Be Responsible - The One That Got Away

Nowadays, unless you make a concerted effort to actually be private, you can bet someone is taking notice to something someone else is doing. I am no exception and living in New York offers around-the-clock people–watching opportunities. 

It was one of those perfect early summer weekends up here when everyone was out and about, enjoying the weather and completely exposing their habits. I chose to spend the afternoon in Central Park at the “New Yorker’s Beach.” On a day like today, the 15 acres of lawn was predictably blanketed with people.  Even though I came here by myself to get some work done, it was impossible to remain isolated.

I first noticed the couple to my left speaking a foreign language, romanticized by everything around them. Another woman had spontaneously planted herself in front of me, sitting on her jacket and catching up on phone calls from family back home. Just barely within earshot was a guy doing an independent workout on his beach towel singing along to his iPod playlist. On my other side, was a group of attractive-enough guys talking and throwing around a football: presumably pretty eligible bachelors. As the best subject for my people-watching entertainment, I positioned myself to discreetly and absently observe what else they were up to through my dark sunglasses.

Not hugely surprising, this was a mostly uninteresting, uneventful, and unentertaining distraction from my work. I was about to turn around, when I noticed a huge red flag. They pulled out various lunches and as two of them began to eat, they deliberately watched as one of their plastic shopping bags slowly blew out of arms reach. I thought, surely after the next bite, they’ll run after their rightfully owned trash. It tumbled further. They looked away and continued eating with complete disregard. 

Eligible bachelors no more! I realized how disgusted I’d become through witnessing the inaction of a couple of strangers.  To me, this cavalier disrespect for the environment displays all the character flaws in a person I care to know. We’ve all heard not to get involved with men who mistreat their mothers. Maybe we should start analyzing how they treat their Mother_Nature, too. You never know who’s watching and when you litter, there may be more than just a plastic bag getting away.

(Don’t worry, a nice person a few feet upwind caught the bag and properly disposed of it. I wonder if he’s available…??)

Be Saavy - It's What's on the Outside That Counts

Fashion is impossible to ignore when you're in the city. A sidewalk perspective offers the opportunity to experience trendsetting at it's best. Constantly surrounded by such an array of personal styles, you can't help but be inspired to make a fashion statment of your own. I've always put thought into the outfits I wear and enjoy finding ways to be creative, interpretative and expressive with clothing. More recently I've become very Interested in labels, but different from most, caring a lot less about who I'm wearing, and more about what it is that I'm wearing.

Going to your closet to pick out an outfit deserves more thought than just which shoes look best with which pants. Clothing production is just that; a production. And it can be a very polluting one. If you are anything like me, you are probably hyperventilating just thinking about something else you have to consider when you already regularly declare how you just have nothing to wear! Not to worry. With some label-decifering know-how and a better list of fashion Do's and Don'ts you'll probably find that you will have even more options than before and you might actually dress for comfort and style in the process. Here's my guidelines to never endup a fashion victim.

Do look at labels: If you don't look at labels except when shopping for your size, now is the time to start. There is actually a labeling law that requires certain information to be disclosed. Fabric content is one of them. 

Don't buy synthetics: If the majority of the garment is a synthetic, you can bet it wasn't produced in a very earth friendly way and probably has chemical finishes that are especially irritating to sensitive skin.

Do stick to natural: fibers such as cotton, linen, silk, wools, and even bamboo don't have to be produced in a lab and easily eliminate one harmful step of the manufacturing process. I know you're probably skeptical about how natural translates into fashionable, but we've come a long way from the hemp, grass, and burlap sacks that may come to mind. Nowadays, high-end designers are exclusively dedicated to using these "new natural" fabrics and the popularity of their designs is catching on with mainstream retailers as well.

Do Know where the garment is made: Unfortunately, there are not as many clothing manufacturers in the US, but the farther away the Made In _____ is, the more fossil fuels were used to get it on the hanger in front of you and you can't always be confident in the labor practices either. 

Do wash your own clothes: Turn the label over and you will usually find the care instructions. It is no coincidence that natural clothing is less maintenance, saving you tons of money on dry cleaning and eliminating the need for a harmful laundering method. 

