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Motivate Change Through Consumerism

The Benefits of Consumerism

The popular saying, “Money Talks,” is founded on the reality that consumerism fuels much of American culture and business. Unfortunately, this can create unsustainable materials and waste that pollutes our environment. While government-imposed taxes to hold businesses accountable are important, individuals also have a responsibility – we can’t let ourselves off with no blame.

Fortunately, accessibility to proper recycling programs across America is improving, though there’s still progress to be made. Through social communities like We Don’t Have Time and Remark, we’ve been given tools to publicly call out companies who engage in non-sustainable practices. It’s up to all of us – as consumers and citizens – to make sure our actions reflect what we want for our planet’s long-term health.

The Facilitator of Change

Influencers from all walks of life are speaking out about the importance of addressing climate change. Despite decades of discourse, our human actions have only led to an increase in environmental damage since the industrial revolution when oil was first discovered. Unfortunately, many products made from fossil fuels remain economically viable and difficult to phase out completely. Plastic is one such example; it’s used for packaging everyday items and only a minuscule amount can be recycled due to its rare nature or cost-efficiency reasons.

The facilitator making a call for formulating change in this situation could be policymakers, members of the public, scientists, and many more. Although government officials may have been aware of environmental degradation issues in the past three decades, very little has changed to address these issues. This can be attributed especially to economic interests linked with fossil fuel-based products: since their discovery back in the 1800s, they have provided energy sources as well as being used to create cosmetics and other items.

Proposals by governments for circular systems such as recycling have not had much success either; plastic is one popular example of this stagnancy as it is widely used for product packaging yet only a small part of them is recycled. This is why getting involved from multiple influencing entities is essential—to develop better policies that encourage eco-friendly outcomes on top of identifying long-term solutions to existing problems.

How can consumerism motivate change?

There are many ways that consumerism can motivate change. For one, when people are buying products that are environmentally friendly or that support social causes, they are sending a message to businesses that they care about these issues. This can prompt businesses to change their practices in order to meet consumer demand. Additionally, when people are knowledgeable about the impacts of their consumption, they can be more selective in their purchasing choices and support businesses that align with their values. Ultimately, consumerism can be a powerful force for positive change when it is done conscientiously.

July 23, 2021
Fast Fashion and the Future of Our Planet

Clothing is something every one of us owns, what we wear relies heavily on what is in season. Trends show that people tend to wear heavy fabrics, warmer clothes in winter, and colder climates. In summer and warmer climates, trends show people to wear lightweight fabrics to help to keep their body temperatures low.

In the beginning, clothing changed when the seasons changed; summer, winter, fall, and spring fashion lines would change. In this time people would update their wardrobes four times a year. Most of the clothing then was still worn for a while before being discarded or donated.

To keep pace with changing trends and new styles in fast fashion, clothing is being mass-produced. Increased production exacts an environmental cost, furthermore, the production processes release chemicals and inorganic fibers that end up in our world’s oceans. Environmental awareness is increasing, more and more people are actively playing their part in saving the environment and choosing sustainable solutions.

What is fast fashion?

Fast fashion is an inexpensive way to mass-produce clothing that keeps up with constantly changing fashion trends. Fast fashion concerns the design, manufacture, and marketing of clothes. Fast fashion, in other words, gives rise to two massive clothing problems; mass-production is unsustainable in part due to raw materials that contribute to agricultural waste and dyes that pollute the water; secondly, with the increased production of clothing, there is increased waste which typically ends up in incinerators and landfills.

Because ignoring a problem does not make it go away, global warming is real and the effects of climate change are not going to disappear even with valiant effort for change. The damage that is done is done; it does not have to continue though, we can do better now and create positive changes for future generations.

Cotton is a water-intensive crop

The journey of a finished piece of clothing starts not at the factory but in an agricultural field. Cotton is a water-intensive crop; it takes 5283 gallons of water to yield 2.2 lbs which equate to net-shit. In addition, the pesticides and fertilizers needed to control the crops, contribute to water pollution and soil degradation. Cotton fibers can be prepared into a wide-ranging variety of fabrics, suitable for apparel, home furnishings, and industrial industries.

