tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1137601844650917872024-03-13T19:30:25.091-04:00Wearing Smaller Flip FlopsJust an eco-friendly girl trying to make a difference in the World.Sara Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08634839814936449516noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-113760184465091787.post-90010633321714083302011-11-07T23:01:00.002-05:002011-11-07T23:10:51.660-05:00The Forgotton "R's": Part One<strong>Reduce.Reuse.Recycle.</strong> - we have all heard this message before. And though I hope most of you make a habit of recycling, the first two "R's" usually go ignored. So over the next month I'll be sharing ways we can all <strong>reduce </strong>the amount of things we need to <strong>recycle</strong> by <strong>reusing</strong>.<br />
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Part One: Shopping thrift, consignment, and vintage stores. Shopping for secondhand items limits your consumerism, which in turn lowers your impact on the environment by limiting the resources necessary to fulfill your style needs. And items sold at these stores usually go for much less than at a retail store, so you're saving the environment and some extra cash. If you are looking for unique pieces, especially items from a certain era - 50s through 80's are most abundant- then shopping vintage and thrift is the best approach. Other avenues for used items can be flea markets, antique stores, and estate or garage sales. And you can even try rummaging through your family's basement and/or attic for cool finds.<br />
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Some of my favorite treasures: <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidjABGbChmVkIfpFZ6xXd61ZcQR5VpfGQmPGUv_1Uqwgvz8p20ojUKLB0dMSoJTHyCD5o8Dj_JTjnyF6UJq7jc74KqnuWho-PrkWj39h9UAeQEZDEi1rKtFNiByZx6XIGKeuFKuDS_QLQ/s320/buffet.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">70's style buffet from a used furniture store ($99)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Ht5ychGFe9uPUo0Ab21KoEsg67rEiGmEEAQQTTXpAtsYMEC2KmoaGPY3pGYUl6BnINqAKJBmQiSaMhoLykCnlrqFekeH1AJuyKZ2g7NEJ0NSHelyKrPqlSdtOfIlKZjZaQeUkOolxe8/s1600/twister+mugs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Ht5ychGFe9uPUo0Ab21KoEsg67rEiGmEEAQQTTXpAtsYMEC2KmoaGPY3pGYUl6BnINqAKJBmQiSaMhoLykCnlrqFekeH1AJuyKZ2g7NEJ0NSHelyKrPqlSdtOfIlKZjZaQeUkOolxe8/s320/twister+mugs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mugs from a Salvation Army store ($4)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv868ps2ZZm8EGR1dlWwMpXSIjDrkldCScwyRHi7mO1FbqBttDout-F-S9DTMsARkEaxHCDxOzhjHrSq9EH6rEVcuNCqwrVnQfGx7PX5TJvy_T4kyYjdef8oJYnffM4zkUL5gKxcnninI/s1600/dresser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv868ps2ZZm8EGR1dlWwMpXSIjDrkldCScwyRHi7mO1FbqBttDout-F-S9DTMsARkEaxHCDxOzhjHrSq9EH6rEVcuNCqwrVnQfGx7PX5TJvy_T4kyYjdef8oJYnffM4zkUL5gKxcnninI/s320/dresser.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Mid-century modern dresser from a Salvation Army store ($30)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNK3coIEK_vtcb-qyUQ6aUCxYW5dWIVzPbGJOtknFK9xXLhqopPgXgAn-V08wrER871VBpzS9h8qHbOYQnu3uJnlIflEq2GIWKMHZTyYYzieBsLq-vmbwrmK7-_oQGF2yzByBXkJ18j_s/s1600/table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNK3coIEK_vtcb-qyUQ6aUCxYW5dWIVzPbGJOtknFK9xXLhqopPgXgAn-V08wrER871VBpzS9h8qHbOYQnu3uJnlIflEq2GIWKMHZTyYYzieBsLq-vmbwrmK7-_oQGF2yzByBXkJ18j_s/s320/table.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Table and chairs dining set from a local auction ($300)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Place mats from a vintage store ($5)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Japanese sake pitcher and glasses set from a family member (FREE)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Starfish, napkin holders, S&P shakers from a consignment shop ($25)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Sushi platters, chopstick sets, Japanese tea set from a garage sale ($10)</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6i8B0qE6WoMN8lNDWbJLS5D0M4b1FLn-LD8wohUCEdCYwhNeLfmVJhTvywAWHdD3g52yDr7zTb6J7Bhv9fQnp88fqfawYOrH8ufyLNYErmO-I89mnmnKEFRQcoXq3v48imUK871YeAL0/s1600/bbshelves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6i8B0qE6WoMN8lNDWbJLS5D0M4b1FLn-LD8wohUCEdCYwhNeLfmVJhTvywAWHdD3g52yDr7zTb6J7Bhv9fQnp88fqfawYOrH8ufyLNYErmO-I89mnmnKEFRQcoXq3v48imUK871YeAL0/s320/bbshelves.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Shelves from a "going out of business" Blockbuster store (FREE)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Faux fire place from the side of the road :) (FREE)</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnCMA4vNEQuFGiIOQmCdIQz8ip8PpZt4DAB2-FC8rJsgvsUek2EsbflbtMxVLEpNh6BvGImNEtob_iJFaruhqLFF7HEc_DN-SwDRJIEshyphenhyphenaoaym1pbmxioNKyJfyAcWXRYVAcZLsX2Pis/s1600/2011-11-07_22-09-24_223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnCMA4vNEQuFGiIOQmCdIQz8ip8PpZt4DAB2-FC8rJsgvsUek2EsbflbtMxVLEpNh6BvGImNEtob_iJFaruhqLFF7HEc_DN-SwDRJIEshyphenhyphenaoaym1pbmxioNKyJfyAcWXRYVAcZLsX2Pis/s320/2011-11-07_22-09-24_223.