Refresh Agency

A visit to Better Place Copenhagen

2011-11-22T02:39:00.000-08:00

...cruisin' is made for love

www.betterplace.com

EcoBeautiful Feature: SLOWCOLOR

2011-11-11T04:39:00.000-08:00

Fairtrade. Coop. Handloomed. Naturally plant dyed. Restoring artisan indigenous textile techniques. Flax linen. Socio and planetary visions and commitments. Beautiful luxurious scarves & shawls. For me. You. Her and him.

www.SLOWCOLOR.com
www.Facebook.com/SLOWCOLOR
www.Twitter.com/beSLOWCOLOR

Now also available at www.vickerey.com

iHeart Dancing Solar Flowers

2011-11-09T17:11:00.000-08:00

life of a donut

2011-11-05T03:35:00.000-07:00

Copenhagen Art : The Nordic Art Forum

2011-11-03T13:58:00.000-07:00

inspired by balloon flying pigs, colorama sketching, balancing painted can, decapitated cows, happy trolls and playful genius at Copenhagen Art fair in September 2011

We Vote for Guayaki Yerba Mate - BBC World Challenge

2011-10-28T02:58:00.000-07:00

Our friends GUAYAKI YERBA MATE have been selected as 1 of 12 finalists from nearly 1000 entries in the BBC World Challenge. The World Challenge is a global competition in its 7th year at the BBC World News. It seeks to highlight and reward small businesses around the world that bring economic, social and environmental benefits to local communities through innovation and enterprise at a grassroots level.

Guayaki Yerba Mate began when two friends, one from the US and another from Argentina, discovered the traditional South American Mate rainforest tea drink made from a subspecies of holly plant. Consumed across the continent, the plant has a high caffeine content. Having fallen in love with the rainforest where the plant grows, the pair started the company as a Fair Trade organic producer that aims to conserve the ecosystem while also turning a profit. As well as the traditional tea, the company has also launched an energy drink derived from the plant for the US market. Using an innovative business model that directly links customers' purchases to farming communities, Guayaki Yerba Mate believes they have all the ingredients for their own brand of market-driven conservation.

VOTE here. Voting closes at midnight(GMT) on 11th November 2011 http://www.theworldchallenge.co.uk/finalists/6/Jungle-Brew

Follow BBC World Challenge on Twitter @WorldChallenge

Find out more about this fab company at http://guayaki.com

we heart all things eco-beautiful, playfully artfully fair trade

2011-10-24T07:56:00.000-07:00

friend and fellow eco amazone Nicole Linton's fabulous fair trade, organic, coop, eco luxury collection of rugs, pillows and playfulness - eBella Designs - is so us! Nicole's eye for design is inspiring, fun, colorful and artful. her heart takes it all to the next level of commitment to coop and fair trade production in the third world, with a primary focus on Peru and India.

find more www.ebelladesigns.com
follow on Twitter and on Facebook

right now eBella Designs offer 20% off on Alpaca rugs and pillows.

gorgeous photography credit: Sergio Ballivian www.sergiophoto.com

inspired by design, nature and silence

2011-10-07T10:05:00.000-07:00

Dusty's Handpainted Signs

2011-10-04T03:46:00.001-07:00

Super talented!

Dusty Signs from Hunter Johnson on Vimeo.

dusty's signs

Inspired by Cover's blog post

KatVig: Danish Eco Design for Kids

2011-08-28T22:41:00.000-07:00

Katvig is Danish Design filled with vibrant colors, creative and fun patterns and designs that bring a big smile to my face. Moreover, Katvig is an innovative eco label founded by Vigga Svensson - a vibrantly passionate sustainability woman, who is not 'just' a clothing designer and entrepreneur, but a member of the peaceful warrior contingent for a better planet. She will be speaking at the Copenhagen based conference ReBuild21 tomorrow Aug 30th and Wednesday 31st. A conference gathering movers and shakers from the various industries and business channels from Politics, eco fashion designers, architects, social innovation thinkers and big corporate business VPs, to rethink how we do business in the 21st Century.

The New Autumn collection 2011 catalog from katvig http://issuu.com/katvig/docs/katvig_aw11_issue/16

www.katvig.dk

Design For The Other 90% - Exhibit

2011-08-23T12:49:00.000-07:00

Of the world’s total population of 6.5 billion, 5.8 billion people, or 90%, have little or no access to most of the products and services many of us take for granted; in fact, nearly half do not have regular access to food, clean water, or shelter. Design for the Other 90% explores a growing movement among designers to design low-cost solutions for this “other 90%.” Through partnerships both local and global, individuals and organizations are finding unique ways to address the basic challenges of survival and progress faced by the world’s poor and marginalized.

More detail here: Design For The Other 90%

Social Business: Rethinking Innovation, Organization and Leadership

2011-08-19T07:42:00.000-07:00

Forget about your IQ. In an increasingly more complex world, your IQ plays less of a role - instead it is your NQ (network quotient), which will determine how well you and your business will fare, according to Jacob Bøtter. Read more here

Karmameju Yumminess

2011-08-14T14:50:00.000-07:00

www.karmameju.com

Toyota Launching Prius Plug-In

2011-08-11T02:34:00.000-07:00

Toyota is launching the new Prius Plug-In later this year. Sign up by August 22nd for first dibs to an even eco friendlier Prius ride.

Simply plug it in. And, depending on your plug type, in just 1.5 to 3 hours, you're ready for your next adventure. An extended EV mode is backed by Hybrid Synergy Drive®, which could give you up to 475 miles on a tank.

We like the sound of that!

All the details here: Toyota Prius Plug-In

10 Blogging Lessons from the Dalai Lama

2011-08-08T12:46:00.000-07:00

Spiritual Blogging?

Since we posted this picture of the Dalai Lama very recently, captured by photographer and business associate David Raccuglia, I found this blog post by Annabel Candy most fitting - besides insightful. RePosted from ProBlogger

The Dalai Lama recently came to visit me on the Sunshine Coast in Australia. Well, not me specifically but the thousands of people who drove miles, piled into buses, and waited under bright skies to hear him speak.

It wasn’t what I expected. I joined Toastmasters to learn the art of public speaking but I don’t think the Dalai Lama needs to. His speech wasn’t polished but his message came over crystal-clear, and it’s obvious why he’s built up such a massive following, even without the help of social media.

Here’s a man who doesn’t need to use blogging to build his business, earn more money or establish himself as an expert in his field. He’s already the spiritual leader of the world.

He doesn’t even write a blog, but the Dalai Lama still has a lot to teach bloggers.
1. Have a sense of humor

The prayer flags on stage hung a bit low and the Dalai Lama peeped out from behind them, instantly making the audience laugh. Then he worried that the Aboriginal dancers, clad only in a small red cloth, might be feeling the cold.

There’s already enough dry, tutorial style information around. People learn more and want to come back to a blog that’s fun to read and bloggers should make the most of that.
2. Be humble

There was a comfy sofa sitting centre stage for the Dalai Lama to recline on while he spoke. He’s an old man but he said we wouldn’t be able to see him there so he chose to stand at the front of the stage under the hot sun where we could see him better.

Blogging is all about relationships, interacting with your readers and being present for them on your blog and on their favourite social media outposts
3. Be human

The Dalai Lama wasn’t sure of the protocol. He didn’t know if he was to speak first or if someone was going to introduce him. He’s just a normal human being like us trying his best.

We all make mistakes—typos slip into blog posts or links are forgotten. Just acknowledge them, fix what you can, and do your best.
4. Smile

Be happy and show that happiness. More people will want to hang out with you. It definitely works for the Dalai Lama who spreads happiness wherever he goes.

Do you like hanging out with and working with happy people? Then make sure your blog and gravatar photos makes you look friendly and open.

Don’t use photos where you look cool or sexy … you may come across as bored or grumpy instead. Unless you’re really cool and sexy, of course.
5. Be you

You can shave your head like the Dalai Lama, wear thick glasses, and sport deep wrinkles on your face and arms. It doesn’t really matter. As long as you are you, people will only notice the good things—your smile, your twinkling eyes, and your dimples.

There’s a lot of talk about authenticity in blogging and social media and being you makes your blog stand out better than anything else.
6. Speak from your heart

The Dalai Lama didn’t need to read his speech from notes. His message is there in his heart and in his soul. We know he really believes it.

Bloggers need to really believe their message and be passionate about it. Practically you need to blog about what you love because you’ll be blogging about it long-term. Passion will shine through on your blog and in your writing, videos or podcasts.
7. Take time

The Dalai Lama didn’t feel the need to rush his words. Sometimes he had to reflect and think a bit about what he wanted to say.

Don’t rush your blogging or try to keep up with other bloggers. I only post once a week own blogs (I have two) because I have other writing to do and I like to spend time making sure all my posts are as good as they can be.

Blogging is a long-term investment so you need to be patient to see the results.
8. Get help

The Dalai Lama had a friend to hand who whispered in his ear when the right word didn’t spring to mind.

Bloggers need to get help with the bits they find hard. For some it might be blog design, others need help with content creation, others with Facebook.

Accept that you can’t do everything, do the bits you love and the fun bits as best you can and seek help for other things.
9. Have a strong and universal message

Thousands of people flock to hear the Dalai Lama speak because his message of peace and love is crystal-clear.

Bloggers will have to work out what their message is before they can share it fully with their readers.
10. Use stories and anecdotes people can relate to

The Dalai Lama used relevant stories mentioning local Queenslanders who showed co-operation, friendship, and trust by helping each other out voluntarily during the floods.

Bloggers need to capture their readers’ imagination and give people concrete examples they can relate to. Story-telling is the best way to get your readers reading and keep them hooked until the end.

Does the Dalai Lama’s popularity resonate with you as a blogger? What else can bloggers learn from him and other inspiring leaders?

Selected Inspirations by World Renowned Photographer David Raccuglia

2011-08-07T14:30:00.000-07:00

I find friend and business colleague, David Raccuglia's, images expanding and heart opening. He possesses an uncanny eye for capturing the essence of a soul in a quirky squint, a sly smile, a twinkle in the eye, a teardrop from the depths of an unhappy heart - and with his generosity, kindness and immense global curiosity for all things fresh, innovative and artistically stretching, Refresh Agency is delighted and blessed to count David as one of our supporters [and vice versa] and business partners.

www.DavidRaccuglia.com
also the founder of www.AmericanCrew.Com
...and www.MensDept.com soon to become a global brand [just watch]

World's Largest Outdoor Exhibit - Elephant Parade in Copenhagen

2011-07-28T09:53:00.000-07:00

When Copenhagen June 1 - August 25th
What 107 art elephants unique created and placed in the streets of Cph
Mission Raise funds and awareness to save the Asiatic elephant
Why The Asiatic elephants are rapidly approaching extinction

www.elephantparade.dk
Global exhibits and information http://elephantparade.com

Better Place Shows Off Europe's First Battery Switch Station

2011-07-22T13:35:00.000-07:00

The company's biggest real-world test to date opened in Denmark.

THE GIST
* The company Better Place wants to swap out electric batteries instead of recharging them.
* The concept requires battery switching stations that would be analogous to gas stations.
* It's still unclear whether this approach will win out over recharging.

Better Place has moved a bit further down the road in its quest to corner the electric vehicle market. In Denmark, the company has just unveiled Europe's first Battery Switch Station, which will serve as the cornerstone of Better Place's biggest real-world test to date.

The grand event was held at a new Better Place facility in Gladsaxe, just outside Copenhagen. The vehicle used to demonstrate the station's functionality was the Renault Fluence Z.E. -- which isn't terribly surprising, given Renault's close partnership with Better Place and its founder and front man, Shai Agassi.

Over the next nine months, additional Better Place Battery Switch Stations will be built across the country in partnership with numerous municipalities and DONG Energy. In total, Better Place aims to construct 20 such facilities in building a nationwide charging infrastructure.

The Battery Switch Stations are almost fully automated, and motorists can stay buckled up for the entire process. Drivers swipe their membership card at the entrance, and according to the company's press release, "The rest of the process is automated, similar to going through a car wash, so the driver never has to leave the car. In just a few minutes, a robotic arm removes the depleted battery and replaces it with a full one and the driver is back on the road."

Full story by Discovery News.

Better Place further writes in their press release dated June 28th in Copenhagen:
Denmark’s adaptability in terms of new climate friendly technology, a strong commitment to renewable energy, largely powered by wind and political leadership that has set ambitious carbon reduction targets makes it the perfect match for Better Place and the Renault Fluence Z.E.

“Denmark is leading the global transition from oil based transportation to electric. Over the next nine months, the solution you see here will be replicated across the country – giving drivers the confidence and freedom to drive zero emission, zero oil cars with the same convenience they enjoy with today’s gas cars,” Hansen concluded.

Another 20 Battery Switch Stations to be deployed over the next nine months.

Read full press release.

Skiwear Roundup

2011-04-05T11:39:00.000-07:00

At the very end of spring ski season, Aspen, Colo., hosted its third annual fashion week, parading the best and brightest in new ski and snowboarding clothes for men and women. Here's what you'll need to swish in style next winter - Darrell Hartman, Wall Street Journal

A handful of labels were showcased, parading the best and brightest in new ski and snowboarding gear.

NOT-SO-MELLOW-YELLOW: These neon and canary statments make you easy to find in an avalanche, - or at happy hour. A look from Number: Lab

NOT-SO-MELLOW-YELLOW: Dannemann Pure

NOT-SO-MELLOW-YELLOW: JCC + Rossignol

NOT-SO-MELLOW-YELLOW: Obermeyer

WOOL GETS TECHNICAL: Wool goes from apres to ski-ready as labels discover ways to make it lighter and more waterproof. A new look from Neve.

WOOL GETS TECHNICAL: Number:Lab

WOOL GETS TECHNICAL: Kjus

WOOL GETS TECHNICAL: Dannemann Pure

WILD JUNGLE PRINTS: Want skiwear that's a little more tooth and nail? Try these camouflage and animal prints. New look from JCC and Rossignol.

WILD JUNGLE PRINTS: Obermeyer

WILD JUNGLE PRINTS: Obermeyer

WILD JUNGLE PRINTS: Authier

WILD JUNGLE PRINTS: JC de Castelbajac

Looking Good, Downward Dog

2011-04-02T08:43:00.000-07:00

“Stylish” is the clothing one dons after yoga, yes? Yoga and fashion have never been soul sisters, and getting busted wearing my yoga pants in the grocery store, hours after class is over, has never been my proudest fashion moment.

No more, says Tobie Orr, Denver, Colorado stylist and fashion expert, best known for her annual Riverfront Park Fashion Series in the Mile-High City, “Lifestyle plays a lot into this movement of yoga apparel going mainstream. We need to achieve a lot in a day, and busy women are looking for clothes that are easy, efficient, and streamlined.”

Georgia Benjou, Fashion Editor of 5280 Magazine in Denver adds:

“Fashion has definitely embraced the sport world over the past few seasons with both European and American designers filtering sport and yoga influence into their collections. I think designers have been able to use core items – racer back tanks, bandeau tops, drawstring sweat pants – to create comfortable pieces that are still stylish and give an urban edge.”

Better yoga clothes are popping up everywhere. High-profile designers like Alexander Wang and Stella McCartney have brought a chic and sophisticated twist to the utilitarian clothing usually relegated to yoga class. This year, the marketplace at the Yoga Journal Conference in Estes Park, Colorado featured the curve-hugging Lycra, cotton and microfiber styles of hip yogawear purveyors like Lucy, Lululemon Athletica, and Be Present.

Eco-minded trendsetters will be delighted to learn that modern yoga clothes not only look better, but actually are better – using innovative natural fabrics, socially conscious manufacturing practices, and fewer chemicals and waste.

Canadian designer Eric Wazana makes his Second Denim Yoga Jeans with environmental principles in mind. Not only are the jeans comfortable enough for yoga class (yes, you heard that right), but Second Denim’s new line of Eco Jeans are manufactured using 97 percent organic cotton, less water, and fewer dyes and chemicals.

Natural lifestyle company Clary Sage Organics is on a mission to make dressing easier by providing fashion-forward workout wear with an urban edge. Their thoughtfully designed yoga clothes, like their sophisticated scalloped seamed leggings, or the carefully detailed, corsetey vintage swim girdle, reflect the company’s efforts to “empower people to live healthy, thoughtful and ecologically responsible lives,” and look good doing it.

So go on. Find your inner yoga rockstar, your downtown hipster, or your spiritual diva and sport those clothes to yoga class, and beyond.

