Does ZEROREZ® Work?

The carpet is dry & the results are in on our all natural carpet cleaning from ZEROREZ®. Keep in mind these photos are of the toughest spots and as I told you before they were up front about the challenge of getting tea stains out. As you can see, it's still there. Overall though I have to say I'm very pleased. The first thing my sister said when she came over was "Wow, did you get your carpets cleaned" DON'T YOU READ MY TWEETS?! Anyway, here you go:

Tea Stain-still there...:(

Ink spot in office-MUCH better & not noticeable unless you knew it was there.

Stairs-FAB

Top of Stairs-not noticeable unless looking for it.

Daughters' room-MUCH better and overall looks great.
Does ZEROREZ® work? Yes
Would I use them again? Yes and in Atlanta, I'd ask for the technician Matt (very professional and paying his way through college so help out his education)
Am I happy to have clean carpets and NO chemicals? OH YES!
For all of you wondering, NO, this is NOT a paid advertisement and NO, I didn't get a discount on my carpet cleaning b/c of this blog but I better in the future :).

ZEROREZ® They're here!

YEAH! Carpets are being cleaned.

EWE N ICK! The AFTER water...

All Natural Carpet Cleaning

ZEROREZ® coming today to clean the carpets! No chemicals, only "empowered" water... hmmm...sound suspicious? Well, let's see if they can get these out:

TEA-an entire mug full from...sometime ago

No, we don't have chickens in the house. The feathers are from a down pillow. The stains are ink or marker.

General traffic gunk on the stairs.

Some spill.

One of our kids' rooms so who only knows...

They were up front with me regarding stains that have been there a long time (as in my tea stain) b/c the padding gets stained and then there's not much you can do. Have to say, I've never had a carpet cleaning company actually admit before they had my business they might not be able to get it all out. Worth a shot so here we go...

In Egypt, TeleFood aids families in small farming communities to cultivate their own sources of food. They do this without the use of pesticides and each agriculture project is designed to be sustained by the local community within 12 months with a budget of less than $10,000. The goal behind each TeleFood project is to give women and children in particular access to better nutrition, as well as, a source of income. Worldwide TeleFood projects.

Skateboards made from recycled material

Looks like there's more you can do with cornstalks than make scarecrows or corn husk dolls. Stalk It™ found a way to make skateboards using recycled cornstalks. Their longboards are manufactured out of CornBoard™, a green composite that uses corn husks and stalks remaining in a field after the corn is harvested. Thus providing a renewable, earth friendly alternative to wood.

Question performance? No need, Stalk It™ longboards are top-of-the-line performance skate boards. They claim to be endorsed by professional skater, Christian Hosoi and pro surfers Alana Blanchard and Bobby Martinez. The company even donates a portion of sales to military families.

Cornstalks don't excite you? How about Bamboo? Loaded longboards are made of bamboo and Arbor uses recycled glass on most of its decks yielding not only a greener option but also better performance. All sealers are water based.

Please wear your helmets, Mom.

Favorite Gifts

Let me take a moment to share with you some of my favorite organic or eco-friendly gifts I received this season. I'll start from the back of the photo and work to the left.

Even Santa knows you can never go wrong with chocolate and I must have been especially good this year to find this chocolate bar in my stocking. Since 1993, Endangered Species Chocolate has been committed to creating premium, all-natural, ethically traded, naturally shade grown chocolate products. All beans used in its products are purchased from family-owned properties where the income benefits the community. If that's not enough of a commitment, 10% of their net profits are donated to fund species and habitat conservation efforts.

Next, Açaí Damage-Minimizing foaming cleanser promises to help clear my skin of impurities and protect it against the visible effects of skin damage. Kiehl's products are Certified Organic, as well as, Paraben & Sulfate Free. After a week of below freezing temps, I can't wait to nourish my thirsty skin. Thanks Mom :).

Who knew in the blazing heat of summer, my girlfriend was working on her Christmas gifts. Seems like an unfair advantage...until that is you are the recipient of homemade Pepper Jelly straight from Foretich Organics. Sorry, for now, it's private stock only. Rest assured though when the garden's big enough for sales, you'll be the first to know.

