Archive for July, 2009

Challenging the music industry to be greener

Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009

The biggest craze in Hollywood these days is the “green” movement. But which musical artists are really helping out?

Jack Johnson rocks!

  1. Dave Matthews Band: offsets their CO2 emissions from their multi-city tours by funding tree plantings and wind turbine construction projects
  2. Sting: founded the Rainforest Foundation to protect rain forests and their indigenous people in 1989
  3. Kt Tunstall: ran her U.S. tour bus on biodiesel fuel and performed at eco-friendly “Golden Green” at the 2007 Golden Globeawards in Los Angeles
  4. Pearl Jam: donated $100,000 to nine organizations working on climate change, renewable energy and other green causes
  5. Jack Johnson: co-founded the Kokua Hawaii Foundation, a nonprofit that supports environmental education in schools and communities of Hawaii

Also, check out the Green Music Alliance, an organization focused on reducing the carbon footprint of the music industry.

Love music that loves the environment.

Sammy, Blog Maven

An environmentally-friendly campus is a happy campus

Wednesday, July 15th, 2009
In Boulder, we pride ourselves on being eco-friendly. Being a student at the University of Colorado, I wanted to see if we, the students of CU, were really doing our part for the environment. It’s incredible how something so simple can go a long way. I was quite impressed by what I found:

  • Here’s their vision: CU will have a zero or positive net impact on the climate by the year 2025 by consistently reducing emissions, improving air quality and implementing sustainable habits and practices
  • $2.80/student/semester is dedicated to on-campus projects including renewable energy, energy efficiency, recycling and waste reduction
  • CU annually saves over 18,000 trees, 16.8 million BTUs in energy savings, 8 million gallons of water and over 1,600 tons of carbon emissions
  • CU focuses on the environmental literacy of their students, with the idea that the more informed they are, the more they will participate in the green movement

I am happy to say that I am a part of both an eco-friendly campus as well as an eco-friendly company.

Sammy, Blog Maven

Eco-fashion must-haves for the summer

Thursday, July 9th, 2009

Summer's here! Yessssss.

With mid-summer now approaching, I find myself searching for the perfect summer outfit. One to resist the scorching heat yet that maintains some flair. Check out these eco-friendly options:

1. I love summer dresses. Especially ones that are 100% organic cotton. Marchuska has created the best T-shirt dress for all occasions of summer. Throw over your bathing suit to hit the beach, or pair it with some heels to go out for a night on the town. Simple, organic and versatile. Definitely a must for this summer.

2. Who’s not into a necklace that yells fun, flirty and eco-friendly? Smart Glass Jewelry creates jewelry from recycled glass bottles. Their triple lariat is marvelous! With their many color options you’re guaranteed to find a necklace to fit perfectly into your lifestyle.

3. When it comes to shoes, I am all about wearing heels. But for those days when you’re on your feet all day, flats are ideal. Ballerina flats from Do-Ni are perfection. They are fair-trade, vegan and eco-friendly, not to mention Do-Ni donates all their profits to non-profit organization. Not only do these shoes rock, but they make you feel better about doing something for the environment and others.

4. In the heat of the summer, a good pair of sunglasses is a must. Jennifer Creel displayed her new sunglasses collection for Modo at Bergdorf Goodman last week. Made from bamboo and sold in wood packaging these sunglasses keep out the sun, look retro fabulous and promote eco-fashion. Not to mention that Jennifer is determined to plant a tree for every pair sold!

5. Being the newest member to the pit crew here at English Retreads I’ve recently received my very own English Retreads Large Beetle. This one has got to be a necessity. Made completely from recycled materials, it easily carries everything that I could possibly need. If this one’s not your style, make sure to check our all of our other models.

Sammy, Blog Maven

Showing love for my favorite hybrid car, the Prius

Wednesday, July 1st, 2009

While the RTD system may be quite remarkable here in Boulder, there are times when a car is necessary to get around. But why choose a gas-guzzling SUV when there are other more eco-friendly options? And things have just gotten better!

Insanely amazing.

Yes, I am indeed talking about the Toyota Prius. Even just from its solar powered ventilation system, the 2010 Toyota Prius seems to be the ultimate car.

Although it’s known for its insane gas mileage (for those of you who don’t know, it’s about 51mph/gallon!), I was still impressed by its many other features, such as the recycled plastics that are used on the interior parts of the car. Or the use of the engine, electric motor and battery. I am in awe of car companies that are doing their small part to lessen their environmental impact.

The interactive Prius website covers all of the details.