Friday is the last day to voice your opinion on whether the EPA -- the Environmental Protection Agency -- should regulate carbon dioxide pollution, the primary cause of the climate crisis. This is a big deal.

The EPA is taking public comment, before making a ruling.

Of course, special interests -- like the oil and coal lobbies -- are working overtime to defeat a positive ruling and have already gotten thousands of comments submitted in opposition.

Most people don't know about this opportunity for public comment, so your voice can make a real difference. And with a new president in the White House, it's likely that someone will actually be listening. Submit your public comment to the EPA here:

http://www.RepowerAmerica.org/EPA

In April 2007 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Environmental Protection Agency has the authority to regulate carbon dioxide if it is harming our health and welfare. After more than a year of delay, the EPA is finally now requesting public comments on whether carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping pollutants are endangering our health and our climate.

Join us, and send a message about how crucial it is to reduce harmful carbon dioxide pollution. That you expect the EPA to use its powers to protect our health and welfare. That we can "Repower America" by using energy sources that don't emit carbon dioxide, and make the switch to 100% clean electricity. And that the solutions to the climate crisis are the same ones needed to address our economic and security challenges.

This is our chance to go on the public record -- all the comments will be posted on the EPA's website. To post your public comment, just go here.

For nearly eight years, the Bush administration has done nothing to address the growing threats we face from global warming. Hurricanes are getting stronger, the North polar icecap is melting, and we've suffered through intense droughts, floods and killer heat waves.

The deadline is November 28th. Let's help end the era of delay.

Thanks,

Cathy Zoi
CEO
www.RepowerAmerica.org

Mercury Free Mascara

Starting Jan 1st, 2008 the state wide law banning mercury in mascaras, eye liners and skin-lightening creams took effect in Minnesota.

This bold move to ban mercury in makeup makes the great state of Minnesota the first state in the nation to ban intentionally added mercury in cosmetics and sets a tougher standard than the federal government for regulating cosmetic ingredients. "Mercury does cause neurological damage to people even in tiny quantities," said Sen. John Marty, the Democrat who sponsored the ban. "Every source of mercury adds to it. We wanted to make sure it wasn't here."

So your first questions are probably. . .

Why isn't mercury already banned in cosmetics? Well, that's a long story but the short version is that the US FDA has banned very, very, very few chemicals in cosmetics. Mercury is not one of them. In fact, Europe, Korea and Japan have banned many chemicals still common in cosmetics in the USA. Click here for more information.

I don't see mercury on my mascara ingredient label. Does that mean it's mercury free? The actual ingredient name containing mercury is called Thimerosal . It is a mercury-containing organic compound used as a preservative and anti-fungal agent since the 1920s. Thimerosal has been banned around the world but NOT in the US (except for Minnesota).

What should I do now? Ladies, the bottom line in my opinion is actually not about the mercury, but rather, it's about the lack of regulation in general in the USA for cosmetic ingredient safety. So what's a girl to do? Most women are not going to become chemists in their spare time to keep up with international cosmetic ingredient regulations to understand if products are safe. Instead, look for companies that are focused on safety and transparency regarding the ingredients they use.

Afterglow Cosmetics is committed to providing effective and safe cosmetics. They are a Compact Signer for the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and ranked as one of the safest cosmetic lines according to the EWG's Cosmetic Database.

The long awaited, all natural mascara from Afterglow Cosmetics is here! Beautifully lush and all natural, Pure Soul Mascara is available in Onyx (black) and Mink (deep brown).

Why you'll love Afterglow Pure Soul Mascara:

• It creates rich, luscious lashes that are soft and flexible.
• It's volumizing, flake proof, smudge proof and clump-free.
• Its all natural formula is rich in soothing organic botanical antioxidants.
• It's gentle enough for even the most sensitive eyes.
• It's gluten-free, alcohol-free, paraben-free, synthetic dye-free, perfume-free, mercury-free, petrochemical-free, phthalate-free, mineral oil-free, tar-free.

Suggested Retail Price: $21.00

Find online at ecozenboutique.com

Article from Amaze Magazine, July 2008 Issue

Eco Zen Boutique at the "Greenest County Fair On Earth"

Summer is here... and so is the "Greenest County Fair on the Planet".

Eco Zen Boutique will have a booth at the Marin County Fair June 2nd to 6th, 2008 featuring green products such as summer clothing made of hemp, bamboo, soy and organic cotton, earrings made of recycled beer bottles, flip flops made of recycled car tires, organic cosmetics, go green bracelets, hand bags made of inner tubes and more!

Just look for "Green Street", the area designated for eco-friendly vendors. We'll have a corner booth #13. Our summer specials are not to be missed!

For more information about the Marin County Fair here's the official press release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: HAMILTON INK
415-381-8198 pam@hamiltoninkpr.com
JUNE 4, 2008

63rd ANNUAL MARIN COUNTY FAIR DUBBED THE GREENEST COUNTY FAIR ON EARTH JULY 2-6

SAN RAFAEL, CA -- This year the Marin County Fair will combine the red, white and blue of America’s history and present with the green of America’s future as the 2008 edition of the Fair becomes “The Greenest County Fair on Earth.” Complementing the entertainment and fun-filled activities of a County Fair will be educational experiences celebrating the environmental, social and cultural importance of going green. The Green Life will offer up exhibits from the Ultimate Green Home, Marin Carbon Cube (your own personal carbon footprint up close and personal!), green dining and clean energy choices all in 6,000 square feet in the Exhibit Hall. Visitors are also encouraged to visit EarthCapades Environmental Vaudeville shows or the new Marin Alt Fuel Car Expo with the latest and greenest vehicles on two, three or four wheels – all earth friendly. The Ben & Jerry’s Stage will be the first solar-powered stage at a county fair nationwide, thanks to PG&E and Sustainable Waves -
with new LED stage lighting to showcase energy efficiency and an array of solar panels to power lights, monitors and amplifiers. A 30-foot-tall Windspire energy generator will be installed by Mariah Power at the entrance to the fairgrounds, and serve as a demonstration project for renewable and clean wind energy. The Windspire is leading-edge vertical axis and ultra quiet, bird-friendly wind technology, and will be the first wind turbine to be installed at a fairgrounds in California. And, for the first time, the Marin County Fair will host two keynote speakers…Danny Seo, the Simply Green environmental lifestyle expert,
will open the Fair on Wednesday, July 2; and Martin Eberhard, founder and former CEO of Tesla Motors, will be the keynote speaker on Wednesday, July 3 to discuss the dream of Tesla and the future of electric cars.

It wouldn’t be a County Fair without the ultimate entertaining experience for fairgoers of all ages: carnival rides, spectacular fireworks, loveable farm animals and engaging exhibits… from fine arts to peach pies to amazing quilts. This year’s stellar line-up of entertainment draws from some of the best local talent, classic rock, world beat reggae and some serious rock and roll. On July 2 at 4pm, Lara Johnston, daughter of Doobie Brothers’ Tom Johnston and finalist on MTV’s ‘Rock the Cradle’ will kick off the 5-day lineup of concerts. Joan Jett and the Blackhearts headline at 7:30pm, a band beloved by punks, indie rockers, pop lovers, and classic rockers. On Thursday, July 3 at 7:30pm Steel Pulse brings roots reggae to the stage and on Friday, July 4 at both 2pm and 4pm, Preservation Hall Jazz Band returns to continue a Marin County Fair tradition. Also on Friday, July 4 at 6pm and 8pm, local blues great The Tommy Castro Band gives his all for July 4th revelers. On Saturday, July 5 at 3pm, WAR takes center stage followed by the classic hits of America at 7:30pm. The Fair’s concerts culminate on Sunday, July 6 starting with Crunchy Frog, Marin’s own seasoned band of kids age 9-13, blues legend Elvin Bishop at 4pm and ending with the rock and roll of Los Lobos at 7:30pm. (See entertainment release.) All concert performances are free and included with low gate admission price!

The Marin County Fair runs Wednesday, July 2-Sunday, July 6, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets are $14/General Admission; $12/Seniors 65+ and Children 4-12; Free Children 0-3. Admission includes all concerts, exhibits, keynote speakers, fireworks, attractions and 28 free carnival rides. Order tickets online now at www.marinfair.org and pass right by the lines at the gates! Online tickets are available June 1 through the fair’s closing day – July 6. Bicycle valet parking is available at the Main Gate, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Fair guests can ride Golden Gate Transit and Marin Transit to stops at the Marin County Civic Center campus. Car and Motorcycle parking is $6. PLEASE, no ice chests, coolers, pets, cans or glass bottles. The Marin County Fair is a Smoke-Free Fair.

Special Days are Wednesday, July 2 is Youth in Arts Day. Children 12 and under are free. Wednesday, July 2 is Marin Independent Journal Day. See the IJ in mid-June for the $2 off discount coupon or visit www.marinij.com. Visit www.marinfair.org for details.

Danny Seo
Environmental lifestyle expert Danny Seo calls his eco-friendly way of living Simply Green. Through his bestselling books, television programs, magazine columns, and his how-to lifestyle lectures, Danny Seo continues to share his creative ideas that made him America’s leading lifestyle authority on modern, eco-friendly living. As the Environmental Lifestyle Contributor on The CBS Early Show, Danny regularly shares seasonal and timely how-to information in the series “Going Green.” From choosing the best solar lighting to detoxing your home, millions of viewers tune in to The Early Show to see and learn from Danny the latest and greatest in green tips and products. For more information, go to www.dannyseo.com. Danny Seo will speak on Wednesday, July 2 at 6 p.m. in the 800-seat Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium. Doors open at 5:15 p.m. Book Passage will host a book- signing in the lobby following the talk. Admission is free with gate admission to the Marin County Fair. Seating is first-come, first-served.

Daring to Dream: Martin Eberhard & the Tesla Roadster
The founder and former CEO of Tesla Motors, Martin Eberhard is changing the way we think of business and the business of Green. Fortune magazine named Eberhard one of their top innovators of 2007; Business 2.0 names Eberhard in their top 50 list of people who matter now. Newsweek dubbed the Tesla Roadster an Electric Dream. Wired Magazine named it the 2007 Car of the Year. Martin Eberhard is co-founder and former CEO of Tesla Motors, an electric car company in San Carlos, California. Eberhard has recently left Tesla Motors to pursue other opportunities. You can be sure his next venture will be at least as interesting as Tesla Motors has already been. Visit teslafounders.wordpress.com Keynote presenter of the new Marin Alt Fuel Car Expo, Martin Eberhard will speak on Daring to Dream: Martin Eberhard and the Tesla Roadster. His talk
will start at 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 3 in the 800-seat Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium. Doors open at 5:15 p.m. Admission is free with gate admission to the Marin County Fair. Seating is first-come, first-served.

