I'll Have A Turkey and Paper, Hold The Plastic

We tend to order out a lot at my work. A favorite is a luncheonette that makes yummy sandwiches and salads.

One day while placing our lunch order online, a bright red paragraph came up on screen letting us know that to help the environment, the take-out deli would no longer provide plastic utensils, condiments or napkins.

I was so excited! Finally! We have an entire drawer full of leftover plastic utensils and a basket as big as a pond overflowing with condiment packets.

We placed our order and waited for our new eco-friendly lunch to arrive.

The delivery man arrived with a big plastic bag. Inside the plastic bag was a paper bag. Inside the paper bag were our sandwiches...wrapped in three layers of paper surrounded by an elastic band. Tucked neatly inside the elastic band was another slip of paper which listed the ingredients of our sandwiches.

To top it all off was a stack of napkins. At least there were no utensils.

As I pulled out the last sandwich out of the bag, there was a final slip of paper. A shiny, bright note announcing that to help the environment, they would no longer be providing utensils, napkins and condiments.

Hmmm. Is it really a green initiative if it includes extra paper to repeat the initiative that you just announced on-line?

And does your sandwich really need the tissue-like piece? What is that for? It always gets wet and sticks to the sandwich, anyway.

And the piece that they wrap around the sandwich and cut through. Do they really need that to hold the sandwich together?

It's enough to make you want to prepare your own lunch. Which I should be doing anyway.

Green and Natural

A few weeks ago, I was looking to find a new facial cleanser. My favorite, Stella McCartney, has been removed from all of the shelves in the US because somehow the organic standards of the EU are worse than the American standards. But that's another blog.

In my journey to find my new cleanser, I travelled to "earth-friendly" stores like Origins and Aveda as well as Sephora to compare products and find one made with the safest ingredients.

After misleading experiences in both Origins and Aveda (both of their products carried at least 2 of the danger list ingredients...see link below), I was off to Sephora.

Upon arrival, a young man came over to me and asked if I wanted help. I explained to him that I was looking for a cleanser that was made with botanical ingredients, minimal chemicals and most importantly, no parabens.

He was very excited about one of the eight brands that are displayed in the "Naturals" section of Sephora.

"All the stars use this one!" he exclaimed holding up a colorful tube.

Well, if the stars use it! I excitedly picked up one of the jars and began to read its contents.

"Oh, you don't have to do that! They are completely free of all the bad stuff."

I trusted him and took home a sample. But something was bothering me. I put the sample aside and went back to the store to do some more research.

I snuck into the store and looked down each aisle carefully so as not to run into him. Finally, I found the product and read the label. It had parabens! I breathed a sigh of relief that I hadn't used the sample.

I decided to check out the other 7 brands against their big wall decorated with pretty green leaves, obviously showing the correlation between nature and these products.

One actually had a list of all the things that supposedly weren't in it on the box, including parabens, yet when I read the label on the jar, it had parabens!

I frantically picked up the other pretty, leafy, flowery patterned jars. Fragrance, parabens, more fragrance! What was going on here?

I pulled a very nice saleswoman to the side and asked her to tell me what Sephora's definition of natural was.

She smiled and said "You are the first person that has asked me that question!"

Really? Was she kidding me?

"Sephora's "natural" products are the ones that contain the least amount of bad things."

Ok. I could accept that. It was unfortunate that only 2 of the 8 products were truly natural. But at least they were trying. And they were honest and up front about it. With me anyway.

But what about all those poor people who want a better product and don't ask what their policy is? Maybe I should stand there with a sign telling them. Hmmm.

Read those labels! Become acquainted with what the nasties are. Know what you're putting on your body, your children's bodies and what's going back into the earth via your drain. Remember that your skin is your largest organ!

Here's a partial list of the most common ingredients to avoid. I pulled this list from a site called Northwestern Health Sciences University but these lists are everywhere...just google them. I liked this one because it had explanations of why these products are bad. And there is a cool app from Gorgeously Green that also has these lists at your disposal.

Good luck and I wish you a very clean and natural shower!

Coal Tar
Function: This chemical helps stop itching, controls eczema, and makes hard, scaly, rough skin soft. It is also used as a colorant in hair dyes.
Product types: shampoos and hair dyes.
Health concerns: International agency government research on cancer says there is enough evidence to suggest that coal tars are carcinogenic in humans. Coal tar has been banned by the European Union since 2004.

