Posts Tagged Chicago

Plant-based, naturally manufactured skin care line, Frangipani, offers tips to help consumers pick their skincare products

Apr 29

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The average person is exposed to over 100 chemicals in their morning routine. Frangipani owner, Tracy Land, offers tips to help you pick your products:

  • 1. Read every ingredient on the label. If you can’t pronounce them, don’t buy the product.
  • 2. Water isn’t moisture. Choose another moisturizer if water is the first ingredient.
  • 3. Exfoliate gently. Choose an exfoliant that won’t scratch the skin’s surface. Sensitive? Natural acids will irritate!
  • 4. “Mineral” makeup does not equal safety. Read ingredients thoroughly and choose pressed powders over loose.

Frangipani is a local, natural skin care line. All products are created without the use of harmful chemicals, synthetics, or additives. Instead, all Frangipani products are carefully manufactured with plant-based ingredients and stored in recyclable glass bottles.  The Indianapolis-based company provides an option for consumers to purchase safer face washes, face serums, hand and body lotions, and body oils. All products can be purchased online or at several local retailers including Georgetown Market, Nature’s Pharm, Good Earth Natural Foods, Bloomingfoods, Sunspot Natural Market, Optimal Wellness Center, and Stillpoint Family Chiropractic. Visit: www.frangipanibodyproducts.com

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Go green for Earth Day

Apr 28

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“April 16, 2011 (CHICAGO) – Earth Day is on Friday, April 22, and it promotes a green spirit and eco-friendly thinking. There are a lot of events in our area to mark the day.

Bianca Alexander with Conscious Living was in our ABC7 studio to tell us about a few events. She also gave tips we can use in our daily lives to help protect the environment.”

Go green for Earth Day via ABC 7 Chicago

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Out on the Farm 'The Fabulous Beekman Boys' may be gay gentlemen farmers, but they're also farmers with a purpose

Apr 26

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“It started simply, as these things go.

Manhattanites Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Brent Ridge felt the lure of a weekend place in the country, a place to relax from their hectic careers in the big city. When they bought Beekman Mansion in upstate New York, they planned some simple weekend farming: a few chickens, a few vegetables.

It didn’t stay simple.”

Out on the Farm ‘The Fabulous Beekman Boys’ may be gay gentlemen farmers, but they’re also farmers with a purpose via Sean Bugg - Metro Weekly

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Research Reveals Increased Consumer Demand for Fair Trade Certified-Labeled Products

Apr 25

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Researchers from Harvard, the London School of Economics and Massachusetts Institute of Technology Release Study on the Value of Ethical Labeling

OAKLAND, Calif., Apr. 25 Fair Trade USA, the leading third-party certifier of Fair Trade products in the United States, reports new findings which confirm that the prominent appearance of the Fair Trade Certified™ label increases sales among coffee-buying consumers.

To investigate the topic of consumer demand for Fair Trade products, researchers Jens Hainmueller of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Michael J. Hiscox of Harvard University, and Sandra Sequeira of the London School of Economics, conducted a six-month research study in partnership with a prominent national grocery retailer. As reported this weekend in the Wall Street Journal, the team examined purchasing behavior among actual consumers at 26 stores and key findings show that:

  • The Fair Trade Certified label alone has a large positive impact on sales.
  • Sales of the two most popular bulk coffees sold in each of the 26 test stores increased by up to 13 percent when labeled as Fair Trade Certified.
  • The study also revealed that a substantial segment of consumers are willing to pay up to eight percent more for a product bearing the Fair Trade Certified label.

The findings are consistent with a Globescan study conducted in 2010, which revealed that 75 percent of consumers said Fair Trade certification makes them feel “very positive or positive” about products; 30 percent said Fair Trade is “likely to increase their purchase interest;” and over half said “independent third-party certification is the best way to verify” a product’s social and environmental claims.

“Overall the findings suggest that there is substantial consumer support for Fair Trade,” said Michael J. Hiscox of Harvard University. “The Fair Trade label by itself had a large positive effect on sales, indicating that a substantial number of coffee buyers place a positive value on Fair Trade certification. In addition, a sizeable segment of coffee buyers were willing to pay a premium for coffee if the premium was directly associated with support for Fair Trade. The tests suggest that there are plenty of consumers ready to vote with their shopping dollars to support Fair Trade when it is offered as an option by retailers.”

The study can be referenced online at http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1801942.

Fair Trade USA (previously TransFair USA), a nonprofit organization, is the leading third-party certifier of Fair Trade products in the United States. Fair Trade USA audits and certifies transactions between U.S. companies and their international suppliers to guarantee that the farmers and workers producing Fair Trade Certified goods were paid fair prices and wages, work in safe conditions, protect the environment, and receive community development funds to empower and uplift their communities. Fair Trade USA educates consumers, brings new manufacturers and retailers into the Fair Trade system, and provides farming communities with tools, training and resources to thrive as international businesspeople. Visitwww.FairTradeUSA.org for more information.

