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!
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.
Wrap With Care, Save the Polar Bear!
February 23, 2010 by Emily
Filed under Good Causes, Recent Posts
Unlike natural extinctions, plants and animals are disappearing at a rapid rate because of one species: us. Did you know there are now 6.8 billion people and the number is expected to reach 9 billion by 2050?
To help people understand the impact of overpopulation and to give them a chance to take action in their own lives, the Center for Biological Diversity created a unique campaign to draw attention to the problems of overpopulation.
The Center in Arizona distributed free packets of Endangered Species Condoms representing six endangered species: the polar bear, the snail darter, spotted owl, American burying beetle, jaguar and the coqui guajon rock frog. The campaign launched on Valentine’s Day, and over 3,000 volunteers distributed over 100,000 condoms to encourage people to “hump smarter, save the snail darter”.
The condoms are being distributed in each of the 50 states to highlight how unsustainable human population growth is driving species extinct at a disastrously rapid rate. The aesthetically pleasing packages which feature clever slogans can be found in bars, supermarkets, schools, local events and you can even order a free package from their website (not to mention 5 people will be chosen to win a lifetime supply of rubbers). They are distributed to anyone ranging from college students, to grandmothers, to ministries, to healthcare providers. Each package contains two condoms, original artwork and information on that species including facts about overpopulation and the extinction crisis as well as suggestions on how the human population can be stabilized.
The comedic approach is to catch people’s attention, get them to laugh and hopefully get them to talk about overpopulation which is happening right here, right now.
The campaign works to ensure a world that is livable for other species by encouraging people to practice responsible reproduction.
To learn more about the Center’s campaign
To enter to win a lifetime supply of condoms.
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.
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
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.
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.
How Will You Serve Your Communtity on King Day of Service 2010?
January 15, 2010 by Amy
Filed under Good Causes, Recent Posts
“January 18, 2010 is King Day of Service a day ON, not a day off.”
On Monday, January 18- millions of American organizations close so that their employees, students, volunteers etc can observe Martin Luther King, Jr Holiday- commonly referred to as “MLK Day”. Since 1986, this federal holiday is observed in our country on the third Monday of January each year to mark King’s birthday, January 15 but it was not observed by all 50 states until the year 2000. Because the holiday is still relatively new, traditions to observe are still evolving.
In 1994- Congress designated the King Holiday a national day of service and the King Day of Service has grown every year since that time. In 2009 President Obama very publicly urged our nation to observe the call to service which resulted in a record number of Americans turned out to honor Dr. King by helping their neighbors and communities. It was reported that more than one million volunteers served on 13,000 projects taking place in all 50 states.
Many of us think of a holiday as a day off- and in the dead of winter it is very tempting to stay in; read a book, watch movies, etc. But perhaps it is time for more of us to actively participate in King Day of Service- and encourage our friends and neighbors to do the same.
What better way to honor the courage and selfless devotion that Dr. King exemplified and inspired in an entire generation than to give back to your community in any way that you can? King Day of Service is a symbol of how Dr. King’s legendary dream is still alive and unfolding.
This MLK Day Toolkit is designed to provide you with the information you need to create projects and events in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life through the MLK Day of Service.
Check out some of the media coverage from 2009 about the President and First Lady’s participation, interviews with volunteers, and footage of service projects. Please tell us how you are planning to serve on King Day of Service 2010 on our Facebook Page.
UN Human Rights Chief Urges an End to Discrimination in Honor of Human Rights Day
December 6, 2009 by Amy
Filed under Good Causes, Recent Posts
“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights”.
These are the first few words of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights established 61 years ago this week. This sentence has evolved into the basic premise of international human rights law.
December 10, 2009 marks the 61rst anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) that set down the basic principles at the very heart of the human rights movement. UN Human Rights chief, Navi Pillay wants Human Rights Day 2009 to focus on non-discrimination. “Let’s embrace our diversity and put an end to discrimination,” Pillay says.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights has enabled remarkable progress in human rights, inspiring international human rights standards, laws and institutions that have improved the lives of many around the world. It proclaims that every individual on earth has fundamental rights that deserve protection. The UDHR includes the right to be free from racial discrimination, the right to think and write what you choose, and the right to fair working conditions.
In this video, Navi Pillay urges us to end discrimination and preserve universal ideals of human dignity. Please visit the United Nations for Human Rights site to learn more about this day and how you can become involved in events in your community.
“Discrimination lies at the root of many of the world’s most pressing
human rights problems. No country is immune from this
scourge. Eliminating discrimination is a duty of the
highest order.”
Navi Pillay
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
Organic Bug Product Spotlight: The BAT Shop Bracelets are Sustainable & Wearable Art
November 25, 2009 by Amy
Filed under Buzz, Good Causes, Recent Posts
We are kicking off the traditional holiday shopping season by giving kudos and shining a spotlight on a well deserved company. Many of our customers have been raving about our newest vendor, The Bartel Arts Trust aka- “The Bat Shop” based in Based in Durban, South Africa. We recently added their stunning Telephone Wire Bangle Bracelets to our collection and I have to admit these have become one of my favorites!
Part of our mission is to support companies who exemplify fair trade practices, sustainable product development and respect for cultural diversity. The BAT Shop is a shining example of an organization that practices all of the above. The company is made up of over 400 artists from four communities across KwaZulu-Natal who are able to support their craft and their livelihood because of the work they do. The focus of the BAT Shop is on local arts, culture, crafts and entertainment that reflect the Zulu, Indian and Western heritage of KwaZulu-Natal.
The BAT Shop Telephone Wire Bangle Bracelets are an innovative design made from telephone wire that is woven together to create a dazzling, colorful and fashionable accessory that will last for years. Should I mention we are not the only ones who think this product is wonderful? The bangle bracelets also graced all of Diane Von Furstenburg’s models during Fashion Week debuting her Spring 2010 Collection! Watch video below:
