Blazing Eco-Trails At Boston’s Lenox Hotel

Unlike today, hotels weren’t thinking “green” in the late 1980’s, but one Boston hotel was already blazing eco-trails. The Lenox Hotel was on the forefront of the green movement (far before it became trendy) when it helped introduce America’s first linen recycle program. Since then, The Lenox has built a comprehensive sustainability program that reduces the hotel’s environmental footprint while setting the green standard for eco hospitality trends.
“Our dedication to the environment is as rooted in Lenox’s philosophy as is our building in Boston’s rich history,” says Scott Grigelevich, the Lenox Hotel’s Brand Ambassador.  “By marrying luxury with sustainability, the Lenox goes the extra mile, as long as it’s in a hybrid vehicle!”
The Lenox began offsetting all of its carbon emissions as early as 2001. Hybrid vehicles, filtered water stations on each floor, LED roof signs, waterless urinals, state-of-the-art insulated windows, low-VOC paints and an entire hypo-allergenic floor are just some of the more recent innovations. In 2009, The Lenox invited other Boston hotels to join them in converting vegetable oil into biodiesel for operational use in lieu of oil from fossil fuels, a move that can reduce carbon emissions by as much as 74 percent.

Today The Lenox is widely recognized as a pioneer of luxury, urban ecotourism and continues to be lauded for its ongoing commitment to innovative green initiatives.   This commitment has resulted in several awards including HSMAI’s Tourism Cares Sustainability Award, Energy Star Partner of the Year, Condé Nast Traveler Magazine’s Green List, Skål International’s Global Ecotourism Award and chosen by US News and World Report as “1 of the 5 Greenest Luxury Hotels in America.”
——-Built in 1900, The Lenox Hotel is the flagship property of Saunders Hotel Group. Chief Sustainability Officer Tedd Saunders sums up Saunders Hotel Group’s commitment this way: “We are extremely proud that our dedicated team continues to advance the Lenox Hotel’s industry-leading environmental commitment by looking after our valued guests’ needs while helping protect our unique planet.”
To learn more about The Lenox Hotel’s sustainability effort in the hospitality industry, please contact Tedd Saunders at (617) 421-4915.


www.lenoxhotel.com

Know Your Non-Profits Series- #2, Sustainable Business Leader Program

This week’s “Know Your Non-Profits” Blog piece is by Emily Kanter, Program Director of the Sustainable Business Leader Program, a program of the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Boston.

Also, don’t miss SBLP and SBN-Boston Executive Director Laury Hammel’s  interview with NPR’s WBUR Host Robin Young at D2E on April 10th!

Small Businesses Bring in the Green

With mainstream media attention focused on Walmart’s “green” initiatives these past few months, there’s been little-to-no coverage of the efforts of small, independent businesses to become sustainable leaders.  These businesses, especially in Boston, make up the backbone of the communities we live in, and are the unsung heroes of the green movement.

23 Boston companies completed the SBLP assessment process and reduced their collective carbon footprint

Although it’s difficult for a small business to have a major impact on overall carbon emissions, their efforts can create a domino effect.  As of 2006 there were approximately 651,000 small businesses in Massachusetts.  Collectively, they have the power to affect significant environmental change by becoming more energy, waste and water efficient, and by demanding cleaner sources of energy.

The Sustainable Business Leader Program, founded in Boston in 2008, has worked with over 60 small businesses to green up their individual practices and promote those efforts to the public.

Harvard Bookstore has posted creative literary signage, encouraging employees to reduce their water consumption.

In Cambridge, MA, Harvard Bookstore offers Metro Pedal Power bike-delivery service to their customers, many of whom are students and professors purchasing heavy textbooks.  They also saved thousands of dollars on their energy bills by switching to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). Economy Hardware and TAGS Hardware offer free-drop off points for used CFLs (which contain mercury) to residents and business owners.  In Boston, Boston Duck Tours rewired their massive garage so they can now light only the areas in which they are working.  Boston Building Materials Co-op sells competitively priced low-flow aerators to their customers, including Red Sun Press, with whom they print their marketing materials and stationary using low-VOC inks on recycled-content paper.

Small businesses in Greater Boston and around the country have begun to champion their sustainable efforts, and work collectively to support the tide of global change.