The Alt-Fuel Road Show!
Marin’s Largest Alternative Vehicle Show at the Fair. The coolest and latest alternative fuel vehicles on the road today will be spotlighted in this one-of-a-kind display at the new Alt Fuel Car Expo. Featuring the most comprehensive,technologically advanced exposition of alternative fuel and high MPG vehicles ever held in
Marin County, this exciting show is a rare opportunity to see over 25 alternative fuel and high MGP vehicles. Everything from tractors and electric bicycles to mopeds and two and three-wheeled scooters that are powered by a variety of fuel types, including hybrid, electric,compressed natural gas, fuel cell, plug-in hybrid, high MPG gasoline, ethanol and biodiesel cars and trucks will be on display. From unique cars built by home engineers to the most advanced technology now in idea stages at car manufacturers worldwide, there will be an amazing
collection of clean-air, fuel-efficient vehicles available in the marketplace today or concept cars for the future. PG&E and DaimlerChrysler will present the world’s first pre-production fuel cell model. One of a small number around the world, the car uses hydrogen and oxygen to create a controlled electrochemical reaction, producing energy to power an electric motor. Quiet and efficient, it achieves zero emissions, releasing only water.

Earth Capades -- Environmental Vaudeville
The EarthCapades team of “Waste Busters” visits the Marin County Fair with new adventures of environmental education and entertainment. Learn simple things everyone can do to reduce waste at school and at home; conserve natural resources, enjoy nature, and explore ways we all can live in balance with Planet Earth. Waste Reduction Production Juggling, magic, comedy, storytelling and music will keep fair guests of all ages on the edge of their seats. The audience participates throughout the show while learning the 4R’s: REDUCE the amount of trash we create and resources we use, REUSE everyday products, RECYCLE
properly, and RESPECT Planet Earth. EarthCapades “Waste Reduction Production” teaches that “Saving the Planet can be Fun!”

Planetary Circus
The Planetary Circus is a revolving mélange of EarthCapades’ best routines custom selected for the Marin County Fair. EarthCapades’ exciting and memorable performances begin with highly entertaining acrobatics and juggling. Water awareness and waste reduction messages are presented with a blend of humor, circus arts and music to teach practical solutions to real environmental problems. Throughout the show EarthCapades hits the audience in the funny bone and gets everyone enthusiastically involved while bringing children and adult volunteers onto the stage. Waste Reduction Production will be performed daily at 2 p.m. Planetary
Circus will be performed daily at 4 p.m. on July 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 in the 800-seat Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium. Admission is free with gate admission to the Marin County Fair. Seating is first-come, first served.

The Greenest County Fair on Earth will be filled with attractions, interactive exhibits, and contests. Enjoy finding out more about the latest earth-friendly discoveries each day of the Fair:

Dr. Solar: World’s First Solar-Powered Theatre
In his award winning Sunshine Traveling Medicine Show, Dr. Solar blends vaudevillian showmanship, comedy, magic, and the slapstick frolics of his colorful cast of puppet and animated objects into an unforgettable experience for both young and old. Based upon the traditional traveling medicine shows from the early 1900’s, his self-contained solar powered traveling wagon provides an eco-friendly, off-grid venue at the county fair. Performances start daily at 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Dr. Solar’s solar-powered wagon
on the circular lawn. Visit www.drsolar.com

The Walking Tree Man
A 12-foot-tall, stilt-walking, three-dimensional sculpture of a living, mobile and animated Tree Man will appear at the Fair daily throughout the afternoon. Walking the planet from Marin County to Times Square, the Walking Tree Man helps people wake up to their responsibility to Planet Earth. The tree is an archetype, of ancient origins, and signifies rebirth, renewal and life. This Tree Man symbolizes our connection to Mother Nature and the Fair’s celebration of all things green in 2008.

The Green Life
A new, interactive exhibit at the 2008 Marin County Fair. Don’t miss this exceptional interactive exhibit designed to showcase sustainability. The world’s scientists agree: Global warming is real, here and happening faster than anyone predicted. But scientists also say we can curb global warming and its consequences— only if we take bold, comprehensive actions now that add to significant cuts in carbon dioxide emissions by
2050. Covering 6,000 square feet in the Exhibit Hall, this one-of-a-kind exhibit tells the remarkable story of what we can do right here in Marin County. Visit The Green Life to find out what you can do to increase the energy efficiency of your car, home, and city to make renewable energy more available and affordable, and to encourage friends and family to embrace new technologies and practices. Designed by the Marin Arts Council of San Rafael and curated by the County of Marin Sustainability Team, The Green Life will take fair guests on an amazing journey through earth-friendly lifestyle choices. Spreading the gospel of green lifestyle choices, the
Marin County Fair will showcase informative ways you can green your daily life.

Ultimate Green Home
Walk through a green home studio with a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen area, and even exterior landscaping. Designed by Green Fusion Design Center of San Anselmo and the County of Marin Sustainability Team, the studio will feature:
-Bed with organic mattress and linens
-Bamboo flooring and wool or cotton rug
-Kitchen counter with green elements
- Low-VOC cabinets
- No- or low-VOC paints
- Low-flow aerators for kitchen sink
- Dual-flush, low-flow toilet
-Landscaping with waste-tire planters, waste-tire stepping stones, and waste-tire mulch
-Rain-water catchment system piped to plants
-Clothesline in the “outside” area, with clothes hanging
-Energy Star appliances (dishwasher, refrigerator, pellet stove)

Green Talks
Learn more from sustainability experts in five daily workshops in the Green Talk program. Workshops are curated by Dominican University Sustainability MBA students. Complete listing of speakers and topics is available on www.marinfair.org.