The Run Across America For Natural Medicine

2011-03-28T06:55:00.000-07:00

By Dr. Holly Lucille, ND

On July 17th 2011, Dr. Dennis Godby, accompanied by his energetic sons Isaiah and Jeremiah and nephew, Jonas Ely, will set off on an historic, 4-month journey from San Francisco, CA to Bridgeport, CT on foot. Yes, on foot! Why on earth would a doctor, with an established practice, set off to run more than 3,250 miles across the country? Because of you! Dr. Dennis Godby cares about you, and your access to safe, natural health care.

Dr. Godby is a licensed doctor of Naturopathic Medicine. Naturopathic Medicine is a system of medicine based on the belief that the human body has an innate healing ability. Naturopathic doctors (NDs) teach their patients to use diet, exercise, lifestyle changes and cutting edge natural therapies to enhance their bodies’ ability to ward off and combat disease. Since many Americans are not even aware of the many systems of medicine that are available to them, The RUN is a public awareness campaign to educate Americans about natural medicine, and help empower personal choice.

The six principles of Naturopathic medicine that make it unique from all other systems of medicine are:

• Do No Harm
Naturopathic medicine uses therapies that are safe and effective as we understand there are many options available before drugs and surgery.
• The Healing Power of Nature  
The human body possesses the inherent ability to restore health. The physician's role is to facilitate this process with the aid of natural, nontoxic therapies.
• Discover and Treat the Cause, Not Just the Effect  
Physicians seek and treat the underlying cause of a disease. Symptoms are viewed as expressions of the body's natural attempt to heal. The origin of disease is removed or treated so the patient can recover.
• Treat the Whole Person  
The multiple factors in health and disease are considered while treating the whole person. Physicians provide flexible treatment programs to meet individual health care needs.
• The Physician is a Teacher  
The physician's major role is to educate, empower, and motivate patients to take responsibility for their own health. Creating a healthy cooperative relationship with the patient has a strong therapeutic value.
• Prevention is the best "cure"
Naturopathic physicians are preventive medicine specialists. Physicians assess patient risk factors and heredity susceptibility and intervene appropriately to reduce risk and prevent illness. Prevention of disease is best accomplished through education and a lifestyle that supports health.

Naturopathic doctors (NDs) are primary care physicians clinically trained in natural therapeutics and whose philosophy is derived in part from a Hippocratic teaching more than 2000 years old: Vis mediatrix naturae---nature is the healer of all diseases. Their practice is based on the same basic bio-medical science foundation that traditional medical practice is; however, their philosophies and approaches differ considerably from their conventional counterparts. Naturopathic physicians diagnose disease and treat patients by using natural modalities. They choose treatment based on the individual patient, not based on the generality of symptoms. This approach has proven successful in treating both chronic and acute conditions

Information and awareness is power! Join the Run’s movement and feel your own strength.

The Run: Moving Natural Medicine Forward is an extraordinary 3,250-Mile run across America! Naturopathic Physician Dr. Dennis Godby and a fantastic team are setting out to increase awareness, educate and empower people about natural health care options, preventing disease, finding and treating the cause of illness, and revitalizing the nation’s health. The RUN is the primary project of the Institute for Natural Medicine, a public advocacy non-profit organization. http://www.therun.org

www.therun.org
Follow The Run on Facebook

The Way of Tea: Japan Earthquake Relief

2011-03-24T13:39:00.000-07:00

For more than 500 years, Japanese culture has embraced the drinking of tea as a rich element of social, medicinal and spiritual practice. With strong links to Zen Buddhism,

The Japanese Tea Ceremony captures all the elements of Japanese philosophy and artistic beauty, and interweaves four principles – harmony (with people and nature), respect (for others), purity (of heart and mind), and tranquility. It grew from the custom of Zen Buddhist monks drinking tea from a single bronze bowl in front of a statue of their founder, Bodhidharma, during their act of worship. Over the centuries, rituals gradually developed around the religious significance and the use and appreciation of the utensils needed for preparing and serving tea.(Jane Pettigrew).

The Japanese concept of wabi-sabi is defined by the three realities that nothing lasts, nothing is finished and nothing is perfect. Wabi-sabi recalls the freshness that accompanies rustic simplicity, quietness and ‘flawed beauty” (Taro Gold, Living Wabi-Sabi). Seen, for example, in the Japanese tea ceremony, the pottery items used are often rustic and simple-looking. On a more spiritual level, wabi-sabi indicates an attitude of quiet refinement “characterized by humility, restraint, simplicity, naturalism, profundity, imperfection, and asymmetry” (Chanoyu: The Art of Tea).

A cup of tea enjoyed can be considered a gift. Now more than ever, I am painfully aware of how lucky I am to drink tea in a place of safe and calm. As my heart breaks for the victims in Japan, I am somewhat heartened to discover many tea companies who are working to provide much needed disaster relief for victims.

I’d like to share them with you (thanks to Tea Happiness, and Tea Pages blog for resources).

Ito En Tea Company

Will donate more than 1,000,000 bottles of water and tea as well as 1.2 million dollars to earthquake relief.

Pearl Teas

Will donate 40% to the Red Cross and searchdogfoundation.org.

East Pacific Tea

Will donate 25% of sales to the Red Cross.

Yogic Chai

Will donate 30% of sales through end of March.

The Tea Spot (boulder)

Will donate 25% of Japanese tea sales to Doctors Without Borders.

Hancha Tea

Will donate 20% of all online sales.

I drink my tea with gratitude and hope you’ll help by making a donation here:

Japan Society Earthquake Relief Fund

Red Cross

NOIR: A Scandinavian Fashion Label Oozing Sexy Social Conscience

2010-08-23T09:00:00.000-07:00

As a fashionista and an eco-advocate, I am absolutely in love with the Danish eco-luxury collection Noir and their newer street label offered at a more price conscious level, Bllack Noir. “We want to be known as the first brand to bring sophistication and sexiness to corporate social responsibility,” says Peter Ingwersen, founder of Noir, with a smile that exudes confidence, commitment and passion.
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These days, I find that young fashion consumers are not only concerned with looking chic and stylish, but that they care deeply about corporate social responsibility. I recently had the chance to sit down with Peter during Copenhagen’s Fashion Week to talk about his inspiration for his latest collection and emerging trends in the eco fashion world.
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Q: What was your inspiration in launching Noir with a focus on sustainability and eco consciousness at a time when these concepts were far from mainstream?

A: In 2005, when the idea of NOIR came to be, the zeitgeist and megatrends were environmental concerns regarding CO2 emissions and the global concerns of melting icebergs, which gave me the idea of bringing a deeper level of meaning, such as planetary awareness and corporate social responsibility into the fashion industry. I come from the fashion industry, and I knew I wanted to stay within the scope of fashion.

Q: In which areas does Noir fare best?

A: North America and Western Europe are the areas where Noir does best. This is directly related to the level of education in those regions. It requires a higher level of awareness on a larger global scale in order to make conscious purchasing decisions regarding the products we consume, such as fashion. Of course, those countries also have the level of funds required to purchase a high end fashion label.

Q: Does the concept of green fashion work as a business model?

A: Setting out to revolutionize an industry and change people’s behavioral patterns and level of awareness takes time. It’s important to take a step back and create a long-term five year plan; then execute step by step. It is imperative that innovation comes from the heart.

Q: What do you think is the hottest new trend in eco fashion?

A: Technology will save us all. I think that man-made fibers are truly amazing and will be the new hot thing in eco materials. We will all need to overcome our prejudice that natural made fibers are more ecofriendly. Producing organic cotton takes an incredible amount of water to produce, which we now know is not as sustainable as we once thought it was. I believe that man-made fibers are truly the next hot trend in sustainable fashion.

An Interview with Peter Ingwersen of NOIR from EcoSalon on Vimeo.

Q: The use of leather and fur is a bit challenging in some eco circles. What is your take on using these materials in Noir’s collections?

A: NOIR designs with leather and fur. We are not Mother Theresa and our focus sits with the cotton production, environmental concerns and socio ethics in the manufacturing. We cannot focus on all aspects of the supply chain. We do fashion, and secondly, we ensure a sustainable supply chain in our key focal areas. And in this order.

Peter shares his vision for a better tomorrow in the following interview:

The NOIR SS11 collection is a tribute to renew femininity, celebrating the female shape and paying tribute to all strong and beautiful women with a delicate, yet very modern silhouette and sculptural look for spring/summer 2011.

Fabrics are heavily emphasized by Illuminati II, Noir´s own organically grown and fair traded cotton from the heart of Africa, combined with a mix of the most delicate silks, laces and of course Noir’s signature styling, leather. Colors are very light and soft like nude rose shades, morning mist powder greys and hazy midnight blues set off against very strong black and clean white.

Editor’s note: This is a guest post written by Sandja Brügmann. Sandja is managing partner of Refresh Agency, a leading specialist PR and communications agency focusing on the green lifestyle market [LOHAS – lifestyles of health and sustainability]. She has served leading brands at the cutting edge of the LOHAS phenomenon such as GoodBelly, Crocs, Sterling Rice Group, Addis Creson, Clementine Art, FASHIONmeGREEN, SNAP gathering, Vickerey, Neve Designs and Chocolove. Sandja was born and raised in the fashion-centric and sustainability-minded Denmark. She grew up in a household run mostly on solar power by an entrepreneurial mother and an eco-conscientious father. Her career began, after receiving top honors at University of Colorado, Boulder, as a Scandinavian-focused renewable energy researcher for Financial Times, before she served as Marketing Manager for lifestyle company Gaiam. Sandja’s vibrant and passionate commitment to inspiring positive planetary change, without compromising on style, is visible throughout her work. “My passion is to bring fun, adventure, style and sex appeal to living a greener and more sustainable lifestyle,” she explains. Sandja’s aw-inspiring sense of style and her global ‘finger on the pulse’ has made her a sought after eco trend spotter. Her written work has been featured in Scandinavian PURE Magazine, IN Magazine, USA-based leading green lifestyle media EcoSalon, LOHAS Journal and Elephant Journal. Sandja is a certified yogini, a Danish national team Olympic hopeful archery champion and she adores her daily lessons as a parent. Follow Sandja
on Twitter!

Eco Hipster of Sustainable Fashion, Samantha Pleet

2010-07-26T10:39:00.000-07:00

Eco fashion has come a long way since its grassroots origins, and now designs by Samantha Pleet reinvent vintage mod as if green has always been in style.

At the tender age of twenty-five, Samantha Pleet debuted her fall 2006 collection. The looks were described as "intertwining elements of the dark, mysterious and fantastical - dandies and rogues of centuries past and lands afar - with a sense of modernity that is distinctly Pleet." Her designs soon became wildly popular, selling internationally at some of the most chic boutiques and clothing companies in the world, including Urban Outfitters. Pleet became so adored by second-wave hipsters everywhere that she began to dress indie bands including Au Revoir Simone, Chairlift, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, and Apache Beat.

The shocking part of Pleet's sweetly refreshing style? All of her post war designs are eco friendly, using sustainable materials to create ethical consciousness with class. The Philadelphian turned New Yorker also demands that her factory operate on wind power, conserving energy while creating her namesake vintagesque pieces. In 2009, Pleet received an Ecco Domani sustainability design award for her work on Bodkin Brooklyn, a project reworking old leather jackets into bags.

Her current spring/summer 2010 line doesn't fall short, and is nothing less than uniquely inspiring. The collection includes several high-waisted rompers, in neutral colors with feminine details such as oversized bows at the neckline, roping draped across one shoulder, and well-tailored pockets. Pleet also takes the 2010 fashion phenomenon of the romper one step further to the skort dress (a dress with shorts underneath), being careful to combine sweetheart cuts to prevent the design from looking too young. A large floral print theme, reminiscent of the 80s, adds flare and color to the line while still creating a cohesive boldly muted collection.

A favorite look from Samantha Pleet this summer is the vintage swimsuit. With micro-polka-dot print and flowing ruffles ornamenting the waist, this one piece is truly one-of-a-kind. The combination is a perfect combination of pretty, funky, urban and sexy to complement a perfect day at the beach.

Be sure to watch Samantha rock the runway in the fall 2010 Do-Gooder's Design Challenge, where she will be creating her own trashion look out of old newspapers to compete against four other eco designers to benefit green charities.

Designs from this eco-chic designer can be purchased at Urban Outfitters, but for the consumer as crazy about these eco designs as I am, don't hesitate as quantities are limited; sustainable fashion has never looked this good.

Save a Life With Just a Few Clicks

2010-07-21T15:19:00.000-07:00

Together, VivaPrime and Vitamin Angels are working to prevent child malnutrition worldwide, one child at a time

“Like” VivaPrime on Facebook

An estimated 190 million children in the world suffer from vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and 350,000 go blind from vitamin A deficiency every year. Even more, 1/3 of child mortality is caused by under nutrition. In addition, each year there are 450,000 children under five that die due to zinc deficiency, and there are 136,000 deaths are caused each year due to iron-deficiency anemia.

VivaPrime is working with Vitamin Angels [www.vitaminangels.org], a non-profit organization dedicated to providing vital nutrition in the form of supplements to developing countries, communities and individuals in the U.S. and around the world, to reduce child mortality and prevent malnutrition across the world. Through the social media ‘Save a Life’ campaign, VivaPrime will donate $.25 to Vitamin Angels for each person that “Likes” the VivaPrime Facebook page. For just $.25, Vitamin Angels can help a single child with both vitamin A and antiparasitics for one year. In addition, VivaPrime donates a portion of each sale of VivaPrime products to Vitamin Angels to offer continuous support for Vitamin Angels and their courageous efforts.

“Like” VivaPrime on Facebook

VivaPrime holistic nutritional solutions are designed to target specific health concerns, while improving overall health and wellness. The products combine the best of nature with quality science, and are designed with optimum dosages to provide comprehensive, convenient and cost effective solutions. Every VivaPrime product is blister packed to protect the potency of natural ingredients from oxidation and humidity. For more information visit www.vivaprime.net www.twitter.com/vivaprime and www.facebook.com/vivaprime

For more information visit www.vivaprime.net

Neve Designs Announces Expansion Plans and Partnerships in Europe and North America

2010-07-13T17:32:00.000-07:00

Neve Designs, a sophisticated, active lifestyle and snow sports apparel label, announces its expansion into the Central European Alps and plans for a larger European presence in the next years. In North America, Neve Designs’ strategic focus is to expand on the company’s current strong hold in the ski and outdoor industries into the lifestyle and fashion segments.

Neve Designs formally announces Munich-based Mayr Nell [www.mayrnell.com] as Central European communications partner. “We are happy and excited to support Neve Design’s entry in the German speaking markets. We are confident that Neve’s unique design and noble fabrics will conquer a market niche and enter “unchartered territory” here in Europe,” says Sandra Nell, owner and manager of Mayr Nell.

Boulder-based Refresh Agency [www.refreshagency.com] has been selected as Neve Designs’ North American communications and social media partner of record. “Neve Designs is a perfect fit with our passion to inspire through fashion-forward, adventurous lifestyles and planetary betterment” says founder of Refresh Agency, Sandja Brügmann, ”Expect great things from Neve in years to come.”

Neve Designs is re-launching with an improved and more sophisticated feel and with the vision to solidify our position as a fashion-forward and elegant, active lifestyle brand. President and CEO Tom Irvine explains, “We are excited to partner with both Refresh Agency and Mayr Nell. Both agencies share our lifestyle affinity, but also bring the exact elements and refinement we need to execute the next generation of the Neve brand.”

Neve Designs creates stunning ski and lifestyle apparel with elegance and flair, mixing European influences with classic American style. In the Italian Alps our name means snow. Neve was born in the mountains, but it’s just as comfortable at an elegant dinner in the city. It’s style made effortless. It’s sophistication with a touch of whimsy. It’s impeccable detailing and consummate quality with inspired pattern and color. It’s performance as nature intended. Neve Designs is headquartered in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, calling Boulder, CO home since it’s founding in 2002. www.nevedesigns.com www.twitter.com/nevedesigns

Shop the Shoot- Vintage Fashion: FASHIONmeGREEN + Market Publique

2010-07-09T08:02:00.000-07:00

One of fashion’s greatest resources is the the fashion that is already in existence. FASHIONmeGREEN and Market Publique are bringing you all of the hottest vintage fashion circa 1970 to (ironically) update your wardrobe and revive a classic look.

Visit FASHIONmeGREEN's Shop the Shoot from The NY Project to source the hottest eco-designers from New York.

Designers include: Suno, Stella McCartney, Doucette Duvall, Cri de Coeur, Bodkin, Lizzie Fortunato Jewels, Study, Osborn Design and more.

FASHIONmeGREEN Shop the Shoot

Sales of European Green Goods Set to Double by 2015

2010-06-13T13:57:00.000-07:00

LONDON, United Kingdom — The emerging European market for green consumer goods is set to double in value to €114bn (£95bn, US$139.9 billion) during the next five years as the price premium on sustainable products begins to fall.

