Waste Not…Even for a Good Cause
This morning, I witnessed what may have been one of the worst cases of paper wasting I have ever seen. As I dropped my son off at school, I was handed a flyer with the words, “Slow Down, Protect Our Sons.” These full-size pieces of paper were being distributed to every parent in the carpool line—that’s roughly 400 or so.
Most of the flyers immediately went into the trashcans and I couldn’t help but wonder if perhaps one large sign located at the carpool entrance might have been more effective, not to mention less wasteful. Of course, there is the irony that the parents continued to drive through the carpool line while glancing down to read the flyer—hmmm….
Bonny Osterhage, White Apricot Staff Writer
May 9th, 2008 - Posted in Lifestyle | | 0 Comments
So What Am I Supposed to Drink Now?
It seems like only yesterday that my plastic water bottle and I were inseparable. Then, that became a bad thing. So, I switched to a reusable plastic bottle. Sorry, not good either. So, I switched to an aluminum bottle. Oops…new controversy.
There’s an email that’s gone viral (I know because I’ve gotten it about 6 times so far) that now, you have to make sure that your aluminum bottle is stainless steel lined because aluminum is now being linked to Alzheimers. Are you kidding?! How did they figure that out?
Sometimes, I have to ask myself how my parents survived to old age without being conscious of any of this. They never got asked if they wanted bottled or tap water at a restaurant. You just got tap water…period…unfiltered… Maybe that was a good thing…until it became a bad thing and bottled water became the healthy alternative.
I do care about my health, my family’s health and everyone’s health and, of course, science is so much more sophisticated than it used to be. But, please stop making us so completely paranoid about so many things! I’m thinking that from now on, while I’m done with plastic bottles because I understand why they are unhealthy, I’m just going to open my mouth under the faucet in my kitchen and drink my filtered water straight from the tap…unless, of course, they find something wrong with the metal used in faucets…
Carrie Pollare, Editor
May 7th, 2008 - Posted in Food & Beverage, Lifestyle, Wellness | | 1 Comments
What Makes a Fragrance Feminine…or Masculine?
Would you say any particular home cooked meal is any more likely to be for a man or woman or to appreciate a meadow of wild flowers is more specifically for one sex or the other? Is cabbage particularly male or female? Would a bouquet of carrots be better for some men, instead of a bouquet of flowers? Yet, for some reason, over the course of time, we have developed this idea that certain aromatics are particularly male or female. I have to disagree!
Working among pure plant essential oils on a day to day basis and having developed a great appreciation and knowledge for these natural essences (that and a keen nose), I honestly can’t say with any justifiable cause that I find any natural essence particularly specific to one sex or the other. I find these amazing aromatics to be god-sent and to be truly appreciated for what they are, without judgment and/or classification. If I were a smart business man, I might tell you otherwise.
I am certainly not saying, ladies, to go out and buy man’s perfume, but rather, I am trying to make a point. Nature in its purest form is neither masculine nor feminine; it is everything and nothing. Most perfumes and “girly” or “manly” products are of synthetic nature. Man (or woman) creates these scents (that could kill a horse) in a laboratory synthetically with chemicals. It is these chemical companies that unfortunately set the precedence, albeit misleading, for what is man and what is woman (well, that and millions of dollars in advertising and market conditioning from birth.)
Take, for example, perhaps one of the most “feminine” aromatics, the rose. Do this simple experiment. Get either a fresh rose or true rose essential oil and take a deep breath. Isn’t that gorgeous? Then try the same experiment with a particularly “masculine” botanical, like cinnamon. Go on… Take a deep breathe of freshly ground cinnamon and tell me that it is not an amazing botanical that shouldn’t be enjoyed by both sexes. See my point? It is nature and it is amazing! I hope this brief argument has opened up a few eyes (and noses) to the fact that true essences are neither man nor woman, but rather naturally neutral!
Michael R. Lorenti Jr., Sensatia Botanicals
May 5th, 2008 - Posted in Beauty | | 0 Comments
What an Organic Mess!
