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By Mike Valenti
Cosmetics have been used since ancient times, such as with the ancient Egyptians. However, EnviroCitizen.org has found that there are several things to look out for with modern cosmetics such as environmental impacts, toxins, allergic reactions and more. Information on all these things seems to change quite a bit. The good news is that you can eliminate this headache by making your own natural cosmetics. Not only is it eco-friendly, but it saves money and gives you the peace of mind of knowing exactly what is in them.
 Making Natural Cosmetics Good skin is always a plus. You can begin your cosmetic collection by making a skin cleanser to exfoliate, purify and moisturize your skin by combining a variety of elements. Common ingredients that exfoliate are fruit seeds, sugar, salt or chopped herbs. Mix these with other ingredients that help to moisturize, such as olive oil, and remove toxins like witch hazel. Mix equal parts but always use less of the most potent ingredient. There are recipes for different skin types and needs available all over the internet.
Next, prepare your skin. Create a toner by combining ingredients that removes toxins with pore-refining ingredients. A main ingredient in toners is vinegar or witch hazel. Mix these with equal parts of something that allows the pores to breathe. Common ingredients include dried, crushed herbs, beeswax and clay. Good refreshing ingredients include lemon, rosemary, lavender and peppermint. Mix the ingredients together and dab on the face with a cotton ball. Let it dry out before proceeding further.
Create a mineral makeup that has several cosmetic uses such as being a blush, lip gloss and eye shadow at the same time. Use a mineral such as mica to do this. Use two shades of mica to make a powder that can be used to give color to blush, lip balm or eye shadow. There are lots of other recipes that you can use to further customize your personal cosmetics.
Other minerals and plant products can also help provide color to makeup. Simply combine with a little bit of watery, fine clay in a blender. Let it sit in a container to form eye shadow and concealer. You can also mix the powder pigments with rich plant butters for shiny eye shadow or lip gloss.
EnviroCitizen.org discovered that you can even make mascara by mixing a dark eye shadow shade or dark mineral powders with a substance such as aloe vera gel. Dip a clean eyelash brush in the mix and wipe off the extra. Be extremely careful when applying to your eyes so as not to get any in the eye.
These are just a few suggestions on how to make your own cosmetics. EnviroCitizen.org suggests that you do further research and enjoy coming up with new colors, products and combinations! Of course, if you are not inclined to make your own natural cosmetics then you may want to browse our natural products store as we make a very complete selection of natural cosmetics and other natural products available.
By Arto Torosoglu
On Monday, December 13, 2010, 60 Minutes on CBS had a segment about Brazil’s economic boom and how the country is working on managing it. Americans recognize Brazil as many things whether it be a vacation spot, tourist attraction, soccer haven, or even a third world country. It turns out that the country is far from just those things. As Steve Kroft reported, “It was the last country to enter the Great Recession, the first to leave it – and is poised to overtake France and Britain as the world’s fifth-largest economy.” Brazil has always been bountiful in natural resources and land, but has long-lived the year-round lax mentality, ultimately neglecting its potential to be relevant in the world as a powerful economy. The 60 Minutes segment gives us the idea that the country has began to put all of the doubts everyone has had to rest.
“Brazil is already the largest producer of iron ore in the world and the world’s leading exporter of beef, chicken, orange juice, sugar, coffee and tobacco — much of it bound for China, which has replaced the U.S. as Brazil’s leading trade partner,” Kroft reports. In order to satiate an appetite such as China’s you certainly need to be doing something correct. As populations in the world continue to grow you would imagine that the consumption of these goods produced in Brazil will ultimately grow as well. But unlike America, Brazil is taking the necessary steps to create a green economy rather than rush everything to make as much money as possible.