Forged out of recycled metal in the Blue Ridge Mountains, you don't realize you need a Wick Dipper Stick until you've burned your finger or wasted yet another candle b/c the wax dried over the bent wick. This just might be one of those gifts I will quickly realize I can't live without.

Clean eating on the go: Oskri Organic Coconut bars are like eating dessert any time of the day. The ingredients are clean and simple providing you with energy without the yucky ingredients or the lull after a typical sugar high. Your challenge will be choosing with one to try first.

All I need now is a destination. My EO travel kit will keep me airline compliant, smelling good, and looking good. Regardless of where my travels take me, I'll be using my EO Products with a clear conscious.

Under all these gifts you'll notice, in my opinion, the most environmentally friendly wrapping paper you'll ever purchase. Why? Because you can guarantee without a doubt, this paper has a 100% chance of being re-used!!! My Mom and John buy sheets of dollar bills from The US Mint and use them for wrapping paper. Yes, you pay a bit more for it but it's fun and completely re-useable. Everyone offers to recycle this paper!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Recycling Gift Wrap

Recycle the following with chip board (light cardboard-cereal/cracker boxes:
Hemp and raffia tie
Craft bags
Wrapping paper, gift bags/tags & cards without wax, shiny, metallic, or glossy coatings
Butcher paper
Newsprint art paper and newspapers
Shoe boxes and Shirt boxes

Shipping boxes are recycled with coregated cardboard

Can be recycled with plastic bags:
Soft plastic wrapping. Like all those tiny bags that cords and toys come in. At the recycling center, I was told any plastic wrapping that DOES NOT crinkle loudly or stiffly. Good rule of thumb.

Here's one you may not know could be recycled with aluminum drinking cans:
Aluminum foil and aluminum foil pie shell tins!

This should help keep the holiday mess a little more on the GREEN side-have fun!

Oh Baby!

Shak-Shuka is a European website that has great gift options for babies, children, and mothers. This website has a huge selection of organic and recycled products including: organic cotton clothing, recycled plastic bowls, bamboo utensils, and BPA,PVC, Phthalates, Lead and Nitrosamine-free baby bottles. This website's goal is to ensure that the safest place for a baby is always its mother's arms.
(pictures courtesy of http://www.shak-shuka.com/Bumble-Bubble-Dress.html and http://www.shak-shuka.com/decor/)

Living Cards

Ok, I know; the second stationery post in less than two weeks. This may sound bad, but this is pretty cool, guys. Do you remember the living wall post? Well PostCarden is a company that produces living cards! Now is it just me, or is that super cool?! Especially with the holidays coming up, who wouldn't want to receive a cute mini garden?
(pictures courtesy of http://www.postcarden.com/)

Pretty Paper

Nothing compares to finding a beautiful letter (and especially an invitation) in your mailbox. The now old-fashioned gesture is so sweet and sentimental. Urbanic Paper Boutique lets you enjoy and indulge in the beautiful simplicity of well crafted and eco-friendly stationery. The boutique is located in Venice, California and carries a gorgeous array of cards, invitations, and journals made with sustainable materials like soy-based inks and 'tree-free' paper. The store always has something interesting going on and is definitely worth a visit.
(picture courtesy of Urbanicdesigns.com)

Eco Friendly Products

Replacing some kitchen items so I head to Home Goods. What's this? A can opener made of 70% plant material and 30% traditional plastic. Cool! Lifetime Brands, Inc calls this Nexplast. Same cost as the other can openers with a lifetime warranty. I notice it says "hand wash only". Could be why I go through these things so often; I put them in the dishwasher... Note to self: "not very green if you have to replace an item that should last a lifetime b/c you don't take care of it properly". How does it perform? I bring it home and it works just as well as any other hand can opener.

2.24.11
4 months later we had to say good-bye to Mr. Can Opener. Sorry, not a very green product if I'm out buying a new one in 4 months. Lessen learned; sometimes things are better made the first time around.

Save 50% on Organic Food

How would you like to save 50% on herbs and spices, baking mixes (including gluten free mixes), essential oils, natural body care, supplements and more?

A co-op is an easy way to combine your buying power and save money. Frontier, a leading supplier of organic herbs and spices, offers co-op opportunities for groups of 5 or more. The benefit is you get to purchase products at wholesale prices vs. retail. Trust me, I've checked out the website prices and the co-op catalog prices. You're looking to save 50%. Name brands include Simply Organic, Aura Cacia, and Frontier.