As White Apricot’s editor, I typically start every morning by reading news feeds from all over the place to make sure I’m totally on top of what’s going on in the eco world. Today, I’m reading over and over again about Dr. Bronner’s lawsuit against 13 cosmetic competitors, accusing them of false advertising by misusing the label organic on their products. Some of the companies named are Kiss My Face, Estee Lauder and Stella McCartney. I have to say that it really ticked me off and I feel compelled to blog immediately about it!
Okay, so we all know there’s been a huge controversy over the fact that the cosmetics industry has lacked regulation when it comes to organic and natural beauty products. But, come on…filing a lawsuit? Is Dr. Bronner’s a little sour grapes here? Is Dr. Bronner’s looking for a little publicity themselves to perhaps help some sagging sales because competition is becoming more fierce? I don’t think there is altruism going on here by any means.
On the other hand, if a product is 85% organic, should the company behind it be allowed to label it as organic? I believe that they should absolutely disclose on the packaging that 15% of the ingredients are synthetic. Otherwise, it could be considered false advertising and it is misleading to a naïve consumer. But, think about it. Isn’t a product that’s 85% organic a good thing? So, why would we condemn it? It’s certainly better than completely synthetic products. It’s certainly a step in the right direction. I think companies should be able to advertise that, as long as they are honest about the other ingredients.
According to David Bronner, the grandson of the founder of Dr. Bronner’s, litigation is the only thing that is going to get these companies to comply. “Can’t we all just get along” and find more “kinder, gentler” ways of attacking the issue together? The litigation method doesn’t seem very socially conscious to me…
Carrie Pollare, Editor
May 2nd, 2008 - Posted in Beauty, Greenwashing | | 2 Comments
Litter Bugs Me!
When I was a teenager, I once threw a gum wrapper out of the window of the back seat of my parent’s car. My father immediately pulled over and, much to my embarrassment, made me get out of the car and pick up two pieces of litter to make up for the piece I had just thrown out. Lesson learned!
I wonder what would happen if I did the same thing to all of the people I see who use our public beaches for their own personal ash trays (a MAJOR pet peeve) or the ones who carelessly leave behind their empty popcorn bags and soda cups at the movie theaters (yes…that counts as littering folks!).
I had the chance to find out recently when I was driving through one of my favorite local parks after a holiday weekend. This park is the place where it is part of a cultural tradition for some people in our community to camp out. After this group’s festivities, the lovely area was strewn with fast food bags, plastic convenience store bags, bottles, cans and even soiled diapers. Unbelievable!! I called the local news and told them to send someone to take a look at this park and sure enough, it wound up as one of the top stories.
I’m not sure that being publicly embarrassed will prevent this group from doing the same thing next year, but maybe if I could figure out a way to make the offenders pick up two pieces of trash for every one they leave behind, they will learn that destroying public parks is simply not okay!
Bonny Osterhage, White Apricot Staff Writer
May 1st, 2008 - Posted in Lifestyle | | 1 Comments
Some Green Companies are Seeing Red
Maybe it’s because of Earth Day or maybe (as some suggest) it is part of cashing in on some “green,” but you cannot open a magazine or newspaper without reading about yet another company jumping on the environmentally conscious bandwagon. Unfortunately, this fact has many die-hard “greenies” seeing red. Terms like “greenwashing” are bantered about and noses are turned up at the efforts of some of the Johnny-come-latelies to the movement. I actually interviewed someone recently who told me that his company was “green way before it was considered cool.”
I understand to some extent the righteous indignation of his statement. I mean how frustrating to toil away at something for years virtually unnoticed and then have Madonna or some other celebrity-type photographed carrying a recycled tote and suddenly green living gains credibility.
On the other hand, doesn’t the means justify the end? Does it really matter how the word gets out as long as it creates awareness and change? As I’ve said before, no change is too small. Sure some company’s intentions might not be pure, but as long as their products are, isn’t that all that really matters?
Bonny Osterhage, White Apricot Staff Writer
April 28th, 2008 - Posted in Greenwashing | | 1 Comments
Longing for Spring…Wardrobe
I hate this time of year…the dreaded between seasons time. Technically, it’s spring…but come on…is it really? I think not. Yes, the weather here in
At this time of year, I’m so tired of my winter clothes. I stand in my closet every day for what seems like an eternity, trying to figure out what I can wear that’s a little different…a little more spring-like. If I can only start wearing my spring clothes, it will be like having a whole new wardrobe! What I wind up doing is trying to put together outfits that have a spring look, maybe with brighter colors, but still incorporate my winter clothes. It just never seems to come off right.