Formaldehyde
Function: This chemical acts as a disinfectant, germicide, fungicide, and preservative.
Product Types: deodorants, nail polish, soap, shampoo, and shaving products.
Health Concerns: This is considered a possible human carcinogen, may trigger asthma, irritates eyes and the upper respiratory tract, can damage DNA, and is banned by the European Union.

Parabens (methyl, ethyl, propyl and butyl)
Function: These are a large group of chemicals used as preservatives in cosmetics to prevent bacteria, yeast, and mold formations in products such as toothpaste.
Product Types: moisturizers, shampoos, conditioners, hair styling gels, nail creams, foundations, facial masks, skin creams, deodorants, and baby lotions.
Health Concerns: This chemical may impair fertility; alter hormone levels; increase risks for certain types of cancers; alter reproductive development, cause skin irritation, rashes, and allergic reactions; and some studies have found parabens in breast tumors.

Phthalates
Function: These are industrial chemicals used as solvents and plasticizers in cosmetics.
Product Types: nail polish, deodorant, fragrance, hair spray, hair gel/mousse, and lotions.
Health Concerns: Phthalates can damage the liver, kidneys, and lungs and acts as a reproductive toxin in males.

Talc
Function: Talc is designed to absorb moisture.
Product Types: blush, powder eye shadow, perfumed powder, baby powder, deodorant, and soap.
Health Concerns: Talc is a proven carcinogen and is linked to ovarian cancer. The chemical has particles similar to asbestos and data suggests that it can cause lung tumors.

Sodium Laureth/Sodium Laurel Sulfate
Function: Acts as a penetration enhancer.
Product Types: shampoo/conditioner, bar soap, body wash, face cleanser, liquid hand soap, acne treatment, hair dye, mascara, shaving products, moisturizer, toothpaste, sunscreen, makeup remover, perfume, cologne.
Health Concerns: This chemical alters the structure of the skin and allows chemicals to penetrate deep into the skin, increasing the amount of chemicals reaching the blood stream.

Eco-Friendly Unplugged

Who says you need electricity to put on an amazing show?

Not me.

Last week, my father was in town and we went to see Rock of Ages on Broadway. It stars Constantine Maroulis from American Idol. If you grew up in the 80's or are just a fan of 80's music, then this is the show for you. This was definitely a show for me.

The show is a huge spectacle with its share of flashing lights, electric guitars, smoke machines and a mic'd up cast.

My dad bought our tickets and the lady sold him front row. While I was not thrilled at the idea of being exposed, I figured we'd just have a really good view of Constantine. Little did I know that the "front row" was actually 2 seats that were practically on the stage.

The show opened with "Come On Feel The Noise" by Quiet Riot and believe me, we did. The seats shook from the sounds of the instruments and singing.

The first act ended and we laughed about how close we were and how I spent a lot of time looking at, well, lets just say that the cast does a lot of...grinding.

The intermission seemed to be taking longer than usual and then finally the band came out, plugged in and were ready to play. The smoke started but it didn't seem like it was really getting anywhere. And then the news came...

"Ladies and Gentleman, we are experiencing some technical difficulties. We hope to start the show soon."

A lot of groans of disappointment were heard. The band was called off stage. And then one of the stars came out shirtless and looking pretty hot with his six-pack abs.

He apologized for the delay and informed us that there was no power. He started talking with the audience members. My guess is to distract them. After a Q & A, he suddenly decided that he should sing something. He brought one of the guitarists back out and they started jamming. Singing unplugged. And then a couple more cast members came out. And then Constantine. More Q&A and then they got rocking. Soon, the entire cast was out, sitting on the stage, chilling out and singing with just a single, acoustic guitar. No mics. No drums. Just...them.

"We Built This City", "Sister Christian", "The Joker", "Any Way You Want It". It was great. Soon the audience was standing, singing and cheering. This was better than any Broadway show I'd seen in a long time. They ended with "Don't Stop Believin'" when suddenly, the lights popped on.

Another disappointed sigh from the audience. We were having too much fun without the electricity.

They launched into the second act and uttered a few impromptu in-jokes about there being no power during intermission. And by the end of the show, we felt like we had all bonded.

It just goes to show you that while all the lights and mics are great, you can sit through an amazing, electrical show without the electric part.

