Paint the town green

The good folks at Common Ground give high marks to LoVo paint, a nontoxic, low-VOC alternative with a beautiful color selection. LoVo might not get a pass from every canary, but it’s always good to see people making smarter choices about office and household products.

When our building manager informed us it was time to freshen up the lobby of the Common Ground office, we lobbied him for the chance to put our principles into practice. We headed down to G&R Paint Company on Sutter Street in San Francisco, to talk to owner/colorist Philip Reno about eco-friendly paint options (philipsperfectcolors.com) and left with four gallons of C2 LoVo paint (c2color.com). Our building manager loved the nontoxic, low-VOC paint’s rich color and smooth and even finish, and we all loved that the paint was virtually odorless (sparing us all the cloud of stinky, toxic fumes, thank you very much). Now we’ve got a dazzlingly white lobby and a new favorite paint! Oh how we love happy endings.

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Link to LoVo Paints

Happy New Year, Canaries!

Here is my New Year’s Wish for you, Dear Canaries:

May good befall all.
May there be peace for all.
May all be fit for perfection and
May all experience that which is auspicious.
May all be happy. May all be healthy.
May all experience what is good and let no one suffer.

May all be well and safe, always.

Aloha,

Susie

This video is a sanskrit Hymn with message about peace and prosperity for all.

आपकॊ नव वर्ष २००९ की हार्दिक शुभकामनायें। भगवान आपके अनुकूल आपकी सभी मानॊकामनायें पूरी करे।

I wish you a very peaceful, prosperous and happy new year 2009. May GOD fulfill all your wishes that are good for you.

Lyrics:
Sarveshaam Svastir Bhavatu
Sarveshaam Shaantir Bhavatu
Sarveshaam Purnam Bhavatu
Sarveshaam Mangalam Bhavatu

Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah
Sarve Santu Niramayaah
Sarve Bhardrani Pashyantu
Maa Kadhchit Duhkhabhahg Bhavet

Meaning:
May good befall all,
May there be peace for all,
May all be fit for perfection, and
May all experience that which is auspicious.
May all be happy. May all be healthy.
May all experience what is good and let no one suffer.

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A shot of fresh air: A walk on Ilkley Moor

Here’s a pair of lovely blokes taking a walk on the moors. Enjoy the Breath of Fresh Air! (We need it after the last post!)

Breath of Fresh Air is a series of short films to appear on the Calendar News programme on ITV1. This is weatherman Jon Mitchell’s walk on Ilkely Moor.

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Happy Birthday, Ruth!

Get out your birthday hats and get ready to boogie– we have another Canary Birthday today!!

Today is Ruth’s Birthday! For those of you new to The Canary Report today: Ruth is one of our regular comment contributors. Thanks, Ruth, for all you bring to our discussions!

Okay Ruth, here we go, all for you: *Puts on party hat* and then *Dance, dance, dance, twirl around, skip, jump, throw hat in air, catch, do another twirl, side step, sashay, scoot and dance, dance dance!!*

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RUTH! All the best in the world to you!! *Cuts cake, pours hot chocolate, and passes around to everybody!!*

xoxoxoxo

How to sew a sexy organic corset dress

Here’s the newest creation from Leslie!

This ‘corset dress’ is made with 100% organic cotton fabric with low impact dyes sourced locally from Spiritex for under $5! It’s made from end of the mill scraps - and I can say this project is not easy at all! lol - but is well worth the time. I made this project as a challenge to myself to see if I could possibly take very boring tan checkered pattern fabric and turn it into something sexy and fun - the style is inspired by the many drawings of woman’s clothing I did in the 80’s as a child. PS- You will want to add a zipper, side ties or some other open/close device on the sides if you don’t use stretch fabric.

xoxo- Leslie

The Oko Box, Leslie’s eco-boutique of hip, fun clothing

The Oko Box Blog, an eco-friendly interactive commentary on organic clothing, environment, pollution, health, organic food, fair trade and organic farming.

Find more of Leslie’s DIY videos at her YouTube channel Ecofashionista

How to sew an organic cotton jumpsuit

Here’s the ever-creative Leslie showing us how to sew an organic cotton jumpsuit. So cute!!