Toxic dyes harm marine life and destroy our ecosystem

According to Reports and Data, the textile dyes market is aggregated to grow to 10.13 billion by 2026. There are toxins released into the groundwater from the dying process. Some innovative companies are looking for environmentally friendly dyes. One sustainable solution is to increase the utilization of fabric made from recycled clothing which is never redyed. When there is contamination groundwater, freshwater sources are also affected by the released toxins, harming aquatic life, and adding to the degradation of the marine life. A shocking 20 percent of the global wastewater is produced by the textile industry making it the second most water polluting industry.

Drought and the Fashion Industry

Fast fashion is creating a higher demand for cotton. The Pima Cotton Industry of California provides extra-long-staple cotton grown only in California and is used to make only premium quality clothes and bedding. Current drought conditions have farmers planting far less than normal crops, and some farms are not planting at all.

Today, drought is causing severe water rationing for farmers across the U.S. In areas like Oregon-California border water utilization was cut, delivery of water beginning two months later than usual and dispersing at significantly less. In West Texas, one area most devastated by drought, crops are irrigated from canals that pull from the Rio Grande River and Elephant Butte Reservoir to the north in New Mexico. The water-usage agreement provides regional agriculture – mostly Pima cotton, pecan orchards, and alfalfa fields – each growing season water allotment is based on available water levels. Currently, the water levels in the Rio Grande River and Elephant Butte are below normal, this can be contributed to long-term drought conditions throughout the river basins that feed them, the Elephant Butte Irrigation District has projected slim water allotments for farmers.

Photo by Maria Orlova on Pexels.com

The textile industry consumes a lot of water during the manufacturing and dying process, it is estimated that 200 tons of water are needed per ton of yarn. Mass-produced and frequently discarded clothing is becoming a huge contributor to the number of recyclable materials ending up in landfills, and depleting water resources.

Access to donation and clothing recycling bins is few and far between especially in underserved communities. Although recycled cotton can not alone be turned into a new t-shirt, synthetic fibers like nylon and polyester can be returned to their primary state and not lose quality. It is important to reuse, donate, recycle old clothing and other fabrics especially those made from polyester which was once plastic and before that fossil fuel. We all know plastic is a huge problem, and turning it into polyester does not fix the problem especially if the clothing ends up in landfills anyway.

New and innovative companies like Circ are working to make textile recycling more effective through innovative and disruptive technology that is breaking down typical stereotypes and turning blended fabrics back into near virgin equivalents.

Evrnu is turning your old threads into a new sustainable alternative fiber with ground breaking innovative technology that uses repolymerization changing the original fiber molecules into new high performing renewable fibers.

THE TIME IS NOW – MAKE THE CHOICE TO SUPPORT CLIMATE-FRIENDLY BUSINESSES.

July 16, 2021
Healthy Living 10 Tips to Healthier Happier Toxin Free Home
Learn How to Reduce Toxins in Your Home.

Toxins come from everything. Pollution from manufacturing plants and vehicles fills the air we breathe and our day-to-day home and health care products are filled with unknown ingredients including formaldehyde. Our clothing even contains toxins from dyes, antibacterial and odor resistant products. Avoid antibacterial and odor-fighting clothing containing nanosilver and triclosan.
1. Wash new clothes at least once before wearing
2. choose cleaning products made from plants not petroleum
3. Look for local wet cleaners or laundry service over dry cleaning
4. Avoid school products and clothing that claims to fight bacteria and order causing germs
5. Air out baby play and sleeping areas 6 months before due date
6. Don't use vinyl mattress and pillow covers
7. Use laundry detergents free for fragrances, perfumes and dyes
8. Try using castle soap or plant based laundry alternatives
9. Use Wool Balls or wet dryer sheets to fight wrinkles
10. Choose products without flame retardants
Taking time to understand what products we use in our day-to-day lives that have toxins in them and changing to safer, healthier, non-toxic choices allows our bodies to be healthier.
February 2, 2021
Are You Considering Cloth Diapers For Your Baby
Get The ScPoop on Cloth Diapers

Are you a new mom, stay at home mom or environmentally conscious mom?