Then, there are the glimmers of true spring weather. One day, it will get up into the 80’s and I’m gleefully pulling out my tank tops and sandals. The next day, it’s in the 60’s and I’m back in my sweater that I have now put in the back of my closet.
I’d like to say there’s a lesson or some wisdom that I’m going to impart in this blog entry, but there isn’t. I just needed to vent…
Carrie Pollare, Editor
April 25th, 2008 - Posted in Eco Fashion | | 0 Comments
Green…Not So Green
Every Sunday, I take a little “me” time and read the Sunday paper in bed from cover to cover. Last Sunday, I was doing just that, perusing the Parade magazine, which, of course, was doing an Earth Day issue, and I came across a little article I really liked. So, I thought I’d share. Maybe some of you even saw it, since Parade is syndicated all over the country.
It was called “
Seems Green: Paper shopping bags
True Green: Reusable totes
Seems Green: Organic processed snacks
True Green: Snacking on whole foods that are locally and organically grown
Seems Green: A hybrid SUV
True Green: Driving less and using a small hybrid
Seems Green: Recycling your disposable plastic water bottles
True Green: Sipping tap water from a safely reusable metal bottle
I’ll admit the six issues the article called out were a bit simplistic for those of us emerged deeply into this world, but in terms of educating consumers who don’t totally understand (largely Parade’s audience), it was very informative. So, Parade has a readership of 71 million and is distributed by more than 400 Sunday newspapers (I looked it up…). If even half of the 71 million who read that article made just one of the little changes it suggests, imagine how huge a difference that would make for the Planet!
Carrie Pollare, Editor
April 23rd, 2008 - Posted in Greenwashing, Lifestyle | | 0 Comments
Actions Speak Louder Than Words
A few years ago, I had to separate myself from a person due the fact that she would espouse her political views at the most inappropriate moments, without provocation and with a smugness that dared anyone to challenge her beliefs. Any poor soul who tried was attacked, ridiculed and, more than once, reduced to tears.
I ran into this woman over the weekend and surmised from her Earth Day shirt and recycled tote that she has become a champion for the green cause. I couldn’t help but shudder as I imagined her berating unsuspecting supermarket customers who chose plastic bags or chasing SUV drivers through parking lots, screaming at them about their gas consumption.
Don’t get me wrong, I am a firm believer in being passionate about your beliefs, but it is my opinion that condescension and preaching often do more harm than good. Instead, let your actions speak for you. Set the example and hope others notice. And, if an opportunity presents itself, educate don’t berate (there’s my new tee-shirt slogan).
There is an old southern expression that states that you catch more flies with honey than vinegar. So, slather on some organic honey but remember, there are some people who simply won’t care…and that’s their right.
Bonny Osterhage, White Apricot Staff Writer
April 21st, 2008 - Posted in Lifestyle, Social Consciousness | | 0 Comments
Closet Addict
I know I have said before that I am not a “crafter” and I still maintain that’s true. However, about six months ago, I discovered a hobby that I have become hopelessly addicted to and I haven’t told my friends because I am afraid it will confirm that I am a complete dork. But after learning that I am in the company of Julia Roberts, Sally Field and I’m sure countless others who won’t admit it, I have decided to come out: I AM A KNITTER! (Collective gasp!)
Before I am bombarded with requests to join blogs or knitting circles, let me be clear…I knit alone in the privacy of my home after everyone is in bed. Yes, my husband knows, but I try not to flaunt it in front of him due to the fact that I think it diminishes my sexual credibility. Regardless, I find that is an excellent way to wind down before going to bed. The rhythmic motions and repetition, not to mention the soothing clink of the needles becomes almost meditative for me.
I recently read that knitting is considered the new yoga, so perhaps, instead of dorkdom, I am on the cutting edge of the newest wellness movement. So there you have it, my dirty little secret. Feel free to share yours!
Bonny Osterhage, White Apricot Staff Writer
April 18th, 2008 - Posted in Lifestyle | | 0 Comments