________

The Sustainable Business Leader Program meets the unique needs & challenges of local businesses in their pursuit to become more environmentally sustainable.

Through a 6 step process, this dynamic program takes a comprehensive and holistic approach to sustainability by addressing all of the practices of a business that impact our environment.  It assists participating companies in making changes in their business practices in the following areas:

1. Energy Efficiency
2. Water Conservation
3. Waste Management
4. Pollution Prevention & Safe Alternatives
5. Transportation
6. Sustainability Management

To become a Sustainable Business Leader contact Emily at emily@sustainablebusinessleader.org.

The Fishmonger in Cambridge is now working with Save That Stuff to compost more than 85% of their waste.

Tags: boston businesses, green business, local business, save that stuff, Sustainable Business Leader Program, Sustainable Business Network

D2E Boston 2010 Update!

We have less than a month to go before the third annual Down:2:Earth Expo (April 9-11!) and we are committed to making it the most valuable and entertaining event to date. We’ve been hard at work this year to provide you with the very best in green information and exhibits.

Keynote Speaker James Hansen

This year we have something for everyone! Check out the highlights below including talks by James Hansen and Mayim Bialik, workshops on everything from the future of energy to butter-making and special features such as our Local Bites event and a Water Sculpture by Christine Destrempes.

Spread the word!

We’ve also been highlighting opportunities for the greater Boston community to come together around green lifestyle online, by bringing you updates, promotions and info on our facebook page, via twitter and here on our blog. Be sure to friend and follow us to contribute to the conversation! Watch for special discounts and promotions from us and our exhibitors over the next month!

In addition to over 100 exhibitors this year, we also have seven areas for workshops and activities, including the D2E Main Stage, Green in Action room, Thought Leaders Room, Spring Eco-Garden Stage, Kitchen Theater, Kids’ Block and Video Project Theater.  See below to learn more:

Climate Change

We are delighted to have James Hansen – noted climate scientist and author of “Storms of My Grandchildren” – join us to discuss the urgent crisis we currently confront.

Green Living Speaker and Celebrity Mayim Bialik

Homes and Families

• Mayim Bialik of the hit 90s tv show “Blossom”, will be talking about her commitment to green living and parenting on our main stage.

• Natural Home and Garden Magazine Editor In Chief Robyn Griggs Lawrence, will take you on a virtual tour of the greenest homes in the US.

• Local green home experts Laura Catanzaro and Paul Marquis will teach you how to green your small condo, dorm or apartment.
  

Local Business

NPR’s WBUR host Robin Young joins us for an in-depth interview with Laury Hammel, executive director of the Sustainable Business Network.

Jobs

Find a career path that contributes to the green economy at our jobs workshop.

Energy and Water

• Learn about the future of energy with our panel of clean energy experts.
• Teens – find out what clean energy means and how you can learn more.
  
• How sustainable are your water practices? We’ll dive into regional issues with our expert panelists.

Food

• Oleana Chef Ana Sortun and Siena Farm’s Chris Kurth join us for a unique cooking demo.
  

• Our Local Bites Party brings together local sustainable chefs, food producers, green restaurants, sustainable wine and beer to celebrate Boston\’s thriving local food culture.
  

http://www.flickr.com/photos/left-hand/ / CC BY-ND 2.0

Garden

• Learn about organic lawn care at our Safe Lawns session sponsored by Mahoney’s.
  

• We will have an entire garden area set up at the show. Don’t miss it!

Check our full schedule for more related events.

Check out our exhibitor list for related green products and services.
_________

Get your tickets now and get ready for D2E 2010!

Friday, April 9 – 5:00pm-9:00pm: Local Bites Party
Saturday, April 10 – 11:00am-7:00pm
Sunday, April 11 – 11:00am-5:00pm