The Green Dining Table
Sourcing locally grown food is one of the eco-conscious and healthful choices an individual can make on a daily basis. “If every U.S. citizen ate just one meal a week (any meal) composed of locally and organically raised meats and produce, we would reduce our country’s oil consumption by over 1.1 million barrels of oil every week” (Steven L. Hopp, ~ Animal, Vegetable, Miracle). Join the local food movement with Marin Farmers’ Markets and Chef Eric Gower. Marin Farmers Markets (MFM) invites you to join us for five themed days of chef demonstrations at the Greenest County Fair on Earth.

The Green Life will be open 11 am – 9:30 pm daily in the Exhibit Hall during the Fair. This one-of-a-kind exhibit is curated by the County of Marin Sustainability Team and designed by the Marin Arts Council.

Electricity From The Wind
A new 30’ tall Mariah Power Windspire energy generator will greet visitors to the county fair as a unique fair demonstration project to celebrate wind energy. The Marin fairgrounds will be the first fairgrounds in California to showcase a wind turbine.

A joint project of the County of Marin Sustainability Team and Marin County Fair, the new leading-edge vertical axis wind turbine is built and designed by Mariah Power. Thirty feet tall and two feet in radius, the sleek propeller-free Windspire system is bird-friendly, and quiet, while providing clean energy for homes and businesses.

As part of The Greenest County Fair on Earth, this new vertical wind technology will harvest wind energy and demonstrate renewable wind energy practical for a single household.

Sun Powers County Fair Shows
Thanks to PG&E and Sustainable Waves, the Marin County Fair will showcase the first-ever solar-powered stage at a county fair nationwide. The popular Ben & Jerry’s Stage will be solar- powered all five days. An array of solar panels 12’ feet tall will provide 28 amps of clean energy to run the amplifiers, stage lighting and monitors. New energy efficient LED theatrical lighting. By using the renewable energy source of the sun, Pacific Gas and Electric and the Marin County Fair plan to educate the community about the benefits of renewable energy while delivering arts and entertainment performances with state of the art sound quality.

Fair Exhibits
The Marin County Fair features over 11,000 exhibits and 4,000 participants. This fair incorporates green themes into the competitive exhibits program. Highlights of the new contests include:
From Trash to Treasure
Decorated Windows
Light Bulb Sculpture
Recycled Glass Art
Design Your Own Water Bottle
Backyard Compost Competition
Celebrate Arbor Day


Fair Classics
There are so many exciting events and attractions at the 2008 Marin County Fair that you’ll want to come back each day to savor the fun! Here are just some of the many Fair favorites:

Fair Competitions
The very first Marin County Fair took place in 1946 in Ross with the goal to provide a place where Marinites could share ideas and techniques in fine arts, gardens, fruits, vegetables and flower arrangements. Competitions were developed over the years in a variety of categories to determine which entries were the best in Marin. The Fair now features over 800 categories, over 11,000 exhibits and over 4,000 annual entrants from Marin County and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Carnival Rides – The Best in the West!
Kids of all ages won’t want to miss all the thrilling carnival rides at the 2008 Marin County Fair. The Fair features a terrific midway – with 28 fun free rides and carnival games. Butler Amusements will once again provide the Fair with something enticing to every rider. Check out the outstanding view of the fairgrounds from atop the Giant Wheel – the 10-story high Ferris wheel. 28 carnival rides are free – and there is a $3 charge for the Wacky Worm roller coaster. The carnival is open every day of the Fair from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Fine Arts, Fine Crafts and Photography
This show has been a tradition since the days of the Marin Art & Garden Fair in Ross, and is one of the best of any county fair in California. Over 2,000 entries are juried in this popular 800-piece show, featuring painting, graphics/mixed media, sculpture, glass, jewelry, furniture, digital art, and photography. View the artwork in the Redwood Foyer of the Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium, or purchase works that are for sale by the artists and Marin County Fair.

Ham Bone Express
Direct from Arkansas and back by popular demand, the charming piglets that have been touted as the “swiftest swine of the line” achieve maximum velocity for a mere handful of Oreo cookies. See the “swinemaster” introduce celebrity contestants, including Swynonna Judd, Arnold Schwartzenpigger, and Brittney Spareribs! Daily at 1pm, 3pm, 5pm and 7pm.

Barnyard Arts
This unique arts program returns this year to introduce urban and suburban children to farm animals while they create an original masterpiece. Using markers, crayons and tempera paint, kids (ages 5-14) have the opportunity to produce portraits of Annie the cow or Lorraine the loud- mouthed lamb with their artwork.


Home Arts Stage
Talented and inventive Marinites learn from and share their special talents and experience with other locals on the Home Arts Stage. There will be fun and educational demonstrations of flower arranging, cake decorating and orchid growing. Events will be held daily in the intimate 50-seat theatre located in the Exhibit Hall’s Friends of Marin Center Conference Room.

Marin Bonsai Club’s -- Mini Marvels
The ancient art of bonsai will be on display once again this year in the Exhibit Hall when the Marin Bonsai Club presents their summer exhibit of 40-60 beautiful bonsai trees.

Outstanding Orchids
Members of the Marin Orchid Society will showcase hundreds of varieties of orchids in a special display in the Exhibit Hall. Included will be rare and spectacular specimens of Cattelayas, Dendrobiums, Phalaenopsis, and Slipper Orchids. The Society will also demonstrate the art of raising orchids on the Home Arts Stage.

Golden Gate Garrison
The Golden Gate Garrison 501st Legion will make appearances in the Creatures + Models area in the Exhibit Hall July 2 through 6, 12 noon to 7 p.m. Meet and have your photo taken with your favorite Star Wars (©Lucasfilm Ltd.) character.