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Chess/checkers set from a thrift store ($6)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">And these are just a few examples of furniture and decorations I've scored. I have found countless articles of clothing and jewelry from shops and sales as well. From blazers and dresses, to scarves and even shoes, I have some amazing pieces in my wardrobe that I wear on a regular basis. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Shopping at these stores are definitely a fun, money-saving, and eco-friendly option.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Sara Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08634839814936449516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-113760184465091787.post-86378497081373165242011-10-19T11:13:00.001-04:002011-11-07T23:04:34.249-05:00Eco-Friendly Products: Part OneHoping to keep myself committed to blogging, the rest of this month I'll be devoting to my favorite green and organic products. I've done my fair share of research and testing on everything claiming to be eco-friendly <em>and</em> effective. From face wash to dish detergent, I hope to share my knowledge and maybe encourage some of you to switch brands for a healthier lifestyle and planet.<br />
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As a stylist, the most important products I use daily are hair products. Shampoos, conditioners and stylers are all absorbed into your hair, skin and body, so you should be careful about what ingredients they contain. Synthetic components such as petroleum, talc, parabens, <span style="font-family: inherit;">sulfates</span>, DEA (<span class="Normal-C"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Diethanolamine)</span></span>, TEA (<span class="Normal-C"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Triethanolmine), MEA (<span class="Normal-C">Monoethanolamine), Sodium Chloride, and SLS (Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate) are harmful ingredients; shown in studies to be irritants, possible carcinogens and linked to various diseases. And all of these ingredients can be found in most hair care products. Read your current product labels, it's a scary revelation! </span></span></span><br />
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So to avoid all these harmful silicones - which will coat your hair and damage it and possibly you- here are some of my favorite environmentally friendly, professional hair care lines:<br />
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<strong>UNITE</strong> - All color-safe products in this collection are free of parabens, sulfates, gluten, DEA and MEA, and all ingredients are 100% vegan. <a href="http://www.uniteeurotherapy.com/">http://www.uniteeurotherapy.com/</a><br />
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<strong>Eufora</strong> - Starting with a certified organic aloe vera base, this entire line is free of synthetic fragrances, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, and carcinogenic or suspected carcinogenic ingredients. <a href="http://www.eufora.net/">http://www.eufora.net/</a><br />
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<strong>Kevin.Murphy</strong> - Theses products are made from renewable and sustainable resources whenever possible, using pure essential oils, plant extracts and natural antioxidants; all are sulfate and paraben free. <a href="http://www.kevinmurphy.com.au/">http://www.kevinmurphy.com.au/</a><br />
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For all Eufora and UNITE products, please visit my salon - Evolve Salon, <a href="http://www.thesalonevolve.com/">http://www.thesalonevolve.com/</a>. <br />
And you can find the Kevin.Murphy line at Steele Salon, <a href="http://www.steelehairsalon.com/">http://www.steelehairsalon.com/</a>.Sara Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08634839814936449516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-113760184465091787.post-39996042086702271812011-10-16T23:12:00.000-04:002011-10-16T23:12:04.854-04:00Absence makes the heart grow fonder.Hello fellow bloggers! Please forgive me for not writing these past 3 months. My life is always crazy busy, and I find that sitting down to type out a post does not come easily to me. So starting tomorrow, I'm preparing a week long blogging event that will hopefully keep me on a regular posting schedule. Stay tuned for that...<br />
