• For educational needs, pay a visit to the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. They are doing their part to help us achieve a “just and sustainable society.” TONS of information there. Well worth the visit! The Society for College and University Planning also provides helpful resources for sustainability on their website.
• The Go Green Initiative is geared toward a youthful audience and those who work with school-age children. They even offer a great Planning Guide as a FREE download!
• Another great resource in environmental awareness? The Earth Day Network has info for all ages - and they even offer grant programs.
• Earth First has an informative article titled, “Green Jobs 101: How to Snag Eco-Employment” on their website. They provide definitions, useful links, tips and advice on making ‘green’ while going ‘green’. 

It’s election time in the USA! Who knew? Anyway, since the respective parties always have varying opinions about what is important to the American people, it is noteworthy to see that the overall tone of politics is CHANGE. And while how to bring it about is not agreed upon by the parties, the majority of all Americans agree: CHANGE is necessary.

Should we leave it up to one man or one woman to ‘fix’ everything? Is that fair? Is that taking accountability for our own actions? I didn’t think so. So I’ve got a list of resources for ordinary people who want to help make extraordinary CHANGE:

• The We Campaign addresses the global climate crisis and promotes clean energy.
• Global Green and Green Cross International promote a “shift toward a sustainable and secure future by reconnecting humanity with the environment.”
• My Commitment covers pretty much every cause on the planet. It is definitely a site worth visiting! Along with the Clinton Foundation, they are bringing about CHANGE under the Clinton Global Initiative.
• The World Wildlife Fund is a global advocate for animals – especially those on the endangered species lists.
• Care 2 gives you a place to make your own cause known, find support and resources, and help others as well.
• Co-op America is all about economic action, social justice, and sustainability. Fair trade, green business, green gifts, social investing…
• Find your renewable energy career with Green Jobs. Be an advocate to help create more positions with Green Jobs Now.
• Did you ever consider the term, “Earthlings” to apply only to humans? The movie by the same name will change your perspective.
• And one of my very favorites: The Meatrix! Not a typo, but very eye-opening! You’ve got to see it to believe it! Take the RED PILL…

So there is a small sampling of the many things people are doing around the world to make this a better place to live, work, and play. Hungry for more? Be sure to utilize a Green Search Engine to help you locate ‘all things green’.

Namaste’,

ELisha

Holistic Life

  Aah – autumn! For most of us in the U.S., the changing of the seasons brings cooler weather. This time of year I like to take time out to clean the house, pull out the heavier clothing, then open my windows and let in some fresh air before we have to bundle up for the winter. This is an opportune time to utilize resources for making our homes cozy, efficient, and GREEN.

  The authority on green residential and commercial information is the U.S Green Building Council. Their Mission:

“To transform the way buildings and communities are designed, built and operated, enabling an environmentally and socially responsible, healthy, and prosperous environment that improves the quality of life.”

  The USGBC also provides the Green Home Guide – which uses guidelines based on their LEED® Rating Systems. Excellent source for new homes as well as renovations!

   Did you know that you can also receive money back from the government for your greening efforts? Take a look at the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency. Click on your state, and let the savings begin!

   You can also find valuable resources on The Daily Green and Treehugger.

   One of my favorite discoveries this summer has been Planet Green – a Discovery Channel. It’s a cable channel dedicated to everything green! I know – I know: A bit geeky, but I watch it whenever I get the chance to! With stellar shows like Emeril Green, Living With Ed, Battleground Earth (Starring Ludacris and Tommy Lee), and two shows produced by Leonardo DiCaprio (Titanic): Greensburg, and Wasted, You’ve got ‘round the clock access to the experts! Just be sure to turn the tv off when you’re done watching! 

  Planning on cozying up on the inside? Be sure to visit World of Good and Gaiam.com. And now, even Target has eco-friendly options for the home!

   Also – honorable mention goes out to the City of Chicago for their efforts to work toward becoming the ‘greenest city in America’! They are also a part of USGBC’s Greenbuild365 program. Chicago has established many organizations and committees on going green among the city’s government and its residents. Take a look at the Chicago Climate Action Plan. Get inspired!

Namaste',

ELisha

Holistic Life

Green your back to school shopping! CLICK HERE!

     I recently got an email from some concerned ‘eco-thusiasts’ that warned about a chemical found in many shampoos. Commonly known as Sodium Laureth Sulfate, this chemical acts as the foaming agent in shampoos, soaps and toothpaste, among other uses.