Do look for organic: Even better than natural is a natural fiber that is produced organically. Pesticides are for pests, not for the things you want closest to your body. Dyes and bleaches are arguably the most polluting element of clothing production so, by buying organic you're ensuring that only plant derived dying agents are used, such as henna and indigo. Save the bleach for cleaning your bathtub. Well....there's something better for that too, but I'll have to get to that later.

So, after all this talk about natural, this may seem a little contradictory, but everything considered, I do believe there is still a need for other synthetic, performance fabrics. I run, do yoga and lots of different outdoor activities enough to know that not everything should be done in cotton. However, there's still room to choose your active gear wisely. Fleece jackets can be made from recycled plastic bottles and my new favorite running shorts from Lululemon are made from 86% recycled polyester. They stay cool and dry and are thoughtfully and stylishly designed. Its the best of everything combined! Don't forget that even if your clothes weren't the perfect prototypes of eco-conscience clothing when you bought them, you can make them green and recycle them yourself. Give clothes still in reasonable condition a second life by handing them down, donating, consigning, or swapping with friends. Before you trash old t-shirts and other things not worth giving away, cut them into a variety of sizes to use as rags to wash your car and clean around the house.

Start incorporating these ideas into your new style perspective and you'll have a much more interesting answer when the fashion police asks, "who are you wearing." More than any other red carpet, each day offers an opportunity to say something meaningful with what you choose to put on. When you make responsible clothing choices, what's on the outside really is what's counts and that's one trend that won't be going out of style.

Be Natural - Man vs. Nature

I'm a Manhattanite now and can't imagine a more dynamic place to live, but I grew up in Florida and will always be a gulf beach girl at heart. I waited all winter long for my most recent trip to the Sunshine State and have been refueling my tank with some much needed sand, sun and surf. When it came time to suit up with my sisters and soak up some afternoon rays (and essential vitamin D) the debate began. Beach or pool?

For me there is no comparison between the two nor would I ever consider them interchangeable. How did a concrete hole, requiring massive excavation, filled with chemicalized, chlorinated water be the substitute for the most amazing element of our earth: the ocean?

Our water sources today are so overly treated; stripping it of anything beneficial and adding in a slew of bacteria killing compounds. Good in theory, but when you start to think that this is the stuff you bathe, cook, and brush your teeth with, it makes you wonder. If you ever have access to any clean, natural body of water, getting in it is the best thing you can possibly do for yourself.

Salt water is especially good for you because the skin is able to absorb all of the naturally occurring minerals your body needs and the sand and salt act as gentle exfoliants which have healing properties as well. I'm seriously surprised someone hasn't bottled this stuff up and put it on skincare shelves everywhere so it can be accessible all the time. It's that good. Even better is the total experience of being out on the beach. It's more rejuvenating than any treatment available at the spa and in this case, man-made just can't compete with mother nature.

Be Resourceful- Paper or Plastic

Most grocery stores present you with a choice every time you go through the check out line: paper or plastic. What is really the better option for you and the environment?

It sounds simple, but it can't hurt to be reminded that, anytime you can replace a plastic with something else that is comparable but completely biodegradable, you should. Plastic, virutually never biodegrades, and even if recycled, it can only be made into another plastic product which virtually never degrades. When it comes to grocery store shopping, I try to bring my own tote bags (made from recycled plastic bottles, light as air, and only set me back $.99). When I forget them or make an impromptu stop, I always opt for paper. I know there was concern awhile back about paper products resulting in massive deforestation. Saving trees is admirable, but brown bagging it is usually the result of post-consumer waste and recycled  material, not fresh pulp. So selecting paper is better if you forgot your reusable tote. The same cannot be said of plastic which is not nearly as often derived from recycleables or recycled after use and is extremely hazardous to the environment from production to finished product. And, you can use the sturdy paper bags for other things once you've put your groceries away. I use mine as trash bags, recycle bins, or even book covers. They also make great craft paper or surface protectors for children's activities. It's the perfect example of the greenest golden rule: reduce, reuse, recycle. The alternatives are limitless. Just think outside the bag.