Or maybe your little one has sensitive skin. whatever the reason you may want to try using cloth diapers, I am hoping this article will help you.

Being a single stay home environmentally & health conscious mom myself I wanted to be proactive and save money on diapering. After months of researching I finally found something affordable.

Cloth Diaper Pros and Cons

How Do I Choose?

There are so many choices when it comes to diapering your baby. What are the cloth diaper pros and cons? Disposable products are convenient yes, however they fill the landfills and take decades to degrade, not to mention the odor they create in your home even with the diaper genie.

Cotton options can be so messy though, right? Don’t they leak and get you all wet? What about safety pins and rubber pants? The cost of a cloth diaper service can be more expensive then disposable diapers.

When I had my second child I decided cloth options were to much of a hassle. Diaper Service was to expensive and living in an apartment I had no washer/dryer so cleaning them myself would get expensive and the odor undoubtedly would be horrific. However now we reside in a lovely little townhouse with w/d unit and laundering baby clothes is a breeze.

Did you know they have all-in-one organic cotton diaper options now?

Photo by Public Domain Pictures on Pexels.com

No more safety pins and rubber pants just a few snaps and your done! Organic cotton diapers run about $17 each, and sets can cost $80 for 3-pk!! So when I found these cloth diapers and after reading the reviews on Amazon mostly folks said the diapers leak, I went ahead with my purchase because the price was just so good. You can buy the old-school pre-folded organic cotton diapers at Walmart and Target.

It has been three weeks now and I am loving these diapers. Yes I had some experience with leaks when we first started but it was only pee and I had to learn what snap closure was the right fit for my baby.

The Benefits of Using Cotton
- No more poop up his back!
- Absorbent and eco-friendly
- More frequent changes means baby less likely to get diaper rash
- Save money on diapers
With disposable options there were always leaks or blowouts, however since we started using cloth the poop stays in the diaper! Typically a cloth diaper can be worn 2-3 hours depending on how frequently your little one pees and poops. I find that a one month old uses 7-9 a day. That’s about 270 a month, a case cost about $25 so we are talking about $50/mo in diapers and that cost goes up as your baby gets bigger and needs more frequent diaper changes. Funny how as your baby grows the cost of diapers per case remains the same but the number of diapers you get decreases.

NOT TO MENTION THE EFFECT ON THE ENVIRONMENT

Photo by Tom Fisk on Pexels.com

New organic clothing diapering options are adjustable and grow with your baby, many will fit infant 4lbs-33lbs! A pack of seven cloth products cost the same as one months worth of disposable diapers and will save will reduce diapers in the landfill by 210 disposable diapers a month.

Disclaimer: We do use Earth’s Best or Honest brand disposable diapers at bedtime so diaper changes don’t need to be so frequent when you are half asleep.

The Honest Company offers a complete line of Organic Skin Care and Diaper Products.

As a single mother ordering products for my baby online is a lifesaver! Everything from diapers to lotions and bath products I never have to worry about toxic chemicals adversely affecting child’s skin, or causing any unwanted health concerns.

The Honest Company uses all organic products free or artificial ingredients that can be harmful to your child’s health. Better for your baby and better for the environment.
August 10, 2018
How Does Sugar Relate to Anger in Adults and Children?

All children exhibit signs of hyperactivity at times and this is common they are energetic, fun, and curious all normal in their development. Sitting still is also very hard to accomplish for toddlers, even as adults we often have trouble sitting for extended periods of time, especially if we feel bored or tired.

Your Anxiety Loves Sugar. Eat These 3 Things Instead
Jun 23, 2020 … Noom helps you adopt healthy habits so you can lose weight and keep it off. Your program is customized to your goals and fitness needs. Just …

Avoiding products with processed sugar, such as sodas and candy is a good start but did you know even products like organic chocolate milk contain high amounts of sugar which lead to behavioral problems. Yes, even good sugar in excess is bad for our children. In addition, many companies still use artificial flavors and colors in our foods these are unhealthy and can lead over time to health concerns.