Charles River Oil Spill, February 10, 2010

Not many of us know that on February 10, 2010 roughly 1,000+ gallons of #2 diesel fuel leaked from a faulty valve at an MWRA facility along Memorial Drive, an unstaffed pump station in Cambridge near Magazine Street Beach, below the BU Bridge.  It barely made the news, and where it did, it was nothing more than a blurb in many of the papers. At approximately 3:45 am, work crews had noticed oil spilled in the driveway of the facility and contacted Hazmat. Once the Hazmat crews responded to the scene for cleanup, it was discovered that the fuel had overflowed and leaked onto the roof of the facility and into a drainpipe leading into the Charles River. Total leakage was nearly 2,500 gallons. Members of the Coast Guard and the Environmental Protection Agency arrived to monitor the clean-up and survey the damage. The ice in the river helped to contain the spill and prevent it from spreading too far; however, oil had leaked along the water line where ice had melted.  Crews were working around the clock, breaking the ice about 4′ from the shore,  installing booms to contain the spill, and removing the oil within the dammed area, as well as removing all contaminated soil ashore.  The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority released a statement that they were able to recover 600 gallons of the oil spilled and that they would continue to monitor the area.

Tags: BU Bridge, Cambridge, charles river, Coast Guard, Environmental Protection Agency, Magazine Street Beach, Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, Memorial Drive, MWRA, oil spill

What Is Your Footprint’s Footprint?

Many of us have started to notice the marathon runners training in our neighborhoods, their dedication something to be admired, as they pound the pavement every day, at odd hours and in inclement weather, just to ensure they are ready to do their best on race day. I wish I had that type of commitment for running. A love for the rush, the high some of these runners talk about, but it isn’t in me. When the weather is nice I like to run trails, or along the beach, occasionally, I will hit pavement, but the joy for me is being outside in nature. As someone who tries to consider the environment in everything she does, I have always considered running to be a low environmental impact recreation. After reading some recent studies, I realized that I was wrong.

Runner’s World Magazine did an analysis on the average serious runner’s carbon footprint, with the help of the Bonneville Environmental Foundation, and the results were astonishing. Between the gear and travel to races or favorite running locations, the average serious runner is producing 5,449 lbs of CO2 a year. Even for the novice or recreational runner, these are numbers to consider. So, how can we reduce these numbers? The first steps are understanding them. Travel and plastic water bottles have obvious alternatives, use stainless and carpool as often as you can. What about the gear though? You need shoes and clothes, right?

A study by International Consumer Research and Testing found that the running shoe has an astonishing environmental impact due to the very nature of its supply chain. The average running shoe is made up of nearly 50 components, each of which were likely made at a different location until finally being hand assembled in an assembly factory. Aside from this, the processes used create huge amounts of discarded waste materials and many of the components themselves are potentially hazardous. Three examples ICRT list in their report are :

• Production waste in the form of metallic fabric cuttings and tissue fabric cuttings can contaminate the surrounding environment if an effective environmental management system (EMS) is not in place.
• A key component of any running shoe is the sole, which itself consists of three distinct layers – the insole, midsole and outsole. The insole is normally made of man-made ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam. EVA foam is non-biodegradable.
• A Greenpeace report, ‘Slaughtering the Amazon’, examines how the global shoe industry’s appetite for leather is a major contributor to tropical deforestation. The Amazon rain forest is being cleared at an alarming rate, often illegally, to make way for cattle ranchers in Brazil. Tree felling and burning releases vast amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere and contributes to climate change.

I know this sounds awful. What I am not suggesting is that we all give up something we love, but rather, what can we do to reduce the footprint of our very footprints? Ten years ago, it would have been near impossible to choose sustainable when it came to a running shoe. Now, the shoe manufacturers are a different breed of people. They recognize the need for environmental stewardship, at least some of them do. Here are two of our favorites:

Green Silence by Brooks Sports, Inc.

According to their site, the Green Silence is “a groundbreaking competition racing flat that boasts a sustainable element in each part of the shoe. Using soy-based inks, water-based adhesives, and recycled materials, Green Silence incorporates sustainability—without sacrificing performance—into every stitch of the shoe.” Well, that sounds promising! Brooks has been an innovator in sustainable running shoe design for a few years now, their proprietory midsole, the BioMoGo, is the worlds first biodegradeable midsole. It breaks down 50 times faster than a traditional midsole when in an enclosed active landfill. They also created a 100% recycled box.

Green Silence was constructed with less than half (48 percent) as many parts as comparable shoes. Only 26 parts comprise each Green Silence shoe compared to approximately 54 parts in similar styles. And, more than 75 percent of the 26 components have been recycled by consumers. For example, heel counters are made of recycled compact discs; shoe laces, meshes, linings, gillies, and tongue webbings are made from recycled water bottles; and outsoles are made of recycled rubber. These substitutions reduce the energy (41 percent less) and oil (.5 liter less) needed to manufacture each pair of Green Silence shoes.

