Fair Trade Accessories for the Gold Gala

This weekend I'm heading down to NYC to attend the Gold Gala, a fundraiser for St. Jude's Children's Hospital, hosted by some of my Tri-Delta sisters from SLU. I am excited for the event, but I am even more excited that the goal of the event is to raise at least $35,000 for St. Jude. I have my dress and such all picked out, but I needed some accessories, and what better place to get fair trade and environmentally responsible jewelry than Ten Thousand Villages.

I bought these beautiful mother of pearl bangles made by the Metalworkers of Noah's Ark in Moradabad, India:

I highly suggest checking out the Ten Thousand Villages location in Downtown Boston to satisfy any jewelry craving!

Boston Green Drinks Tonight!

Tonight The Nature Conservancy is co-hosting Boston Green Drinks! Come to Kingston Station (downtown Boston) from 6-8pm for green networking, casual conversation, and sustainable idea sharing! The event is free, but please register. 

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Green at the Academy Awards

Yes, yes, yes! There was some eco-fashion at last night's Academy Awards! 

Meryl Streep in Lanvin for the Green Carpet Challenge. Best actress and my pick for best dressed!

Livia Firth in recycled PET plastic gown by Valentino and sustainably sourced pink diamonds by Calleijia, and Colin Firth (probably also wearing something sustainable, but sadly I haven't found any info on it yet!)

Viola Davis in Vera Wang. While I'm not sure the gown is eco, Viola has signed on to the Green Carpet Challenge, which may be why she rocked her natural hair last night (which looked great!).

Review: Carol's Daughter Tui Moisturizing Leave-in Conditioner

Pros                                                                                Cons                
-Effective                                                                         -Not rated on EWG Skin Deep Database
-No parabens, sulfates, petrochemicals                             -Not available at typical drug stores (try Sephora)
-Good Price ($12.00)                                                      -Has some artificial fragrances

I've been using this product a lot, especially since I'm not a huge fan of my current conditioner. I am happy with the results - my hair feels great, but I am disappointed that this product is not yet rated on the Skin Deep Database because I really trust Carol's Daughter as a brand. I'd like to know if this product meets the same standards as the other Carol's Daughter products. I am also wary that there are some artificial fragrances included on the ingredient list. Most of the good scent can be attributed to natural oils like lavender, but the last ingredient listed is: Fragrance (Parfum) - which is not a good sign. I probably won't buy this product again, but I'll keep you posted because natural leave-in conditioners are hard to find! (Let me know if you use a good one!)

7 Green Reasons Why I Can't Wait for Spring & Summer

1) Can't wait to turn the heat off! It will save me money, cut my carbon emissions and fossil fuel use, and will be easier on my skin.

2) I will be able to take cooler showers, which will also cut my carbon footprint and be better for my skin.

3) I'll finally be able to open all of my windows! Indoor Air Quality is much lower than outdoor air, so I can't wait to get some fresh air circulating to blow away all those VOCs and particulate matter.

4) Outdoor activities! Can't wait to just read outside instead of being all cooped up in front of the TV.

5) There will be more local foods available. Any body else ready for some fresh MA strawberries?

6) Staycations, Massachusetts is like paradise in the summer, we have the ocean & the mountains both within an hour drive/train trip.

7) I can unplug my work out, and save some electricity by running outside.

image courtesy of keepinyouinstiches.blogspot.com

Warm-uary

It is unusually warm for February. Let's get outside and enjoy our beautiful city!

Organic goes Global

USDA standards for organic products are now accepted as organic in Europe, and the EU standards for organic food are now accepted as organic here (with the exception that organically raised animals in Europe can be treated with antibiotics, and in the U.S. they cannot - thus, European animal products will be marked differently than other organic foods). This is great news because it will give mindful grocery shoppers more options! 

Read or listen to the full story on NPR

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