That is the conclusion of a new study commissioned by the Centre for Retail Research on behalf of online comparison site Kelkoo.co.uk, which found that while sales of green goods currently account for just 2.5 percent of the entire European retail market, the sector is set to expand rapidly.

"The report said that the relatively low market share was unsurprising given that European consumers are currently paying on average 46 percent more for green non-food items than the standard alternative, with green food items costing on average 25 percent more.

"We can expect availability, green price premiums and consumer demand to change over the next few years, but probably the single most important factor preventing a greater uptake of green merchandise in stores and the internet is price," said Kelkoo U.K. Managing Director Bruce Fair. "Sales of green products will not become commonplace until suppliers give consumers better price incentives instore and online to follow their consciences."

However, the study predicts that sales of green products will gather pace in the next five years, doubling the value of the nascent market from €56bn in 2009 to €114bn by 2015. At the same time, green retail prices are expected to drop over the next two years, reducing the overall "green premium" to an average of 40.5 percent.

The fall in the price premium is expected to be driven by the rise in demand for green goods as retailers increase investment in developing affordable sustainable products.

However, price reductions are expected to vary across product categories. For example, the study forecasts that the price of energy-efficient electrical goods is set to fall by an average of 19 percent between 2010 and 2012, while green food and drink products will see smaller average price reductions of just 9.1 percent over the same period.

Read more: http://www.greenbiz.com/news/2010/06/01/sales-european-green-goods-set-double-2015#ixzz0qlkL0O47

Coming of the Green Industrial Revolution

2010-06-08T12:34:00.000-07:00

Over the past 200 years human civilization has experienced the most remarkable period in its history, an era of unprecedented economic, technological, scientific and societal advances, all powered by our deep-rooted addiction to oil and other fossil fuels.

But resource scarcity, climate change, population growth and increased consumption is leading this golden age of growth and discovery towards its endgame. The long-term viability of our fossil fuel-based economic models and societies has been fundamentally undermined. Recent developments in the Gulf of Mexico remind us that the use of fossil fuels brings with it the ever present threat of environmental catastrophe.

There is nothing new about this analysis. We are all familiar with the arguments. They have provided the backdrop for over two decades of climate change negotiations and led to resurgence in renewable power generation.

I would argue, however, that while we understand the problems we face, we're only starting to come to terms with their implications, never mind the need for a solution.

The logic for a transition away from a fossil carbon-based economy is glaringly obvious. Fossil fuels are finite, yet demand for them is increasing. The use of fossil fuels creates greenhouse gases and compounds the problem of climate change. To wean us off our addiction to fossil carbon sources, we need a more sustainable resource, and I believe that alternative is biomass - biological materials that can be used for industrial production, transportation, heat and electricity.

Biomass, in essence the only renewable carbon source, will be a key resource that will fuel the development of a bio-based economy and will usher in a green industrial revolution. There are many opportunities that the bio-based economy presents as well as many challenges. To address these issues, we need to start a constructive and inclusive debate amongst industry, governments and civil society.

The bio-based economy as a concept has little resonance outside of specialist circles and it is largely peripheral to current discussions about how to address the fundamental sustainability issues addressed above. This needs to change.

In terms of technology, for example, conversations tend to be dominated by renewable energy: wind, solar and, of course biofuels. It's now time to move this discussion forward, by thinking about our future in a more holistic fashion, about how exactly we will combine these elements together so we can once again 'live off the land'.

Look at our business, chemicals, for example. Very few people outside the industry understand the level of dependence there is currently on fossil carbon sources. Fossil carbon-based chemicals are quite literally the building blocks for modern society - they accounted for 94% of all chemical industry revenue in 2007. Virtually every manufactured product in the world contains or is made using fossil carbon sources. They are even being used to manufacture the renewable energy solar panels and wind turbines and are blended with ethanol to make biofuel.

We are at the beginning stages of the development of a green industrial landscape that has the power to transform our modern economy into a more sustainable economy. As a company, we are very confident about the potential of the bio-based economy to mass produce bio-chemicals and biomaterials - as we are already producing them - but we don't kid ourselves that they are a panacea. We know that there are massive issues and challenges to face in accelerating their development and uptake, not least issues surrounding land use, the food chain and biodiversity.

But these problems can and will be overcome, because they have to. The Stern Report in 2008, which, for the first time, brought a sharp economic focus to the problem of climate change, indicates that there is a clear economic value to the bio-based economy, not to mention the ruinous cost to the world of continuing down our 'Business as Usual' path - 5% to 20% decline in global GDP per year according to the Stern Report.

Slowly, as stakeholders, we are starting to speak the same language: governments, aware of the destructive danger of Business as Usual, are taking a more constructive role towards creating the infrastructure, regulation and incentives to help a bio-based economy take root. Businesses are doing what businesses do best and starting to see opportunities in the new economic system: there is, after all, nothing wrong with making a profit, so long as you 'do well by doing good'. And NGOs and private citizens continue to play a vital, constructive role in the bio-based economy by helping industry and governments develop sustainable models for the bio-based economy that does not put even more stress on our environment.

The bio-based economy gives us the opportunity to match sustainability with economic growth but we must learn from the past and avoid the pitfalls of our current industrial model.

We're not there yet, but I have no doubt that we have the tools available to avert our looming environmental, economic and social crises. Technology got us to where we are today and it will be technology - provided it can count on the support of all stakeholders - that will take us to our next stage of economic evolution.

Article provided by the Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/stephan-b-tanda/coming-of-the-green-indus_b_597207.html

FASHIONmeGREEN Launches its New Sustainable Style Site with an Eco-Fashion Makeover!

2010-06-02T13:58:00.000-07:00

We are globe trotting with a mission!Traveling to the fashion capitals of the world, FASHIONmeGREEN uses local eco-fashion designers to give style influencers from their city an eco-fashion makeover.

We kicked off this sustainable fashion awareness project and style site with an eco-fashion makeover in Los Angeles, known as The LA Project.Pulling pieces from five eco-designers’collections; Popomomo, Curatorial, The Battalion, Brigid Catiis and Calleen Cordero, FASHIONmeGREEN chose Lucrecia Chan as the source of LA’s style inspiration for the eco-fashion makeover.

Chan, author of the LA-based fashion blog Fashion Is Poison, fits the bill of a style influencer in every way. With an avid online following and fierce style that is coveted and replicated, Lucrecia had a strong sense of fashion that came through during the FASHIONmeGREEN eco-makeover and photo shoot.

“Versatility, comfort, and the right fit all go hand in hand; wearing clothes that feel like a second skin is very important to me,” states Chan.

So, what happens when you bring a style savvy influencer and the hottest ecodesignerlabels together for a shoot?...Let’s just say that this Fashion Is Poison blogger’s eco-makeover was deadly! Be sure to check out FASHIONmeGREEN’s Shop the Shoot section to scoop up the eco-fabulous pieces worn by Chan in her eco-fashion makeover, and fashion yourself green!

And don’t miss FASHIONmeGREEN’s daily feed called the FMG Daily where of-the-moment celebrity and runway trends are featured with their eco-alternatives.

FASHIONmeGREEN is re-defining eco-fashion, providing a style resource with a conscience!

“For anyones who has ever felt the dilemma of choosing to be eco or chic- FASHIONmeGREEN is their resource for ecofashionwith style standards just as high as the eco ones.” -Greta Eagan, Founder
FASHIONmeGREEN

Your Free, Sexy, Immortality Aid: The Smile

2010-05-11T12:10:00.000-07:00

Smile for Health

Research has already proven that all smiles lead to happier existence and healthier relationships. More recently though, according to a study reported on in the Los Angeles Times, science has found another boon. Flashing regular smiles may pave the way to a longer life.

When Smiling, Go Big!

Researchers at Wayne State University used professional baseball players as their subjects of study. Looking at 230 photographs of different players who debuted in their baseball career before 1950, they rated their smile intensity (big smile, partial smile, no smile). Their smile ratings were then compared with their years of death, accounting in longevity factors such as body mass index.

The results don't seem subtle enough to shrug off. The snapshots of players with locked lips (no smiles) lived an average of 72.9 years versus 79.9 years for those quick to flash their pearly whites. Partial smilers fell in the middle, living an average of 75 years.

Of course, one can nit-pick the study and find uncertainties--but when such a potential health cure comes for free, in unlimited quantities, why not try it?

As I encourage my fellow yoga practitioners: smile big, often and unabashedly. Only of course, when it's authentic.

In my opinion, it's sexy.

Article provided by Planet Green http://planetgreen.discovery.com/food-health/free-sexy-immortality-smile.html

Alter Eco's Tristan Lecomte Named One of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World

2010-05-04T08:29:00.001-07:00

TIME named Tristan Lecomte to the 2010 TIME 100, the magazine's annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. The full list and related tributes appear in the May 10 issue of TIME, available on newsstands on Friday, April 30, and now at time.com.

The list, now in its seventh year, recognizes the activism, innovation and achievement of the world's most influential individuals. As Managing Editor Rick Stengel has said of the list in the past, "The TIME 100 is not a list of the most powerful people in the world, it's not a list of the smartest people in the world, it's a list of the most influential people in the world. They're scientists, they're thinkers, they're philosophers, they're leaders, they're icons, they're artists, they're visionaries. People who are using their ideas, their visions, their actions to transform the world and have an effect on a multitude of people."

A visionary authority in the field of social change, Lecomte has devoted his life to promoting a system of global commerce that inspires positive change in the lives of both producers and consumers. A pioneer in ethical, socially beneficial business, Lecomte runs two influential, internationally recognized companies based on a vision of Fair Trade and social and economic development.

As Founder of Alter Eco, a well known Fair Trade, Organic, and Carbon Neutral artisanal food brand established in France in 1998, Lecomte set out to help producers and consumers on a very fundamental level; for farmers, the freedom to secure a fair wage and recover their pride in their work and livelihood; and for consumers, allowing them the freedom to know where their purchases come from and to be able to choose authentic, transparent, healthful, and tasty products. In 2005, Lecomte's successful venture expanded to the United States. Friends and co-founders Edouard Rollet and Mathieu Senard are the current COO and CEO of Alter Eco USA, which currently operates out of San Francisco, California. Both are incredibly proud of Lecomte's success and are pleased to play an integral role in his sustainable, ethical, and authentic Fair Trade vision.

In 2008, Lecomte emerged as the Founder and CEO of Pure Project/Pure Planet, a collective specialized in sustainability consulting, carbon footprint evaluations, and carbon offset reforestation projects. In partnership with 60 fair trade cooperatives in 30 countries around the world, the collective, made up of over a half dozen partners, works with farmers to develop agro-forestry projects which are later sold as carbon credits, simultaneously creating additional revenue for local communities while fighting climate change.

Honored by the incredible recognition put forth by TIME Magazine, Lecomte offers his upmost respect and admiration for the farmers, consumers, and partners who have made Alter Eco and Pure Project/Pure Planet possible, "This honor is truly recognition of the system as a whole, not of the individual. Without the many thousands of extraordinary fair trade farmers, passionate and dedicated consumers, or the collaborative genius of my partners we would not be where we are today. This is my life's work, and to be included in TIME's 100 list says to me that the path we have chosen is making its mark on the world. I am very grateful."

About Pure Project/Pure Planet
PURE PLANET develops reforestation projects in partnership with fair trade cooperatives throughout the Global South, providing charismatic carbon credits to support local farming communities while fighting climate change. Along with project partners, Pure Project/Pure Planet has planted 2 million trees, and have a goal of planting a total of 12 million trees by the end of 2012. PURE PLANET strives for Objective Carbon Zero, as a way of contributing to a healthier and more productive planet. More than 17 million acres of forests disappear each year, heightening the impacts of climate change. Carbon Zero Certification provides an economic incentive for small farmers to preserve their lands, increase their earnings, eat locally produced foods, increase their yields, preserve lands and biodiversity, and promote self-reliance. For more information, please visit www.mypureplanet.org.

About Alter Eco
Working from small farming cooperatives throughout the global South, Alter Eco brings their ethical line of delicious extra virgin olive oils, jasmine rice, quinoa, sugar, and dark chocolate bars to store shelves for shoppers. Using sustainable farming methods that preserve local agricultural integrity, the Alter Eco brand reflects diversity in the faces, shapes, colors, landscapes, traditions, and cultures of the small farmers who cultivate them. Each product has a unique story and an authentic fragrance that will take gourmet enthusiasts on a journey of discovery from the kitchen, to the Himalayas, Palestine, Bolivia, Switzerland, and beyond. Alter Eco's products can be found at Whole Foods and many other specialty retailers nationwide.

In April 2010, Alter Eco USA announced the completion of a $2 million Series A financing. The financing was led by San Francisco-based Good Capital, New York-based Serious Change Fund, and Vancouver, BC-based Renewal2 Investment Fund, and also included participants from Investors' Circle. Proceeds from the financing will be used to scale nationwide distribution and marketing of Alter Eco's award winning organic, Fair Trade products. For more information on Alter Eco, please visit www.altereco-usa.com.

Article Provided by NPI Center

The 2010 Time 100

Review: English Retreads: elephant’s favorite “mindful” laptop bag on the planet. (Eco, vegan, fair labor/Made in USA)

2010-04-30T13:44:00.000-07:00

By elephantjournal.com on Apr 30, 2010

Eco laptop bag green reused upcycled "english retreads"
English Retreads’ Reincarnated “Bentley Luxe” Laptop Bag

Next time you road trip, visualize your tires and their inner tubes housing your next wallet or laptop bag. That’s what Heather English, a longtime friend of elephant’s, did back in the day. And English Retreads was born. I’ve used their wallet, and abused their wallet (made out of tires) for years, and it looks brand-new (though it’s already on its second life).

Purchase here (it ain’t cheap, but the materials are built-to-last). Bonus: shipping is free for ER products at this price point. Styles:

Who knew that a laptop bag could be practical, eco-friendly and offer cutting-edge style?

English Retreads turns recycling eco-chic vegan handbags and accessories handcrafted in Boulder, Colorado. The Bentley Luxe is made from repurposed rubber and recycled PET, and expands a growing line of English Retreads vegan totes, clutches and accessories, which combine to make a high-impact fashion statement with low impact on the environment.

The Bentley Luxe accommodates 17” MacBook or 15” PC laptops in a padded and secured compartment; additional features include specialized inside and outside zippered pockets and adjustable padded shoulder strap. Reclaimed tire inner-tubes are given new life as the external material for the eco-bag and five internal color options of Scarlet Red, Quarry Blue, Jet Black, Apple Green, and Pumpkin are available using a 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottle PET material.

Heather English: “we are excited to lead the market in innovative repurposed raw material use.”

A daily reminder of your contribution to reducing, reusing and recycling—all while looking good!

For more on English Retreads, go to www.englishretreads.com

With thanks for notes to our friends at Refresh Agency team / Adriane Little www.refreshagency.com

www.elephantjournal.com

An Explanation of Conscious Consumerism

2010-04-29T08:22:00.000-07:00

Conscious Consuming is a social movement that based around increased awareness of the impact of purchasing decisions on the environment and the consumers health and life in general. It is also concerned with the effects of media and advertising on consumers. Many aspects of Conscious Consuming have been practiced throughout the world but not in a cohesive form.

As a result of organizations such as Adbusters and the Center for a New American Dream, the Conscious Consuming movement began in Boston in the summer of 2003 when a group of people gathered together and planned an alternative gift fair, "Gift It Up!" In the fall of 2004, another group of Bostonians formed a group named "Conscious Consuming" and began meeting to discuss a broad range of topics, from the environmental impact of consumption to the effect of media and advertising. The memberships quickly overlapped and in 2005, the groups merged into Conscious Consuming.

Conscious consuming has its roots in voluntary simplicity, in which people re-evaluate their work-life balance in order to spend more of their time and money on the things that matter to them. As people work less, there is more time for connecting with family and friends, volunteerism, hobbies, and community service. A natural off-shoot of working less is spending less. Instead of spending time and money shopping, people engaging in voluntary simplicity buy less. They get goods using web sites like craigslist, trade with friends, make do with what they have, or hit yard sales. When they do purchase something new, the decision to buy is made consciously. A would-be shopper asks, "Is this item made in line with my values? Am I supporting the local economy? Are the people who produce this item treated and compensated fairly? Is this item built to last?" As a result of these questions, conscious consumers find themselves supporting organic agriculture, fair-trade and sweat-shop free products, and local and independent businesses.