The Research team consists of Michael J. Hiscox, the Clarence Dillon Professor of International Affairs at Harvard University; Sandra Sequeira, Lecturer in Development Economics at the London School of Economics; and Jens Hainmueller, an Assistant Professor of Political Science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Research Reveals Increased Consumer Demand for Fair Trade Certified-Labeled Products via PRNewswire – CSRWire

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Investors in Organic Farms Cultivate Healthy Profits & Healthy Food

Apr 25

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Chicago, IL, April 21, 2011 – While most investors may not think of organic farmland when rethinking their retirement portfolio, this strategy has the extra benefit of improving the health of our environment as well as diversifying one’s investment returns.  Concerned investors looking for more financial stability and sustainable growth now have more opportunities to participate directly in the emerging businesses of organic farmers.

Illinois-based Working Farms Capital is offering private equity and debt alternatives on certified or transitional organic farms under lease to legacy farmers.  Unlike most conventional and annually renewing leases, Working Farms Capital structures long term leases designed to retain existing farm tenants and their intimate knowledge of the land.  By obtaining lease terms spanning multiple crop years, farmers are better able to implement their business plans. Increasingly, the business of farming is more diversified. Recently a 225 acre farm was acquired  to develop wind energy alternatives. The combination of renewable energy and sustainable agriculture represents a growing trend in land use. Working Farms Capital is at the forefront of this development and is expanding operations in the Midwest.

The typical farm lessee is a family farmer whose primary source of income is from the farm. Usually the farm ranges from 100 to 500 acres in size – considered a mid-size farm in the Midwest. Farmers run their own business utilizing rotations of row and cover crops, small grains, vegetables and pastured livestock. Owners receive a base rent with a variable upside based on overall farm profitability. The organic crops are sold to food processors and wholesalers with such varied end uses as blue and white corn chips, tofu, soymilk, organic flour, oatmeal, cereals, roasted soy nuts, milk etc. Most of the production is for human consumption. New owners are also varied and include individuals diversifying their IRA’s, educational endowment funds, pension funds, environmentally focused enterprises and mission driven private wealth offices or institutions.

According to David Miller, founder of Working Farms Capital, the investment theme is simple, “We’re offering investors a unique growth opportunity supported by an appreciating and renewable real asset.  Focusing on soil health and renewable energy will naturally foster higher revenues and enhance the long term value of these farms.”

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Working Farms Capital was incorporated Illinois in 2007 to enable new capital for the transition of conventional farmland to organic practices.  To receive more details, contact Dave Miller (dmiller@workingfarmscapital.com) More information available at www.workingfarmscapital.com

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This Earth Day get to a green festival!

Apr 25

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“There’s been a lot of talk about “shared sacrifice” as American lawmakers try to button down the spending that many blame for the nation’s problems.

Personally, I don’t understand why the discussion seems to be entirely about entitlement programs, with no talk about the defense spending. I am perpetually perplexed about our mission in Iraq and Afghanistan, which seems to be as much of a moving target as the terrorists we’re chasing, while the money flies out of the Treasury as if a giant vacuum were sucking off the conveyor belt (Want a visual? Check out CostofWar.com’s ticker.)

I get it that many government programs could stand some tweaking and scrutinizing. But Congress seems to be taking a hedge clippers to the lawn ornamentation, while a tornado bears down on the horizon.

Why would we give the EPA’s budget a buzz cut while we stand on the brink of climate disaster?

When it comes to things like this, I have to conclude, as I sometimes do in my household populated by teenagers, that we’ve landed in “upside-down world”, where our priorities have been flipped – by special interests, the heedless drive for profits, myopia, short-term thinking  – and so we pursue our own selfish goals at any cost. At least that’s how it works at my house. And at  the House of Representatives.

While we’re in upside-down world, we’re failing to find the path of common sense.

I’d like to suggest a way back. Go to a green festival this week. It’s Earth Day (April 22) and there’s almost certainly something going on near you.

There, I promise, you’ll find a wealth of common sense. It’s intrinsic. It’s practically the definition of sustainability. Some think green living is about more…groan… shared sacrifice. But don’t believe these naysayers. It is about choosing a promising and clean path to a future that conserves energy and resources, ultimately making our lives easier, not more difficult.

OK, I’ll say it. Give Green a Chance.”

READ MORE: This Earth Day get to a green festival! via Barbara Kessler – ABC Green Right Now

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Will a Real Earth Day Movement Please Stand Up?

