the people who use them.