“Brazil is a huge country, slightly larger than the continental U.S., with vast expanses of arable farmland, an abundance of natural resources, and 14 percent of the world’s fresh water. Eighty percent of its electricity comes from hydropower. It has the most sophisticated biofuels industry in the world, and, for its size, the world’s greenest economy,” says Kroft. When you hear a statement like this, you cannot help but be impressed. Their economy is growing at a fantastic pace, but it is not a dangerous one either. They have done what we Americans could not, and that is combine the environment and economy, not separate them. By having the two complement each other rather than conflict with each other, Brazil is on pace to remain sustainable while keeping up with all of the worlds demands. They are not only creating green jobs and providing services but they have balanced the manufacturing portion as well so they do not need to rely on other countries for materials.
This is a message to the United States, “Start Taking Notes!” Although we cannot be absolutely sure that this is a boom or bubble, we can certainly agree that it looks like they are on the right track. They are now working on constructing new stadiums for the 2014 World Cup that they are hosting. FIFA doubts that Brazil will be ready on time, but Brazil thinks that they are right on schedule. Will these stadiums eventually be graffiti sanctuaries like the Olympic stadiums are in Greece or will they actually be used after their purpose has expired? All we know for now is Brazil is taking the appropriate steps to do everything correctly and we can only hope that they are setting an example for other developing nations to do things correctly for the environment rather than quickly.
Valhalla, NY (Vocus) November 17, 2010
EnviroCitizen.org, the internet’s largest eco-friendly superstore, wants you to give and receive green, eco-friendly Holiday cheer this year. Their product offerings span the gamut from solar and other alternative energy items, personal products for the entire family, thousands of household items, lawn and garden supplies, pond supplies, eco-friendly bags, gift wrap, appliances, furniture, baby care, camping and RV supplies, educational kits and projects and much, much more. All of the items at EnviroCitizen.org are absolutely green and environmentally friendly.
The eco-friendly elves at EnviroCitizen.org have been very busy putting together their selection of thousands of environmentally friendly Holiday gift ideas. So, whether you need to stuff a stocking or give a gift, EnviroCitizen.org needs to be on your list this Holiday Season. So, pull up a keyboard and get ready to be wowed by a truly eco-friendly Holiday shopping experience.
Here is just a sampling of the great eco-friendly gift ideas from EnviroCitizen.org arranged in 10 different idea categories:
1. Eco-friendly Educational Kits
The best way to preserve the environment in the future is by educating our children about the importance of protecting the environment. Help them understand the importance of alternative energies with these awesome, easy to build-and-use educational kits. Your children will have fun while challenging themselves like never before. Here are just two great ideas:
- Fuel Cell X7 Hydrogen Powered Car Kit – This kit is a great introduction to fuel cell technology! Discover energy conversion and how electrolysis of water can be used to store electricity. It is also a great visual demonstration of the molar ratios of hydrogen and oxygen in water!
- Thames & Kosmos Solar Fuel Cell Car Experiment Kit – A Car that Runs off of Water! This kit is a great way of demonstrating energy conversion, and how electrolysis of water can be used to store solar power. Electrolysis is also a great visual demonstration of the molar ratios of hydrogen and oxygen in water
2. Eco-friendly Gifts for the Kids
What child doesn’t like a good toy and what child doesn’t like a good surprise. Well get ready to show your children a toy that is probably unlike anything they have ever seen! Try a solar powered toy! Consider these two kid-friendly ideas:
- Mini Solar Robot Kit – Solar Sonic F1 Racer Kit – These super solar F1 race car kits are the coolest way to teach kids about solar energy. Easy to build with only 8 plastic parts, building these solar kits brings self-confidence and educates at the same time!
- Mini Solar Robot Kit – Happy Hopping Frog – A great and challenging solar educational kit! The Happy Hopping Frog keeps hopping along as long as there is sun.
3. Eco-friendly gifts for Baby
We are always concerned with a baby’s safety and health. Some toys out there have compromised quality and fall apart easily making them dangerous. There have also been many recalls with lead toys and lead colorings in toys. Stop your worrying now and make sure your child is playing with safe, high quality organic toys! Here are a few ideas to consider:
- Organic Toys – Teething Bear – These organic knit teethers are safe and natural. The organic knit material is durable and massages your child’s gums as they chew. They are made with certified organic and natural cotton
- Organic Toys – Chicken Rattle – These little chicken rattles are the cutest out there! Your child will love to shake them around and you will love that they are safe and natural! They are made out of soft organic and natural cotton.