The dyes, colorants, and adhesives used in production are non-toxic and not harmful to those working in the factory. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were lowered by 65 percent. The midsoles, collar foams, and sock liners are completely biodegradable, which reduces waste when the shoes are eventually retired to an active, enclosed landfill.

Five Fingers by Vibram

The reduction in components alone makes this shoe a great choice for the eco conscious. Utilizing the theory of barefoot technology to correct one’s bio-mechanics, these shoes helped me shave 2 minutes off my miles. My miles were slow, so I am not suddenly running alongside accomplished runners, but I am running more efficiently and with less impact and pain on my body. They are versatile and I use them for running, hiking, biking and walking around town. The look is something to get used to, but your feet and the environment will thank you for reconsidering what is fashionable and choosing a product that is more “green.”

As a company, Vibram is working hard to reduce their carbon, and even offset the remainder, in a quest to become carbon nuetral. They utilize renewable energies such as wind power and solar whenever possible, and all of their marketing and promotional materials are made with recycled or sustainably-minded materials. One of their most sustainably minded business practices is simply the creation of durable products that withstand rugged beatings. While they aren’t perfect, they are really looking at ways to make their massive imprint as small as possible.

Now you have some shoes, what else do you need? Patagonia is the leader in transparent supply chain manufacturing and sustainable business practices. Their recycled, and recyclable, Capilene® products are great base layers and outer layer zip-necks for any activity, however, they are greatly appreciated by runners everywhere for their excellent insulation and wicking qualities. Check out the Patagonia site for a detailed product footprint on any item in the Capilene® line.

So, now that we are all geared up, all we have to do is motivate ourselves to step away from the laptop, strap on those shoes and head outside. Right? Now, if you have a dog, don’t forget to bring him/her. They love to run and can be great personal trainers and coaches. Hope to see you on the trails.

Tags: amazon, Bonneville Environmental Foundation, Brooks Sports, Capilene, carbon footprint, CO2, environmental management system, eva foam, Five Fingers, Green Silence, greenpeace, ICRT, International Consumer Research and Testing, marathon, Patagonia, recycled water bottles, Runner's World, running, solar power, trail running, Vibram, VOCs, wind energy

Tomorrow Saturday October 24th is International Climate Action Day!

The D2E blog is BACK!

Down:2:Earth is coming off a month of diverse environmental events throughout Boston, but we’re looking forward to one this weekend that takes the cake!

As many people already know, this Saturday October 24^th is International Day of Climate Action, organized by the 350 Organization. Founded by Bill McKibben, who kicked off Down:2:Earth in 2008, 350 is dedicated to encouraging social and political change to secure the future of our environment. The number 350 stands for 350 parts per million (PPM), or the scientist-suggested safe upper limit for carbon dioxide in our atmosphere.

In December 2009, a meeting of world leaders in Copenhagen will discuss creating a new treaty concerning emission cuts. However, the currently crafted treaty does not require that emissions be lowered to the recommended level of 350PPM. In order to ensure that our voices are heard and that our leaders are held accountable, 350 has organized this grassroots campaign.

So what exactly IS the International Day of Climate Action? The event is made up of thousands of “actions” in thousands of locations around the globe. Actions are whatever you chose them to be from demonstrations to tree planting. 350’s goal is to raise awareness by having this actions take place simultaneously in iconic locations internationally, like the Taj Mahal and Times Square.

This picture was sent to 350.org recently from Korengal Otpost in the Korengal Valley, Kunar Province, Eastern Afghanistan:

Here are a few of the actions taking place in the Boston area tomorrow!

350 on Marsh Plaza, Boston University
Students are invited to take part in forming the number “350” for a photograph.

BYOMug and Drink Coffee!, Boston Common Coffee Co.
Bring in your own mug from 7-9AM and receive half-price coffee!

Mission Hill Energy Fair and Climate Justice Rally
Featuring music, food, vendor and organizational displays, workshops on how to save money by conserving energy, and speakers calling for government and corporate action on energy efficiency and global warming.