Be Real - Exposing My Skin, continued

I spent a few weeks experimenting with a gentle daily exfoliator, and deep pore mask alternated with a non-chemical light skin peel. Once my skin was clean and smooth I applied tea tree oil and a vitamin E moisturizer under mineral powder make-up.  It sounds cumbersome, but these were all simple replacements for things I was already using. Here are some of my favorites:

Earth Science apricot exfoliating cleanser: Used in the shower every morning, its simple composition and soft grit keeps impurities from getting trapped under the surface of the skin reducing breakouts, removing dead skin cells and invigorating the blood vessels to keep skin bright and luminous. Great at removing make-up, too!

Alba Deep Sea pore refining mask: Used twice a week. Works like a pressure cleaner (without the pressure of course) to flush out pores and keep them clean, refined and invisible, just the way I like it.

Reviva Labs Non-Chemical Light Skin Peel: Used once or twice a week to give your skin an overhaul. It has citrus fruit acids that work in combination with naturally occurring salicylic acid and crushed almonds to treat existing acne and visible skin damage and create super smooth and squeaky clean skin.

Dessert Essence Blemish Stick: The main ingredient is tea tree oil which is a natural antiseptic. It is great a a spot treatment or for daily use over regular problem areas.

Vitamin E: Known for its skin damage repair and healing properties, fades scars and any dark spots. You can mix it into a lighter moisturizer depending on your skin type.

Tarte Mineral Make-up: I love this brand for its sustainability efforts and it comes in a pressed powder compact for easy application. It is Talc Free (known to be hazardous to the environment) and contains vital minerals for your skin to be its healthiest. It’s also built in with an SPF 8 and has good coverage, but who has anything needing to be covered up, now?! 

Even better, (what could be better than great skin, right?) is the earth is prettier and cleaner now, too. Reducing the amount of skincare products containing chemicals from getting washed down the drain helps to keep our water supply systems clean as well.

Be Real - Exposing My Skin, continued 2

So you are probably wondering how the experiment ended up. In all honesty, My skin has never looked better. Although it may not ever be perfect or what I consider to be the most ideal, I have accepted that for my skin to be its best it just needs some special attention. I acknowledge there are several cases that need a professional opinion, but this trial has piqued my interest in trying out other similar product lines on the market, and I think I’m close to finding a regimen that works best for me. More importantly, I am always working on shifting more of the focus from dwelling on these less than perfect things about myself so that I am able to recognize the things that are really great (and it doesn't hurt to have a good friend around to remind you of all the things you have going for you, either, Thanks, Jen!).

I hope that by exposing this insecurity of mine, it will make it easier for someone else to face their own self consciousness about their skin or otherwise. I never imagined I would have allowed myself to be so candid about this, but a recent conversation with a couple of women at work gave me the courage to come out from under my cover-up.

I walked up on one of my friends explaining her most recent trials with the dermatologist and her frustrations with the process. She had previously mentioned to me her problems with hyper-pigmentation so I knew right away what the conversation was about. I began to offer one of my own related skin tribulations (even to do that would have even been a big step for me), but before I could, the other woman immediately opened up about her desperation with eczema. Someone else walked by and chimed in about how they are frequently inhibited by their Psoriasis. I would have never noticed these imperfections on others that always remain perfectly covered by clothing or make-up. We all could have kept them in hiding rather than exposing ourselves to the risk of scrutiny, but I'm so glad none of us did. Sharing these areas of personal vulnerability and outwardly admitting to these imperfections made me more comfortable and confident than I've ever been when skin is the topic of discussion.  I felt more beautiful through being honest and real and when I opened myself up to the judgement of others, I realized I have always been my only critic. We are all living with something we wish was a little more perfect. Stop holding yourself to someone else's standards. Confidence reveals true beauty and beauty is truly skin deep. 

Be Efficient - Paperless

In this day and age, e-mail pretty much always trumps snail-mail. Sadly, impatience has replaced the excitement once felt when postmen rounded the block. I always enjoyed getting real mail as a child and for some reason, I’m still much more anxious to check my mailbox than my inbox. So when day after day, I came home to a bundle of envelopes with my name typed beneath a cellophane window instead of colorful, hand addressed ones, I started to rethink what I was so excited about and began accepting a (more) paperless society.