Bigger Fireworks Show!
Watch in awe as the sky above the Fair illuminates with a watershed of exciting new effects presented by Pyro-Spectaculars. This will be the longest, most elaborate fireworks spectacular ever staged over the lagoon. The fireworks take place every night of the Fair over the lagoon, all beautifully reflected in the water below. Bring the entire family and enjoy this amazing new show every night of the Fair, from July 2 through July 6 at 9:30 p.m.

Community Partners of the Marin County Fair include Golden Gate Bridge, Highway & Transportation District, Marin Independent Journal, Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center, Play Fair, Four Points Sheraton, Marin Arts Council, Extended Stay Deluxe Hotel, Clover-Stornetta Farms, Westamerica Bank, Ben & Jerry’s, PG&E, Marin Sanitary Service, Yokayo Biofuels, Tamalpais NatureWorks, Good Green Graces, Green Sangha, Marin Agricultural Land Trust, Betty Biodiesel, County of Marin Sustainability Team and Marin Conservation Co.

Eco Directories, Green Search Engines, Sustainable Forums

Share your favorite eco & ethical directories, green search engines and sustainable forums here.

Please include: Web Site Name, URL, Brief Description (50 words maximum).

Examples include:

EcoMall - (50 word maximum description here)

Green Maven - (50 word maximum description here)

Treehugger - (50 word maximum description here)

Sustainable Events, Green Festivals, Eco Expos

If you know of a great green resource on the internet, please feel free to reply to this post.

Please include: Web Site Name, URL and a brief description (50 words maximum). Include dates and locations for specific events.

We're searching for eco expos, sustainable conferences, green festivals, organic fairs, benefit concerts and the like.

5 Simple Tips for Going Green This Summer

Summer is a great time to do something for the planet!

Here's 5 simple things we've done at home lately to go green this summer...




1.) Dry your laundry in the summer sun!

We live in Arizona, in the Sonoran Desert - a perfect place for drying clothes outdoors. By the time I've clothes pinned the last towel on the clothes line, the first one is practically dry already. We're saving on our electric bill this summer and encouraging our pool going guests to do the same. We bought a retractable clothes line at our friendly neighborhood Ace Hardware store and installed it in about five minutes. When we don't want to look at it, we simply unhook one end and it retracts back on it's compact spool.

2.) Feed your watermelon rinds to the worms!

We've just started an organic compost in a plastic storage bin in our garage. According to http://www.epa.gov/compost, the best ingredients for an organic compost are:

• Animal manure
• Cardboard rolls
• Clean paper
• Coffee grounds and filters
• Cotton rags
• Dryer and vacuum cleaner lint
• Eggshells
• Fireplace ashes
• Fruits and vegetables
• Grass clippings
• Hair and fur
• Hay and straw
• Houseplants
• Leaves
• Nut shells
• Sawdust
• Shredded newspaper
• Tea bags
• Wood chips
• Wool rags
• Yard trimmings

That's easy... I searched the house and found a few starter ingredients - junk mail confetti from my paper shredder, sawdust from the shop vac, last week's flower bouquet in the kitchen, some pistachio shells, watermelon rinds, cherry pits and tomato scraps from our last family pool party, lint from the dryer, empty toilet paper rolls, a few handfuls of compost from potted plants in the backyard and some grass clippings from our electric lawn mower. I also ordered some red wriggler worms from http://www.planetnatural.com.

To keep away pests and odors, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency suggests that you DO NOT compost the following:

• Black walnut tree leaves or twigs
• Releases substances that might be harmful to plants
• Coal or charcoal ash
• Might contain substances harmful to plants
• Dairy products (e.g., butter, egg yolks, milk, sour cream, yogurt)
• Create odor problems and attract pests such as rodents and flies
• Diseased or insect-ridden plants
• Diseases or insects might survive and be transferred back to other plants
• Fats, grease, lard, or oils
• Create odor problems and attract pests such as rodents and flies
• Meat or fish bones and scraps
• Create odor problems and attract pests such as rodents and flies
• Pet wastes (e.g., dog or cat feces, soiled cat litter)
• Might contain parasites, bacteria, germs, pathogens, and viruses harmful to humans
• Yard trimmings treated with chemical pesticides
• Might kill beneficial composting organisms

Not only are we helping to save valuable landfill space and reducing methane gas, we're also making a great organic compost to keep our houseplants and landscaping healthy.


3.) Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

We're doing our best to buy products that have minimal packaging or at least recyclable packaging and have decided to not use disposable plastic cups and paper plates this summer. We have some fun plastic tumblers that are washable, reusable and safe around the pool in a dozen bright colors so every guest knows which cup is theirs.


4.) Grill Natural

This summer we're using our propane grill in the backyard. We're saving energy by using propane instead of our electric appliances in the kitchen and keeping our food natural and healthy by avoiding the chemicals and toxins released when burning charcoal briquettes and lighter fluid.


5.) Support Our National Parks

Going camping this summer? We recently renewed our Annual Parks Pass for $80. It's good at all of our National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands for a year from purchase. We've already used it for park entrance at Grand Canyon National Park ($25 saved), discounted camp site ($9 savings), entrance to Montezuma's Castle National Monument ($10 savings). Visit http://store.usgs.gov/pass/index.html to get yours. It feels great to support our National Parks and we don't have to wait in the long lines with our pass!