This is a simple pattern for a jumper mini skirt, with racer back style. It’s made in 100% organic cotton, low impact dye and was scrap fabric sold by Spiritex (a local organic cotton weaver). I was inspired to make this style by the re-surge of 80’s gear, the Ting Ting’s video, and my friend Bort who wears overalls.

xoxo Leslie

The Oko Box eco-boutique

The Oko Box Blog

Link

And more DIY 100% cotton sewing projects from Leslie at her YouTube channel Ecofashionista

A walk through England’s Savernake Forest

C’mon, let’s take a walk and get some fresh air!

A Sunday afternoon stroll through the magical Savernake Forest in the amazing county of Wiltshire, in England.

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Happy Holiday

Be well, dear flock!

Aloha Dear Canaries,

Whether or not you celebrate Christmas, I hope everyone in the flock gets everything they are wishing for, most especially health, happiness and prosperity now and throughout the coming year.

Take care, stay warm, and hang tough.

Aloha,

Susie xo

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Pesticide bans boost local economies

A letter to the editor in the Peterborough Examiner argues that regional pesticide bans give a big boost to the local economy.

The Ontario government’s new lawn pesticide ban - which should come into effect in early 2009 - will do much to protect human and environmental health. But it’s also becoming clear the legislation will be a boon to our economy-boosting business and creating green jobs.

Communities across Canada which already have pesticide restrictions have enjoyed a major expansion of their lawn care sector. For example, in the five years following a pesticide ban in Halifax the number of lawn care firms in the city grew from 118 to 180 -an increase of 53 per cent, according to Statistics Canada. The number of employees in the sector also grew. Stats Can also reports the number of landscaping and lawn care businesses in Toronto has grown each year since its ban.

Why does the non-toxic route help the economy? For one thing, it relies less on chemicals and more on workers -meaning it creates local employment. It also requires some specialized knowledge of plant and soil ecology which homeowners often lack -hence their increased reliance on organic professionals.

Ontario’s organic lawn care providers are booming. Barriebased Turf Logic Inc. will be doubling its business by next spring. Oshawa-based Environmental Factor has grown its business 10- fold over the last eight years.

It’s also the case that many organic lawn products (such as corn gluten meal, horticultural vinegar, compost, and beneficial nematodes) are produced right here in Ontario -which means more business for our manufacturers. (By contrast, many of the toxic lawn chemicals are made in the U. S. or Europe.)

Two questions often raised during discussions of market change are, “Will the transition happen smoothly and will the new services be affordable?” In this case, the answer to both is yes.

More than five million Ontarians live in municipalities which already require non-toxic lawn care, Peterborough among them. So the industry already has the know-how and products to provide pesticide-free services province-wide. As well, major retailers are now committed to the non-toxic approach, meaning do-it-yourselfers have everything they require.

What about costs to the consumer? A recent survey of Ontario lawn companies showed the price of pesticide-free services is competitive with traditional services and is sometimes exactly the same. (One company charges $159.88 to treat a 2,500 square foot property - whichever service the customer picks.) And as more firms go organic, prices will drop. Non-toxic lawn care not only produces beautiful properties -just look at the Stratford Festival lawns, the campus of Trent University, or the grounds of the Ontario legislature -but is also very cost-effective.

Scientists have long told us that pesticides are associated with cancer (such as non-Hodgkins lymphoma), neurological illness (such as Parkinson’s disease), and birth defects. Health authorities - including the Canadian Cancer Society, the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario, and the Ontario College of Family Physicians - have long supported cosmetic pesticide bans.

But now we know that, in addition to its health benefits, going pesticide-free also makes good economic sense.

GIDEON FORMAN Executive Director, Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment

Photo by sissi de kroon

How to sew sexy organic cotton lingerie

Leslie, our favorite MCS Pin-up Girl and now our favorite Bond Girl, shows us how to make another lingerie set for pennies. Okay, so everybody has fallen in love with Leslie by now, right?