- Weleda – Baby Starter Kit -The Weleda Baby Starter Kit has everything you need to keep your baby clean, protected, soft, nurtured and happy from head to toe. It’s a carefully formulated selection of calendula products ideal for the care of the delicate skin of your baby, child and your own sensitive adult skin.
4. Eco-friendly gifts for your Pets
Treat your pets like kings and queens this holiday season with the ultimate eco-friendly pet spa products. Here are a few of EnviroCitizen.org’s favorite ideas:
- Happy Tails Spa – Flea The Scene (7.6oz) – All natural Flea the Scene is a 3-in-1 spray that will take the sting out of flea season while soothing and protecting your canine companion.
- Happy Tails Spa – Healthy Skin Shiny Coat (1oz) – Healthy Skin Shiny Coat is an all natural detoxifier that works with your dog’s liver, kidneys and lymphatic system to eliminate toxins from the system.
- Happy Tails Spa – Bubbles ‘n Beads (9oz) – All natural shampoo contains exclusive micro-beads packed with conditioning vitamins. They penetrate the coat, burst against the skin, delivering their nutrients right where they’re needed; at the follicle. The result is a healthier, shinier more lustrous coat.
5. Eco-friendly personal care products for Him
All-natural never looked so good. The ultimate all natural personal care products for men will have him looking exceptional this holiday season. Here are a just a few terrific ideas:
- Burt’s Bees – Men’s Natural Grooming – Wake him up with a naturally clean refreshing scent. This collection of men’s grooming necessities is the perfect gift for guys on the go–and even comes with its own travel bag, so they can take it with them.
- Burt’s Bees – Natural Skin Care for Men Aftershave – This all-natural lotion calms, moisturizes and shields dry, rough skin. It contains a mix of sunflower and coconut oils to moisturize, while aloe and vitamin E soothe, for skin that looks and feels its natural best.
- Burt’s Bees – Natural Skin Care for Men Bar Soap – Get an intense clean with this energizing and purifying soap that washes away dirt and odor, leaving your skin refreshed. Lemon, Orange and Petitgrain oils cleanse skin while Rosemary extract and Fir oil revive and invigorate for skin that looks, feels and smells its natural best.
- Burt’s Bees – Natural Skin Care for Men Travel Kit – Look and feel your natural best wherever you go with skin care formulas sized for travel. Take them with you to cleanse, moisturize, shave and invigorate your skin with natural botanicals including Sunflower, Coconut, Cyprus and Fir oils, Aloe and Vitamin E.
6. Eco-Friendly Bags
She’ll love the trendy styling of the many eco-friendly bags in EnviroCitizen.org’s vast selection. Here are a few great ideas:
- Alchemy Goods – Ad Bag (Red) – Alchemy Goods took these ad banners that would have been discarded and used them to make the perfect gym bag or gear tote!
- Blue Q – Free Hugs Coin Purse – This Free Hugs Coin Purse is made with 95% recycled post consumer material.
- Alchemy Goods – Ad Bag (Sky Blue) – Constructed from super strong recycled vinyl mesh, the Alchemy Goods Ad Bag is both strong and light. The material was printed on and then lashed to the sides of buildings all over Seattle to promote various products.
7. Eco-friendly gifts for the Gardener in the family
Gardening is the great American pastime. The Gardener in your life loves the great outdoors and loves the environment. Be sure to give the gift of green to your Green Thumb this Holiday Season. Here are some great ideas from amongst the vast Lawn and Garden category at EnviroCitizen.org:
- Juliana Basic 300 Greenhouse – This is one of the best and ideal greenhouse products for the first time buyer or the buyer with limited space.
- Sunmar Garden Composter – The Summer Garden Composter is excellent for composting kitchen scraps and a few cut up garden trimmings.