Is Your Child Displaying Angry Behaviors? This Is What You Need to …
Nov 2, 2017 … “Research suggests that children are more sugar sensitive than adults, and the effects are more pronounced in younger children, according to Dr.

Please be mindful of what you give your child to eat and drink, creating good nutrition habits needs to begin at a young age and continue throughout the school years. If you focus on feeding your children better you will inevitably begin to eat healthier yourself as the foods you keep in your home will be foods you want your children to eat.

Keeping products like sweets, chips, soda, and candy off the shopping list and out of the home means when you do decide to have a treat it will truly be a treat and not something regularly kept in your home.

Why is My Toddler So Angry and Aggressive? – Because I Said So …
Jul 1, 2019 … To be clear, eliminating sugar or reducing your toddler’s refined sugar intake will not “solve” their anger issues. In most cases, anger and …

May 23, 2018
My Journey From Normal To Organic Only
My Journey Begins

I started my journey to live an organic lifestyle in 2013 when my son was born. It was his life and health and my newly acquired knowledge about genetically modified foods that accompanied with my belief since early childhood that medication should be limited to actual need. You see even as a child when my mother would give me Congespirin to mask my cold symptoms I would pretend to take it and then dispose of the pills in the trash. Mom always thought I stayed sick longer then my older sister, however I do not believe that to be the case. Because I have refused medication and allowed my body to build up natural immunity I have not suffered from a common cold since I was a child.

During my first pregnancy twenty years ago I suffered from the flu three time during that pregnancy. You see my diet was not great I lived off Mountain dew and processed foods like McDonalds and Wendy’s and store bought premade frozen dishes and starters. Although I was healthy in all respects my body was not able to fight off the virus and give the baby everything he needed. I did not understand this at the time I only knew the baby was taking everything and I wasn’t able to stay healthy. Always sick and miserable. My eldest son I placed in open-adoption and we have maintained a solid relationship to this day. He suffered from many illnesses during childhood.

Now when I had my second child in 2013 I still suffered from illness and caught the flu at least once during my pregnancy. And while yes I was healthier I still had been eating fast foods from taquerias and local eateries like In-and Out Burgers. My second son, is very healthy overall, it wasn’t until he started preschool that he seemed to be sick everyday. Now that he is nearly eight his immune system stronger he still is the one who gets sick fastest in the family.

Now my last pregnancy, this child born from a body nourished of only organic foods for a solid five years, healthier and stronger then ever I did not get the flu during this pregnancy. I was able to work throughout my entire pregnancy for the first time ever. This son was born in 2018 he encountered kids in his brothers kindergarten class who touched him all over everyday and yet he stayed healthy. He has been sick only two times in his life and the last being a week ago after a trip to the playground when both my children woke in the wee hours of the morning hurling.

Being a holistic mom I do not administer medication to my kids instead they both got hot showers/baths and a cup/glass of water with raw apple cider vinegar and blue agave. Five hours later both boys are feeling 100% better no more tummy aches, no more fever.

Food Is Medicine Is No Myth

I tell you all this to help you understand that I am here to help people realize that it is more important to invest in a healthy body and that by eating more organic foods, non-processed foods, and non-gmo foods you can effectively boost your immune system. This change takes time, however depending where you live there are likely a large number of organic options available and as demand increases so does supply.

Some myths about organic foods.
- organic food taste different
- organic food taste bad
- there is no difference between organic foods and non organic foods
Genetically modified foods contain biotoxins meant to control the insect population. read more. I don’t know about you however to me the word toxin means poison and if it is meant to kill insects who eat it then what effect will that toxin have on the human body over the long term? Studies are weighed in both directions to the benefits and possible, or likely side effects. In my experience the FDA approves harmful products and medications as routine. We hear commercials everyday for new and existing medications which are meant to cure or improve the symptoms of one illness and in return most of them there have a long list of side effects; often one of those side effects is death. However the benefits outweigh the negatives and the number of people who will die is minimal so it is acceptable. So I am no conspiracy theorist I just like to know what is in my foods and so I choose to avoid the unknown and buy only organic and non-gmo certified foods.