I quickly and easily got to work at reducing my mailbox clutter by first enrolling to receive paperless statements for all of my accounts. Not only are the current statements due emailed to me, but I have a paperless record of all my statements on electronic file in one place on my computer, which has resulted in reducing home office clutter, as well! Another benefit to handling your bills on-line is you never have to worry about someone getting their hands on your information because it essentially disappears once you’ve navigated away from the page or it’s been idle for too long. With secure login access that requires a username, password, and frequently a security question as well, it sure beats all the dangerous paper shredders people have around so they can “safely” destroy the paper counterparts to e-statements.  While you’re at it, go ahead and set up online bill pay with your bank. Making e-payments saves the checks, the stamps, and most of the hassle associated with paying bills. You can even set up reminders to be emailed to you so you can avoid annoying late fees, ugh! Why stop there? Remove yourself from catalog mailing lists and shop online from the retailers you actually like. And remember, whatever junk mail you may be solicited with should never, ever end up in the trash. If it’s paper, guess what? It’s recyclable; creating post-consumer material for the production of other things (I bet you’ll never look at your Starbuck’s sleeve the same way again)!

Be Civilized - "Did You Grow Up Living in a Barn?"

I’m sure we’ve all heard this saying a time or two. Even though I have always lived in or near suburbia, my dad had to frequently ask my sisters and me just that when we were growing up. It presents a sharp opportunity to ponder the wasteful things we commonly do without much thought. I can still hear his words echoing in my head when I notice something he would commonly refer to, then I quickly fix whatever may be morphing my civilized city living into aloof barnyard stable. No matter where you grew up, these are some of the things I suggest doing to ensure your upbringing doesn’t resemble anything barn-like:

Turn off the lights when you leave the room

Shut the windows and close the doors promptly when you are using the AC (do however, use the windows and let the fresh air in when it is pleasant weather and give the HVAC a break)

Don’t stare at the contents of the fridge with the door open letting the cold air rush out (you’re probably just bored and not hungry anyway)

Unplug every appliance you can when it’s not in use (even if it’s off, it is still sucking wattage)

Draw the curtains and turn off the air (or set the timer) when you leave the house for the day in the warm months

Let the sunlight in and turn off the heater (or set the timer) when you leave the house in the cool months.

Don’t continue to peak in the oven when it is heating (you’ll most likely mess up whatever it is that you’re baking by doing this, too)

Don’t let the water run before you get in the shower or while you are brushing your teeth.

Use only what you need, use everything you can

Be Educated - Geeks, Gigs, and Green

I’ve been on the market, until just recently, for a new computer. The notebook I had been using was old and unable to stay charged, had an incurable virus and was, literally, falling apart. Apparently, If you take care of your computer, it will take care of you, or so I was told by one of the geeks of the geek squad when I took it in to be looked at. It was obvious that I hadn’t done the best job of that, but I thought it might still stand a chance at being able to be resuscitated. After the assessment was given, I decided it was best for everyone involved; me, the computer, the techie, and my wallet, to just pull the plug, and buy new.

I’ll be the first to admit my technological shortcomings and if the earlier geek experience hadn’t already made that obvious, I could now see it written all over the face staring back at me. “What type of computer are you using now,” a woman with a name badge asked. “Uuuuuhhhhh....” I really don’t know this. She attempted to ask me more questions she thought I might know how to answer in order to narrow down the selection and find the right laptop for me. She’d explain the benefits of one over the other and I’d pretend to understand most of what she was talking about.

I don’t need confusing bells and whistles, just a portable laptop with basic functions that works. However, there was one feature I was particularly curious about. Since it has been a number of years since I bought a new computer, I wanted to know what was on the market now in the way of greener computer production. So I asked,“What are some components being used that make a computer better for the environment?” Now I was the one with the baffling questions,“Uuuuuhhhhh....” I guess you can't be a genious at everything. Although she was helpful in mentioning how most computers are now energy star approved and that this particular retailer has a recycling program which is basically a junkyard for old motherboards (admirable), what about looking for highly recyclable aluminum encapsulation over plastic and polycarbonate, super efficient mercury and arsenic free LED lit screens verses CCFL’s and LCD’s, use of responsible, low waste packaging, fewer parts, less toxins, and more energy efficiency? This is becoming a new and exciting standard in the world of technology and it seems we all stand to learn a lot.     