Going Green for Earth Day: KPSP Local 2 News Features Clementine Art

2010-04-22T09:19:00.000-07:00

KPSP Local 2 News Earth Day Video

WASARA: Japanese eco design dinnerware

2010-04-21T21:17:00.000-07:00

Modern eco-conscious WASARA dinnerware is biodegradable and compostable pieces that delight both our design- & sustainability longings.

www.branchhome.com

photos from www.juliettemerck.blogspot.com

Why You've Never Seen an Ad for Broccoli

2010-04-21T07:50:00.000-07:00

In the wake of the fried chicken and bacon-y beast that is the Double Down, we now know that a grossly unhealthy product can be successfully marketed to the masses on strength of novelty alone. And it makes you consider the converse--why is marketing for healthy foods like fruit and produce nearly nonexistent? How come you've never seen an ad on TV for broccoli?

Matthew Yglesias asked that question earlier today and has already sparked a (groan-worthy pun incoming ...) healthy debate.

It's Easy to Market Junk Food
The catalyst was a NY Times article about how companies market junk food to kids. From the piece:

"Despite the industry's self-regulatory system, the vast majority of food and entertainment companies have no protections in place for children," said Margo G. Wootan, the center's nutrition policy director. In the center's analysis of marketing to children, released last November, the highest grade, a B-plus, went to the candy maker Mars, which does not market to children under 12 and avoids other gimmicks that attract them.

"If companies were marketing bananas and broccoli, we wouldn't be concerned," Dr. Wootan said. "But instead, most marketing is for sugary cereals, fast food, snack foods and candy. And this junk-food marketing is a major contributor to childhood obesity."

Which led Yglesias to wonder why bananas and broccoli aren't being marketed to kids: "This stuff is sold in stores, in exchange for money. Presumably there are for-profit enterprises out there with a vested interest in selling more," he writes.

The question has garnered a number of responses from around the blogosphere, but the primary takeaway is that companies that sell, say, a certain cereal or fast food can brand their products to give them a market advantage. A single broccoli grower has a lot more difficulty doing so--if they were to advertise broccoli in general, they'd be advertising for their competitors as well.

How to Market Healthy Foods?
There is, as you're probably aware, a long history of bananas being marketed to Americans, but that was largely because there was one major banana company (first United Fruit, then renamed Chiquita Banana). And advertising bananas meant you'd most likely be buying that company's bananas (they also were able to put stickers on the bananas to brand them).

The Incidental Economist explains further:

the basic problem is that a banana or a broccoli crown are commodities. A single grower could promote its product but who looks for a specific brand of grape or tomato? (Some do, but not many.) The meat and dairy industries have solved the collective action problem so we have seen advertising for those products ("The other white meat." "Got milk?") The question is, why are some food industries able to organize and not others?

So if broccoli growers were able to unite (or even produce growers) to collectively advertise healthy veggies, we may see campaigns encouraging healthy eating of certain veggies. But a few problems remain--first, most Americans still don't seem to be too interested in eating too many vegetables, making such an advertising campaign risky. And that's largely because, second, profit margins are already very slim for many veggie growers. Which is of course partly because the US gov subsidizes corn and little else--healthy veggies get the shrift. Which is why a tomato and a small bag of Doritos cost about the same.

Needless to say, there's a whole can of worms to dig into here, but that's a start . . .

Why the Media Loves Earth Day -- and Why That's Not Enough

2010-04-13T12:18:00.000-07:00

April 22, 2010 will mark the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. As the Earth Day Network says, "Forty years after the first Earth Day, the world is in greater peril than ever. While climate change is the greatest challenge of our time, it also presents the greatest opportunity -- an unprecedented opportunity to build a healthy, prosperous, clean energy economy now and for the future."

Building a healthy and prosperous economy sounds like the kind of thing that deserves media attention. So call me a grumpy environmentalist, but why do we have to wait for April 22 each year to hear about it? Practically every day there are companies building wind farms and solar cells across the country, scientists making break-through discoveries in vehicle and energy technology and citizens choosing to get involved.

Why do we have to wait for April 22 each year to hear about companies acting on sustainability?

And while it's true that many companies pitch environmental stories on Earth Day -- it's their best chance of getting coverage -- more and more of them are acting on it every day.

A recent study by the Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship revealed that, despite the recession, an increasing number of American businesses are expanding environmental efforts like greening of products, services and operations and integrating citizenship into their business strategy, with 75 percent of CEOs leading the agenda.

Why? There are many reasons -- a renewed focus on cost management, opportunities to capture market share, supplier pressures and a new level of corporate transparency, to name just a few.

Or perhaps it's just that it makes good business sense to understand how your products and operations impact and are impacted by the world around you. When natural resources are running scarce and prices for basic business necessities like water, fuel and raw materials are so volatile, smart execs know that environmental innovation must be a core part of their business strategy.

This is reinforced in a new report by the management consultants at A.T. Kearny, which showed that companies focused on sustainability outperformed their peers by 15 percent during the financial crisis. I'd love to see a story written on April 23rd about that trend!

Read more: http://www.greenbiz.com/blog/2010/04/13/why-media-loves-earth-day-and-why-thats-not-enough#ixzz0l0euICuN

Cool Eco Quotes from Thought Leaders and Inspirational Thinkers

2010-04-08T07:21:00.000-07:00

Nature is painting for us, day after day, pictures of infinite beauty. William H. Stewart

Things are beautiful if you love them. Jean Anouilh 1950

Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you." - Frank Lloyd Wright

Thank God men cannot fly, and lay waste the sky as well as the earth. Henry David Thoreau

You must be the change you wish to see in the world. Mahatma Gandhi

An end is a new beginning. Lyn Ecostudio.com.au magazine

The sun, the moon and the stars would have disappeared long ago... had they happened to be within the reach of predatory human hands. Havelock Ellis The Dance of Life, 1923

There is a sufficiency in the world for man's need but not for man's greed. Mohandas K. Gandhi

All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing. Edmund Burke

There's so much pollution in the air now that if it weren't for our lungs there'd be no place to put it all. Robert Orben

We must adjust to changing times and still hold to unchanging principles. Jimmy Carter

It wasn't the Exxon Valdez captain's driving that caused the Alaskan oil spill. It was yours. Greenpeace advertisement New York Times 25 February 1990

Modern technology owes ecology an apology. Alan M. Eddison

In America today you can murder land for private profit. You can leave the corpse for all to see, and nobody calls the cops. Paul Brooks The Pursuit of Wilderness 1971

Don't blow it - good planets are hard to find. Time Magazine

The superior man seeks what is right; the inferior one, what is profitable. Confucius

Nature provides a free lunch, but only if we control our appetites. William Ruckelshaus Business Week 18 June 1990

The ultimate test of man's conscience may be his willingness to sacrifice something today for future generations whose words of thanks will not be heard. Gaylord Nelson former governor of Wisconsin - co-founder of Earth Day

When a man throws an empty cigarette package from an automobile, he is liable to a fine of $50. When a man throws a billboard across a view, he is richly rewarded. Pat Brown quoted in David Ogilvy - Ogilvy on Advertising, 1985

Because we don't think about future generations, they will never forget us. Henrik Tikkanen

I'm not an environmentalist. I'm an Earth warrior. Darryl Cherney quoted in Smithsonian April 1990

Your descendants shall gather your fruits. Virgil
When we heal the earth, we heal ourselves. David Orr

We cannot command Nature except by obeying her. Francis Bacon

There is nothing in which the birds differ more from man than the way in which they can build and yet leave a landscape as it was before. Robert Lynd The Blue Lion and Other Essays

Will urban sprawl spread so far that most people lose all touch with nature? Will the day come when the only bird a typical American child ever sees is a canary in a pet shop window? When the only wild animal he knows is a rat - glimpsed on a night drive through some city slum? When the only tree he touches is the cleverly fabricated plastic evergreen that shades his gifts on Christmas morning? Frank N. Ikard North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference, Houston, March 1968

How long can men thrive between walls of brick, walking on asphalt pavements, breathing the fumes of coal and of oil, growing, working, dying, with hardly a thought of wind, and sky, and fields of grain, seeing only machine-made beauty, the mineral-like quality of life? Charles A. Lindbergh, Reader's Digest, November 1939

It is imperative to maintain portions of the wilderness untouched so that a tree will rot where it falls, a waterfall will pour its curve without generating electricity, a trumpeter swan may float on uncontaminated water - and moderns may at least see what their ancestors knew in their nerves and blood. Bernand De Voto Fortune, June 1947

Take care of the earth and she will take care of you. Author Unknown

We could have saved the Earth but we were too damned cheap. Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.

Clementine Art Honored for Innovation

2010-04-02T07:29:00.000-07:00

Boulder based Clementine Art was awarded the Sherbrooke Capital award for Excellence in Innovation at Natural Products Expo West this year. This award is a particularly rewarding one for the Clementine team, as the idea of innovation is at the heart of Clementine’s creative mission: for our products, for children, and for the planet.

To think that a loaded, green paintbrush in the mouth of a toddler started it all. As the owner of Clementine Studio, a local art space for children, I sighed a lot, washed little fingers (and faces) a lot, and wondered why the art product choices for children weren’t better. A lot.

The more I wondered, the more I researched. The more I researched, the more unsettling information was revealed (or sometimes concealed), which, in turn, pushed me to experiment. Armed with a teacher’s recipe for dough, organic flour, and a box full of natural color and scent samples, I started making natural paint and play dough in my kitchen in 2008. The more I experimented, the softer and brighter our natural play dough became. The more natural colorants I tested, the more I learned about p.H and other stability factors. The experience was hardly free from difficulties; an overturned quart of natural cranberry extract on my car floor is a lingering disaster I re-experience daily. Mixing purple play dough to send off to an important buyer, only to notice that it faded to grey overnight was perplexing to my inexperienced mind, and one particular stinky batch of bad paint would have made your head spin.

Our mantra became, If making natural art supplies were easy, someone would have done it a long time ago. As we pushed up against the limits of our incomplete scientific expertise, the Clementine Art team worked with a bevy of natural food scientists, natural ink researchers, biochemists, and other industry experts to refine and perfect our formulas. In August 2009, Clementine introduced the first all natural children’s tempera paint, markers, crayons, crayon rocks, glue and modeling dough.

Innovation can be defined as the creation of something new. For Clementine Art to be recognized for innovation by bringing unique and better products to market is an honor. Even better, is our learning that we have set a high standard for the company we aspire to be. It is our greatest hope that our products will inspire the same innovation and engagement in the creative process for our children.

Clementine is proud to help children develop their creative voices. We believe those voices are the future of innovation; one step closer to solving all the complex problems our world can dish out.

By: Diana Mercer
Article courtesy of LOHAS.com: http://blog.lohas.com/blog/lohas/0/0/clementine-art-honored-for-innovation-v2

Aspen Fashion Week Round-Up: What's Next in Ski & Outerwear

2010-03-23T11:17:00.000-07:00

Conjure up images of skiwear and, chances are, visions of neon puffa jackets will skip across your mind's eye. But skiwear and winter sports outerwear has come a long way since the, uh, 1980s. At Aspen Fashion Week's winter 2010-2011 shows, the biggest story on the slopes (or, at the base of Aspen Mountain, as the case may be) was neutrals. Who would ever have thought that the subdued, earth-toned trends of the dampened economy could even touch the gleaming spires of one of America's richest ski resort towns?

The neutrals didn't stop there—in the ongoing blurring of lines between snowboarding/skiing and streetwear, there was a noticeable increase in black and white pieces on the runway for next season. While we only saw a handful of neon yellows, hot pinks, and gaudy patterns, there was a sea of black, white, and grey pieces featured on every designer catwalk. Indeed, entire skiwear labels are founded on the principle of catering to the urbanite weekend ski-warrior—Aether Apparel, for example makes slick jackets that are just as at home on the slope as they are on the Upper West Side.

Though the standard oranges, reds, and teals stuck their ground, showing up piecemeal in nearly every collection, we noticed that strong kelly greens and jewel-tone purple garments dominated the color category.

Article courtesy of Racked National: http://racked.com/archives/2010/03/22/aspen-fashion-week-roundup-whats-next-in-ski-outerwear.php

Natural Products Expo West 2010 In Review

2010-03-16T14:11:00.000-07:00

Natural Products Expo West is one of the premier event for the natural, organic and healthy products industry. The event is co-located with SupplyExpo, the Nutracon conference, the Healthy Baking Seminar and the Fresh Ideas Organic Marketplace. These combined events showcase the entire value chain of healthy products from start to finish, identifying the bestsellers of today and the trends of tomorrow.

The 30th annual Natural Products Expo West was only open to a professional audience of manufacturers, buyers, retailer and qualifying media. It is ranked as one of the top 100 shows in the US and one of the fastest 50 growing tradeshows in the US and Canada. More than 3,000 exhibits from over 2,100 different companies showcasing the newest products in natural and specialty foods, organic, health and beauty, natural living, supplements and pet products. Last year more than 53,000 industry professionals participated in the show from all around the world.

2010 Expo West Reviews:

In the words of Waylon Lewis, ElephantJournal.com: "It’s amazing. It’s huge. The welcome sign is literally maybe 100 feet by 100 feet. The view from the press room is such a long far drop down to the entrance that you feel like you’re in the Himalayas, instant vertigo. There’s more eco schwag, a contradiction in terms (?), here than at any conference I’ve ever been too. It’s all food, health supplements, buyers for grocery stores, men in ill-fitting suits, gorgeous women hired by men in ill-fitting suits to attract other men in ill-fitting suits to their booth, where sales are made."

From HealthyFellow.com: "Expo West is essentially an enormous trade convention. There are literally thousands of consultants, distributors, exporters, importers, manufacturers and retailers everywhere you look. This disparate mix converges in this same spot once a year to learn about the competition, and to buy and sell an incredible array of raw materials and finished products. But apart from the overt business aspect of the event, there’s also a certain electricity and excitement in the air that is experienced by anyone who truly loves natural health."

Claire Amber, for ElephantJournal.com: "Some Notable Changes: Last year, I was surprised at the weight and bulk of the official literature on the show. This year, I was very pleasantly surprised to be given a fold-out map with all the exhibitors listed. It was lightweight, MUCH less bulky, and it had enough info to use for the purposes of visiting the show. It also showed more consciousness in terms of saving resources, including trees, fuel, ink, time…it was a much more efficient way of going about things. Granted, the book version was a bit easier to use because you didn’t have to unfold it, but I never even really used mine last year because it was so darned heavy! I think I remember checking it with my bag, planning to check it out fully after the show, and never really getting around to it. So, in my experience, it went to waste. This time around, I’ll be sure to break out the map every now and then to formulate a game plan over the next couple days.

Another notable change is that I remember being given a bag to put my samples and literature in last year. This time, I found out that those are only being given to retailers. Fair enough. It’s a more sustainable approach, being more selective about who gets what."

All in all, the 2010 Natural Products Expo West was a success, with many new products unveiled, top-notch speakers and sights not to be missed (including the VivaPrime butterfly girls!).

Aspen Fashion Week - March 14-19, 2010

2010-03-10T18:14:00.000-08:00

Now in it's second year, Aspen Fashion Week beckons you to the snowy surrounds of this hot mountain hamlet for, what else, high fashion. The "FashionSKIsta Package" offers extraordinary access to, well, just about everything except the model tents, for up to four jet setters while the "Ski Bumista Package" offers a more affordable option for those flying solo or on a tighter budget.

And speaking of money, this year's fashionable fête will benefit The FEED Foundation which will be hosting a concert on March 16th @ Belly Up. John Forté is the featured performer. By the way Belly Up is best live music venue, maybe ever.

ASPEN FASHION WEEK 2010 PACKAGES

The FashionSKIsta Package $7500 DETAILS HERE
Highlights...
(4) Full access VIP passes for the Week of Aspen Fashion Week March 14-19with exclusive table side service with premium viewing at the daily Aspen Fashion Week après runway shows
(4) Premium gift bags from Aspen Fashion Week's participating sponsors + designers
(4) Invitations to all events during Aspen Fashion Week

The Ski Bumista Package $500 DETAILS HERE
Highlights...
(1) access pass for the Week of Aspen Fashion Week March 14-19 with Preferred viewing at the daily Aspen Fashion Week après runway shows
(1) Gift bag from Aspen Fashion Week's participating sponsors + designers
(1) Invitations to several key events within Aspen Fashion Week

ASPEN FASHION WEEK 2010 FEATURES

Authier
Bogner
Circe Snow
Dannenmann-Pure
David Babaii
Emilio Pucci
Gabriel Conroy
Gray
Gypsy Jewelry Collection
Heidiskis
Helly Hansen
Henry Hanger
J Crew
Janie Jacobs Creative Collection
Katerina Lankova
Kjus
Marmot
Nobis
Obermeyer
Parajumpers
Ralph Lauren
Rossignol
Sorel
Toni Henkel Handbags
Ugg
Victorinox
VIST
Wolverine

Blog provided by Event Savant

For additional information on Aspen Fashion Week, visit www.aspenfashionweek.com

Natural Products Expo West + Twitter Lounge + Best talks in town...