# # #

Brought to you by Eco Zen Boutique, an exclusively online green shopping site featuring eco friendly clothing, organic cosmetics, eco chic jewelry, recycled handbags and green gifts and goodies. Visit http://ecozenboutique.com and support 1% For The Planet and CarbonFund with every purchase.

go Green Bracelet toRaise One Million Dollars for Non Profit Environmental Organizations

As fashionable as it is environmentally-conscious, the go! Green Bracelet was designed as a medium to help the organizations who help the environment and raise awareness of eco-friendly alternatives and green practices among the general public. The go! Green Bracelet is a fresh way for consumers to wear their eco-consciousness on their sleeve, while supporting environmental organizations who are committed to creating a healthier planet. With an ultimate goal to raise $1,000,000 by the end of 2008, EverybodyGreen.com will donate 10% of each sale to a selection of non-profit organizations including Oceana, Earth Resource Foundation, and The Clean Water Fund.

go! Green Bracelet is the newest addition to the larger GreenBeads Jewelry line available internationally at selected retailers ranging from Nordstrom's to Claire's and Mandee's. The entire line is made with naturally derived, eco-friendly materials including nickel-free and lead-free cornstarch-based resin beads and organic hemp. "Our mission," comments Keith Berman, Director of Business Development, "is to pass onto the public our passion for discovering and utilizing greener alternatives in our daily living practices." The fashionable, unisex, multicolor, and multistyle go! Green Bracelet serves as a token of awareness encouraging people to join the movement to green and take part in helping the environment. go! Green Bracelet is available for an accessible $15 per 3pc set at EverybodyGreen.com and other green partner sites including EcoZenBoutique.com.

About EverybodyGreen.com:

EverybodyGreen.com is a dedicated leader in developing cost-efficient green solutions for businesses as well as individuals of all ages. Founded on the commitment to ending further damage to our environment, EverybodyGreen.com serves as an informative destination website. EverybodyGreen.com provides up-to-date news, green methods, products, and more encouraging people to take part in preserving the beautiful world we've inherited so that generations to come can live happier, healthier lives on a cleaner, greener, safer planet. For more information, please visit www.everybodygreen.com

About Eco Zen Boutique:

Eco Zen Boutique is a green fashion shopping site featuring organic cosmetics, eco chic jewelry, eco-friendly clothing and accesories and handbags made of recycled materials. For more information visit http://ecozenboutique.com.

Trilogy by Shea Homes Showcases Green Homes at Nationwide Eco Expos

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Map) - SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., May 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Trilogy by Shea Homes, the country's first national green home builder, will host free Eco Expos in eight of their Active Lifestyle communities beginning May 25th. As part of the demonstration of how to "live green," Trilogy will be giving away a Toyota Prius hybrid car with each home purchased between May 17th and June 15th, 2008.

Meeting the needs of consumers who want the value, long-term savings and health benefits of a green home, Trilogy builds high-performance Shea Green Certified(TM) homes without any additional costs to the home buyer. Standard features in Trilogy's green homes include solar attic fans, energy efficient appliances and dual pane low-e windows. The homes also feature motion and occupancy sensor lighting, insulation from recycled materials, wood from sustainable forests, and satellite/weather-controlled sprinkler, and they exceed the International Energy Code by approximately 30% and reduce the home's carbon footprint by up to 30%.

Consumers will have a chance to learn about Trilogy's green homes during the upcoming nationwide Eco Expos, sample Green and Black's(R) Organic Chocolate and see the latest eco-friendly products from GE, Moen, Solatube, WeatherTRAK and many more. Local companies showcasing the latest eco-friendly products & services, green living experts and myriad hands-on activities and exhibits from transportation and energy alternatives to home improvement/decorating, green investing, organic food & wine and health & beauty will also be present.

A 15,000 free light bulb giveaway will allow visitors to receive up to five GE compact fluorescent bulbs, which are four to six times more efficient than standard bulbs.

Trilogy Eco Expos, details available at http://www.TrilogyGreen.com, will take place at the following locations throughout May and June:

    --  May 25: Trilogy Redmond Ridge, Redmond, WA
  --  May 31: Trilogy Central Coast, Nipomo, CA
  --  June 7: Trilogy at Encanterra, Queen Creek, AZ
  --  June 7: Victoria Gardens, Deland, FL
  --  June 7:  Trilogy at the Vineyards, Brentwood, CA
  --  June 14: Trilogy La Quinta, La Quinta, CA
  --  June 14: Trilogy at Vistancia, Peoria, AZ
  --  June 14: Trilogy Rio Vista, Rio Vista, CA

"Our commitment to protecting the environment is shared by many eco-conscious businesses and organizations around the country who are participating in the Trilogy Eco Expos," said Rick Andreen, president of Shea Homes' Active Lifestyle Communities. "Together we hope to enlighten, entertain and educate consumers with ways in which they can reduce their individual carbon footprint and enrich their lives every day."

Nestled in some of the most beautiful locations in the country, Trilogy communities are designed to meet the needs and desires of Baby Boomers entering the Third Stage of life. In September 2007, J.D. Power and Associates ranked Trilogy by Shea Homes highest in customer satisfaction among the largest active adult community new home builders in 34 U.S. markets.

About Trilogy by Shea Homes Active Lifestyle Communities

Trilogy communities are high-end resort communities offering a new choice in living to those looking for an exciting lifestyle that revolves around wellness, exploration, continued learning, and close personal connections. Architectural product design and amenities reflect the changing needs of the baby boom generation, including business services, world-class clubs and a diverse range of recreation options. More information is available by visiting http://www.TrilogyLife.com or calling (800) 685-6494.

About Shea Homes

For more than 125 years, members of the Shea family and their companies have accomplished many extraordinary milestones including work on the foundation of the landmark Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay Area's Rapid Transit System (BART) and managing the construction of the Hoover Dam. In addition to being privately held, the J.F. Shea Company has maintained an investment grade rating since 2004. Shea Homes introduced its Trilogy brand to the market in 1999 as the centerpiece of its Active Lifestyle Communities division. Today, Trilogy has become the quickest growth area of Shea Homes' business with nine active lifestyle communities currently open and plans for more to open in the next two years, including the just recently opened Shea Homes at Victoria Gardens in Deland, Florida, near Orlando. For more information visit http://www.sheahomes.com or http://www.TrilogyLife.com.