Boston “Under Water” 350 Festival
3:00 – 5:30 pm, Saturday, October 24, 2009. Photo at 3:50 pm
Taking place at Christopher Columbus Park by the Aquarium T stop and waterfront, the festival will feature:

• A race to build a wall of sandbags to protect Boston from rising sea leveland stronger storms!

• A massive group photo in front of the sandbag wall!

• Beach and water games!

• Participatory Climate Theater!

• Relay racing!

• Flooding Station: learn about what sea level rise and higher storm surges will mean for Boston.

• Plus blue face-painting, bike-flag making, and more!

For those of you Twittering about the event, the suggested hashtag for this event is #350ppm!

For more information about these and other actions taking place globally visit www.350.org. Find an action in your area and get out there!

US backing of wind farm could come this week

This computer-generated image showed what a view of Cape Wind farm would look like from Oak Bluffs. The developer expects the turbines will produce 170 megawatts of power a year.

While reading through the Globe this morning I came across a story about Cape Wind. I really did not think this project had much of a chance, considering the Kennedy’s are against it. But it looks like there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Bina Venkataraman from the Globe reports today on the progress of Cape Wind, and it is well worth checking out the whole story.

Mark Rodgers, communications director for Cape Wind, said the company predicts the $1 billion project could be operating by 2011, though opponents have said they will go to court to try to block it. The developer expects the turbines to produce about 170 megawatts of power a year, equivalent to almost three-quarters of the average electricity demand for the Cape and Islands.

The proposal from a once little-known company has endured years of environmental review, several rounds of political maneuvering by the likes of Senator Edward M. Kennedy and former governor Mitt Romney, and strong opposition from a group of homeowners on the Cape and Islands. They worry that the 440-foot-high turbines, visible on the horizon, would mar their views, depress property values, and deter tourists. But the project has gained momentum as the public’s appetite has grown for renewable energy to help forestall global warming. The turbines would be placed about five to eight miles from the Cape coast.

Tags: cape wind, renewable energy, wind

Appliances: Energy Saving and Earth Saving

Last week I traveled to NYC to attend the LIVE World Summit – Leadership, Innovation & Vision for the Earth. This was a great gathering of people that want to learn more about how they can make the world a better place. Topics covered everything from health issues, to the ocean, to branding and finance.

My friend Evan generously let me crash at his apartment – so of course I had to take a photo of his super cool and energy efficient washer/dryer combo. Also note the bamboo wood used for the cabinetry in his bathroom. What a cool guy! I never thought I would be inspired by a bachelor pad, but between the countertops made from recycled materials and the bamboo floors, this was one cool place to hang out. Remember the coffin in St. Elmo’s Fire? I think an eco-friendly bachelor pad is the chick magnet of now.

Anyway, back to the conference. One of the topics that was new to me was about refrigeration units. A woman from Greenpeace talked about how detrimental refrigerators are to the environment. And after reading more about it, I can’t believe I was not already aware of this. Considering how much I read up on these topics, it just goes to show you that there is always something to learn.

GreenFreeze is Greenpeace’s campaign to transform the refrigeration and cooling industries by eliminating the use of F-gases, the chemicals used to cool refrigerators, homes, cars, and food in stores and vending machines. F-gases are responsible for 17% of the world’s global warming pollution. CFCs such as Freon, which you’ve probably heard of, have been banned. However, the HFCs that were presented as the “environmental alternative” to CFCs by chemical companies have had a similarly grave impact on the environment — which is why we need to eliminate them now.

And though it was upsetting to learn how long it took for the US to accept the new technology, it was heart warming to hear that Ben & Jerry’s, a D2E exhibitor, played an integral role in getting this technology to the US. Apparently, common sense does not always prevail in Washington. Lobbyists for the big manufacturers held up the process, so caring and responsible business owners like Ben & Jerry, and community organizers like Greenpeace had to rally together to make it happen. See a more detailed report from Treehugger (9/30/08):

Greenpeace researchers in Germany first developed the precursor to the climate-friendly freezer in the early 1990s when it became clear that HFCs, which the chemical industry had marketed as a safe alternative to ozone depleting clouroflourocarbons (CFCs), were accelerating global warming.

The technology showed, contrary to industry claims, it was possible to use effective refrigerants that protected the ozone layer and the climate. In fact, the cooling units turned out to be more efficient than those using HFCs.