This is part 4 in my organic cotton lingerie series! I am learning to sew by using cheap locally sourced scrap fabric - this organic cotton outfit was made for $3.50. The top is a strapless tube top that ties in the back - with pleated ruffles along the edges. The bottoms are a boy short style with drawstring tie at the waist and pleated ruffle on the bottom. Hope you like the video!

xoxo- Leslie

The Oko Box
The Oko Box Blog

Link to Leslie’s YouTube channel Ecofashionista

Organic Cotton Lingerie Part 3

Organic Cotton Lingerie Part 2

Organic Cotton Lingerie Part 1

Dryer sheet alternatives

We discussed the issue of dryer sheets awhile back when Missy suggested dryer balls as an alternative to dryer sheets.

Here’s an advice column at The Olympian today that suggests using Static Eliminator sheets, something that also might work for people with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity.

Just thought I’d bring up this topic once in awhile because scented dryer sheets are THE WORST THING IN THE WORLD to peeps with MCS. Am I right?

EarthTalk question: Which is better for our environment: dryer sheets in the dryer or liquid fabric softener in the wash? It seems they both have properties that aren’t green.

Answer: If you’re concerned about health and safety, you might want to stay away from conventional dryer sheets and liquid fabric softeners. While it might be nice to have clothes that feel soft, smell fresh and are free of static cling, both items contain chemicals toxic to people after sustained exposure.

According to the health and wellness Web site Sixwise.com, some of the most harmful ingredients in dryer sheets and liquid fabric softener include benzyl acetate (linked to pancreatic cancer), benzyl alcohol (an upper respiratory tract irritant), ethanol (linked to central nervous system disorders), limonene (a known carcinogen) and chloroform (a neurotoxin and carcinogen).

Because fabric softeners are designed to stay in your clothes for extended periods of time, the chemicals can seep out gradually and be inhaled or absorbed through the skin.

Liquid fabric softeners are slightly preferable to dryer sheets. The chemicals in dryer sheets get released into the air when they are heated up in the dryer and can pose a respiratory health risk inside and outside of the home.

For those who don’t want to give up soft and static-free clothes, National Geographic’s Green Guide recommends adding either a quarter cup of baking soda or a quarter cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle. Either one will soften clothes; the latter also addresses static cling. (Don’t mix either with bleach because chemical reactions could cause noxious fumes.)

If eliminating static cling is your top priority, dry natural-fiber clothes separately from synthetic materials. The combination of cotton and polyester often is the culprit behind static cling.

A few companies have heeded the ever-increasing call for greener, safer ways to soften clothes and reduce static cling. Seventh Generation’s Natural Lavender Scent Fabric Softener and Ecover’s Natural Fabric Soft ener are good choices that rely on vegetable products and natural essential oils instead of harsh chemicals to get the job done.

Maddocks’ Static Eliminator is a nontoxic, hypoallergenic reusable dryer sheet made out of a pro prietary, chemical-free polynylon. The Canadian company originally developed the material to rid mechanical systems of explosion-i nducing static electricity, but soon realized it could benefit consumers as well. One sheet is good for about 500 wash loads.

Don’t want to use the dryer at all? Leslie at The Oko Box Blog made a cute DIY clothes dryer rack out of bamboo yesterday, check it out!

Photo by Queen Roly

How to sew organic cotton camisole and shorties

So here’s the third in Leslie’s series on sewing your own organic cotton lingerie. Over at Leslie’s blog The Oko Box Blog, I commented on this video, about how fearless and gutsy she is, so true to her nontoxic fabric creed. She commented back:

“I would like to think I am making a few statements at once…
1. Buy only organic
2. learn creative skills
3. use what you have laying around
4. don’t buy into the marketing hype from big companies
5. don’t be a prude ….”

In Hawaii, we call people like Leslie “rascal.” Even though she has Multiple Chemical Sensitivity from severe chemical injury, along with a few other chronic health conditions, her spirit is strong and bright and she inspires all of us to push through our disability and PRODUCE. She does it all with warmth, smarts and a good dose of rascal.

About this most recent video, she says:

Here is part 3 of my organic lingerie series - learning to sew using locally sourced organic cotton scrap fabric that is dirt cheap, and turning it into something cool! This project is an easy camisole and shorty set with side ties, ribbons, and scrunch on the sides of the top.

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The Oko Box, Leslie’s hip, fun and practical nontoxic clothing boutique

The Oko Box Blog, an eco-friendly interactive commentary on organic clothing, environment, pollution, health, organic food, fair trade and organic farming. On today’s post, she’s put a fox on her undies (I told you she was a rascal).