What Is In The Air we Breath

We cannot control our exposure to toxins outside the home in air pollution from car exhaust, construction and such. However we can control our exposure in the home by reducing and removing toxic chemicals, switching from harsh chemicals like bleach to a safer alternatives like vinegar. Plant-based alternatives can be highly effective and many known brands now offer eco solutions like tide. Lust like toxic people, toxins in the air effect your over all well being.

Are there really toxins in my clothing?

chemicals-in-textiles Download

Yes even organic cotton clothing that has been died or printed on has been exposed to toxic chemical from the dyes and ink used. For this reason it is important to wash all new clothing before wearing it. Buying organic cotton products helps farmers and the environment. Not only should we be concerned about our clothing but also women’s sanitary products which made from non-organic cotton maybe leaking toxins into your body at your most vulnerable time. Switching to organic pads better, safer and healthier for you or organic period panties which are also sustainable and reduce the amount on non-biodegradable materials that end up in our landfills.

Speaking of landfills did you know most clothing items we throw away can be recycled into new products?

SMARTInfographTextileRecycling Download
February 4, 2018
90 Day Organic Conversion Challenge

Organic Conversion Challenge

Challenge Yourself for 3 months to eat only Organic and Non-GMO Foods.

Keep a Journal and log what you eat and how you feel daily.

Have you considered trying to eat more organic foods, but failed? Would it be helpful to have others supporting you through your struggles?

Well, you have come to the right place. Today is the first day of the rest of your life! I promise you after you complete this challenge you will feel happier and healthier. We want you to participate not only in the challenge but also join us on Facebook and share your story, ask questions, give feedback. We want to hear from you!!

Not convinced that converting to an organic lifestyle will automatically make you a healthier person?

We make choices every day to spend money on things we don’t really need, and then we are forced to spend money on things we need. I am sure there are things you can sacrifice for your health, right?

10 Essential Benefits of an Organic Lifestyle – Health Works Collective
Jun 20, 2019 … A huge part of living organically is only eating food from local, organic-friendly farms. That includes not only fruits and vegetables but meat, as …

For the next 90 days the challenge is to convert to an organic lifestyle and tell us your story.

Here is the first part of the challenge:
Think of five things that you spend money on regularly that you don’t really need. Here are my 5 tell me yours!
1. Starbucks (or some other coffee bar)
2. Movie nights at the theater
3. Eating out
4. Mani/Pedi
5. Cable TV

Part two:
Cut the above expenses and invest that extra money in your grocery shopping.

Part Three:
What challenges did you face?
How did you push yourself to stay on track?
Did you slip on any days and eat non-organic foods?
How do you feel now after eating real food, clean food for the past 90 days?

My first three months were a struggle, however, three years ago when I converted there were not nearly as many choices for organic foods and the prices were higher at that time as well. As awareness has grown and health consciousness no longer means just eating fruits and vegetables because now unfortunately most fruits and vegetables are loaded with toxic chemicals due to the overwhelming amounts of pesticides sprayed on them. However, today if it doesn’t have the USDA Organic label or the Non-GMO Project Verified stamp it’s not even a considerable choice. Remember NON-GMO only means no genetically modified organisms were used in manufacturing the seeds however heavy pesticide use may still be present as most conventional farming use some type of synthetic pesticide.

Soil contamination
aromatic hydrocarbons (such as naphthalene and benzo(a)pyrene), solvents, pesticides, lead, and other heavy metals. Contamination is correlated with the degree

After three years eat a 100% organic diet I feel better, my skin is healthier, I’ve lost weight naturally and I never feel sluggish after a meal.

Organic means pesticide-free yes obviously there are natural pesticides used to protect the food from bugs however these are derived from organic materials.

You may notice organic is now more abundant in most grocery stores and the trend will continue to grow as more people choose an organic lifestyle!

Environmental impact of pesticides
The impact of pesticides consists of the effects of pesticides on non-target species. Pesticides are chemical preparations used to kill fungal or animal

February 14, 2017
How to Create A Healthy Lifestyle From Home Care to Self Care.

Non-Toxic Cleaning Solutions

How Can I Keep My Home Safe and Clean?

