St. Patrick’s Day COLOR ME GREEN GIVEAWAY, March 17, 2010

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 17^th, I will tweet the first question on Twitter @OrganicBug at 1pm EST and the second question will follow at 3pm EST.

How to Participate:

1. First make sure to follow me on Twitter @OrganicBug
2. Watch for the 2 contest questions that I will ask on Twitter March 17^th at 1pm and 3pm EST.
3. Visit Organic Bug to find the answer.
4. Tweet the correct answer and the 10^th 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 10^th 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 17^th! 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!

Rebagz is Changing the World With Style

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

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

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

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.

A former New York chef, she trained at the Culinary Institute of America where she mastered the practice of utilizing pure, fresh ingredients. Add Caren’s years of organic food research and her commitment to creating healthier baked good options for her children to the mix: you have a recipe for a true eco-success story that is getting some national attention……

What distinguishes Truly Wize Organic Bakery?  We love that Caren insists on 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.

The gourmet eco-friendly gifts are always made from scratch and baked to order. (Not to mention these goodies are ideal Valentines Day treats for friends, family and your sweetheart).

To learn more about this Organic Bug featured artist, check out a recent video from The Pittsburgh Channel: Go Green With ‘Truly Wize’ Cookies

Be sure to check our blog each month for a new Organic Bug featured artist and let us know who your favorite Organic Bug artist is!

Eco-Giveaway!

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:

1. Tweet “I entered the Organic Bug Eco-Giveaway, here’s how you can, too! Via @organicbug http://ow.ly/VJoV “ (1 entry)
2. 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)
3. 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

Go Green on Hallo-Ween!

Ghosts, goblins, vampires OH MY! It’s that time of year again to invest in Halloween supplies. However, this year there are many ways to make it eeeko-fashionable by making Halloween code green for the environment.

Get creative and try DIY costumes. You will be surprised at how many ideas can spring from things lying around the house whether it be objects for props or items of clothes that can be transformed. We suggest you rummage through thrift stores to get the biggest bang for your buck or ask a friend to swap costumes from last year. If you want to take it to the next level, host a Halloween costume exchange with all your friends.

If you are hosting parties try to avoid disposables- cups, napkins, plates, tablecloths.

Recycle your broken LED string lights by contacting LED.com (you’ll even receive 15% discount coupon, woot!).

Choose 100% beeswax or soy candles because candled made of paraffin wax emit over 11 toxins when lit!

Buy your pumpkin from a farmers market.

Don’t waste your pumpkin skin when you are done carving your jack-o-lantens. Turn the mush into a fabulous pumpkin soup. After using as much as the pumpkin as possible, we recommend that you compost carved pumpkins and any other leftover Halloween candy.

Hopefully these tips help you host a green Halloween for you and your friends and family to enjoy. Don’t forget to Tweet about your Halloween eeeko friendly ideas so others can enjoy a green Halloween J

Organic Bug Product Spotlight: Piggy Paint™ Nail Polish

Organic Bug recently added a unique new product that we simply adore.   Piggy Paint™ Nail Polish is an environmentally friendly,  non toxic nail polish we featured last week when we announced that we are offering Piggy Paint’s Fight Breast Cancer Gift Set to honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Piggy Paint donates a portion of every purchase directly to Susan G. Komen for the Cure PLUS Melanie (Piggy Paint’s fabulous founder) donates a bottle of nail polish and nail polish remover to a woman currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer!   In addition, Organic Bug will be donating 10 percent of its sales of Piggy Paint’s Fight Breast Cancer Gift Set to the local Relay for Life event that will happen in April of 2010 in New Smyrna Beach, Florida.

We love this product because it is safe and ideal to use on children (and adults too) because it is water-based and made from natural ingredients.  The product was invented by Melanie Hurley- whose 2 young girls love to dress up and have Mommy paint their finger nails & toes. As she applied the coats of polish to her girls’ nails, she realized the awful fumes were just too overwhelming-even on polishes that claimed to be safe for children.

At one point, she accidentally spilled some polish onto a disposable plate and realized to her horror that the same polish she was putting on her daughters’ nails had eaten right through that plate.  At that moment, she set out to create a nail polish that was nonflammable and made from natural ingredients- thus Piggy Paint was born.   Piggy Paint is a water-based polish completely free of formaldehyde, toluene, phthalates, biphenyl A, ethyl acetate and acetone.  The product is even getting some Hollywood attention! Celebrities such as Tori Spelling had the gals from Piggy Paint on hand to paint nails during her daughter’s 1st birthday party, and the product been featured on numerous blogs and magazines including  Celebrity Baby’s Blog, and Celebrity Baby Scoop.