     For more information contact:
   Brittani Polivka
   Cohn & Wolfe
   Brittani_polivka@sfo.cohnwolfe.com
   415-365-8551

SOURCE Shea Homes

Eco Zen Boutique Announces "Greened Opening" of Eco Shopping Site

For Immediate Release

Eco Zen Boutique Announces “Greened Opening” of Eco Shopping Site

Tempe, Arizona, May 23, 2008 / Eco Zen Boutique, a socially conscious, green fashion boutique announced the opening of a new online store, http://ecozenboutique.com today. The eco-modern shopping site offers eco friendly clothing, organic cosmetics, recycled handbags, eco chic jewelry and green gifts and goodies at competitive prices.

Owner Tandy Stepp focuses on balancing style and sustainability by handpicking each product line according to the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship. All products at ecozenboutique.com are organic, fair trade, recycled, reclaimed or otherwise sustainable providing a simplified shopping experience for a growing segment of fashion- and eco-conscious consumers.

“You don’t have to sacrifice style to make a difference. It takes each of us doing just a little more to make a big change collectively. If you have a choice, why not buy the product that causes the least harm to the environment, to the people who made it and to your own body?” said boutique owner Tandy Stepp. “It’s easy going green if you start small. The next time you need to replace your mascara, mineral foundation, eye shadow or lipstick, try one of our organic, paraben-free, non animal tested products by Afterglow Cosmetics. The flattering color palette is not only beautiful but does not contain harmful ingredients like most off the shelf make-up does today.”

Bamboo, organic cotton, hemp, flax, soy, cashmere, tencel and other natural fibers grown and produced without synthetic chemicals grace the labels of clothing carried at Eco Zen Boutique. Recycled and reclaimed materials are fabulously reincarnated as handbags made of rubber inner tubes or reclaimed industrial felt, earrings made of glass from soda, beer, wine and champagne bottles and shoes made of car and bicycle tires.

Green gift giving is simple at Eco Zen Boutique. “In addition to a growing selection of eco-friendly products, we also have e-gift certificates, a green gift registry and gift wrap printed with soy inks on recycled paper by CrinkleCo. Green gifts are perfect for weddings, showers, birthdays, anniversaries or any occasion for that special person in your life who wants to make the earth a better place,” said Tandy Stepp.

Current eco labels featured at Eco Zen Boutique include: Afterglow Cosmetics, Blue Canoe, CrinkleCo, Ecolution, English Retreads, Everybody Green Bracelets, Josh Jakus, miYim Simply Organic Toys, Of The Earth, Smart Glass Recycled Jewelry, Sublet Clothing and Tees for Change. Price tags on gifts and apparel range from $5 to $250. Shipping is free for domestic orders over $75.

Through our alliance with 1% For The Planet, Eco Zen Boutique contributes 1% of company sales to environmental organizations. “We also contribute to CarbonFund in order to offset our carbon footprint and to support their alternative energy and reforestation projects, “said Tandy Stepp when asked about the “we’re green” statement on the company web site. “We’re proud to offer carbon neutral shipping for every order with no added cost to our customers.”

About the Company - Eco Zen LLC based in Tempe, Arizona is an exclusively online green fashion boutique owned and operated by eco-preneur Tandy Stepp, a lover of nature and lifelong vegetarian. Tandy is a graduate of Hawaii Pacific University with a BSBA degree in Entrepreneurial Studies. Prior to creating Eco Zen Boutique, Tandy traveled the planet 200 days per year as a freelance Travel Director coordinating corporate meetings and incentives for companies including: Airbus, Amway, Kimberly Clark, Marcus & Millichap, Sysco Foods, T-Mobile and more. Future expansion of Eco Zen Boutique will include earth friendly corporate gifts and amenities to assist meeting planners and corporate executives in the greening of their events.

Visit Eco Zen Boutique (http://ecozenboutique.com) and blog (http://ecozenboutique.blogspot.com) for more.

# # #

Press contact is Tandy Stepp, tandy [at] ecozenboutique.com or 602-501-2299.

Give Green with Eco Zen Boutique Gift Cards

It's easier than ever to give green with Eco Zen Boutique's pre-screened product line of ethical and eco-friendly products. Can't decide on a gift - how about a gift card good for products such as organic cosmetics, recycled hand bags, bamboo clothing or eco friendly jewelry at Eco Zen Boutique.

Eco Zen Boutique also has a gift registry if you'd like to drop a hint for your next green celebration. Perfect for the eco-conscious bride to be or the eco fashionista's birthday party!

Being green doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style. Visit Eco Zen Boutique today to get your green on!

Afterglow Cosmetics Bridges the Gap Between Natural & High-Fashion

Eco Zen Boutique is proud be affiliated with Afterglow Cosmetics as an authorized retailer of their all natural, organic, vegan and eco-friendly cosmetic line. The good for you product line includes: organic mineral foundation, organic setting powder, organic glow bronzer, organic mineral blush, pencil eye liner, pure soul mascara, lip liner pencil, organic mineral eye shadow, ultra matte eye shadow, powder eye liner, natural lip gloss and organic lip love lipstick.