    Although Snopes.com, - the internet rumor watchdog - has this widespread email listed as an Urban Legend, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration suggests manufacturers remove this substance that they refer to as a ‘contaminant’ from consumer products. Why would the USFDA feel it should be removed if – according to ‘urban legends’ – Sodium Laureth Sulfate may only cause diarrhea at worst?

    Let’s not empower the problem here. We prefer to stick to finding solutions and providing resources full of healthier alternatives.

    The Children’s Health Environmental Coalition has some pretty useful information on SLS and other chemicals. They also have a well-stocked online store full of ‘green’ products for you and your home! Thanks to CHEC, we were also made aware of “Skin Deep” – a website by the Environmental Working Group that has extensive information on cosmetics and personal care products. Why is this website so important? “Because the FDA doesn't require companies to test their own products for safety.” Be an informed consumer. Be an educated consumer.

    National Geographic’s Green Guide (such a fascinating website!) offers great advice on green personal care products. Treehugger has a section especially for women’s personal care among their multi-faceted lists on How to Go Green. Also see the section on Green cleaning by Planet Green.

    Keep in mind that the more chemicals you are exposed to, the higher the risk for toxicity. Combinations of hair care, skincare, oral care, fragrance, etc. can cause anything from a mild allergic reaction to cancer. Less may be better, but if you must wear many different products, consider switching to safer brands.

   We don’t want to overwhelm you with too much information, but hopefully this is enough to get you started. Besides, trying to replace every personal care and cleaning item in your household could get expensive. Take it one step at a time, and move at a pace that you’re comfortable with.

Namaste’,

ELisha

Holistic Life

   Finally – the Summer Solstice hits North America!  A great time to contemplate things solar – and things that are solar that most of us wouldn’t classify as solar – like gardening. But before we do, let me say this: Everyone is concerned about rising fuel prices, credit card debt, recessions, mortgage fraud, and the increase of natural disasters. These topics have become the ‘elephant in the room’ – so to speak, so I am sure people are overloaded with media regarding them. Didn’t Al Gore and others before him warn us this was going to happen?

   Today we’d rather focus on the positive: Network for Good; what others are doing; what we all can do. So let’s begin:

• The Solar Living Institute has been a longtime travel destination dream of mine. I would love to experience the sustainable, communal atmosphere created here by staff, student, interns, volunteers, and visitors.  
• Adventure Ecology really makes you want to get up and go! Energized content in Adventure, Education, Arts and Lifestyle categories clearly demonstrate how they are setting the example to change the world. 
• Learn how to green your home, save energy, and money by visiting Sustainable Spaces. They guide you through the process every step of the way!
• The U.S. Green Building Council leads the way in educating property owners on Green building. They have sustainable resources on building for individuals, businesses, major corporations, non-profits and community structures.
• The Green Office. ‘Nuff said! But seriously – change your lightbulbs, unplug electronics you’re not using, switch to recycled paper products, reuse printer cartridges… You’re ready – you can do this! J
• And just in case you need further guidance, jump on over to the Ecopreneurist. Time, talent, sacrifice, dedication – everything you’re already demonstrating by going into business for yourself in the first place.
• Prefer your media in a different format? The Lazy Environmentalist offers radio broadcasts and podcasts on how to be more eco-friendly. Go ahead – we won’t tell…
• The Nature Conservancy has been here for us, preserving nature and Ecology since 1951. A wonderful site with tons of information, as well as plenty of ways that you can get involved.
• Economic power? How to shift with the changing economy? Co-op America bridges the gap between consumers, investors, and businesses that are serious about bringing about positive change.
• The price of food is increasing. Meats used to be the most expensive part of my grocery budget. It’s been a lot easier to manage since I’ve gone vegetarian. Browse around Healthy Eating Catalog to find mouth-watering foods, articles, recipes, and lifestyle tips!
• The best way to combat soaring fuel and food prices is to BUY LOCAL. Support your local farmers and get some of the greatest produce around! Find your local resources through websites like the Community Food Security Coalition.
• Lastly, this site is fun! We Add Up offers merchandise (awesome t-shirts – I’m getting one!) based upon the idea that one person definitely makes a difference.  Along with all of the useful info on the site, when you order an eco-friendly t-shirt, your shirt is printed with your unique number – so we can all watch the numbers add up!

   If you don’t do these things because ‘it’s the right thing to do’; for your chance to play a part; the earth is being destroyed; or because you want an ego boost in the form of praise for doing what we all should have been doing in the first place…

   ...Do it because you’re fed up with things being the way they are. Do it because you’re tired of paying so much at the pump, and even more at the grocery store. Do it to ease the concerns of worsening conditions in our economy and the fears of impending natural disasters. Dare to be different. Dare to make a difference.