How to sew an organic nightie

Here’s another video from Leslie, this one on sewing a darling organic cotton nightie. How cute is this?

This nightie was sewn from 100% undyed organic scrap fabric purchased for $1.75, and organic lace trim! The drawstring ties at the neckline are made from soy yarn, crocheted with a simple chain stitch. A really easy sewing project that makes a quick, comfy & sexy nightie to sleep in. xoxo- Leslie

The Oko Box

The Oko Box Blog

Link

How to make organic cotton lingerie

Leslie Richard, who is a regular commenter here on The Canary Report and the proprietor of The Oko Box, an online organic clothing boutique, just put out a great vid on making lingerie out of organic cotton.

I have been teaching myself to sew using mainly scraps of organic cotton fabric bought cheaply from a local fabric maker… so this undies/lingerie/bikini/lounge set only cost about $2 !!! Enjoy the process and the final product!

And leave links to your eco craft projects in the comments section!!! xoxo- Leslie www.

oko-organic-clothing.blogspot.com

www.theokobox.com

Link to vid on YouTube

Link to vid on One True Media (different music!)

By the way, I LOVE Leslie’s YouTube channel ecofashionista.

Where to find an organic Christmas tree

Having a holiday tree may be a problem for anyone with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity whether or not the tree is organic, especially if the person’s sensitivity is so exquisite as to include natural aromatics in addition to synthetic chemicals.

But if you can tolerate pines and really want a tree for the holidays, then an organic tree is surely the way to go. If you are wondering where you can find one, Green Promise has put together an extensive resource list for Organic Christmas Trees.

Green Promise scoured the Web to bring you this list of organic Christmas tree farms including low-spray and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Christmas trees. Farms that are certified organic or practice organic methods but are not yet certified appear in bold. All farms listed have been contacted by Green Promise and have provided information on their farming methods. Farms are sorted by state, then by city, then farm name. Call before heading out to check pricing and availability of organic Christmas tree stock. Most Christmas tree farms are open weekends starting the day after Thanksgiving and during the week by appointment. After the holidays, be sure your tree is properly recycled.

Full resource list at Green Promise.

Photo by Sierra Romeo.

Chemical-free, skin-friendly clothing

A new apparel company claims its “allergy-free, skin-friendly clothing” is perfect for people with sensitive skin. Cottonique offers a range of products made from 100% natural cotton “suitable for use by even the most sensitive of skin and allergy sufferers.”

I asked Leslie from The Oko Box to review the line. Leslie is one of The Canary Report’s regulars and pretty much an expert on natural, green fabrics. “Looks pretty awesome,” she says, “except I would like to ask why they don’t start their process with organic cotton, since a world without pesticides would be less allergic.”

I also asked Linda, another of our regular commenters, what she thought of the line. “I’m willing to try these because of the lack of other processes on top of the original cotton,” she says. “None of my older safe things were organic, so I don’t think the cotton itself was the problem, just processing factors.”

So in our search for safe fabrics, this company might be a possible win.

From a Cottonique press release:

People suffering with a skin allergy or chemical sensitivity have very limited clothing options. They are always on the hunt for hypoallergenic products that do not aggravate symptoms, which for some could even be life-threatening.

Cottonique set out to find a solution. Combining new technologies with scientific research, the manufacturers of Cottonique’s unique line of cotton garments have mastered production techniques which now enable them to produce quality, chemical-free apparel, without the use of irritants that are commonly found in most clothing brands. Cottonique now boasts a fine collection of finished products which are perfect for men, women, children and toddlers with sensitive skin.

“Comfortable allergy-free clothing is an essential design component for our products”, says Vice President of Marketing, Vinesh Genomal. “Ensuring the health and safety of our customers is our number one goal and driving force.”

Cottonique has taken the trouble to ensure that their products are in line with dermatology requirements and dermatologist recommended, thus giving any mother peace of mind when she is buying apparel for her toddler’s soft and sensitive skin. Their minimalist designs do not use any dyes in any products; their product line is dermatologist recommended for all people and is specifically targeted to be a clothing solution for people with mild to severe skin allergies. Included in the Cottonique line is apparel that is latex-free, spandex-free, lycra-free, and nylon-free.