2010-03-09T09:33:00.000-08:00

Want the inside scoop on the Twitter Lounge at Natural Products Expo West this week? OK. Come join us in the lounge of the Marriott, from 6pm – 7pm this Friday, March 12th. Come chill with the New Hope team and all other industry tweeters in the know!

Stay connected @NatProdExpo and keep on #EXPOWEST pre-during-post show!

Bloom Box Reduces Emissions, Increases Power Output

2010-03-02T13:35:00.000-08:00

Unveiling events are set to take place at an e-Bay campus in San Jose, California, for the “Bloom Box,” an energy cell that the inventor claims can produce electricity for from 8 to 10 cents per kilowatt hour.

The basic concept behind the power cell isn’t new, but it incorporates some new techniques applied to the heat created by the generator, and unlike other units available, doesn’t use platinum. An expensive catalyst used in units that are produced presently.

Bloom Energy data suggests that the initial investment of $700,000 to $800,000 dollars for a 100 kw system will be offset within 3-5 years. E-Bay has invested millions into the project, and currently uses 5 boxes installed 9 months ago they claim has saved the company $100,000 dollars. Also noting that the 5 boxes produce more electricity than 3,000 panels at their headquarters.

It is hoped that the initial cost of purchasing smaller units for the home owner will be realized within the next five years. A 10 kw unit could provide energy as a back-up source or a clean energy option for the average home owner.

The Bloom Box also lowers the carbon dioxide emissions from 40% to 100% according to the company. These fuel cell operate without combustion via a chemical reaction, reducing, and in some cases eliminating, pollutant emissions.

Article Link: http://www.efitnessnow.com/news/2010/03/02/bloom-box-reduces-emissions-increases-power-output/

Calculate Your Green Miles with the Copenhagen Wheel

2010-02-23T10:20:00.000-08:00

2010-02-16T14:23:00.000-08:00

What is eco-friendly, beautifully made and strong enough to withstand a rainstorm and high winds? The answer is The Brelli, an environmentally friendly, sustainably made umbrella.

Made from bamboo, a renewable resource, the Brelli features a unique, biodegradeable PVC clear canopy. The canopy offers vision, superior protection from the elements, and is a bright and brilliant evolutionary leap forward from the dark and damp alternative. Unlike conventional umbrellas, it is durable and withstands heavy downpours and highwinds, all the while maintaining its beautiful shape.

Available in three sizes (extra small, small and large), the Brelli is a unique, convenient and sustainable way to stay dry when rain hits. Stuck in the sun? The Sun Brelli protects from nature's harsh rays without harming the environment upon its disposal. What's even better, is that the Brelli is designed to completely biodegrade in less than 5 years!

For additional information on The Brelli, visit www.thebrelli.com

A Federal Effort to Push Junk Food Out of Schools

2010-02-11T14:10:00.000-08:00

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration will begin a drive this week to expel Pepsi, French fries and Snickers bars from the nation’s schools in hopes of reducing the number of children who get fat during their school years.

In legislation, soon to be introduced, candy and sugary beverages would be banned and many schools would be required to offer more nutritious fare.

To that end, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will deliver a speech Monday at the National Press Club in which he will insist, according to excerpts provided to The Times, that any vending machines that remain in schools be “filled with nutritious offerings to make the healthy choice the easy choice for our nation’s children.”

The first lady, Michelle Obama, said last month that she would lead an initiative to reduce childhood obesity, and her involvement “shows the importance all of us place on this issue,” Mr. Vilsack said.

The administration’s willingness to put Mrs. Obama’s popularity on the line is a calculated bet that concerns about childhood obesity have become so universal that the once-partisan fight over who should control school food offerings — the federal government or school boards — has subsided.

But Republican support is far from certain.

Senator Saxby Chambliss, a Georgia Republican and the ranking member on the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, met at the White House with Mrs. Obama on Tuesday to talk about childhood obesity. And while Mr. Chambliss released a statement saying that “schools play an important role in shaping nutrition habits of young children,” an aide refused to say whether he would support a ban on junk foods.

Other Republicans said they would wait to see legislation before signaling whether they would put aside long-held views that school boards should control food offerings.

Senator Blanche Lincoln, a Democrat from Arkansas and the chairwoman of the committee, said she would introduce the legislation within weeks. “It’s a big priority for me, other members and the administration,” she said.

While Democrats have coalesced around the idea of denying sweets to schoolchildren, many students are not keen. When Asthtyn Bowling, a 16-year-old junior at Orange County High School in Orange, Va., was told of the looming ban, she was shocked.

“That would be terrible!” she said.

The legislation would reauthorize the government’s school breakfast and lunch programs. It aims to transform the eating habits of many of the nation’s children and teenagers, but some school officials say it will further crimp already strained budgets.

In addition to banning sugary treats, the new rules would require many schools to offer more nutritious options, which could be expensive. The administration has proposed spending $1 billion more each year on the $18 billion meals program, but the increase may not be enough to cover the extra costs.

The National PTA and a host of health and medical advocacy groups support the legislation, but local school officials are lukewarm.

“Our feeling is that school boards are acutely aware of the importance of ensuring that children have access to healthy and nutritious food,” said Lucy Gettman of the National School Boards Association.

The bill would exempt bake sales, parties and other occasional offerings of sweets. But drawing the line between routine and unusual can get tricky.

“What do you do about the Spanish club buying Kit Kat bars and selling them in the cafeteria?” asked Doug Davis, director of food service for the City of Burlington Public Schools in Vermont.

The National School Lunch Program serves 31 million children in more than 100,000 schools. It was started in 1946 to ensure that children get enough to eat after health problems related to malnutrition were found in an alarming number of World War II draftees. Now, health officials are also worried that children are eating too much of the wrong foods. About two-thirds of the nation’s adults and a third of its children are overweight — double the rates of 1980.

Junk food has long been banned from official school breakfast and lunch programs, but many schools offer fatty foods and sweets outside of these programs or have vending machines with sodas and candy, with the money often used to finance sports or other extracurricular programs. The legislation would require that all school offerings comply with strict new nutritional guidelines.

Many schools have changed their offerings. Five years ago, fewer than a third of the nation’s school districts put limits on students’ access to candy and sugary drinks. That share jumped to two-thirds by 2008, according to a survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Dr. William H. Dietz, an obesity researcher at the disease centers, said that changing school food policies had already helped.

“There’s been a plateau in childhood obesity, and I think one of the reasons is that things are different in schools,” he said.
Industry opposition to the new legislation has softened in part because the Coca-Cola Company and PepsiCo now sell far more than Coke and Pepsi. So instead of having to yank vending machines from schools, the companies could replace offerings with bottled water or juice.

Kevin Keane, senior vice president of the American Beverage Association, said that companies had been voluntarily taking high-calorie drinks out of schools. But, he said, the industry does not favor a federal ban.

Orange County High School has vending machines with Pepsi, Mountain Dew and Dr Pepper, but even more popular among students is a candy cart wheeled into the school’s central hallway three times a day by Betty Almond, a school secretary.

The cart is laden with Pop-Tarts, Skittles and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and Mrs. Almond and helpers barely keep up with demand from students on their way to class. Sales are between $400 and $500 a week, which Mrs. Almond uses to buy uniforms and equipment for school sports teams. Her most recent project was to outfit the wrestling team, on which her grandson competes.

“The football team wants me to buy them a seven-man sled, but with this new legislation, they’ll never get it,” she said sadly.

Principal Gene Kotulka said he planned to write his congressman to complain about a ban.

“It’s not so much the money as the service it offers to the kids,” said Mr. Kotulka, who has a Santa Claus belly and is known as “Poppa K” to students. “I’d like to give our kids all the opportunities I can.”

At a meeting in his office to discuss food offerings, Bette Winter, director of the Orange County schools wellness committee, suggested that selling candy to students was not a good lesson.

“What’s the best way to teach children? By example, no?” she asked.

But Mr. Kotulka responded that it was parents’ responsibility to forbid children at risk of obesity to buy candy.

Whether the new rules will change eating habits is unknown, but Mrs. Almond’s candy cart became popular only after the school cafeteria got rid of its own sweets two years ago.

Edgar Coker, an 18-year-old senior, buys Pop-Tarts from Mrs. Almond every afternoon for 50 cents. “If I couldn’t buy it here, I’d bring it from home,” he said.

But Denise Snow, the school cafeteria manager, said that children can be taught to eat better. “When we went to whole-wheat pizza, the kids fussed for a while and we lost some of them,” Ms. Snow said. “But now they don’t say a thing, and pretty much everyone is back to eating them.”

Article provided by The New York Times http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/08/health/nutrition/08junk.html?pagewanted=1&ref=nutrition

Twitter Marketing Tips – 7 Unorthodox Strategies to Use Twitter …

2010-02-04T16:25:00.000-08:00

Twitter marketing is a highly effective way to drive traffic to your content and establish an online presence in the quickest amount of time. Here are 7 “weird” ways to unleash the immense power of Twitter in your small business.

1. Be Vulnerable

To be naked is to be human. When you start sharing your hopes, dreams and fears, you connect with people on a visceral level. Remember, people buy from who you are before they buy what you sell.

2. Tick People Off

There’s a saying that when you try to please everybody you will please nobody. Be opinionated and the people who adore your persuasion will become your fervent followers. Polarization creates sales.

3. Tweet Nonsense

This sounds crazy, but hear me out. People hit up Twitter to chill and catch up with news. People don’t go on Twitter to do business, at least not deliberately. Hit their funny bone and they’ll respond by noticing you.

4. become Yoda

People are addicted to positive thinking quotes on Twitter. the more motivation quotes you Tweet out, the more you get tweeted. the end result: People think you’re a deep thought leader worth following.

5. Start Dealin’ Cool

Again this bears repeating, people don’t go on Twitter to be sold to. instead, they go to find breaking news and time-wasting Youtube videos. Here’s the key: give them what they want (the cool), and they’ll give you what you want (the green). so go on Digg and tweet those links away.

6. Be a Master Asker

Don’t be afraid to ask for a specific action on your Twitter feed, for example a retweet. If you don’t ask for retweets, people will not give you one. If you don’t ask for props, they may not give you one. Ask and you shall receive.

7. Ooze Sex Appeal.

Be as suave with people as you would in real life. Offer compliments, be amicable, crack a joke or two. You’ll be surprised how well this translates in the online space.

And this will help you get as much Twitter traffic as possible.

Twitter Marketing Tips – 7 Unorthodox Strategies to use Twitter …

Intriguing Advertisements

2010-02-03T12:51:00.000-08:00

The Greatest Risks They Ever Took

2010-01-26T08:27:00.000-08:00

Ronald Heifetz, professor at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government, likes to say that if you make one real decision in your life, that's more than most people. Taking a real risk? Well, that's just a rarity.

That's because making real decisions and taking real risks requires freedom--freedom from the loyalties, expectations and fears that inevitably fog our risk-vs.-reward equation. "Peoples' choices to take or refrain from risk are over-determined by their culture," notes Heifetz.

For clarity and inspiration, we asked a slew of gutsy entrepreneurs, celebrities, politicians and athletes about the greatest risks they ever took. Some bet their bank accounts, others their fame and some even their very lives.

Take Robin Chase, co-founder of Zipcar, a car-sharing company, and GoLoco.org, a carpooling outfit. "In general, I am happy to take professional and entrepreneurial risks, but I'm quite risk-averse when it comes to putting my body in danger," says Chase, 51. By Chase's calculation, her decision at age 23 to illegally slip into Kenya from Tanzania (thus flirting with imprisonment or worse) was a greater risk than launching Zipcar with just $78 in her bank account. Both bets worked out: Today Zipcar has 350,000 members using 6,500 cars.

Plenty of bets blow up, of course. "Successful people are those who don't become disheartened, and try again," says Heifetz. Indeed, passionate determination can make the risk seem smaller. Of the 34 people interviewed for this article, all agreed that one constant anchored their calculations: The biggest risk was not taking one at all.

Here is a selection of their responses. To read all 34 and see their photos, check out our slide show.

Mark Pincus, 43

Founder and CEO of Zynga, an online social gaming company (creator of "FarmVille" and "Mafia Wars")

Greatest risk? Saying no to my last chance at funding for my (first) company Freeloader in 1996. We had one month of cash left, and the investor I lined up wanted me to hire the CEO of his choice in exchange for the funding. I walked away. We got funded a few months later and sold the company for a good return. (On the success of Zynga, a public relations rep said: "A news report had us at $100 million for revenues in 2009, and we said it was conservative.")

Candace Cameron Bure, 33

Actress, played "D.J. Tanner" on Full House

My biggest risk was stepping away from the entertainment industry at such a young age. Following Full House, I got married at 20 and moved to Canada with my husband to support him. I took 10 years off from the entertainment industry to raise my family: 3 children and a husband of 13 years. (Happy ending: In 2009, Cameron Bure returned to TV as Summer Van Horn on ABC's Make it or Break It.)

Kenan Thompson, 31

Actor/Comedian, current cast member of Saturday Night Live

The greatest risk I ever took was giving President Obama my barber's business card because I noticed a few weeks before the election that his hair wasn't looking all that good. That was a risk because I didn't know if he'd be offended.

Lauren Luke, 28

Makeup entrepreneur and YouTube sensation

I was working at a local taxi office taking bookings on the phone. I knew I wasn't going anywhere. So I started selling makeup full time online. I put myself on YouTube knowing I didn't look like a model, but I didn't care. (Luke has her own Sephora cosmetic line, "By Lauren Luke"; a book, Looks by Lauren Luke; and a videogame, "Supermodel Makeover by Lauren Luke.")

Christina McHale, 17

Professional American Tennis player, competed in the 2009 U.S. Open

The biggest risk I ever took was deciding to leave traditional school to be home-schooled. I put aside a normal high school experience for my tennis court dream--a dream with no guarantees. I wasn't sure if I would be able to get into a top college with a home-school diploma if tennis did not work out. In the end I decided to take this risk and I am still working toward this goal today. (McHale is now a high school senior, waiting to hear from various top university admissions.)

Tim Westergren, 44

Founder of Pandora Radio

In the winter of 2001, Pandora was out of money. We had a choice: cut our losses and throw in the towel or find a way to keep going. We decided to keep the company alive and start deferring salaries. Ultimately, over 50 people deferred almost $1.5 million over the course of two years (a practice that is illegal in California). When we were finally rescued by an investment in 2004, I had maxed-out 11 credit cards.

Elon Musk, 38

Co-founder of PayPal and Tesla Motors; founder of SpaceX

When I started SpaceX, dedicated to reducing the cost and increasing the reliability of space missions, I'd never been involved in designing anything and had no experience in the aerospace industry. I even ended up pouring in most of the capital from the sale of PayPal. (SpaceX's annual revenue is now over $100 million. In December 2008, SpaceX won a $1.6 billion contract with NASA to re-supply the International Space Station, an international research facility.)

Dr. Phil, 59

American Television personality, author, former clinical psychologist

The decision to do a television show is one of the biggest risks I've ever taken. The real danger involved my family. Robin and my two sons Jay and Jordan never saw ourselves living in Hollywood. Looking back, it isn't even a close call. I'm eight years into the Dr. Phil show, and we're renewed through 2014. My marriage is better than ever. Our oldest son Jay has graduated from law school with an exciting career in television and Jordan is a senior at USC, beginning a promising career in music.

Article Provided by Forbes Magazine: http://www.forbes.com/2010/01/20/greatest-risk-they-took-entrepreneurs-management-risk_print.html

Eco Art: Tips via Clementine Art, elephant journal + BMOCA

2010-01-22T11:22:00.000-08:00

Below are some tips for longtime artists to consider, via Clementine Art and elephantjournal.com, which were assembled in honor of the Open Wall party at the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art.

When was the last time you thought about the real contents of a crayon or that beautiful bold tempera? Environmentally friendly, non-toxic “clean” supplies are gaining in popularity as we become more aware of the toxins encountered in everyday materials. If all artists start implementing these eco tips we can ensure a safer future for all our children out there creating masterpieces. ~ intro via ele editorial intern, Claire Lochridge.

EcoArt
Art is essential to a more Enlightened Society.

But we have to walk our talk. Many art supplies are downright poisonous.

Clementine Art and elephantjournal.com

invite Artists to Make Healthy Choices

for our children’s sake.

