Now that the weather is getting better and spring has sprung, how can we become better as an environmentalists? You can’t do everything but here’s a small list I complied that I think is very doable even for the novice tree hugger. Now as I write this don’t feel guilty to do them all. Baby steps is key here.
Here is a list:
- Recycle and that’s even easy for the most reluctant environmentalist.
- REUSE the bag for the groceries. (That one is hard because I always have grocery bag amnesia but just place them in your car or right by the door.)
- Use cloth napkins. for the kitchen or lunch (I know this is kind of old style but the savings add up especially if you are not buying the napkins and you have fun napkins of all kinds…but I would start with napkins in your lunch. I would suggest LitterFree napkins especially the organic cotton napkins. They are a Chicago based company.
- Use less H2O. Need we say more? What is really good is to replace the shower head in your bathroom with a more efficient one and there are some out there that are very nice!
- Use less energy. Turn the juice off at night and we replaced all outdoor lighting with white light bulbs which is great too.
- Use public transportation, bike, or walk to work. That’s easy here in the windy city even if some bus/trains were cut. Man, even the bikers are fierce here. Unfortunately, one ran into my door last winter!! It threw him off and I was more frightened than him. Let’s say I watch out for those bike messengers and you should too.
Bike to work or just for fun
- Buy an organic cotton t-shirt!!!! I am partly biased with this one but Blissful Seed has great designs and can be great gifts for women, men, and children. Hurry! We will have an Earth month special very soon.
Children's collection: grasshopper design
Okay, so I went shopping for clothes and I was again unsatisfied with the synthetic materials out there in the market!
Acrylic fiber
And then, I think, who exactly is making these clothes? What is acrylic fiber? I read in an article, it’s not exactly an earth-friendly material and to try to avoid it. So I decided to do a little research. I want people to be more aware of these materials and this is part of my awareness contribution to the community.
According to wikipedia (yes, I will be referring to this source), the Dupont Corporation first created this material in 1941 and trademarked, “Orlon” consisting of synthetic fibers. But to be considered acrylic in the U.S., it must contain 85% acrylonitrile. What is acrylonitrile? Good thing I asked myself.
Acrylonitrile is a component of synthetic rubber and synthetic fibers but small amounts are used in fumigants, or pest control. Also, it has been classified as a CLASS 2B carcinogen which is a “possible carcinogenic”.
I have a winter hat that’s white and it’s 100% acrylic. I wanted to donate it but now that I know this info, that’s totally out of the question. Now, I want to burn it. But that would put me and the planet in danger. This acrylic thing is actually not really suppose to be on the largest organ on our body, our skin. I don’t know what to do with this thing…maybe take a picture of it.
Now you know and you can decide because knowledge is power. Personally, I think it’s really more about how cheaper and faster it is to use synthetic materials than natural fibers. But that’s just my opinion. I will continue with my research to enlighten you more.
Blissful Seed is excited to announce the new children’s t-shirt line encompassing all original artwork on 100% organic cotton t-shirts. Never thought I would be able to launch another line but it was just as much fun and not to mention work. But with my reliable designer, Hugo, he was able to dedicate the designs to sustainability and nature. We are so pleased with the results and this makes us dream even more.
The best part for me is the photo shoot because of the creative freedom you have to envision the apparel on the models. Most of the children models were graciously volunteered by their generous parents. It was a pleasant surprise how smoothly everything went especially with our fabulous photographer, Hector (A million thanks, my friend!!) . We were able to complete the photo shoot with three children under an hour. I learned so much. I feel like I am always thriving on what I learn especially the challenges that we face as eco-business people. I dedicate this line to all those students who were in my classroom the five years I taught as a teacher. Today, I feel like they have taught me to be more conscious of my own potential as I taught them to work hard toward their own. So happy we launched the children’s line and hopeful for the new year.