On top of that, when your combined order totals $250, you get free shipping. A one time refundable group fee of $10 is needed at sign up but refunded with your co-op's first order. All you need is someone to head it up for organizational purposes and four other interested people (must be different addresses).

If you're lucky enough to live in the metro-Atlanta area, I have that part covered for you. One of my readers has offered to start a co-op here (East Cobb/ Roswell area). Now all we need are 3 more people. If you're interested, email me and I'll put you in touch with her.

For a glimpse at the prices offered, check out the co-op catalog. Table of contents on pgs 12-13. Also viewable in excel spreadsheet.

The Dirty Dozen

According to The Environmental Working Group, these are the fruits and vegetables known to retain the highest levels of pesticides and should be eaten organically grown. They are listed in no particular order.

Peaches
Apples
Bell Peppers
Celery
Nectarines
Strawberries
Cherries
Kale
Lettuce
Grapes (imported)
Carrots
Pears

Conversely they also have a list, The Clean 15, which includes those fruits and vegetables with the lowest pesticide residue:
Onions
Avocado
Sweet Corn
Pineapple
Mango
Asparagus
Sweet Peas
Kiwi
Cabbage
eggplant
Papaya
Watermelon
Broccoli
Tomato
Sweet Potato

So if you have to pick and choose which fruits and veggies to buy organically, make sure you buy those on the dirty dozen list organically grown.

Rain Water Collection

Concerned about droughts in the U.S.? The entire continent of Australia has been dealing with severe drought for over 10 years. Yikes. There are companies out there with solutions for our water shortage. Even if at this point you never worry that clean water will stop flowing from your tap, there are answers for saving money and just being flat out responsible for such a precious resource. Rain Catchers are what they are and they will help you do just that!

Best Bikes Around

We're all obviously in favor of alternative transportation. Bikes are usually the best option for short distances, as they tone your legs and create absolutely no harmful gases, while simultaneously getting you to your destination. I went looking for the hottest classic and custom bikes around. And these are my top picks;

Republic Dutch bikes:
( picture courtesy Republicbike.com)

Chubby's Cruisers:
( picture courtesy Chubbyscruisers.com)

Velorbis bikes:
( picture courtesy Velorbis.com)

Union County Farmers Market

The Union County Farmers Market has a new home at 148 Old Smokey Rd. in Blairsville, GA. Don't worry about the blazing summer sun or the occasional downpour, this farmers market is covered. So every Wednesday and Saturday July through October 16 they'll be there, rain or shine.
Just head North on Weaver Road off 515 (next to Home Depot). The first right off Weaver is Old Smokey. They say you can't miss it! I was in the back seat but Dad found it just fine.Local honey, pickled veggies, all natural soaps made of shea butter or goat's milk, hand woven baskets, door mats made out of recycled horse shoes, and even raw cow's milk for your pets.

My personal favorite-Logan Turnpike Mill has a stand with yummy dill roll and Ezekiel bread samples. For all you other wheat grinders out there, it's nice to have a short cut every once in awhile. Logan Turnpike offers fresh ground 3 grain pancake mix. It's a hot seller so get there early. You can also find their products at Sunrise Grocery, directly at the the mill or online.

And here's something I've never seen before, not in Buckhead, Atlanta; NYC or even Paris-Living Wreaths. Carrie Hefferen owns From Seed, Inc. and creates wreaths from seeds. These living wreaths hang on the outside of your door soaking up all that sunshine. For watering, just lay them flat, water and hang back up. With a living wreath, you always have fresh herbs at your doorstep.

What to do with all that basil? Make pesto of course!

For more information on the farmers market, visit the Union County Farmer's Market online and be sure to click the link at the top of the green bar for some delightful mountain music to put you right in the mood.....for gardening.

Living Walls

If you're like me, you've found a fascination with the whimsical idea of 'living walls'. If you're unfamiliar with the term, feel no shame. This simply describes a wall covered in living plants, otherwise known as a vertical garden. These indoor or outdoor accessories are not just pretty. Living plant walls filter out many contaminants, help control humidity and temperature and most importantly, oxygenate the air we breathe.