Namaste’

ELisha

Holistic Life

This has got to be one of my favorite holidays! Cities and organizations all around the world celebrate Earth Day. Our family will be attending our city’s Earth Day Festival this weekend. It is always so wonderful to see people getting excited about doing something good and influencing others to do it as well. But one of the best things about going “Green” is that you save money! LOTS of money!

Here is a list of 10 steps I have taken in an effort to live ‘greener’: 

1. Stopped eating meat.
2. Unplug unused appliances
3. Switched to ‘greener’ household cleaning products
4. Switched to ‘greener’ body care products
5. Carrying reusable shopping bags for groceries, etc.
6. Sending invoices and saving online shopping receipts as .pdfs – not printing out tons of paper
7. Washing laundry in cold water
8. Replaced bottled water purchases with a water pitcher that has a filter
9. Started fueling my car AT NIGHT or FIRST THING IN THE MORNING when the ground is cooler and the fuel is more dense. Also, I hold the pump and let the fuel run as SLOWLY AS POSSIBLE, so that less fumes are created – causing less evaporation.
10. Educate others on how to go ‘green’ too!

There are plenty more ways to go ‘green’. Even the retail giant WAL-MART (yes-I said it!) has eco-friendly products in many departments. Some of my favorite resources from around the web are listed below: 

1. Sierra Club
2. Tree Hugger
3. Seventh Generation
4. Whole Foods Market
5. Gaiam
6. The Body Shop
7. Carol’s Daughter
8. Holistic Local
9. Co-op America
10. LOHAS (Lifestyles for Health and Sustainability)

And my home page on my internet browser: Green Maven.  

Remember: “Green” is the new “Black”! Go fashionably green!  

Happy Earth Day,

ELisha

Holistic Life

Oh - the luxuries we take for granted. Clean, safe drinking water is one. And as if that isn’t enough, we can even get that in different brands, bottles, flavors, and functions. But how is it that a planet that is said to be at least two-thirds water (before global warming, anyway) does not have enough water for human consumption? Where did we get out of line with everything else in the life cycle?

The world’s ecology is suffering because of humans. Our carelessness is affecting the entire planet. I won’t go on with an entire “shame on us!” rant, because we are all guilty. I just believe that if you are not a part of the solution, you are a part of the problem - in this case.

I will just say this: Below are some resources on World Water Day, its history, mission, purpose, and what you can do to help. And if you need additional information, please contact us; there’s plenty more where these came from:

It’s tax time! Since you’re looking forward to that windfall of an income tax return, you might want to do something responsible with all of that money. Believe it or not – you do have ‘green’ options. Here are a few ideas for making every cent count: [The following information is just that – information. This implies no financial advice, referrals, or representation. All investing is done at your own risk. Seek the guidance of a licensed professional before investing.]

 Sierra Club Mutual Funds (From www.sierraclubfunds.com):

“The Sierra Club Stock Fund allows you to do well for the planet while also doing well by your portfolio. Your money is invested in companies that are chosen both for financial performance and their environmental and social records, as determined by their level of compatibility with the social and environmental guidelines of the Sierra Club. Whether you are investing for retirement, college, current income or another purpose, our three funds offer you an avenue that can help you pursue your goals while you remain true to your values.”

Eco Investment Club (From www.ecoinvestmentclub.com):

“Our Mission is to support the progression of the Green Movement by promoting Sustainable businesses, education, networking, relationship building, and Eco Investing, which ultimately drives the Green Economy.”

Shore Bank (From www.shorebankcorp.com):

“ShoreBank invests in people and their communities to create economic equity and a healthy environment.”

Pax World Mutual Funds (From www.paxworld.com):    

“Pax World was founded in Portsmouth, NH in 1971.  In August of that year, we launched the first publicly available, socially responsible mutual fund – the predecessor of our current Pax World Balanced Fund. Since that time, Pax World has been a respected leader in the SRI industry.”

The Green Money Journal (From www.greenmoneyjournal.com):

“The GreenMoney Journal encour-ages and promotes the awareness of socially & environmentally responsible business, investing and consumer resources in publications & online."
"Our goal is to educate and empower individuals and businesses to make informed financial decisions through aligning their personal, corporate and financial principles.”

There are more ways than ever to invest your money wisely. With a little research you will be able to find a suitable investment to fit your needs. Whether it's for your self, your children, or the environment, there’s always a way to save some ‘green’.

Namaste’,

ELisha

Holistic Life