Choose non-toxic supplies.

Art supplies should be clearly labeled with “meets or exceeds ASTM D-4296”

Try a natural egg tempera or milk paint with natural mineral pigments.

Use clove oil or vinegar as a preservative in your homemade paint. Choose a painting medium that does not contain formaldehyde, a toxic preservative.

Stick with synthetic brushes for a cruelty-free approach.

Did you know traditional crayons have a petroleum base? Try beeswax or soy crayons instead.

Find old canvases and paintings at yard sales and paint over them. You might even get a good frame in the bargain.

When using chalk pastels, wear a mask, as the dust is often carcinogenic.

Avoid working with clay that contains talc, as it may also contain asbestos.

Brought to you by elephant journal and Clementine Art

The Next Decade's Top Sustainability Trends

2010-01-19T14:11:00.000-08:00

What trends are likely the next ten years? One thing for sure, 2010 through 2019 will be one day looked at as 1) the turning point for addressing climate change by using effective urban management strategies, or it will be remembered as 2) the time when we collectively fumbled the Big Blue Ball.

1. Bikes Culture 2.0

Time period: 2010-2019

Around the world, bicycles are becoming a potent talisman of our urban post-carbon future. The city of Copenhagen is making noise to replace the Little Mermaid of Hans Christian Andersen fame with something two-wheeled. Copenhagen residents use bikes for 37 percent of all their transit. But bikes in Europe represent more than utility; riding a bicycle with the Velib' bikeshare program in Paris now easily competes (42 million registered users) with taking a spring walk along the Seine. Bikesharing abounds in dozens of European cities as well as in Rio de Janeiro and Santiago, Chile. Look for North American burgs to continue their proliferation of bicycles-as-transit use and bike lane expansion (NYC bicycle use is up 61% in two years). Bikesharing on a large scale should follow new programs in Montreal, Washington DC, and Minneapolis. Note to China: time to reclaim your status as the world's "bicycle kingdom."

Indoor bicycle parking will be common in commercial garages and offices even in businesses like cafes, bars (Gastalt Haus in Fairfax, California, is pictured above), stores and restaurants. On public transportation bicycles will be allowed access at any time. In short, bicycles and their riders will become legit, which will influence fashion, the economies and the design of cities in particular.

2. Mexico City, Climate Change, and the Future of Cities

Time Period: November-December 2010

Because "Nopenhagen" was a semi bust, the Mexico City United Nations Climate Change conference is taking on much bigger proportions than initially envisioned. The UN COP15 Copenhagen conference resulted in no binding treaty status among any of the attending 128 nations that attended for them to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. This year's late fall gathering in Mexico City is likely to set national binding targets for greenhouse gas emissions. If enacted, these targets will set the stage the coming entire decade's greenhouse gas reduction strategies, including sub-national efforts at the regional and city level.

3. The Rise of Cellulosic Biofuels

Time Period 2014-2019

Creating conventional biofuels from corn, soybeans and palm oil as an alternative to petroleum-based gasoline hit numerous roadblocks in the past decade. Carbon-sequestering rainforests in Indonesia continue to be burned down for palm oil plantations; this unforeseen consequence of biofuel demand caused the European Union to back off on large orders of palm oil. Another big unintended consequence emerged when crude oil prices rose to record levels in 2007-2008. Biofuels, including corn-based ethanol created competition for agricultural land, resulting in an increase in the cost of food staples. Global corn prices, which biofuels caused to increase an estimated 15% to 27% in 2007 alone, was especially impacted

Cellulosic biofuels, in contrast, offer the promise by the middle of the decade of creating a viable energy source (one of many that will be needed) from waste products, such as wood waste, grasses, corn stalks, and other non-food products. The trick will be to balance land use with energy production so that unintended consequences, particularly burning rainforests and urban food price riots will be a thing of the past. Backed by research funding from the Obama Administration's US Department of Energy (DOE), companies such as Mascoma Corporation and Amyris Biotechnologies are some of the current leaders in the quest for a non-food biofuel.

4. The marriage of ICT and Green Cities

Time Period: 2013-2019

Called "the great digital underbelly" of new and retrofitted sustainable cities by Gordon Feller of Urban Age, green ICT (information and communications technologies) holds promise for increasing the energy and resource efficiency of most aspects of urban development. If these technologies can offset their operating and production resource impacts (estimated to use 2-3 percent of total industry energy used, but forecast to double by 2022), the world could benefit from initial increased efficiencies in the 15-25 percent range. A crowded field of IBM, Cisco, General Electric, Siemens and others is positioning for implementing new ICT for sustainability in cities, demonstrating applications at the pilot project level. Cities with pilot or operating projects in green ICT include Amsterdam, San Francisco, Masdar City (United Arab Emirates), Seoul, London, Singapore, Beijing, New Delhi, Mumbai, Stockholm and Oslo. The following are Green Smart City applications and examples of companies involved:

o traffic congestion monitoring and pricing systems: IBM, Capita Group
o water applications (leakage detection, purification): IBM, Siemens
o building applications (sense-and-respond technologies to monitor temperature, light, humidity and occupancy): Johnson Controls, Siemens, IBM
o intelligent public transportation and logistics: PwC, Samsung, Cisco
o public shared offices with telepresence (pictured above): Cisco, Hewlett-Packard
o home and office smart appliances that can tie in with smart grid energy applications: General Electric, AT&T, Whirlpool
o smart grids: General Electric, Schneider Electric, SAP, Oracle, ABB
o data centers for cities: Google, Hewlett-Packard, Cisco
o carbon inventories and carbon accounting: Microsoft, Oracle

5. Implementation of Carbon Taxes

2010-2019

Exxon Mobil surprised many in early 2009 when it called for a carbon tax as a way to address global climate change. Whether the former denier of global climate change got religion remains to be seen. Carbon taxes have been proposed for oil, natural gas and coal by many as a way to adjust former so-called market "externalities," or impacts beyond classically defined air pollution, which now includes greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. A handful of nations have some form of carbon tax, mostly in Scandinavia. On the sub-national level, British Columbia and the San Francisco Bay Area recently proposed some form of the tax tax. Costs for carbon taxes can be passed on to consumers directly, or they could be levied on industry, which would likely cause manufacturing and operating costs to be wholly or partially passed onto consumers.

Currently, the costs of producing and using fossil fuels does not take into account the vast damage these activities do to the earth's climate, which is gaining atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations that endanger at a rapid rate the climate, ecosystems and people's health, and the economy.

6. The First Big Urban Climate Change Adaptation: Drought

2010-2019

A major effort at climate change adaptation is underway in California as well as other urban areas that are experiencing or are likely to feel the early effects from climate change. Prolonged droughts consistent with the impacts of climate change are being seen in Beijing, Southwestern North America (Mexico City/ LA, etc.) and urban areas in Southeast Australia.

As Maude Barlow writes in her 2008 book Blue Covenant, cities are becoming hotspots not only for suffering from the effects of water shortages, but in many cases urbanization may be actually creating or exacerbating the severity of drought:

Massive urbanization causes the hydrologic cycle to not function correctly because rain needs to fall back on green stuff -- vegetation and grass -- so that the process can repeat itself. Or we are sending huge amounts of water from large watersheds to megacities and some of them are 10 to 20 million people, and if those cities are on the ocean, some of that water gets dumped into the ocean. It is not returned to the cycle.

Adaptation strategies will focus on preparing government, business and citizens for extreme heat events, wildfires (including urban/suburban wildfires), disease, and large-scale migration of populations from impacted areas. Some of the efforts will involve education and community outreach, such as Chicago's efforts to alert the elderly and handicapped to imminent heat waves, or having people check on others that may be vulnerable when conditions warrant. Other measures will require huge chunks of investments in urban public and private infrastructure to prevent coastal flooding and to store dwindling seasonal water supplies, while health and professionals are likely to be first responders to new climate change-boosted disease outbreaks, such as dengue fever. The military is also likely to be added to the mix of climate change adaptation actors.

7. End of Cheap Oil/ Onset of Fossil Fuel Shortages

2012-2019

Besides fresh water, oil is the most threatened increasingly imported resource in developed economies. Energy shortages or supply disruptions are expected to continue to develop because of political acts, terrorism, warfare and natural disasters. The issue is not that the reserves are "running out," but that getting at the remaining oil in a cost-effective manner is becoming increasingly more difficult, as has been outlined in multiple books by author Richard Heinberg (The Party's Over, Peak Everything) and others. As former Shell Oil CEO Jeroen van der Veer said in a 2008 email to employees, "Shell estimates that after 2015, supplies of easy-to-access oil and gas will no longer keep up with demand." Add the coming impacts of global climate change regulations to the scarce oil equation (see Trends numbers 2 and 5 in this post), and oil will continue to be an unpredictable flashpoint for the world economy. In 2007-2008, rapidly rising oil prices helped trigger a deep world recession; during the next decade oil may set off a chain of economic and civil events that could be far more severe.

With market uncertainty for oil prices and oil supplies, this new decade will witness the sunset of exurban-style automotive dependant sprawl in the United States and in many overseas copycat developments, particularly Asia. The overbuilt market for large, totally car-dependent single family homes in outer suburbia is expected by even some developers to not be viable for almost a decade, even if oil prices and supply stay relatively stable. A prolonged recurrence of oil prices above $100-150 a barrel will drive a stake through the heart of the exurban car-only model of real estate speculation, and will hit many other elements (food, imported goods, oil-based products) of the Western economy.

8. Focus on Urban Agriculture and Foodsheds

Time Period: 2012-2019

As fuel prices rise and unexpected energy shortages occur, food prices will rise rapidly, especially for food that must be transported long distances via airplanes, stored and processed. The alternative is greater local and regional food production in and around cities. Existing cities in Latin America (Havana, Cuba--pictured above--and Quito, Ecuador), Africa (Dar Es Salam, Tanzania; Kampala, Uganda) and Asia (Seoul, South Korea), have produced significant quantities of produce or aquaculture within their city limits. Cities in North America that have maintained or are building or rebuilding strong regional food networks include Seattle, Honolulu, Boston, Philadelphia and San Francisco. Some newly planned cities are being engineered to produce significant amounts of food that can also be used as a potential energy source or rich compost nutrient. Examples include Masdar City in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates) and a supposedly scalable community plan called NewVista that is expected to be prototyped in the United States and in Asia: both are innovating the production of food from algae and other low-energy input nutrient sources.

9. Resiliency planning: cities, towns, homes

Time Period: 2010-2019

Resiliency is about making a system or one's self stronger and more able to survive adversity. As the previous items portend, there will no shortage of adversity during the coming decade from climate change and energy supply instability. One of the major social phenomena related to resiliency has been the emergence of the Transition Town movement, which has grown from a few villages in the United Kingdom to Barcelona, Spain, Boulder, Colorado, and Sydney, Australia. The founder of the phenomena, Rob Hopkins, also a Post Carbon Institute Fellow, has used his transition model of Totnes, United Kingdom, to devise a global organizational playbook. The purpose of transition thinking is to prepare people for potential shortages in global energy supplies and food caused by peaking oil and climate change. In contrast to earlier "off-the-grid" movements of the 1970s, Transition Towns can be located in urban neighborhoods as well as in the distant boonies, and they focus on community-scaled solutions in transportation, health, economics and people's livelihoods and personal skills. Tactics of local groups vary widely, with events ranging from the familiar--clothing swaps and art festivals to the seemingly more obscure--"unleashings,"--to policy-laden activities, such as launching a long-term (15-20 years) "Energy Descent Action Plan." The emphasis is on understanding and using collective community resources, including knowledge and skills, that people have in their own sphere of influence, versus waiting for top-down government decrees.

10. Sustainability Movie/ Novel /Art/ Song

Time Period 2010-2019

There has yet to be a significant work of popular art that I am aware of that captures the modern systemic aspirations of sustainability. In terms of modern life, some works have focused on environmental destruction, (Marvin Gaye's song "Mercy Mercy Me"), the terror of abrupt climate change (the unsuccessful 2004 film The Day After Tomorrow), the international political subterfuge behind oil (2005's Syriana with George Clooney, one of my personal favorite films), and the destruction of natural systems (Dr. Seuss's 1971 book The Lorax) or cultural/species depletion (James Cameron's 2009 film Avatar), but no novel, song, painting or movie has come close to depicting a fictional world of what holistic sustainability solutions might look like, even feel like.

Odds are that breakthrough art successfully depicting sustainability will feature urban life in some fashion. After all, cities have gone from being perceived as the opposite of what the "environmental movement" has been trying to save, to ground zero for this new revolution that is launching in a city or neighborhood near you.

Article written by Warren Karlenzig for WorldChanging: http://www.worldchanging.com/archives/010922.html

Are You Overlooking These 5 Branding Opportunities?

2010-01-15T16:55:00.000-08:00

Apart from the usual web sites, business cards, and letterheads, are there other opportunities for us to brand ourselves?

Résumé. Though it may be common for designers, there is no reason why people in other industries shouldn't have creative resumes. As long as the execution is legible, cohesive and easy to understand, it may be a good way to stand out from the crowd of applicants.

Email signature. You can also use your business tagline or brand statement under your name in your email signatures. If overdone, this can seem too bothersome and intrusive, so keep the statement short and simple. Your email signatures don’t have to be always be branded in the same way, either. Use a different signature for each target audience.

Invoices. Even the documents you use to charge customers can be a branding opportunity. If you send paper invoices, this also helps to make sure that the client won’t lose it in a pile of paperwork.

Milestone sheets, progress reports and other related documents. It’s perfectly sensible to put your logo in these documents, even if you’re already working with a client and don’t necessarily have to sell new services to them. Branding your documents in the same way you brand promotional materials ensures consistency. If these files are misplaced, the client only has to look at the logo to see who sent them.

Avatars. Social media avatars are usually the first impressions that new contacts have about us. Having a strong image in your avatar makes the branding happen earlier than, say, waiting for them to look at your blog or web site.

Article provided by Web Worker Daily: http://webworkerdaily.com/2010/01/13/are-you-overlooking-these-5-branding-opportunities/

Detroit Auto Show Goes Green

2010-01-14T08:35:00.000-08:00

The Detroit Auto Show kicks off this week, and the name of the game is green. CBC News reports that the new mantra on the showroom floor seems to be, “if we build it green, the buyers will come.” This is a marked departure from last year’s auto show, where the mantra was basically, “hold one for a bumpy ride and empty your wallet at the door, please.”

Reports are that the mood is optimistic inside the Cobo Centre in Detroit. However, outside the convention center things are contentious. A small gathering of United Auto Workers rallied Monday outside the building to remind lawmakers of the need for further support for the industry. Tea Party protesters loudly demanded an end to taxpayer-funded auto bailouts. No word on what kind of car the Tea Party protestors are driving – are anti-government-ers green?

Doug Fox is an Ann Arbor car dealer who told CBC News, "Last year we had that 'sky-is-falling' mentality, and everybody was running for cover." But that seems to have all changed for 2010. Fox further states, “We are seeing a little more investment made in the actual exhibits than last year."

What’s more, Americans’ infamous love of gas guzzlers seems to be waning. There are much more efficient cars debuting in Detroit, which shows how much the industry is facing. Reports are that much of what is on display this year “tends toward the lean and green, as electric, hybrid and small cars take centre stage.”

And what is the coolest green car everyone is waiting for? That would be the launch of the Chevrolet Volt. This will be the first mainstream electric car on the market. When it goes on sale in November, it will sport a $40,000 US price tag. Considering that’s the price of most Hummers, one wonders if there will be some sort of eco-face off down the road. My money is on the car that doesn’t require $5 a gallon to power it.

But things aren’t all rainbows and sunshine at the Detroit Auto Show. For the first time last year, China surpassed the United States as the world's largest auto market. (Reports are that, unlike recent years, there are no Chinese automakers are on hand in Detroit this week.) Dennis DesRosiers told CBC News that sinking North American car sales during the disastrous economic year of 2009 might be understandable. But the industry needs to turn that trend around, and quick. Further, "the serious concern is whether it continues into a second or third year…if this continues into a third or fourth year, this is what we call the nightmare scenario."

Want to know more about the eco-friendliness of car companies? Check out Greenopia’s recently released guide to green car companies for 2010.

Photo: The Chevy Volt

Article provided by Greenopia http://ow.ly/W9GI

Fresh Ideas Group 2010 Consumer Trends Forecast: The New SHEconomy

2010-01-06T15:42:00.000-08:00

SHE is highly educated and working hard, both at home and at the office. SHE is worried about climate change globally and the environment in her own backyard. SHE is worried about children's diets and health. SHE is not indulging in much, in order to reduce expenses. SHE is making most of the purchasing decisions for her family, and SHE is reshaping commerce and culture as we know it. It is the new SHEconomy. Oh, and SHE is tired.