Be Efficient - Paperless, continued

Now that you’ll have less and less unwanted mail showing up via USPS, maybe we can all get excited about getting letters from people again. Although I am always trying to reduce my consumption, especially when natural resources are concerned, I am still a believer in the importance of hand written notes and love beautiful stationery. I’ll scour several shops all over town just to find the perfect card for someone special. Recently, I needed to find father’s day cards, a graduation card and, birthday cards for three different family members. While reading through just about the entire selection at Papyrus, one of my favorite places for these very special paper products, I noticed more than just the sentiment inside. Every card displayed the company’s commitment to long-term environmental sustainability and I found they have an entire green line which uses paper from responsibly managed forests or post consumer material, soy and vegetable based inks, and eco-friendly production methods. I picked up boxed notes, wrapping paper, journals: all green and all up to my very picky standards! I am thrilled to know that beautiful, environmentally friendly cards are available on the market and that I don’t have to become completely paperless to be eco-conscious.  Evidently, there is still much to do with mail that is worthy of excitement and nothing trumps having a handwritten note from someone special appear in your mailbox.

Be Thoughtful - Think gives us something to think about

Despite the fact that I've just declared making your own coffee to be the most thoughtful way to do it, there are some places pioneering the precedence for coffee shops to feed the habit with a conscience. ThinkCoffee is one of my favorite spots. Lucky for me, it is super convenient to where I work, but I've gone out of my way several times to support their business over other, more prevailant competitors. Think has thought about more than just serving coffee and turning a profit. Think has thought more about everything else that matters instead and has become a huge success in the process.

So first things first. The coffee. It's all certified shade grown.  If you prefer tea, they serve it up fair trade and all organic. Think Coffee does not just serve you any old milk off a refridgerated semi truck, they serve you cow's milk from local farmers sans hormones and antibiotics .
Not only are their plastic cups made from plants (bioplastics) and are completely biodegradable and compostable , the bins for paper and plastic recyclables, as well as compost (i.e. your plastic cups) are easier to spot than the trash (if you still have any after putting everything in its proper future use recepticle). As for being a good neighbor, they stand alone. They serve beer from local breweries, wine from small distributors and squeeze fresh juice daily. They offer all natural treats with some vegan and organic options, for any time of day. All of which are either made in house or from bakeries and cafe's around the neighborhood. They have a "give and take" library for books to be used and reused and 10% of their profits gets donated to local charities and yet, the price you pay for all of this good stuff is not inflated because of it. In fact, its a bargain when you really think about it!

It makes me feel good to know that I am helping to contribute to all of these great causes every time I stop in for a caffeine kick or snack I can trust. I hope this is the beginning of a trend for other food establishments to start thinking about all the things Think believes matter. And truly, they've given us all something to think about.

Be Active - Running Late

I'm convinced that I'm in on a secret. It wouldn't seem this way if more people talked about it or if I thought it was at all obvious, but they don't and I guess it's not. Normally tight-lipped when secrets are concerned, this is worth sharing and I'm talking! This heightened perspective dawned on me as I routinely walked past the gym this morning en route to my favorite running destination. Today, however, I took notice to the people I could see through the glass who were pounding away on rows of treadmills Not seeing how running in this way could possibly be enjoyable, I felt sorry for all of them; probably completely unfulfilled, unpresent, and unmotivated. They must not know...There is another way....
Running is running, right? Wrong! I choose to run somewhere beautiful, ever-changing, challenging and full of endless destinations. Where is this place and how can you find a location near you? I have good news, it's called the Great Outdoors, you can find it anywhere, it's always open and, best of all, it's absolutely free! As I began my run in Central Park, I tuned into all of the reasons running has become this craving I don't feel at all bad about feeding. I look forward to it and actually consider it an activity I enjoy instead of counting down on a digital display the minutes/calories/miles left until the self-inflicted torture can end. Don't get me wrong. Any efforts to raise your heart beat are admirable in the eyes of health. The benefits are apparent even besides the obvious; the über convenience of starting a workout as soon as you walk out of your front door, no special equipment is needed, no judgments, no memberships or fees. The earth has provided us with the perfect landscape to run on and use. So why don't more people use it? Consider this: Oxygen does, in fact, come from trees and other plant life, not an HVAC. Doesn't it make sense to be breathing in fresh, from the source air you need and breathing out the carbon dioxide plants need instead of running on some plugged in machine that is sucking energy from the grid and polluting the earth? It's the perfect relationship of give and take! Did I mention the part about no judgments?!

