Local Organic Produce Delivery CSA Box

In an ever expanding world of home delivery, produce is making a comeback. It is a common occurrence here in the San Francisco Bay Area to see Amazon Fresh and Safeway delivery trucks. On top of that, there are many organic and local produce delivery services popping up in urban areas (see a previous review of SPUD delivery service), but …

Is Your Own Tap Water Cleaner than Bottled Water?

It’s possible. The fact is, cities and states have regulations for water quality, unlike bottled water, which can have higher levels of arsenic, bacteria, and other contaminants*. Recent studies of bottled water commissioned by EWG* have found high levels of disinfection byproducts, fertilizer residue, and pain medication, including 38 chemical pollutants altogether. “FDA Safety and Consumer Protections [for bottled water] …

7 Eco-friendly uses for Hemp

Hemp (Cannabis sativa) has long been associated with the marijuana plant due to its relation and resemblance, however, hemp does not produce the same THC drug as its relative. Still illegal to grow throughout much of the US, this wonder plant suffers by association. Long despised by the cotton industry due to many advantages of hemp over cotton, some small …

Sustainable Sushi Resources

With an explosion in popularity over the last few decades, Sushi is quickly causing overfishing problems impacting several species to the brink of extinction. Bluefin Tuna (Kuromaguro or Toro) is the most dire of these, however, many others such as Yellowtail (Hamachi), eel (Unagi), and many other popular Sushi fish are experiencing major declines. With so many fisheries being impacted …

Blackfish Documentary Movie Review

Blackfish has made a lot of waves lately, from environmental groups applauding the spotlight on captivity and dolphin capturing practices, to entertainers dropping out of Sea World events and companies pulling sponsorships. It may be for good reason. Blackfish is a documentary movie which tells the story of Tilikum, a troubled killer whale that killed several people while in captivity. …

Holiday Shopping and Giving

It is that time of year again! Holiday shopping and gift giving in a rush, but The Chic Ecologist is here to help! Whether searching for that perfect eco experience, trying to lower your impact on the environment this year, or finding unique green gifts for that special someone, I have the list for you! Holiday Shopping Guide Looking to …

DaDa and Quarterly Underwear Club

DaDa is a men’s underwear brand based in Scotland using sustainable materials to develop comfortable underwear. Fabrics such as organic cotton, bamboo rayon, seaweed, coconut shells and even coffee grinds have been developed and combined with stylish patterns and fits. Their first collection has focused on developing three distinct styles, which can be found as a part of their Kickstarter …

Organic or Not, Avoid These Health Foods

We all are trying to eat healthier these days, avoiding chemicals, hormones, and processed foods as much as possible, but what happens when the so called ‘health foods’ can also pose problems? While organic is really the way to go for most food options, there are a few you should probably just stay away from altogether. Margarine and vegetable oils …

BloomThat – Local Powered Flower Delivery in SF

There is nothing like fresh cut flowers to brighten up a room, and who doesn’t like getting flowers? Now there is a speedy and green flower delivery service in San Francisco bringing joy to those in the 7×7. BloomThat is doing things a bit differently, and greening up an otherwise dirty industry. By sourcing local and in season flowers, they …

White Tuna, Butterfish, Escolar – Oh My!

This has recently hit my radar, being a sushi lover and all, because of the very surprising ‘leakage accidents’ which are associated with a certain fish. Escolar (Lepidocybium flavobrunneum), or as it is commonly (and mistakenly) referred to as butterfish, super white tuna, or sometimes walu/waloo, can have a nasty side effect if too much is consumed. Besides that, I …