As Melanie says about her product- “It’s as natural as mud in the sense that every ingredient is biodegradable with no residues left behind to harm the environment.”  Hope you enjoy!

Organic Bug Joins with Piggy Paint to Support the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life

OrganicBug.com, an online retailer offering sustainable products that promote healthy lifestyles, announced today that it would take part in the fight against breast cancer by supporting the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, a 24 hour life-changing event that gives local communities a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost and fight back against the disease.

Inspired by the efforts of one of its favorite companies, Piggy Paint, Organic Bug will be donating 10 percent of its sales of Piggy Paint’s Fight Breast Cancer Gift Set to the local Relay for Life event that will happen in April of 2010 in New Smyrna Beach, Florida.

Organic Bug is proud to offer Piggy Paint’s Fight Breast Cancer Gift Set, which contains two bottles of polish that arrive sweetly placed among a nest of pink shredded paper in a pink frosted TO GO box. Piggy Paint Kid-Friendly Nail Polish is the safest nail polish available for children and adults. It is specially formulated using natural ingredients and dries to a hard, durable finish. Piggy Paint polishes have no harsh, smelly, toxic chemicals like formaldehyde, toluene, phthalates, biphenyl A, ethyl acetate or acetone. It’s as ‘natural as mud’ in the sense that every ingredient is biodegradable with no residues left behind to harm the environment.

Piggy Paint already donates a portion of every purchase of the gift set directly to Susan G. Komen for the Cure in addition to donating a bottle of nail polish to a woman currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Organic Bug has now sweetened the deal for its customers by adding a free bottle of nail polish remover and offering free shipping for each purchase of a gift set.

“Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women today,” said Peggy English, co-founder of Organic Bug. “We were inspired by the actions of Piggy Paint and are happy to add our own contribution to supporting breast cancer survivors and the fight for a cure.”

Consumers interested in purchasing the Piggy Paint Fight Breast Cancer Gift Set are invited to learn more about the product on the home page of OrganicBug.com.

About Organic Bug

Organic Bug was born to nurture the relationship we all have with the Earth, each other and our own inner beings. The spirit of Organic Bug is to build a successful business with a focus on the environment, social justice, personal development and sustainable living. OrganicBug.com is a destination where consumers discover a diverse assortment of goods produced to create a positive and lasting effect.

Media Contact:

Crystal Vilkaitis

media@organicbug.com

Do You Have What it Takes To Live a “No Impact” Lifestyle?

Many of you have probably heard the buzz about “No Impact Man”- an green living experiment by New Yorker Colin Beavan and his family. The premise of this story is Beavan, along with his wife, 2 year old daughter and family dog- give up their luxurious Manhattan lifestyle and commit to a full year of eliminating their “carbon footprint” by eating vegetarian, buying only local food, no toxic cleaning products, no electricity, no material consumption, no garbage, no cars, buses, or airplanes.

Colin blogs about his experiences (the good and the bad) in his widely followed blog: No Impact Man.  The experiment was so fascinating it was turned into a documentary:

As you see- this family goes to extremes to change their lifestyle and eliminate their impact on the environment.

What about you?  Could you do this for one year?  Give up electricity?  Meat?  Television?  Eating out?  Cars?  Shopping? Producing garbage?

How about just one week?  I came across the No Impact Challenge for those of us who are curious to test our limits and see what we can live without.

The No Impact Experiment is a one-week carbon cleanse.  It is a chance for you to see what a difference no-impact living can have on your quality of life. It’s not about giving up creature comforts but an opportunity for you to test whether the modern “conveniences” you take for granted are actually making you happier or just eating away at your time and money.

How would giving up modern conveniences change your quality of life?  Is this kind of challenge something you and your family could benefit from?

When I look at my own family and our daily patterns, it bothers me  how much time we spend disconnected from each other watching TV, movies, surfing on the computer, talking and texting on our cell phones, etc.  I also see how wasteful we can be in the name of convenience and how much money we spend of things that we do not need?  How would our health change if we committed ourselves to buying just locally grown seasonal fruits and vegetables?  It is a lot to think about- and I am not saying we all have to go to the extreme measures the Beavan family did.  But it is an interesting question.  Do think you have what it takes?

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