The Third Annual FIG Consumers Trends Forecast finds the overwhelming influence of women on 2010 so profound, it names the entire forecast in her honor.

The Fresh Ideas Group serves up their 2010 forecast of "The New SHEconomy" with the disclaimer that the HE in our society is still very much an influence, but with some new roles at last, as both genders face another sobering year with healthy doses of pragmatism learned in 2009.

IN
She
Saving
Nurturing
Artemis (Goddess of the Hunt)
Practical
Prudence
"Nonprecious" organic
Small bites
Good
Vintage brands
Human-fueled energy
Salad bar for school lunch
Agave or cane sugar
Gluten-free worth tasting
Value
Board games
Truth
Wellness insurance
Nonprofit
Recycled plastic
Real
Car repair
Slow recovery
Resilience

OUT
Ignorance of She
Spending
Narcissism
Aries (God of War)
Fancy
Decadence
Elitist organic
Living large
Glam
Brand-new
Fossil-fueled energy
Chocolate milk for lunch
High fructose corn syrup
Cardboard gluten-free
Price
Games by boards
Spin doctoring
Health care insurance
Profitless
Virgin plastic
Faux
Newly purchased car
Quick turnaround
Resistance to change

Women in the Driver's Seat: Due in part to deep layoffs of men, women are poised to become the majority of workers for the first time in 2010, according to The Wall Street Journal. Women also make up to 85% of all consumer purchases. Given this new position of stature, women will continue to make changes to the way our workplaces are structured (think flexibility), will vote with their dollars (think convenience and health) and will evolve the meaning of "working woman" along the way. The goddess Artemis is pointing her arrow at a new era in women's influence on commerce and culture.

Men in the Grocery Aisles: With more men bearing the brunt of the down economy, and more highly educated women outearning their husbands, men will also be adapting to a new role: one that may very well include more cooking, shopping and child care. Natural Foods Merchandiser notes that the number of men shopping in natural foods stores has jumped from 24% of all consumers to 36%. "Dude"-friendly diaper bags aren't the only tool that savvy marketers and retailers should put forth cooking classes, play groups, packaging design and in-store events should all do a better job of embracing men as caregivers.

Retro Transportation Solutions: While many citizens will remember "Cash for Clunkers," a few more telling, albeit quiet, events took place in '09. During the first quarter, more bikes were sold in the U.S. than cars or trucks: Around 2.6 millions bikes were purchased compared to 2.5 million cars and trucks. And Americans on the move took 10.7 billion trips on trains, buses and subways, a record ridership in 52 years. Americans will continue to seek alternative transportation to save money, stay fit and reduce carbon emissions. As a result, cities and municipalities will continue to invest in alternative transportation infrastructures and expansion of pedestrian- and bike-friendly paths. Smart retailers should be making space for bike racks. Look for European bike brands with more space for carrying kids and groceries on the streets in '10.

The New Flexitarian Workplace: In the SHEconomy smart employers will push their 9-to-5 comfort zones and get creative with work schedules, benefits and even workplace "place." Top women executives will push for results-oriented work cultures where flexibility is a given and military-like HR policies are no more. Health reform won't wait, with women pushing for wellness programs and alternative medicine benefits. ROWE1 (Results Only Work Environments) will become a catch phrase for hip companies who know they need to keep HER on their payroll.

Pragmatic Plates: Restaurant eaters will continue to trade down from pricey to pragmatic in their dining out choices,2 making cheap but hearty ethnic eateries and down-home diners more appealing than fancy white table cloth dining destinations. Look for a proliferation of affordable noodle bowl and tacqueria restaurants and a big push on roving restaurants in Airstreams and former burrito trucks. Grocery grab-and-go choices will expand and grow in both natural and grocery channels as families increasingly dine around the home table, even if the food is microwaved.

Pint-Sized Palates: Kid Foodies (coined ï¿½Koodiesï¿½ by Supermarket Guru Phil Lempert) with sophisticated palates are challenging their parents to keep the menu interesting, and surprising grandparents by turning up their noses at white bread and hotdogs. We predict product introductions featuring unusual twists on everyday kids' favorites like gourmet PB&Js, Asian-influenced easy lunches, Mexican-themed snacks and beverages and also increased culinary change on the school lunch menu as well.

"Nonprecious" Organic: Organic foods will continue to land and expand on the shelf in mainstream grocery chains from Target to Costco to Safeway while private label organic products in Whole Foods Markets and Trader Joes will make increasing one's organic shopping share more affordable than ever before. We measure "nonprecious" in this category as priced within 20% of the same conventional product but produced in accordance to USDA standards for organic. In 2009 this already took place with 48% of the baby salad greens category sold in organic, according to ACNielsen.

Pass the Soda; Hold the Sugar and the Energy Drinks: President Obama has proposed a "soda tax" on sugar-sweetened drinks, Renegade Lunch Ladies led by Chef Ann Cooper are ousting chocolate milk and high fructose corn syrup from cafeterias, and health-aware parents are reading labels more closely to reduce their children's sugar consumption. We see a wave of new and reformulated lower sugar products for kids of all ages and believe high fructose corn syrup will soon land in the same place as trans fats, demonized and disallowed.

Supercharged Foods and Calories That Count: Truly nutritionally charged ingredients will be a mantra for 2010. Counting calories alone will not be as important as assessing the quality of those calories. Salba will be the next supergrain, and superfruits like acai, yumberry and mangosteen will jump from the beverage aisle to jam jars and frozen foods. Grams of fiber and whole grains will be the competitive bragging claims for cereals and snack foods. Empty calories will be frowned upon increasingly.

Health Under the Magnifying Glass: We see new competitive spirit and reporting on healthiest versus least healthy states, counties and cities. Call them geographic fat wars. Look for increases in health insurance premiums based on level of healthfulness for employees and employer-sponsored contests to incent healthy habits like quitting smoking, reducing cholesterol levels and maintaining regular exercise. And it will soon become unacceptable by all moms and dads for schools to not offer P.E. daily. The semantics of health geography will become more common, with more open dialogue of health food deserts3, morbidly obese enclaves and other unhealthy realities.

The Fresh Ideas Group is a specialist communications agency based in Boulder, Colo., since 1995, where it serves as a fulcrum for information and new product trends. FIG's focus on healthy living and the good life through environmentally conscious consumerism serves as a catalyst for cutting-edge change. For more details or to interview someone at The Fresh Ideas Group contact sylvia@freshideasgroup.com.

An Engineer’s Journey of Rediscovery of Exploration, Creativity & Meaning.

2010-01-03T17:50:00.000-08:00

Jim Campbell’s OmLight Yoga Photography.
by ~ Sandja Brugmann for elephantjournal.com on Jan 2, 2010

An Engineer’s Journey of Rediscovery of Exploration, Creativity & Meaning.
Capturing the Essence of your Yoga Practice.

A desire to re-connect with his inner creativity and a deeper meaning in life were the driving forces that gave birth to Jim Campbell’s OmLight Photography.

The mixture of Jim’s previous passion with photography, his newly found meaning with life through yoga and his personal practice on the mat led him to want to “be of service” and offer his camera to CorePower Yoga to get a number of overdue teacher bio photos taken.

All the teachers gathered one afternoon, and as often happens when you put yogis together in a room, a spontaneous mix of play and exploration occured. Sterile headshot photo work turned into an impromptu group yoga asana exploration…and OmLight Photography was born.

When we get on the mat, our life is reflected in the mat as our mirror. We have to face ourselves, and it gives us an opportunity to work through the layers of stuff such as ego, sadness, anger, jealousy, frustrations, confusion etc. Yoga brings us into our bodies – our physical being, and out of our head. Surfing through our bodies, riding on the breath, we practice letting go and becoming our authentic and true selves. We practice self- and other love. We practice compassion and acceptance.

“Through my photography, I feel I become part of, a witness of, the person’s inner shining, true self expressions. It is a beautiful process. People almost forget that I am there with my camera capturing them in various yoga postures, as they loose themselves in their inner practice.I am full-filled from an intellectual perspective through my work as an engineer, however, in recent years, I have moved into more of a management role, and I felt less creatively fulfilled as I wasn’t creating and exploring at work any longer – life essence photography through yoga has brought that back into my life.”

As I look at my calendar of obligations for the day of Wednesday November 11th, it is slightly overwhelming from the moment I awake. One of those days. Rushing from meeting to meeting. Mostly wonderful meetings, no less. A social media meeting with one of my absolute favorite lifestyle e-boutiques Vickerey at the Dushanbee Teahouse. Attending trapeze class with Frequent Flyers at the Dairy Center for Performing Arts – and then rush to OmLight Photography to meet with Jim Campbell and his lovely assistant Justina. Deep breath. Deeeeep breath.

I wasn’t entirely centered as I arrive at Jim’s studio in North Boulder. As Jim’s voice talks me through a selection of Surya Namaskar A+B posture series and encourages deep relaxation and breathing, coming into my own yoga practice, I feel myself quickly melt into my yoga space. It’s almost as if he isn’t there, except for when Justina aids hair away from my eye or Jim is queuing me to optimize alignment and camera angle. I am surprised to find myself actually getting deeply into postures and my ujaii (oo-JAI-ay) breath.

My 10 year old daughter, Amilija, had come along to check it out. As we are playing around, we decide to do some partner yoga shots of her and I. Feeling her resting on my back, trusting in me fully, as I am in downwardfacing dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana), I am surprised to realize that her sacrum against mine is an intimate and softening experience. How often do we connect as human beings, mothers & daughters this way? My heart has gone thru extreme openings and awakenings the past months; this unexpectedly close loving and warming experience bringing me so close to my daughter in a way I had never thought about, breaks open my heart another inch or two. It makes me realize, how many beautiful and fulfilling ways exist in sharing ourselves and our hearts with loved ones and the world at large. Now, I certainly had not expected a spiritual experience this evening through capturing my yoga asanas on camera. This is an experience I can highly recommend for anyone; lovers, mothers & daughters, sisters and brothers and just for your own individual experience (also perfect as a holiday gift to someone very special). So here I am, talking about the process and experience – obviously, you will walk away with a lifelong visual capture of your own shining asana heart!

You do not need to be a Shiva Rea or Seane Corn to get your yoga portraiture taken – this is for anyone, who has any level of experience with yoga.

Details

* $199 for a one hour session for a single person, $249 for two or more people.

Included with your shoot is one 13×19 print, which can be 1, 2 or 4 images.

Various photos options for purchase is available after the shoot.

Leigh Goldberg – an experienced partner yoga teacher , will guide you and your partner through postures, while Jim Campbell captures the essence of beauty, play and expressions. Call for price.

Contact omlightphoto@gmail.com for further questions, or to schedule your session. OmLight Photography.

Full Article http://www.elephantjournal.com/2010/01/capturing-your-essence-sandja-brugmann/

2009-12-06T21:29:00.000-08:00

The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future,
or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly ~~ Buddha

Children know this already!

This quote was inspired by the post on Clementine Art's new blog, where Clementine Art's founder Diana Mercer shares
thoughts, ideas and perspectives on children's learning, growth and development through open-ended art. Read more
about Clementine Art here -
http://www.clementineboulder.blogspot.com/

Is Non-Toxic the Best We Can Do For Our Children?

2009-11-09T12:10:00.000-08:00

LOHAS Journal Thursday, November 5, 2009

Healthy Living Tips for Children.
By Diana Mercer, founder Clementine Art.

During a tot’s art class at my children’s art studio in Boulder CO, a parent discovered that her toddler had placed a spring green paintbrush in her mouth, much like a lollipop. We both flinched as the paint smeared around her little girl’s lips, fully coating the inside of her mouth.

Springing to action, we rinsed and wiped her daughter clean. This mother turned to me with a worried look and asked, “Is this really ok?”

“Our paint is non-toxic.” I replied with assurance. For more than 20 years as a teacher, I have understood that non-toxic is as good as it gets for children’s art supplies. The label ‘non-toxic’ means that a product is not related to any toxin or poison. I am confident that this means it will not kill anyone. For many years, The American National Standards Institute (ASTM) has been certifying that art supplies meet non-toxicity standard ASTM D-4236 and that any toxins will be clearly listed on the label.

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission has this to say:

Parents and others buying art materials, school supplies and toys such as crayons, paint sets, or modeling clay should be alert and purchase only those products which are accompanied by the statement "Conforms to ASTM D-4236."

Like many people, I have lately become concerned about the environment and more aware of health issues as they relate to my food, cosmetics, and other consumer choices, I buy organics when I can, bring grocery bags to the store with me, and ride my bike instead of getting in the car so often.

After the paint-in-the-mouth incident, I felt besieged by unanswered questions about what children’s paint is made of. I wondered why the ingredients aren’t available to me on the label? The colors, odor, and seemingly infinite shelf life of children’s paint made me wonder what kind of chemicals, synthetic dyes, and preservatives were contained in my non-toxic bottle of paint.

As a consumer, I have been concerned by news that widely distributed toys from China were discovered to contain excess levels of lead paint; that a ubiquitous children’s dough is reportedly made using a petroleum base; and that art materials contain synthetic dyes that have been linked to a wide variety of health issues in children including allergies, ADHD, and a variety of cancers.

I love art, and children. As an art teacher, I want to provide children with safer choices. On my short list, I’d like a product that is made with natural ingredients that I can pronounce. I’d like to purchase them from a company that is honest enough to list their ingredients right on the package. I want art materials that are safe for children, and the environment.

Clementine Art was founded on the principle that we can do better for children. Clementine is committed to providing all natural, and non-toxic art supplies for children made from simple, and wholesome ingredients.
Clementine Art creates pure, natural and healthy art supplies for families. Clementine is art you can feel good about. The high quality art supplies are made with all natural ingredients, certified non-toxic, and environmentally friendly. Clementine packaging is made of 100% post consumer recycled and reusable materials. Clementine Art founder Diana Mercer has more than 20 years experience in the early childhood and art education classroom, Diana Mercer has developed a deep respect for children, and for the role of creative exploration in healthy child development. Learn more www.clementineart.com

http://blog.lohas.com/blog/lohas/0/0/is-non-toxic-the-best-we-can-do-for-our-children-v2

TED - John Gerzema on The post-crisis consumer

2009-10-20T11:59:00.000-07:00

John Gerzema says there's an upside to the recent financial crisis -- the opportunity for positive change. Speaking at TEDx KC,
he identifies four major cultural shifts driving new consumer behavior and shows how businesses are evolving to connect with thoughtful spending.

John Gerzema uses data, analysis and decades of experience to identify trends and develop daring new approaches to advertising. Full bio.

http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/john_gerzema_the_post_crisis_consumer.html

Art & Copy Film

2009-09-21T11:14:00.000-07:00

ART & COPY is a powerful new film about advertising and inspiration. Directed by Doug Pray (SURFWISE, SCRATCH, HYPE!), it reveals the work and wisdom of some of the most influential advertising creatives of our time -- people who've profoundly impacted our culture, yet are virtually unknown outside their industry. Exploding forth from advertising's "creative revolution" of the 1960s, these artists and writers all brought a surprisingly rebellious spirit to their work in a business more often associated with mediocrity or manipulation: George Lois, Mary Wells, Dan Wieden, Lee Clow, Hal Riney and others featured in ART & COPY were responsible for "Just Do It," "I Love NY," "Where's the Beef?," "Got Milk," "Think Different," and brilliant campaigns for everything from cars to presidents. They managed to grab the attention of millions and truly move them. Visually interwoven with their stories, TV satellites are launched, billboards are erected, and the social and cultural impact of their ads are brought to light in this dynamic exploration of art, commerce, and human emotion.
www.artandcopyfilm.com

www.artandcopyfilm.com

New York City’s Pier 57: A Shipping Container Shopping Center?

2009-08-17T16:49:00.000-07:00

by Ariel Schwartz in Green Building/Remodeling

Architecture firm LOT-EK, is known primarily for building Puma City, a 11,000 square foot store made out of 24 shipping containers. The City is currently on a world tour. Now the firm is setting its sights on a bigger target–the redevelopment of Chelsea’s Pier 57 into a 170,000 square foot open-air market constructed partially from shipping containers.

LOT-EK and Youngwoo & Associates were chosen this week by the Hudson River Park Trust to redesign the pier, which will feature low-rent spaces for small businesses, a green space, a Contemporary Culture Center filled with entertainment, auctions, and galleries, an Underwater Discovery Center, and seasonal docks.
If completed as planned, Pier 57 might be the most visible shipping container project yet. Past efforts have included a a London hotel built from recycled shipping containers, and a Ukraine shopping mall that uses shipping containers to create indoor alleys.