Non-Toxic Cleaning Solutions

Three years ago I decided to find a company that provided non-toxic solutions for the home. At the time only a few companies were in this market.

When it comes to a home with children I was first drawn to the Honest Company, their product line appealed to me as a first-time earth-conscious mother. They have everything diapers, wipes, skincare, laundry detergent and it’s all organic. The price is a little high but if spending a few more cents on organic diapers means they are made from sustainable materials and better for the environment in the long run it’s worth it. Other companies offering similar lines are Seventh Generation and Babyganics.

17 Best Natural House Cleaning Products 2021 | The Strategist …
14 Feb 2020 … The Best Natural Cleaning Products, According to Experts. By Liza … It’s both water-based and nontoxic, and it’s safe for children, pets, and the …

While many options on the market are promoted as natural and safe, some of which product lines include health foods, supplements, vitamins, cleaning supplies, beauty supplies, and hygiene. They may contain harmful ingredients.

Search Products that Meet the Safer Choice Standard | Safer Choice …
A downloadable spreadsheet of Safer Choice-certified products list is also … Focus Safe 2 Clean II, American Cleaning Solutions, Business, All-Purpose …

I wanted to find products that are so safe I can give my toddler a spray bottle and towel and let him clean the floors and walls which he actually loves! We currently use Babyganics wipes and Meyers Cleaning Solution.

January 30, 2017
This year we will achieve more!

I know I have been absent for some time now. I have had many trials and tribulations to contend with over the past few years. However I have not stopped working to bring you knowledge and resources. My ability to keep you updated with new information was temporarily suspended. However this year I will not allow for time to be an issue, I have overcome my hindering hardships and will be back on track this year. You my readers are important to me and to the cause. I intend to be here to provide you with information just as previously promised.

January 1, 2017
Locating Organic Restaurants and Fast Food in the Bay Area

When we get the opportunity we enjoy going out to eat around the bay area. So this page will be dedicated to bringing you our restaurant reviews of local Organic restaurants. Please feel free to leave your own reviews or comments as well we love to hear from our readers!!
Bon a petite!!

Eating Out in the Bay Area

The Organic Coup

Leave it to San Francisco to come up with the first organic fast food chain! Organic Coup features a small menu of organic chicken sandwiches and salads. Now expanding to Portland’s and Seattle I think I heard in the news recently. I’ve eaten there twice and I love the chicken sandwich it’s unique in its own way topped with coleslaw served on a bun it is a tasty treat in the middle of my work shift. The chickens fried but it’s not greasy and it’s not dry. So if you’re walking by and you see Organic Coup stop in and give it a try. America’s first Organic Fast Food!

THE PLANT CAFE

A TRULY ORGANIC ESTABLISHMENT Wow what a wonderful establishment. The Plant offers a 100% organic experience. Even there sodas are Organic Blue Sky! A truly organic establishment all items are organic no exceptions. they offer pizza, sandwiches, pre-made salads, and the location on the Embarcadero offers a café featuring organic coffee. We dined at the location in Burlingame and the roasted chicken and avocado sandwich. So tasty! fairly priced at $12 and served with a side salad.

Tigelleria Ristorante

WOW!! Absolutely Amazing experience!! 100% Organic menu, organic beverage (except the alcohol) This is a Fine Dining Restaurant and the food was delectable. I think even Chef Ramsey would be impressed!! My filet minion was cook to perfection! You must dine at Tigelleria Ristorante

We dined here again for my birthday this past October 2016. I invited my extended family and two closest friends. Everyone was please. the ravioli is handmade and delicately prepared. And even thought the teenagers and preteens at the table were unsure about their choices at first once served they were please and not a single person failed to clean their plate. This spot is a fine dining hole in the wall. Always packed I strongly suggest reservations!!

Fraiche Artisanal Organic Yogurts

A bit of a disappointment, sadly this establishment only had 3 organic yogurt options and none of their toppings were organic and no organic beverage selections either. The yogurt was good, but it’s hard to mess that up. Biggest let down was we had to eat it plain as there were no organic toppings NOT EVEN THE FRUIT! Very Sad experience.

January 1, 2017