Apr 22

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“Okay, so it’s Earth Day — the day where environmentalism is celebrated with TV specials, special product offers, and well-intentioned community greening efforts. These are all nice things (but if I have to delete one more ‘Great story idea for Earth Day’ pitches for eco-friendly beauty products, so help me …). Sort of. I mean, I’m glad that a few companies are taking the effort to market their products to an audience that cares about the planet — it’s better that there’s been a mild consumer shift towards organic, fair trade, and ethical products, and that they can be promoted with a topical tie-in one day a year. But 98% of this junk obscures what the original Earth Day was all about: Taking to the streets with fellow citizens and demanding real reform and environmental protections.”

Will a Real Earth Day Movement Please Stand Up? via Brian Merchant – Treehugger

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GREEN FESTIVAL CELEBRATES 10TH ANNIVERSARY MAY 14-15

Mar 28

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The nation’s largest green consumer living event returns to the Windy City for 7th year.

Attend Chicago Green Festival, May 14-15 at McCormick Place Lakeside

CHICAGO – March 28, 2011 The largest sustainability event in the nation celebrates 10 years, one million attendees at McCormick Place Lakeside May 14-15. This one-of-a-kind weekend experience offers opportunities for community members to meet their favorite authors, actors and community leaders; shop more than 300 eco-friendly exhibitors; participate in educational workshops; enjoy live music and local vegetarian cuisine; and sample organic chocolates, wine and beer.

Ten stages and pavilions will host more than 125 inspirational and educational speakers and teachers, including Amy Goodman, The Fabulous Beekman Boys, Jeffrey Smith, John Perkins, Colin Beavan (No-impact Man), Dr. Devra Davis, Hunter Lovins, Bianca Alexander and Dr. Sharif Abdullah.

The Green Marketplace showcases more than 300 green and socially-responsible businesses and organizations. Attendees browse everything from non-toxic home products to organic clothing to fair trade treats and décor.

Green Festival gives back GF Bucks to individuals who purchase tickets online or at the door. GF Bucks are the local Green Festival currency and can be used the same-as-cash to shop in the Green Marketplace.

“Last fall, Green Festival stimulated the green economy by giving back $44,000 to local, regional and national sustainable businesses through the new “GF Bucks” admissions policy,” says Global Exchange and Green Festival Founder, Dr. Kevin Danaher.

Green Festival enables individuals to volunteer or donate to various local nonprofits in exchange for complimentary Green Festival admission through the “Pay it Forward, Get it Back” campaign. Engage with Green America, Global Exchange, Gluten Free Vegans, Sierra Club Chicago and more to receive free Green Festival tickets. Also, Green America and Global Exchange members always receive free admission to Green Festival.

A joint project of Green America and Global Exchange, two leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to environmental and social justice for more than 27 years, Green Festival inspires and promotes the connection between change and sustainable progress for people, communities and businesses. Green Festivals empowers people to live healthier lives—socially, economically and environmentally.

“Whether you go to shop, learn, try new organic foods or experience art and music, Green Festival has it all, with the goal to motivate every person to think, participate and make more planet-friendly, sustainable choices in their every day lives,” says Green America and Green Festival Founder, Denise Hamler.

Thank you to Corporate Innovator Ford. Receive complimentary tickets when you visit your Chicago-area Ford Dealer. Test drive one of Ford’s new green hybrid and electric vehicles right at the Green Festival.

Thank you to Green Festival partners: Clif Bar, Clear Channel and NBC.

Engage with Green Festivals online at www.GreenFestivals.org, www.Facebook.com/GreenFestival and www.Twitter.com/GreenFestival for the latest news about the Chicago Green Festival and additional Green Festivals in 2011.

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About Green America

Green America is a national nonprofit organization founded in 1982, providing the economic strategies, organizing power and practicing tools for businesses and individuals to address today’s social and environmental problems. Its Green Business Network is the largest national network of businesses screened for their social and environmental responsibility.  www.greenamericatoday.org

About Global Exchange

Global Exchange is a membership-based international human rights organization dedicated to promoting social, economic and environmental justice around the world. Since its founding in 1988, Global Exchange has successfully increased public awareness of root causes of injustice while building international partnerships and mobilizing for change. www.globalexchange.org

About Seven-Star, Inc.

Seven-Star, Inc. is the nation’s premier green full-service event company focusing exclusively on green events. Since 1999, Seven-Star has provided turn-key green event services for environmentally Responsible and socially Respectful (eR/sR) festivals, trade and consumer expositions, conferences and concerts. From the greening of the 2007 International Live Earth events, to the 2008 Democratic National Convention events, to producing the nation’s largest consumer Green Festivals, Seven-Star has defined itself as the company for eR/sR event production. Seven-Star is the first event company to have won the EPA’s Gold Waste Wise Award for Excellence in recognition for their proprietary system of event waste diversion, which has consistently achieved greater than 92%.www.sevenstarevents.com

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Dedicated recycler bones up on green techniques to pull off ambitious renovation

Mar 22

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Ben Bradley didn’t play with regular toys growing up.