This is all still a big if–previous plans for the redevelopment of Pier 57 fell apart last year, and Pier 40 has been in various stages of redevelopment for even longer. Here’s hoping this latest effort works out.

http://greenlivingideas.com/topics/green-building/york-citys-pier-57-shipping-container-shopping-center

Study Finds High and Low Income Shoppers Equally Likely to Buy Green

2009-07-23T13:30:00.000-07:00

It's appears to be a big time for green shopping surveys. Earlier this week we shared the results of a Cohn & Wolfe Green Brands survey that showed that the recession has not squashed consumers' desire for green products. Another survey, this one conducted by Miller Zell, a retail consulting firm, dispels the notion that only well-heeled shoppers are willing to pay premiums for green products.

Miller Zell conducted an online survey of 999 consumers, with a portion of the questions devoted to their attitudes around products that are marketed as being green, or eco-friendly. Respondents were asked whether they would pay a premium for a green product, and then, if so, how much of a premium they'd pony up. Consumers fell into three income categories—high, middle and low—and while more low-income respondents said they were unwilling to pay any premium for green good than respondents in the other income categories, those low-income respondent who would pay a 10-cent premium outnumbered the middle and high income respondents who would pay that amount.

This ought to make marketers perk up. But what's behind that high percentage? Miller Zell posits that it represents the large number of "Millennials"—the generation following Generation X, and whose members were born starting in the early 1980s— who are just now entering the workforce are therefore low income. An important characteristic of these newbie adults is a greater concern for the environmental causes, relative to older generations.

But it's also important to note that their greater willingness to pay a premium for green products gets seriously tested once the premium exceeds a dime. Fewer low-income respondents were willing to pay 30, 50 or 70 extra cents for green products than those earning middle or high incomes. (These responses were all for a product with a base price of $2.49.)

The study also found that both men and women, in all income brackets, were more willing to buy green goods at mass merchandisers than at specialty stores or drug or convenience stores. And overall, respondents said they're most likely to buy green products at grocery stores. Wal-Mart's efforts to create a sustainability index

Sixty-two percent of respondents said that having green product options influences their unplanned purchase decisions.

Finally, the survey revealed a good appetite for more product information. That's a sentiment also reflected in the Green Brands study, and one that may one day address—though initially the retailer plans to rate the sustainability of companies rather than products. On average, close to 40 percent of shoppers want more product information – and an even higher percentage of Millennial shoppers are dissatisfied with the available green product information.

You can download the full results of the Miller Zell study here.

Photo: Spooning.

http://www.triplepundit.com/pages/high-and-low-income-shoppers-equally-likely-to-buy-green.php

Where Does Your Brand Name Sit?

2009-07-10T16:11:00.000-07:00

By Tom Parrette, Director of Verbal Branding at Addis Creson
Addis Creson
Published: Thursday, July 09, 2009 LOHAS JOURNAL e-newsletter

After years in the naming business, one simple truth never changes: naming is both art and science. Coming up with a winning name requires an awareness of the symbolic power of words (art) and a basic knowledge of linguistics (science). If you rely too heavily on one or the other, you’re likely to be disappointed.

There’s also no substitute for good old-fashioned creativity. No algorithm or methodology or matrix or focus group can substitute for having an expert way with words.

That being said, names don’t just live in the creative ether. All namers have ways to organize their creative processes. One of the most common methods is to think of brand names in terms of loose categories, from highly conceptual (Virgin) to highly literal (General Electric).

As you search for the perfect name, here’s a framework to get you thinking about the range of possibilities.

Suggestive
By blending separate words (to create “portmanteau” words) or combining familiar syllables, these names convey product or company purpose. They rely on visual and auditory cues to suggest what they stand for.

Examples: Genentech, Photoshop

Evocative
Like suggestive names, evocative names convey brand attributes but don’t provide a literal explanation. Usually these names focus on a specific characteristic (in the case of Titanic, size) to express value. Note that none of the examples below reveals what the brand actually offers.

Examples: Oracle, Titanic, Yahoo!

Arbitrary
Arbitrary names have no direct correlation to company or product. They depend on acquired meaning. The associations consumers make for themselves in relation to a brand name are often the most powerful—and memorable.

Examples: BlackBerry, Virgin

Coined
Pure invention, coined names rely on uniqueness and their ability to stand out from the crowd. From a purely tactical standpoint, these names can also be the easiest to trademark.

Examples: Exxon, Kodak

Descriptive
These no-nonsense names describe what a product or company does in the most direct way possible. Their literal tone gives them an iconic quality, as if they are the universal brand standard.

Examples: Reader, General Electric

Surname/Geographical
The names in this category equate the value of place or proper name to brand. The reputation of the geographical location or surname endows the company with its character or quality.

Examples: Martha Stewart Living, Boston Market

Namers often work within a context like this, although they might apply different terms and explanations. Bear in mind there’s no inherent hierarchy here—“descriptive” is not necessarily better than “coined.” It all depends on what you’re naming and the context in which the name will appear. And there’s plenty of overlap between the categories below, which is often where the creativity comes in.

http://www.lohas.com/articles/102150.html

PR Wire Interview: Matt Reid, Waggener Edstrom on Cause Marketing

2009-07-09T08:13:00.000-07:00

News editor Rose Gordon speaks to Matt Reid, EVP, social innovation practice, Waggener Edstrom, about the agency's new study, "The Opportunity (and risk) in Doing Good: Consumer views on the role of business in society."

http://ow.ly/gPlE

CO2penhagen

2009-07-08T13:40:00.000-07:00

CO2PENHAGEN 2009 IS DENMARK’S MOST INNOVATIVE SHOWCASE OF EXPERIENCES AND GREEN TECHNOLOGY

This is the first time ever that a music- and artfestival runs entirely on renewable energy.

CO2PENHAGEN takes place at Denmark’s Technical University just outside Copenhagen on September 4-6 2009, with 3000 visitors expected every day.

The goal is to visualize the knowledge already present at technical universities and spotlight businesses’ green products. It all takes place in a CO2-neutral miniature society surrounded by art and music.

The festival is an entertaining event that proves that green energy can coincide with great design. Renewable energy is more than solar panels and windmills. CO2PENHAGEN is developed through collaborations between businesses, local and international artists and Danish students. Students at Denmark’s Technical University are some of the main drivers behind the collaboration.

One of the CO2PENHAGEN founders, Katrine Vejby, who worked as a BBC producer for ten years, says:

“It is going to be wild and visionary. CO2PENHAGEN will be an entertaining event unlike anything we’ve ever seen before. The festival states Denmark’s position as a frontrunner within user driven innovation and design”.

4th - 6th September, 2009
Copenhagen, Denmark

www.co2penhagen.com

12 county firms named ‘Companies to Watch’

2009-07-06T22:26:00.000-07:00

A dozen Boulder County companies were among 50 recently named Colorado Companies to Watch through an award program founded by the Edward Lowe Foundation.

Colorado Companies to Watch is organized by the Colorado Office of Economic Develop-ment and International Trade, in association with economic development councils through-out the state. A panel of independent judges selects the companies based on factors such as employee or sales growth, entrepreneurial leader-ship and sustainable competi-tive advantage.

Longmont-based RidgeviewTel; Lyons-based Oskar Blues Brewery, which has its brewing operations in Longmont; and Rocky Mountain Urgent Care, which is based in Aurora but has a facility in Longmont, all made the list. Also making the list were several Boulder-based companies: Justin’s Nut Butter, EcoProducts, KMLabs, Log-Rythm, Namasté Solar, Pangea Organics, Precision Photonics Corp., Rocky Mountain Sustain-able Enterprises and SparkFun Electronics.

http://www.timescall.com/news_story.asp?ID=16914

Sundance's Grains of Change Film Festival

2009-07-05T20:55:00.000-07:00

Sundance's Grains of ChangeFilm Festival beginning this Saturday, July 4th at 4:00pm Eastern/3:00pm Central and every Saturday for the next 8 weeks.

Grains of Change Season 2 Line-Up

Keegan Sheridan (Kashi): Keegan Sheridan speaks about the benefits of a natural lifestyle and how she applies her nutrition expertise in her unique role at Kashi as their Natural Lifestyle Business Partner.

Rico Montenegro (Fruit Tree Planting Foundation): Rico Montenegro talks about his role as chief arborist at the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation and the organization’s goal to benefit the planet through the planting of fruit trees.

Patrick Dollard (Center for Discovery): Patrick Dollard talks about the Center for Discovery and how the organization uses food and farming to benefit individuals with a broad range of disabilities.

Michel Nischan (Wholesome Wave): Michel Nischan discusses the work of Wholesome Wave Foundation and how his experiences with local farming have taught him more than nutrition.

Trevor Paque (MyFarm): Trevor Paque talks about how MyFarm transforms private urban yards into abundant gardens that supply the local community with vegetable boxes.

Paul Maschka (San Diego Roots Sustainable Food Project): Paul Maschka talks about his role as an urban gardener and involvement with the San Diego Food Not Lawns organization.

Chef Ann Cooper (Renegade Lunch Lady): Chef Ann Cooper speaks about the importance of transforming children’s relationship to food and teaching them how to make healthy food choices.

Marydale Debor, Diane D’Isidori, Ann Gallagher (Plow to Plate): Marydale Debor, Diane D’Isidori, and Ann Gallagher talk about their role in the creation of Plow to Plate, a coalition dedicated to promoting healthy, local food.

http://www.sundancechannel.com/grainsofchange/

Conversations key to social media, says Nike's Pestridge

2009-07-01T11:29:00.000-07:00

LONDON: Brands need to spend more time talking to consumers and "keep the quality of those conversations strong" if they are to enjoy the maximum benefits from using social media, says Simon Pestridge, global brand director, sportswear at Nike.

An increasing number of advertisers are attempting to utilise social media to connect with consumers, but the rapid growth of the medium has meant that a best practice approach has been slow to emerge.

Speaking at the recent Revolution Forum in London, Pestridge argued that in difficult economic conditions, brands need to "peel back the layers and focus on what you are great at."

More specifically, he said consumers "want authenticity and will look to brands they trust. So if you get this right, the media you choose to use becomes a secondary consideration."

The sportswear company is aiming to "carry on a legacy of innovative thinking" through "developing products that help athletes of every ability to reach their potential" and pursuing "opportunities that set Nike apart from the competition."

With regard to producing innovative marketing, the main challenge is to "push the boundaries of what's possible whilst not going off too far into left field."

In order to do justice to Nike's products, the company must also "ensure we engage the consumer in an equally innovative way that cuts through the clutter that surrounds them," Pestridge said.

Successfully achieving this goal, he added, depends on "the quality of the work" produced, which is of enduring appeal despite the fact consumer behaviour is changing in the downturn.

This is especially true of social media, where, "perhaps more so than in other forms of media, people are influenced by what they like and what they are hearing and seeing."

Indeed, Pestridge argued, while "ten years ago media spend would significantly outweigh production in an above-the-line campaign", this has now changed.

If a brand puts "more into the production of a campaign and keep that quality high, social media and online can work for you," he concluded.

Data sourced from Revolution; additional content by WARC staff, 01 July 2009

http://www.warc.com/News/TopNews.asp?ID=25344

CP+B site becomes 'giant digital fishing net'

2009-06-30T12:58:00.000-07:00

Crispin Porter + Bogusky is the latest agency to revamp its Web site with an eye toward aggregating content and letting others around the Web tell its story. The site, now in beta, collects videos, Tweets, news headlines and blog entries that mention the agency or its work—"the good, the bad, the mildly unnerving," as a large-afro-ed Alex Bogusky says in the video above (which, given all his gesturing about the navigation, makes more sense to view over on the site itself). The effort is less experimental in form than either the Modernista! site or BooneOakley's YouTube channel, but does cede control of the message largely to outside parties, which connotes authenticity these days—particularly with all the Crispin haters out there. It's nice to see @BogusBogusky make an appearance, too. —Posted by Tim Nudd

http://adweek.blogs.com/adfreak/

AdWeek: Profile - Steven Addis - The Brand Recharger

2009-06-29T13:19:00.000-07:00

June 14th, 2009 by - Eleftheria Parpis

Steven Addis, CEO of Addis Creson, doesn't put much stock in titles or disciplinary designations. "Are we an agency or a branding firm? I don't really care," he says.

What the UC Berkeley business graduate does care about is the marriage of strategic thinking and design, as well as the collaborative nature of the enterprise. When it comes to problem solving at the 30-person Berkeley, Calif.-based branding firm, "there is no division of labor," he says. While his primary role is business development, Addis says he gets to be "a utility player."

Over the years, Addis's company has evolved from being solely a package-design firm to one that also acts as a full-service agency, one dedicated to positive change. It divides its clients into four categories: Healthy Lifestyle (e.g., the Kashi brand of foods); Social Change (including Better Place, an electric car services provider, and the Green Employer Council, part of the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights); Sense of Place, for "unique immersive experiences," per its Web site (e.g., the Qua Baths & Spa at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas); and Future Tense, for brands that define "what's possible" (e.g., UC Berkeley).

Addis, who grew up in San Diego, says his creativity was encouraged by his father, whose day job was real estate, but whose hobby was photography. "He would buy a camera, hand it to me, tell me to learn it and then [to] teach him" how to use it, he remembers. Addis's photography is often used in the company's collateral materials.

"What I was really interested in was the idea of creative persuasion," adds the 48-year-old. And while he loves art and to write, he says, he studied business and marketing at UC Berkeley to be "more well-rounded."

After graduation in 1983, The Clorox Company hired him as a brand assistant. It was there he became schooled in marketing. "Clorox is not just a manufacturer, it's a marketing company," he says. "The hub of the wheel is the marketing department.

"Within a few years, he was named brand manager on new laundry products and tested new brands such as Act and Clorox Super Detergent. But Addis says he grew tired of the corporate environment. In 1987 he joined Monnens & Associates, a promotion and packaging firm he once hired to do package design for Clorox. The company was renamed Monnens-Addis Design and, in 1996, became Addis Group after Addis bought out his partner Ken Monnens. John Creson, who became the ecd, joined in 1999. The name morphed into Addis Creson in 2006.

The firm has worked on assignments ranging from the redesign of Pepsi packaging in 1997 and identity work for Intel to agency of record for Ariat, an equestrian footwear and apparel company recently added to the roster.

For Better Place, which offers an automated battery switch system designed for electric vehicles, Addis Creson has created a brand platform and identity program. "It's time to switch from the pump to the plug," says the voiceover to an animated online video the shop created to explain Better Place's mission.

"We have to sell a very complex story in a very simple way," says Addis, whose team is currently working on naming the interface and creating a brand identity for the company's technology system.

Better Place's logo, explains Addis, is designed to express a "blue" planet as well as optimism: "If you flip one component down [as if it were a switch], it creates the teardrop shape. That's the switch from the pump to the plug."

"The success of business and the planet are interlocked," says Addis. "We're simply acknowledging that fact and want to help companies think of ways to market their products in the most sustainable way they can."

http://www.addiscreson.com/

http://www.adweek.com/aw/content_display/creative/features/e3idff59d66183db8681904fb7dafda199d

Refresh Agency in Elephant Journal

2008-11-19T10:27:00.001-08:00

Refresh Agency: Communcation to Achieve a More Sustainable World Through Skill, Style and Sensibility.

By Lindsey on Nov 11, 2008 in Elephant Journal

Just a few days after writing about my experience at Naturally Boulder Days, I had the opportunity to meet one of Boulder, CO’s most dazzling entrepreneurs, Ms. Sandja Brügmann. In my article, I had shared how I learned that in the Boulder community, there is always someone to have coffee with, and not three days later, I had an invitation from Sandja, a woman who owns her own public relations, marketing and merchandising company.

The firm is called Refresh Agency, a full service communications agency with results in the Natural Products, Fashion, and Consumer Goods Categories on local, national and international levels. I initially acclimated myself to the business by taking a thorough look at the agency’s website. The homepage opened to an image of recycled glass blue beads from Ghana (pictured below) across a sharp black background that made for a lovely first impression for me. My past experience includes assisting in package design for a natural products brand, and I always leaned toward a modern look. And in this case, it isn’t simply about web design—I’m a believer that good design makes for better accessibility, and sustainable products need to be marketed in such a way to reach beyond “the choir,” to a mainstream audience. I had a feeling from the start then that this was a top-notch agency that understood that style needn’t be sacrificed for sustainability.

For full article http://www.elephantjournal.com/2008/11/refresh-agency-communications-to-achieve-a-more-sustainable-world-through-skill-style-and-sensibility/#more-4104