Greenpeace made the technology available to industry free of charge, and it is now used by leading manufacturers such as Haier, Whirlpool, LG, Bosch, Panasonic and Samsung and can be found in over 300 million refrigerators worldwide.

However, the HFC-free refrigerators weren’t allowed in the United States until this year when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency allowed Ben & Jerry’s to run a test trial of 2,000 Greenfreeze-equipped freezer units at shops across the country.

I never thought I would feel warm and fuzzy inside while eating ice cream, but this Ben & Jerry’s sure tastes good!

Tags: appliances, business, Energy, Home, innovation, policy

Save money if you can!

I just found some information on how to save tax money in 2009. These types of incentives are great – but I was bummed to realize that both Betty and I have made some home improvements in 2008 that will not qualify. Dang-it! Ted did a big insulation and roofing job this year, and Betty installed new windows. But since the work was done in 2008 we don’t qualify for the savings. When every dollar counts, this one hits hard.

I pulled this information from a blog called The Daily Green. Ted and I need to sit down and plan for 2009 so that we can maximize our efforts. We have many plans for solar, wind and green roofing. But all of these efforts require time and money. (Ted is in construction, so we usually handle our own home improvements.)

The information below is bitter sweet. Glad to see there are incentives, but really bummed that I can’t take advantage of them because I acted too soon.

1. $500 for energy efficiency
   If you can, wait until Jan. 1 to install new insulation, energy-efficient windows or an energy-efficient furnace, boiler or air conditioner.

   A tax credit of up to $500 that expired in 2007 has been renewed for 2009. It covers up to 10% of the cost of a range of projects that meet certain specifications. Do $5,000 worth of qualifying work, and you not only get a $500 rebate, but also savings on energy bills for years to come.

   Why wait? Of course, the heating season begins before Jan. 1, giving homeowners facing a northern winter reason to invest now — but because Congress had let the tax credit lapse, work done in 2008 doesn’t qualify.

   • Windows: $200
   • Exterior doors, roofing or insulation: $500
   • Most heating, ventilation and air-conditioning improvements: $300
   • Furnaces or hot water heaters: $150

Also note these important limits, which cap the amount you can claim for any particular project:

Tags: Energy, home improvments, insulation, taxes, windows

Reducing my impact, one habit at a time

Above: Two weeks worth of recycling and trash. Since we have been composting, our trash bag has been reduced to half of a kitchen bag every two weeks. There is always room for improvement, but this reduction is significant.

In the wave of environmental awareness that washed over the US after An Inconvenient Truth I was one of the many that realized I should be aligning my actions with my values. I have always considered myself an environmentalist, but it was clear that I had more to learn and I would have to change some habits.

We have stated on this blog the importance of tackling one habit at a time. I have found that it takes me about three months to make a complete transformation from one habit to another. So I average about four habits a year. Below is a list of the habits I have changed this past year:

1. Reusable mug and fair trade for the coffee addict.
I started using my reusable mug for coffee runs – no more paper cups allowed. At the D2E office we buy only fair trade coffee and we make our own more often than we run out to the coffee shop. This has saved us a lot of money as well, which is a bonus for a small business. We love the New Mexico coffee from Trader Joe’s and of course we run to the farmers market regularly to get our fix of Equal Exchange.

2. No more bottled water
I have a Shaklee water filter at home so I can feel good about drinking the tap water, and I have a Soda Club seltzer maker since my husband and I are addicted to bubbly water. I stopped buying bottled water and use my reusable metal bottles when I need to have water on-the-go. I have a small one that is easy to keep in my purse and a larger one that I bring with me on trips.

3. BYOB – Bring Your Own Bag
This one took some time. I now have multiple reusable bags that I keep for my shopping needs.

- I keep a bag that folds up into a little zipper pouch in my purse for unexpected purchases.
- I keep four bags at my apartment, two at my office and two in the trunk of my car. People that use their cars often will probably keep more bags in their car, since they will drive to the grocery store. I tend to shop at lunch time and I only buy for two meals at a time, for only two people. So I can get away with one or two bags that I can carry on the bus or in my messenger bag when on my bike.