The Green, the Bad & the Ugly's Earth Day Top Ten

Happy Earth Day!!!

40 years ago today, people gathered together for a nationwide, grassroots demonstration on behalf of the environment. Their efforts have turned into a global phenomenon and today millions will celebrate our beautiful planet and raise awareness to protect her and her resources.

It's so cool to see how far we've come. But for every step forward, there's been a misstep. Or two. Or three . . .

Here are my Top 10 Environmental Faux Pas Since Earth Day 2009.

10. Finding underwear in the sand during my beach clean-up.

9. Hearing people behind me scream “Fuck the Porpoises” (don't ask why) at a Kiss concert (which used so much confetti that the show actually managed to insult the environment twice).

8. The girl in Whole Foods who licked peanut butter off plastic lids and them left them at the peanut butter making machine.

7. Hearing “Going green is for young people” stated by one of my peers, who is the ripe old age of 53.

6. The Metropolitan Museum of Art employee who offered me a coupon and when I declined, instead of putting it back in the pile, threw it in the trash.

5. The Starbucks barista who made my frappucino in a paper cup and then poured it into my reusable cup, thereby defeating the purpose.

4. At the Grove in L.A., walking by stores that kept their doors wide open with the air conditioners on full blast.

3. Watching people secure their natural, real Christmas tree to their car with plastic wrap.

2. Overhearing a woman who proclaimed that she would only ever eat ice cream with a plastic spoon, because you don’t get the full flavor or experience of the ice cream with a metal one.

And the Number One Environmental Faux Pas Since Earth Day 2009…

1. Seeing a woman hand a Starbucks barista her eco-friendly, reusable Sigg bottle to fill with coffee (you're not even supposed to fill it with hot water) and then ask for the cardboard sleeve because the bottle was too hot.

When It Greens, It Pours

I have to admit that I love a rainy or snowy day outside. It makes me feel all warm and cuddly. I love to bundle up, put my cute rain boots on and most of all, I love to pick out my umbrella for the day.

I have many obsessions...shoes, handbags and umbrellas. My absolute favorite umbrella is my "Friends" umbrella. Yes, the TV show and no, it doesn't have pictures of Chandler and Phoebe on it. Just the simple logo. It is the second best umbrella I ever bought. After almost 6 years, it is still in great condition!

The best umbrella I ever had lasted close to 10 years. It was a Swatch umbrella...red and orange with a clock on it. So adorable.

I remember the day I finally had to part with it. It had turned into a skeleton and it pained me to throw it in the trash. We said our good-byes, I thanked it for its protection from the elements and then carefully placed it into my trash bag.

Most people don't have any sort of attachment to their umbrellas. I know that because of all the umbrellas I see in the corner trash cans on a rainy day.

Just the other day we had a horrible, windy storm and my friend's umbrella broke and she threw it in the trash right in front of Sothebys. I actually wasn't with her when she did it but I certainly heard about it. I wanted to run outside and rescue it from the landfill. Maybe I could've turned it into a piece of art, so it could be inside Sothebys instead of in front of it.

So many of the umbrellas made today are so cheap, they barely make it through a heavy rainstorm. Millions of people buy umbrellas which wind up being thrown away only to head straight to the landfill where it takes an eternity to decompose.

BUT...there is something you can do! Actually, there are many...

1. Buy a well-made, strong umbrella. Sure, it might cost a little more but just think of the long relationship the two of you will have!

2. Buy an umbrella made of recycled materials. There are so many companies like Engage Green that make super cute umbrellas out of old materials. I even own a biodegradeable one made from a company called Brelli!

3. Don't throw it away! Once you've said your good-byes, return it to Recycling Zychal. She is a fabulous designer that turns broken umbrellas into doggie coats, placemats, bibs and a ton of other cool stuff. Here is her address:

Recycling Zychal
c/o Taryn Zychal
2033 Spruce St Apt BR
Philadelphia PA 19103

4. Turn your used umbrella into a reusable grocery bag! Here are the instructions.

5. Click on this link for some other terrific ideas on what to do with your broken umbrella including using it as a drying rack!

I say let's start an umbrella project! Let's all take that one crappy umbrella and turn it into a work of art. We can sign them, display them and inspire others to think before they chuck.

Olympic Green

The Olympics are about dreams coming true. They're about hard work, determination, commitment and love.

