Beat The Heat and Wash In Cold
November 17th, 2007
Climate scientists estimate the need to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions 80% by 2050 to avoid the worst effects of global warming. To reach that lofty milestone, each of us will need to focus on the opportunities within our reach today!
The national climate campaign known as C3 (Carbon Conscious Consumers) is challenging each of us to wash 80% of our laundry loads this year — 4 out of 5 loads — in cold water. By doing the majority of your laundry in cold water you’ll cut 72 pounds of CO2 emissions this month alone!
According to their website,
U.S. energy consumption is a major cause of climate change and, according to the Rocky Mountain Institute, water heating accounts for approximately 19 percent of total home energy use. Today’s more efficient clothes washers and laundry detergents make it possible to get both white and colored clothes clean in cold water. Unless you are dealing with extradordinarily tough stains, washing in hot water is more likely to clean out your wallet than your apparel.
If you’re willing to take the pledge and tell your friends, register here today. Not only are you helping to save the planet, keep the pledge up for a year and you’ll save more than $60 in energy costs too!
DonorsChoose.org
November 14th, 2007
As a thank you for purchasing some furniture, Crate and Barrel recently sent me a gift certificate for $25 to a group called DonorsChoose.org. Not knowing anything about them, I got online to check them out and was so impressed! Thank you Crate and Barrel!
With a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, DonorsChoose.org provides students in need with resources that public schools often lack.
Here’s how it works: Teachers from schools all over the country can submit project proposals for materials or experiences needed to help their students learn. Concerned individuals, who they call “Citizen Philanthropists,” can choose projects to fund, and once again we are reminded why we thought the Internet was a good idea in the first place.
From their website,
Proposals range from “Magical Math Centers” ($200) to “Big Book Bonanza” ($320), to “Cooking Across the Curriculum” ($1,100). Any individual can search such proposals by areas of interest, learn about classroom needs, and choose to fund the project(s) they find most compelling. In completing a project, donors receive a feedback package of student photos and thank-you notes, and a teacher impact letter.
Whether you fund a whole project or just contribute your small part, whether you choose a school in your own community or reach out across the country to a community far from home, you can make an impact in the educational life of a child.
For more ideas on how to help bring resources to students in struggling classrooms, read more!
Shabby Apple
November 14th, 2007
Most of you know that I like nothing better than a good excuse to indulge in high fashion. My latest find is a company called Shabby Apple.
Dubbing themselves “Couture with a Conscience,” Shabby Apple is partnering with Unitus to give 5% of its net profits to microfinance projects.
According to their website,
For many women in the developing world, life is a constant struggle against poverty and hardship. Limited economic opportunity leads to a downward cycle of malnutrition, illiteracy and poor health - a cycle that traps each new generation. Through access to microfinance - financial services such as microcredit loans, insurance, savings and other products - women can overcome poverty and provide a better life for their children.
Every $100 donation provides at least 20 women with access to financial services - and the chance to live a life without poverty. Plus the dresses are super cute!
This flirty black satin holiday dress, “Sabrina,” is one of my favorites at just $98.
In addition to the dresses, Shabby Apple also carries a line of accessories, and you can expect to see Shabby Baby in February!
Now go do some guilt-free shopping!
LED Holiday Lights
November 7th, 2007
One of my more civic-minded neighbors (Thanks, Kristina!) recently sent me an email to let me know that our little town of Los Gatos is competing in a contest against neighboring towns to see which community can convert more of their holiday decorations to LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes).
So just what are LEDs?
GagaGear.com
November 5th, 2007
Baby as accessory? Sure! Just look at Kate Hudson, Angelina Jolie, Madonna… (it helps if the baby is adopted and from a developing country, of course.)
Even if your baby isn’t quite the designer kind, you might want to check out GagaGear.com for some really cute (and organic cotton!) baby carriers.
From their website,
The Ellaroo Mei Tai is a versatile, sturdy, all-around baby carrier that can be worn on front, back, and side. Because the shoulder and waist straps are tied on however you like, the pack can be easily shared between parents of very different sizes. All color choices are reversible to solid organic canvas. Features of the Ellaroo Mei Tai include organic cotton batting, high-quality fabrics, and supportive straps and body piece for long-wearing comfort. It sells for $85.
Perhaps you need a dressier version for that holiday party? This 100% cotton Ellaroo Lightly Padded Baby Sling is beautiful in sky blue and chocolate and sells for $99.
Keep your baby close and still look like a fashion plate! What an incredible holiday gift!