A topic covered often here on The Chic Ecologist are brands and stores which carry eco friendly clothing. Based in Chicago, Verdessence is an on-line retailer opened by Lauren McGinty and Michael McCarthy out of a desire to promote positive change in the world. They were kind enough to send me an item from one of the many eco-friendly brands …
Magazine Recycled Paper Content
If you love magazines and catalogs, and haven’t transitioned over to a Kindle or e-reader, then you may be interested to hear about how paper manufacturers and magazines are staying eco-friendly. Or not. While some contain 10-15% recycled content and FSC certified paper, most still use 100% virgin paper. One company stands out in this arena, and is the only …
The Gulf Oil Spill is Sad, But How Does It Affect Me?
I am sure many people are uttering these exact words right now when seeing images and news of the Deepwater Horizon BP oil spill in the Gulf. It is really sad, but unless you live along the affected coast or are a fisherman, it can be hard to connect with the devastation and see it for the disaster it really …
Eco Diamonds
You love the look of diamonds, but want a more environmentally and socially responsible alternative to a unknown origin mined diamond- enter eco diamonds. This phrase can be thrown around loosely, so the first and foremost thing to do when looking for an eco diamond is do your research! Lets first dive into some of the terminology, pros and cons …
Green Twitter Movers and Shakers
Twitter is a great place to learn, interact and stay up to the minute on local, regional and national news, events or just connect to the people and issues you care about. Here is a list of some of the biggest and best tweeters sorted by categories. Scroll down and find your interests and connect, or share your own favorites …
Recycled Airline Seat Cover Bags – Tierra Idea
We have profiled several companies making bags from recycled materials here. You have bags from recycled juice boxes, recycled firehoses, and recycled bags, but here is a new twist I didn’t see coming- bags made from recycled (or repurposed) airline seat covers. Its crazy to think of all the things that eventually get thrown away, and believe me, airline seat …
Trees, Habitat Restoration and Arbor Day
Arbor day brings mixed feelings for me, which may sound strange because who doesn’t like trees? Having worked some time as a restoration ecologist, I may be privy to the dark secrets of habitat restoration or ‘enhancement’, that many well-meaning charities and non-profits may be unaware of: Nature heals itself! Be sure you look into where your trees are being …
The Big Business of Organic Foods
Who owns your favorite organic food label? Think most organic products and companies are independent- think again. Odwalla = Coca-Cola; Green and Blacks Chocolate = Cadbury; Cascadian Farms = General Mills. The list goes on and on. In fact, if you see it at a chain grocery store, your favorite organic or natural foods product is probably owned by a …
Life on The Discovery Channel
I am just utterly compelled to release my excitement over the new series on the Discovery Channel, Life. Quite possibly some of the most amazing wildlife footage since the Planet Earth series, it may even top it! I haven’t been this excited about a show/series since Sharkweek, and that was like 12 years ago. Advancements in High Definition cameras, high …
Green MBA Programs
When looking into MBA programs, you may soon discover a new type of emphasis or concentration- the green MBA. Also dubbed the sustainable MBA, these MBA programs aren’t just for environmentalists. Colleges offering green MBA programs are changing business through their business degrees. There are even classes being offered through online colleges. The MBA or Master of Business Administration, has …