- EZ Leaf Hauler – Works like a giant dustpan for leaves and grass! The EZ Leaf Hauler is designed specifically to make moving large piles of leaves easier.
8. Eco-friendly gifts Under $30
EnviroCitizen.org has thousands of affordable, eco-friendly gift ideas for you. Here are just a few:
- BodyCoffee TravelSpa Travel Kit – Get the BodyCoffee experience wherever you go with the BodyCoffee TravelSpa Travel Kit. Travel takes a toll on your skin and jet lag can make your spirits sag. Revitalize your world weary self with coffee based body care, packed to tote anywhere in the BodyCoffee signature spa kit.
- Portable Solar Charger – This portable solar charger is ideal for cell phones, iPods, mp3 and mp4 players, cameras and other small portable devices.
- Jet Airline Carbon Offset 10,000 Miles of Travel – This carbon offset is a great for the traveler who is worried about their carbon footprint!
9. Eco-friendly gifts Under $50
Affordable, yet elegant gift ideas. Here are even more eco-friendly gift ideas that won’t damage your Holiday budget:
- Thames & Kosmos Wind Power Renewable Energy Science Kit – The newest kit from Thames and Kosmos, the Wind Power Renewable Energy Science Kit, is a great way to learn all about wind energy, one of the most promising sources of energy today.
- Special Event Carbon Offset for 125 People (Great for a massive New Years Eve gala!) – This special event Carbon Offset is a great gift for someone throwing a holiday gala.
- Atmosphere Vase – Decorate your home with a color-changing vase to create a unique and soothing atmosphere.
10. Eco-friendly Holiday Gift Wrap
A new way to wrap gifts in large reusable fabric bags. The children will think Santa brought the gifts himself!
- Lucky Crow – Cherries Gift Wrap – Instead of plastic or paper wraps, go for this stylish reusable fabric gift bag.
- Lucky Crow – Santa Gift Wrap – The Lucky Crow Santa Gift wrap is the perfect alternative to conventional wrapping paper.
- Lucky Crow – Sock Monkey Gift Wrap – Both versatile and stylish, this eco-friendly gift wrap is great alternative to the traditional holiday gift wrap.
EnviroCitizen.org hopes these eco-gift ideas are useful and wishes you all the peace and joy of the Holiday Season and thanks you for doing your part to tread ever so lightly on our precious environment.
About EnviroCitizen.org
EnviroCitizen.org is one the richest resources on the web for those choosing a greener, more eco-friendly lifestyle. The site boasts a vast selection of eco-friendly products and a strong sense of community in their well-trafficked forum. EnviroCitizen.org houses tremendous educational and informational resources in their Education Center, including the largest articles library on the web, a top notch eco-glossary, over 400 web links, a green jobs section, and more. Their Consultant, Contractor, and Provider finder is populated with hundreds of thousands of providers for you to discover – from eco-consults to wind energy producers. EnviroCitizen.org’s innovative blog is also well worth a visit with its many fascinating posts from a number of well-respected authors in the environmental field. EnviroCitizen.org is one of the most robust, comprehensive sites on the web today for individuals who choose a green, eco-friendly lifestyle.
By Arto Torosoglu
During even the coldest winter seasons, vacations can still be environmentally friendly. Envirocitizen.org has found fantastic ways to identify these travel packages which are eco-friendly and educational experiences. Most people don’t associate too many vacations with the winter but the truth is there are tons of opportunities to get some rest and relaxation while preserving nature’s natural resources. If we consider a green winter travel package for vacation, it is certainly a sustainable, green travel choice. The winter package offers lively and astounding tourist destinations where one can go winter skiing, fishing, dog sledding, white water rafting or even kayaking.
Here are some of the steps you need to consider when trying to find a green winter travel package:
First, do some research with specific keywords such as ecotourism and make sure hotels have strict policies on what exactly makes them an ecotourism destination. If that doesn’t work, try finding independent lodge companies where you can rent different types of lodges but focus on whether or not they have a sustainable design.