While each athlete is inspiring in his or her own way, sometimes they also inspire crushes. Or, in my case, a Cougar Crush. What can I say? I like Shaun White… I guess I have a thing for snowboarders!

He's adorable (it's the red hair), he's the greatest snowboarder of all time, he never seems stressed out and of all the athletes, he's the one who looks like he's having the most fun.

But wait! This is a blog about being green! Not about his signature move, the Double McTwist 1260. Because that isn't the only thing I'm excited about...the Olympics are Double McGreen 2010!

For starters…the medals are not only super hip, they're super recycled and made from old circuit boards! Hmmm. Could Shaun White be wearing my old Mac around his neck? Could we be hardware mates?

The medals' design is inspired by the “ocean waves, drifting snow and mountainous landscape found at the games.” They are taken from a larger piece of art and each Olympian will receive a silk scarf of that work so that they can see how their one-of-a-kind medal fits into the scene.

The medals aren't the only thing that's green. The Olympic village was given LEED Gold Status by the US Green Building Council.

The City of Vancouver required at least half of the village's 22 buildings to have 50% coverage of "living roofs" or "greenroofs," that help reduce energy consumption. The buildings also reuse rainwater to flush toilets and irrigate landscaping.

Residents moving to Southeast False Creek after the Games will benefit from the City’s Neighborhood Energy Utility (NEU) project. The first of its kind in North America, NEU will supply hot water and heating to residents by garnering heat from the sewer system. This initiative will reduce carbon emissions by 7,700 tons a year, which is equivalent to taking over 1,900 cars off the road.

And while you can't get to the games by bobsled, Vancouver has provided tons of buses and trains to get the fans back and forth. Bus and train passes are included with every ticket purchase.

Now I also have a crush on the Canadians!

Unfortunately, not all of their green efforts have won the gold. You may be familiar with some of the problems they've been having with smoothing the ice for the speed skaters. It's due to the environmentally-friendly, but malfunctioning ice resurfacing machines. They had to send to Calgary for a Zamboni (which, for some reason, I keep referring to as a Stromboni).

As far as Vancouver's efforts to produce a green Olympics goes, sometimes a quadruple toe loop only winds up a triple, but the hard work, dedication, and commitment do not go unnoticed. Canada obviously has a lot of love and respect for Mother Earth.

The Vancouver Olympics are proving that “owning the podium” is inspiring, but so is recycling and reusing it. The Gold, Silver and Bronze are all impressive, but I say Canada wins the highest honor of all…the Green Medal!

I am ME!

My friend Jen sent me a link to the Josie Maran Cosmetics blog. Josie Maran is a model and mom who developed an entire make-up line that is eco-friendly (made with the best ingredients) and sold in biodegradable packaging.

I love her products! They look and feel great. Her smooth eye shadows, non-sticky lip gloss and Bear Naked make-up remover wipes are my favorites.

I had no idea she had a blog so when Jen sent me the link, I immediately navigated over to it.
It’s a great blog full of make-up and health tips, activism, and even contests!

But there was one thing that really moved me and got me thinking. It is their “I Am” Revolution. Send in your picture with your “I am” sign and a little description about what “you are” and they will post it on their blog.

So I thought, “I am…what?”

I am aware. I am accepting of myself. I am at peace. I am happy. I am healthy. I am secure. I am where I should be right now. I am hard-working. I am pretty. I am in love. I am silly. I am in the moment. I am a writer. I am green. I am an actor. I am thankful.

Which one most reflected what I am right now...in this moment. And the one that kept coming back was I am accepting of myself.

This is a new thing for me as I am also someone who really does care what people think of me. I am not at the weight that I would like to be at. I am clumsy. I am critical of myself. I am a people-pleaser.

All these things are hard to admit.

But a few weeks ago, I saw my friend Marc. He had moved and we hadn’t seen each other in a few years. He always inspires me and this time was no different. Something in our conversation sparked me and I seemed to let go a little of my insecurities and accept that this is who I am. I am a work in progress. I’m still clumsy and will always be sensitive but I’m me and there’s only one of me.

So on Josie’s wall, I will post that “I am me!” And as “me,” I will continue to be green and do what I can to help make a difference in the world. I will act and be proud of my work. I will write and love my words. I will be kind and treat people the way I’d want to be treated. I will be present in my life. I will be silly. I will work hard to get to where I want to be. I will love.

And I will do so wearing Josie Maran Cosmetics!