He would just take them apart and put them back together.

“My parents finally realized they should not buy me typical toys, and started getting me radio kits and stuff like that,” said the Arkansas native.

After he bought his first house in 2007, his old habits kicked in, and he began to take it apart.

Now that he has stripped it down to the bare bones, Bradley plans to put it back together keeping one goal in mind: to be as green as possible.

“I’m going to do what I can to the best of my ability. As a homeowner, unless you have a lot of money, it’s hard,” he said.

Not wanting to attempt such a major endeavor blindly, the local courier has done his research.

The same year he bought his house, he traveled to Global Exchange’s and Co-Op America’s Green Festival in Chicago to soak up some information.

“I was completely mentally exhausted. I was there until they pushed me out of the building,” said Bradley, 39. “It was really liberating. All of a sudden I had more information than I even knew what to do with. It was like being drunk on information. It was like all of a sudden, this was possible.”

Dedicated recycler bones up on green techniques to pull off ambitious renovation via Lesley Young – The Commercial Appeal

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A Second Season Of THE FABULOUS BEEKMAN BOYS Is Ready To Bloom This March On Planet Green

Mar 21

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New Season on Planet Green airs March 22nd, 2011

SHARON SPRINGS, NY – May 21, 2011 In season one, THE FABULOUS BEEKMAN BOYS officially bought the farm… now season two asks, “Can they keep it?”  Dr.Brent Ridge and Josh Kilmer-Purcell never expected to win the hearts of America when the inexperienced city slickers left Manhattan to move to the country.  However, television’s two favorite “gentlemen farmers” did exactly that when they purchased the Beekman 1802 Farm in Sharon Springs, N.Y. This spring, Brent and Josh (along with Farmer John, Polka Spot the llama and a growing army of goats) return for season two of THE FABULOUS BEEKMAN BOYS, beginning March 22 on Planet Green at 10 PM (ET/PT).

THE FABULOUS BEEKMAN BOYS documents the adventure of a lifetime, as Brent, a former vice president of healthy living for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, and Josh, an advertising exec and best-selling author, try to generate enough income withBeekman 1802 so that Josh can leave his job in the city and live at the farm full time.  With Josh inManhattan and Brent three hours away at the farm, the couple has created a recipe for conflict.  Although their first year of sacrifice is officially over, the struggles for the “gentleman farmers” are just beginning.

Season two introduces a new character to help calm the chaos — handyman Dan — and brings back many familiar faces, including Brent’s friend and former employer, Martha Stewart, as well as surprise appearances by Rosie O’Donnell and well-known chef Marcus Samuelsson.  Viewers also will be reunited with the one and only Farmer John; as well as Doug and Garth, the owners of the legendary American Hotel; and of course, Polka Spot the “diva llama” with attitude.

“We are thrilled to bring back THE FABULOUS BEEKMAN BOYS for a second season on Planet Green,” says Laura Michalchyshyn, general manager and president of Planet Green.  ”In less than a year, Brent and Josh have become enduring signature faces on our network and have won legions of devoted fans.  Beek-Geeks will go crazy for season two, as the stakes are raised and we see if THE FABULOUS BEEKMAN BOYS can keep their relationship and their Beekman1802 business afloat.  Of course, there is also a whole lot of llama drama.”

THE FABULOUS BEEKMAN BOYS is executive produced by Randy Barbato, Fenton Bailey and Tom Campbell from World of Wonder.  Angela Rae Berg is co-executive producer and director.  Lynn Sadofsky is executive producer for Planet Green.

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About Planet Green:

Planet Green is the multiplatform media destination for people looking for something new.  Launched on June 4, 2008, Planet Green is following the evolving conversation about sustainability and is the entertainment brand that champions the visionaries who move our world forward in small and large ways.  Planet Green and its two robust Web sites, planetgreen.com and TreeHugger.com, offer unique, insightful and inspiring content related to how we can evolve to live a better, brighter future.  Planet Green’s original programming, digital tools and content will entertain, educate and activate.

About World of Wonder:

Innovative production company World of Wonder is behind such entertaining hit series as “RuPaul’s Drag Race” (Logo), “Million Dollar Listing” (Bravo), and “Fantasia for Real” (Vh1).  They have recently announced a show featuring Sarah, the Duchess of York (OWN).  In addition, World of Wonder has created award-winning films and documentaries such as “Inside Deep Throat,” “The Eyes of Tammy Faye,” “Party Monster” and “Monica in Black and White,”  Their documentary “The Last Beekeeper” (Planet Green) recently won an Emmy® Award for Outstanding Nature Programming.  With offices in Hollywood and London, the company has produced cutting-edge fiction and nonfiction programming for HBO, Showtime, VH1, IFC, Discovery, MTV, BBC, PBS and Channel 4 UK, among others, and can be found online athttp://worldofwonder.net/.

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