Afterglow Cosmetics bridges the gap between natural and high-fashion cosmetics to bring you a truly natural blend of pure mineral make-up with the fabulous, organic infused, highly pigmented color palette you crave. Our unique natural formulation and focus on natural and certified organic ingredients of the highest quality ensures that our products are safer for your skin and body. They also perform better and last longer than traditional cosmetics. This attention to ingredients and detail make Afterglow Cosmetics the natural choice for all women and are especially ideal for women with sensitive skin, rosacea, acne and other skin issues.

After glow Cosmetics focuses on offering the most natural color cosmetics on the market, free of many of the synthetics, preservatives, bismuth oxychloride, petro-chemical, dyes and fillers found in traditional cosmetics. Afterglow is a proud signer of the Compact for Safe Cosmetics sponsored by The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.

Where to buy: Eco Zen Boutique in the Organic Cosmetics category.

Products range in price from $15.00 to $28.00.

Today Matters

This set features an organic bamboo inspirational tee in brown with tangerine letters which read, "Today Matters". The amber colored hoop earrings are made from recycled beer bottles and the eco chic hand bag is made of salvaged industrial felt with an orange zipper.


Where to buy: Eco Zen Boutique (exclusively online at http://ecozenboutique.com).

Mix and match your own outfits on Eco Zen Boutique's polyvore page.

We've Been Spotted on Polyvore

Eco Zen Boutique's recycled glass bottle earrings were featured in an Earth Day fashion trend spotting contest on Polyvore.com in April 2008 by more than a dozen different Polyvore members so we decided it was time to join Polyvore ourselves.

Polyvore is a unique, easy-to-use web-based application for mixing and matching products from any online store. Items are pulled together into a visual set of products that can be shared with anyone. Each product within the set is then linked back to the online store where it is available for purchase.




About Our Recycled Glass Bottle Earrings

These fashion friendly earrings are made of recycled bottle glass which is cut and then fired. They are light-weight and durable, finished with sterling silver accents and ear wire. The approximate size .75 inch diameter. Each piece is a hand-crafted one-of-a-kind and will vary slightly in shape and size.

Price per pair is $48.00 before discounts.

Where to buy your own pair - in our earth friendly store, Eco Zen Boutique of course!

Put together your own outfits on Polyvore using Eco Zen Boutique's eco-friendly product line by clicking here.

Eco Zen Boutique Goes Carbon Neutral

Happy Earth Day!

Eco Zen Boutique is committed to becoming carbon neutral through a partnership with Carbonfund.org. We are a small business with lofty goals of making a difference in the world by making green choices a part of our standard operating procedure from day one. We live by Carbonfund.org’s motto, “reduce what you can, offset what you can’t.”



Take the Earth Day Challenge and Go Green With Us

Americans produce enough trash every year to fill a line of garbage trucks that would stretch from the Earth half-way to the moon. That’s 4.6 pounds of trash per person, per day. Thankfully, all that waste doesn't have to go to waste. This Earth Day, Carbonfund.org has decided to promote our mission of a clean energy future by supporting our landfill methane projects. Make the commitment to reduce your footprint each and every day by taking small but important steps to fight climate change. Then, go ZeroCarbon for the year with a $99 tax-deductible donation to Carbonfund.org. You'll also receive a compact climate tote bag to help reduce waste consumption.

Bamboo and Organic Cotton Clothing Line

Eco Zen Boutique is proud to offer the Tees For Change line of bamboo and 100% organic cotton clothing in our online store, Eco Zen Boutique.

What We Love: We adore the super soft feel of these great organic t-shirts and love love love the inspirational phrases including:

• "Breathe Deeply"
• "Choose Happiness"
• "Laugh Often"
• "Live Fully"
• "Live Mindfully"
• "Live Passionately"
• "Practice Kindness"
• "Seek Balance"
• "Today Matters"
  

Categories: Women's Bamboo Tees, Organic Tees, Ragian Tees, Tank Tops and Organic Cotton and Bamboo Tees for Men.

Price Range: $28.00 to $32.00


About Tees For Change

All our tees are fair trade and made under sweatshop-free conditions from 100% organic cotton in the United States or 70% bamboo/30% organic cotton in Turkey. The cotton is cultivated without the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, which is good for the environment and for the workers who grow and manufacture the shirts. Naturally sustainable bamboo is fast-growing and, because of its natural antibacterial properties, it needs no pesticides and is 100% biodegradable.

Our tees are super soft, comfortable and have an amazing and flattering fit. We currently offer five different styles: organic cotton fine jersey tees, organic cotton tanks, bamboo raglan sleeves, bamboo jersey tees and men's tees (organic cotton and bamboo/organic cotton). We launch a new collection twice a year - in March and September - and we welcome your suggestions and feedback for designs, colors, phrases and styles.

10% Discount, Eco Zen Boutique "Greened" Opening

Just for visiting our blog today, we'd like to give you a 10% discount on any product in our online shop, Eco Zen Boutique. Here's the link: http://ecozenboutique.com?code=Blog4198

April showers bring May flowers... we'll be traveling, sampling and stocking our eco friendly products through April so check back in May for the official "greened opening" of our eco boutique.

We've just sprouted so please bookmark us and check back often as we're adding new green products and eco-friendly resources daily. We're hand picking our product line to be as natural, organic, recycled, chemical-free, fairly traded, and otherwise sustainable as possible.

Eco Zen Boutique was grown from a simple idea that you don't have to sacrifice style to be a conscious consumer. We also believe that you don't have to be extreme to make a difference; it takes each of us doing a little bit more to make a big change.

We'll post more discount codes here on our blog from time to time, so be sure to bookmark this page or better yet, subscribe to this blog!

We're Spouting a new Blog!

We're setting up a blog. Check back soon.