Be Picky - Start Your Day off Right

Ahhhh, Coffee. The best part of waking up. I don't have to have it everyday, or even the same time of day, but I do enjoy a big mug of a medium roast on a regular basis. However, there are some things to consider before ordering that tall-triple-shot-extra-foam-soy-latte because even if you prefer your coffee black, made the right way, a good cup of coffee can really be very green. I am sure most people wake up daily to the aroma of a pot of coffee quietly percolating from their own kitchens. There is nothing novel about coffee machines and the concept of making your coffee at home. More recently, we seem to have developed an addiction to specialty chain coffee shops with their calorie-laden treats, and we have formed a wallet-draining habit. 
Skip out on all those disposable cups, lids, and sleeves, conserve the fuel used to get there, and get back in touch with an age-old (and super simple) process. I was able to survive without a coffee maker in my apartment for an unbelievably long time. I was just fine picking up a coffee-shop coffee on occasion when I wanted to treat myself. Then I started wanting more control over the quality and ingredients being used so I decided to go kitchen appliance shopping. Of all the machines on the market, I walked out with the smallest, cheapest yet chicest coffeemaker of all; a french press. It doesn't even have a plug! it is the un-machine which only adds to the appeal and is beautiful enough to bring to the table. It's known as the coffee connoisseur's coffee making method for good reason and is so simple it makes me wonder why we need all of these complicated, expensive machines on the market or so many coffee shops for that matter. Now I can have an organic, shade grown, fair trade cup of coffee whenever I want and can compost the grounds when I'm done.

Be Active - Running Late, Continued

Admittedly, I have not always felt this way
about going out for a run. The latter was probably a more accurate
description of my feelings about partaking in such an activity.
Growing up, I just thought running was one of those things that I
wasn't "made" to do. I have natural inclination for many things, but
running was just not one of them. But It never came
easily as it seemed for so many other people, and the endorphins
weren't enough to keep me from quickly giving up. Still, I wanted so
badly to be part of this runners' club. So, after many sporadic stints of trying to make running my skill, I
finally if accidentally, became a runner. I had just moved to New York
and refused to tack a gym membership on top of my already inflated
expenses. So, I had no choice. I wanted to stay in reasonable shape,
so I ran outside, committedly. Now, it sure wasn't pretty at first and didn't
feel very nice in the beginning either. I remember thinking...I'm active, in
good shape, I'm the master of the elliptical for god's sake! Why do I
feel like I've suddenly become asthmatic?! I've come to accept that
this  is just the initiation period necessary for most to become part
of the club; separating the people who walk their dogs in
Pucci sweatsuits from the people who love their dirty running shoes
(and sport their pucci headbands when it's not raining). It's really
not that hard If you can walk and breathe, chances are, you can run,
too! With a bit of fortitude, and expanded lung capacity, I was
shocked by how easily and quickly I jumped over the hurdle. All of the
sudden I wasn't overwhelmed by all of the mind games I was playing
with myself that were telling my body ...you can't do this, ...you
should take a break, ...this sucks!
Now, running serves me more than just a way to stay in shape with a
healthy heart and overdeveloped calfs. It has become my cure-all, my
caffeine in the morning, my decompression in the evening, my best
brainstorming sessions, problem-solving and even entertainment at times So, my purpose here is twofold: Maybe someone who is turned off to treadmills will be turned on to this and adopt a healthier lifestyle and if you are already one of those horses on the track, maybe you'll be turned on to doing the same thing a little differently, a little better. The bottom line is to get out there and find a way to love what you do so you stay regular at it. Continually challenge yourself on your own time, at your own pace, in the most accepting environment of all. Now you're in on the secret. Enjoy the adventures that lie ahead and when you pass another jogger on the sidewalk, you'll share a knowing grin. The acknowledgment that you are a part of a very exclusive club.