Second, make plans based on what activities you and your party may be interested in. Try to find the ones that have some kind of ecological purpose such as hiking, walking trails, biking, touring in a dogsled water rafting, fishing, etc. Make sure you are chaperoned during these events because you need an expert to navigate around dangerous areas where ice may be thin or snow may collapse.
Finally, remember to make all transactions that would normally be with paper, paperless. Have items such as invoices or receipts sent to you buy email so you can avoid wasting paper on things you normally would dispose of immediately.
Here at Envirocitizen.org, we have realized that even someone who isn’t environmentally conscious can really enjoy one of these eco-tourist adventures. Although most people imagine vacations with white sandy beaches and Caribbean islands, a green winter travel destination is a fantastic alternative that provides new and great learning experiences. Definitely consider embarking on an eco-friendly winter adventure the next time you need a vacation.
By: Nick Pinsker
Environmental Vegetarianism is the practice of vegetarianism or veganism, based on the indications that animal production, particularly by intensive agriculture is environmentally unstable. The primary environmental concerns with animal products are pollution and the use of resources such as fossil fuels, water, and land to raise the animals. Vegetarians practice a ritual usually of eliminating meat from their diet, while occasionally allowing fish and poultry for necessary protein. While the more extreme Vegan takes on the practice of eating nothing that is or comes from an animal or any animal product. The use of large industrial monoculture that is common in industrialized agriculture, typically for feed crops such as corn and soy is more damaging to ecosystems than more sustainable farming methods such as organic farming, permaculture, arable, pastoral, and rain-fed agriculture.
According to a 2006 United Nations initiative, the livestock industry is one of the largest contributors to environmental degradation worldwide. Modern practices for raising animals for food contributes on a “massive scale” to deforestation, air and water pollution, land degradation, loss of topsoil, climate change, the overuse of resources including oil and water, and loss of biodiversity. The program concluded that “the livestock sector emerges as one of the top two or three most significant contributors to the most serious environmental problems, at every scale from local to global.”In 2006 FAO estimated that the meat industry contributes 18% of all emissions of greenhouse gases. This figure was revised in 2009 by two World Bank scientists and estimated at 51% minimum. A 2010 report from United Nations Environment Program’s (UNEP) international panel of sustainable resource management suggests that a global shift towards a vegan diet is critical for mitigating global issues of hunger.
The environmental impacts of animal production vary with the method of production. A Grazing-based production can limit soil erosion and also allow farmers to control pest problems with fewer pesticides through rotating crops with grass. In arid areas, however, it may as well catalyze a desertification process. In a world that utilizes around 30 percent of its surface to raise livestock, it is important to recognize the effects grazing has on the soil. With relation to global warming the Carbon Dioxide is not the only greenhouse gas. Methane has about 21 times more Global Warming Potential (GWP) than Carbon Dioxide and Nitrous Oxide has 296 times the GWP of CO2. The livestock industry is a major contributor of these gases.
Environmental vegetarians call for a reduction of first world consumption of meat, especially in the US. According to the United Nations Population Fund “Each U.S. citizen consumes an average of 260 lbs. of meat per year”, the world’s highest rate. That is about 1.5 times the industrial world average, three times the East Asian average, and 40 times the average in Bangladesh.” In addition, “the ecological footprint of an average person in a high-income country is about six times bigger than that of someone in a low-income country and many more times bigger than in the least-developed countries”.
A widely adopted vegetarian diet, in and of itself, may not be enough to make the US food system sustainable, unless greener agricultural practices, such as the adoption of renewable energy, are also put into practice. The support of alternative farming practices (e.g. well husbanded organic farming, permaculture, and rotational grazing) and the avoidance of certain plant commodities such as wheat, also have a beneficial impact on environmental health and sustainable agriculture, though this would have little effect on animal welfare and rights. However, environmental vegetarians do not ignore other environmental degradation, but seek to integrate green living into their daily and dietary lives, which does not exclude them from engaging in a range of other activities to protect, repair, sustain, or enhance the environment.
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