Once you figure out your system – how many bags you need and where you keep them – this habit is very easy to keep. Since every time you use reusable bags at the grocery store, you are a walking advertisement for environmentalism, there is a bit of public pride that goes along with it. People often say to me “Oh, you are so good. I find it so hard to remember to bring a bag.” and I always reply “One habit at a time. Don’t be too hard on yourself, and give yourself a few months to change one habit.” On the days that I don’t have enough bags for my groceries or if I did forget to bring my bag, I get a paper bag so that I can use it to hold my paper recycling. There is an arguement about paper vs. plastic that is worth investigating. Each time I read about the bag issue, it just makes me realize how important it is that I bring my own bag.

4. Waste, Compost and Recycling
I have always recycled, so this was not a habit that I had to pick up. But I did start to look at what I was recycling and ask myself if I could change my purchasing habits so that I would not have the packaging that needed to be recycled. For instance – buy more fresh fruit and vegetables rather than frozen or canned. The great thing about this habit is that besides cutting down on packaging materials, I am also getting healthier food and supporting our local farmers.

I started composting and this has significantly reduced the amount of garbage that goes to our curbside. The photo above is what our curbside looks like every two weeks. We have significantly reduced the amount of trash we generate. We don’t have to put the trash out every week. I highly recommend this. It really feels great.

5. Food
This one was tough for me and I am still working on it. I have been running my own business since 2001 and in the first three years I did not have much time for cooking. So I got into the habit of getting take-out or eating at the bar of a local watering hole. Besides the health and weight issues associated with this, I was spending way too much money on my meals. So I have spent the past year working on my cooking skills. I shop at the farmers market or walk down the road to Trader Joes during lunch. This has helped since it doesn’t take time out of my day, and once I have purchased the fresh produce I am committed to cooking it. There is nothing worse than good food gone bad.

- Shop for produce and fruit at your local farmers’ market. Many farmers’ markets also have cheese, meat and baked goods.
- Look for grass fed, free range and organic labels (this labeling/certification is not perfect, but it is a good start and it encourages our food industry to recognize that consumers demand quality)
- Pay attention to where the food comes from – Local is always better.
- Pay attention to the packaging. Less is more.

6. Eco Clothes shopping
This one is another ongoing effort. I wear clothes every day, so I consider fashion an important way to express my values. Thanks to D2E I have found some great local stores that buy only from sustainable brands or local designers. This makes shopping easier since I do not always have time to sift through the clothing racks looking for organic cotton or bamboo. Besides that, there is more to the equation than just using non toxic and renewable fabrics. The company should have an invested interest in fair manufacturing practices. The communities that labor to make our clothes, whether they are in Los Angeles or Nicaragua, should be fairly compensated. The clothing industry should be a positive part of their local economy.

You will find a lot of great fashion companies at D2E who can educate you on the materials they use and the manufacturing standards they demand. All of our exhibitors care about the earth’s resources and the people that help them manufacture their clothes (worth investigating: ENVI, IBEX, Jute & Jackfruit, Helen E Reigle, Tara Lynn, Del Forte jeans and COVET).

Some simple guidelines that I have adopted:
1. Think before you buy. Do you really need this garment?
2. Buy quality clothing that will last. Get away from purchasing cheap garments that start to deteriorate after a few washes or quickly go out of style.
3. Renewable and non toxic materials: Bamboo, Organic Cotton, Tencil, wool, hemp
4. Second hand shopping or trading with friends. Afterall, one woman’s trash is another woman’s ball gown.
5. I use non toxic, gentle laundry detergent from Shaklee to wash my clothes. I am more selective about what clothes go into the washing machine and/or dryer and I take good care of my delicates.

The fashion issue is so big, that even after making efforts to educate myself and shop wise over the past two years, I still feel there is much more to learn. I have learned that the leather used for boots and shoes has the largest impact in the whole process. Transportation from one country to another has a minimal impact compared with feeding the livestock, the methane that cows emit and the manufacturing process to turn a hide into a boot. I’m not sure if faux leather is better than real leather – this needs to be investigated. I’m plagued by doubts – it aint easy being a conscious consumer, but it is necessary.

I hope sharing my venture into a sustainable lifestyle can help others make changes. We are all in it together, and our purchasing power is one way we can make a difference.

Tags: bottles, clothing, coffee, fair trade, Home, recycle