Cottonique uses a unique fabric-knitting and finishing process that allows the cloth to retain the stretch and fit of commonly found apparel, without the danger of latex allergy, spandex allergy, or chemical sensitivity. All fabrics undergo a hydro-pressure purification process to produce pure cotton that is resin-free, formaldehyde-free, hypoallergenic, and chemical-free. Cottonique does not use any dye stuff in the manufacturing of their clothing and underwear. In the end, all products remain pH balanced, highly breathable, comfortable, functional, and safe for people with skin allergy and sensitive skin.

Link to Cottonique website.

Organic farming at Boggy Creek Farm

Organic farmer Larry Butler of Boggy Creek Farm in Austin, Texas, tells us about organic farming. He explains that an organic farm uses not only organic feritlizers, but also Integrated Pest Management. He points out that farms using chemical pesticides also still experience bug problems.

“Chemicals are not the panacea for farming,” he says. “Instead of chemical fertilizers and chemical herbicides and things like that, sometimes we’ll use vinegar for an herbicide, it’s just like Round-Up.”

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How to use the Skin Deep database

The Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database is a simple and easy way to check if your cosmetics are safe. Here’s a vid that explains how to use the site.

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Volvo going chemical-free with interiors

Interesting report in the Calgary Herald on Volvo making cars with chemical-free interiors. I am not sure this would pass the “canary test,” but it’s interesting to see the company using this point as a market niche. Leave it Volvo, often way ahead of the curve on safety issues.

…interior materials have improved in recent years, although some brands are still using more noxious chemicals in their car interiors than our bodies need to ingest. Volvo Car Corporation is planning to add environmentally friendly interior design to its long list of socially conscious attributes, with the inclusion of a standard seating fabric that poses zero risk to your health.

[...]

Volvo says that it tests all textiles in the passenger compartment, from the floor mats to the roof lining. The Swedish company even goes a step further by using certified materials in the trunks and cargo areas of its cars, while safety equipment like seatbelts are also certified.

“There is a list of more than 100 substances or emissions that are not to exceed a given level,” commented Andreas Andersson, responsible for passenger compartment development at Volvo Cars. “For instance, the materials used may not leak heavy metals. There are many people with various allergies today and over-sensitivity has increased drastically in recent years. Having a clean in-car environment is important. Personal health is important both to our customers and to us as a company.”

Another brilliant marketing move by Volvo, and more importantly a big win for those with allergies, or for that matter anyone who just wants the opportunity to drive their family around in a more chemical-free environment.

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Thanks, Linda!

Buy Nothing Day 2008

I’m feeling very happy to be working from home, and not buying anything from anywhere today.

Buy Nothing Day is an informal day of protest against consumerism observed by social activists. Typically celebrated the Friday after Thanksgiving in North America and the next day internationally, in 2008 the dates will be November 28 and 29 respectively. It was founded by Vancouver artist Ted Dave and subsequently promoted by the Canadian Adbusters magazine.

The first Buy Nothing Day was organized in Vancouver in September of 1992 “as a day for society to examine the issue of over-consumption.” In 1997, it was moved to the Friday after American Thanksgiving, which is one of the top 10 busiest shopping days in the United States. Outside of North America, Buy Nothing Day is celebrated on the following Saturday.

Despite controversies, Adbusters managed to advertise Buy Nothing Day on CNN, but many other major television networks declined to air their ads. Soon, campaigns started appearing in United States, the United Kingdom, Israel, Germany, New Zealand, Japan, the Netherlands, and Norway. Participation now includes more than 65 nations.

While critics of the day charge that Buy Nothing Day simply causes participants to buy the next day, Adbusters states that it “isn’t just about changing your habits for one day” but “about starting a lasting lifestyle commitment to consuming less and producing less waste.”

Source: Wikipedia

Theres only one way to avoid the collapse of this human experiment of ours on Planet Earth: we have to consume less.

It will take a massive mindshift. You can start the ball rolling by buying nothing on November 28th. Then celebrate Christmas differently this year, and make a New Years resolution to change your lifestyle in 2009.

Its now or never!

Source: http://www.adbusters.org/campaigns/bnd

For more information on Buy Nothing Day, visit the AdBusters site at: http://www.adbusters.org/campaigns/bnd

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