Though these walls are gorgeous, the prospect of creating one yourself can be a slightly daunting task, if not seemingly impossible. There is a solution! Woolly Pockets is a brand that creates breathable plant pockets made from 100% recycled materials. You can have a single one on a table or create a plant mural by tacking them along a wall. This way, a living wall is not only possible, but also very easy.

(pictures courtesy Woollypockets.com)

Step by Step

If you're an eco-hipster, you have no doubt discovered the international phenomenon that is Etsy.com. A website so jam-packed with hand-made gorgeous goods, it's known as the artistic equivalent to Ebay. Anyway, while perusing through all the green products, I came across two lines of 100% vegan shoes called HydraHeart and The Generation. These slip on flats are super cute and come in an array of colors and styles, including bridal. Though these two brands can have similar shoes, HydraHeart is more quirky, while The Generation boasts a more chic aesthetic. And at such reasonable prices, your tiny carbon-footprint can now be beautifully clad.

International CSAs

Locate an International CSA:

AUSTRALIA:
Near River Produce
Andrew and Therese Hearne
1466 Pappinbarra Road
Hollisdale NSW Australia 2446
Phone: 02-6587-6004
Email: andrew@nearriverproduce.com
Coverage Areas: Sydney north and east suburbs, Hastings Valley.
Comments: Produce is chemical-free

Pick your Own


JAPAN:
Teikei Organics

CANADA:
Cooper's Goat & Veggy Farm
Lisa or Steve Coooper
266 Ashworth Rd.
Zephyr, ON LOE 1 TO
Phone: 905-830-4521 (farm)
Phone2: 905-960-3962 (cell)
Coverage Areas: Aurora, Newmarket, Uxbridge, Mt. Albert, Queensville, Keswick, GTA, Markham, and growing
Certified Organic: No
Comments: Growing since 1981, farm ownership since 1993. 50 acres of fruits and vegetables, using sustainable farming practices. They use an Integrated Pest Management program to reduce pesticides on many crops, however, many are chemical free.


New Terra Farm
Scott Kellend
13510 County Rd. 15
Merrickville, ON KOG1NO
Phone: 613-269-3884
Coverage Areas: Eastern Ontario, Leeds Grenville
Certified Organic: No
Comments: Small, family owned enterprise located neat Merrickville, Ontario. They raise a variety of meats and vegetables following natural, sustainable agricultural practices.


Ontario CSA Directory

FRANCE:
Les Olivades
Daniel Olivades
257 Chemin de la Petite Garenne
Ollioules, France 83 190
Phone: 04-94-30-03-13
Email: vuillon@olivades.com

OTHER COUNTRIES:

Green People

How to find a CSA

Produce from my in-laws garden in College Park, GA






Tens of thousands of families have joined CSAs. The idea of community supported agriculture is becoming more and more popular as the demand for organic produce rises along with the price of food in general. Not all CSA farmers grow produce organically but they are up front in regards to that. All you have to do is ask and they expect it. No, the FDA does not monitor them. In fact, the government does not track CSAs at all. That may be a selling point in itself. At any rate, there are databases of information out there so you can find a farm near you.

The concept works like this. You pay the farmer up front for a portion of the harvest. The farmer uses the money collected up front to cover their costs and obviously including a profit. This also allows the farmer the opportunity to have time to market the produce before that time is demanded on the farm during growing season. As you can imagine, money up front helps with budgeting and cash flow.
In turn, you, the consumer get the very freshest of food- a box of seasonal produce each week throughout the farming season. Not only that, you get to know the men, women, and families growing your food, you support small farmers, local businesses and the little “guy” in general.












Any risk involved? Sure, a small one. If the harvest is small due to uncontrollable variables, your harvest is small. Don’t let that stop you. You’re guaranteed not to lose anywhere near what you lost in the stock market these past several years. And I bet you’ll invest there again. Start small, start simple, but start. See below to find a CSA near you.

Find a CSA near you:
Local Harvest
Eat Well Guide - search by your zip code for farmers markets, community gardens, and co-ops. You'll also find restaurants and bed & breakfasts featuring local products.
Farm Locator-to find farmers who sell directly to the public