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On another note entirely, I wanted to share this great new website I discovered: <a href="http://www.vivaterra.com/">www.vivaterra.com</a>. Viva Terra translates to living earth, and that is exactly what this company supports. They feature designers and artisans who work to make a difference in the world. These products are crafted from sustainable materials, and in my opinion are a great value. Here's what I'm currently stalking for our house:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipINLrlvmjqGMHzXDVxiZxpyMFRN_1ptfk5etFQ9TxmYN0fFWupK1oCyXkq_Eikbm1NWtHOG3_1Nl6NMXNnX-icaY-vSkvkHm69dHIq2agZT9G6zRkm4nzR4XG0Ks3Vmlvz5Zu1-NxGms/s1600/african+basket2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipINLrlvmjqGMHzXDVxiZxpyMFRN_1ptfk5etFQ9TxmYN0fFWupK1oCyXkq_Eikbm1NWtHOG3_1Nl6NMXNnX-icaY-vSkvkHm69dHIq2agZT9G6zRkm4nzR4XG0Ks3Vmlvz5Zu1-NxGms/s320/african+basket2.jpg" width="287" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXzvV0g-btEhTKws1ghcnBFTC066cjHFsLRDAJxyJPyyajPPzXr1tq8-6JiBa10LEWfE7lHsRod7OWwP5cDU7KhtsvIMKVCd-xxKVTuQuNiX7rNHzbKdHxfHHSNb_Hc8COXddSx4Fys9s/s1600/african+basket1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXzvV0g-btEhTKws1ghcnBFTC066cjHFsLRDAJxyJPyyajPPzXr1tq8-6JiBa10LEWfE7lHsRod7OWwP5cDU7KhtsvIMKVCd-xxKVTuQuNiX7rNHzbKdHxfHHSNb_Hc8COXddSx4Fys9s/s320/african+basket1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Using a local grass, njodax, and plastic strips recycled from used prayer mats, women in Senegal, West Africa create these storage baskets and hampers. They merge modern materials with traditional weaving techniques that have been passed down from mother to daughter for generations. These functional works of art help support their families in poor rural communities. Stylish, eco-friendly <em>and<strong> </strong></em>globaly<em><strong> </strong></em>beneficial!Sara Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08634839814936449516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-113760184465091787.post-30751504611673076552011-06-20T14:44:00.000-04:002011-06-20T14:44:16.333-04:00My Super Cute Organic BlazerMy favorite fashion purchase recently has been my white blazer from H&M. It's perfect for looking professional at work and lightweight enough to wear on hot summer days. Plus, it doesn't wrinkle easily and is machine-washable. And best of all, it's organic!<br />
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It's made from Tenecel®, a registered trademark of the soft, lightweight Lyocell fabric. Lyocell is made from cellulose (vegetable matter) or wood pulp. In this case, the Tenecel® branded <span class="yellowFade">lyocell</span> is made from eucalyptus trees. This makes it a natural fabric, and is noted for its durability, strength, and eco-friendly manufacturing techniques.<br />
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Visit <a href="http://hm.com/">hm.com</a> for more information on the H&M Conscious clothing line and other ways they help make their fashion and company more sustainable.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdYhHEqh5d6H5v4n_C7B5YQsuPtZDdYBG2zeKfkgNMNqSRVuUqjSgGPA6yAG_Kaz84zVBJWbcs0qq_wAKeZivuu5PlW1WiWX3oIxJ7OYrMT0z4SLdeEGax545Tl5WO6-oo7sFMPwMh88/s1600/shot_1308337230744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdYhHEqh5d6H5v4n_C7B5YQsuPtZDdYBG2zeKfkgNMNqSRVuUqjSgGPA6yAG_Kaz84zVBJWbcs0qq_wAKeZivuu5PlW1WiWX3oIxJ7OYrMT0z4SLdeEGax545Tl5WO6-oo7sFMPwMh88/s320/shot_1308337230744.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fashionable + Earth Friendly = <span style="font-size: small;">♥</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Sara Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08634839814936449516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-113760184465091787.post-21900533612918379222011-06-16T15:16:00.000-04:002011-06-16T15:16:24.363-04:00The only animals I eat are crackers.Since I was 8 years old I've wanted to be a vegetarian. Unfortunately my parents would not allow it when I was younger, mostly because I was too young and already a picky eater. As I got older, I became more adventurous with my food and decided that I didn't want to give up meat just yet. I didn't want to give up my favorites- lobster and crab, fillet, hot dogs and of course BACON (who doesn't love bacon?!). But after some serious research, the reasons I've found for living a vegetarian lifestyle are too numerous to ignore.<br />
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My motivation for adopting this lifestyle comes from my love for animals and mother earth. Most animals killed on "factory farms" are neglected, tortured, kept in filthy conditions, and often slaughtered in painful ways - such as having their throats cut while fully conscious. And sea animals caught by the fishing industry are also subject to torture such as being impaled, crushed, suffocated or sliced open and gutted, all while they're fully conscious. I refuse to support such cruelty! And these modern practices of raising/catching animals for food contributes to air and water pollution, land degradation, climate change, and relatedly the clearing of rain forests, resource depletion, and species extinction. <br />
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Initially, I turned to products labeled "organic", "natural" and "free range" thinking it would be a more humane option to still consume meat and animal by-products. I was shocked to discover that even farms promoting these products cram thousands of animals together in fifthly enclosures to increase profits. Just like factory farms, the animals often suffer the same mutilations and unethical treatment.<br />
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I am now what you might call an ovo-lacto vegetarian: a person who does not eat animal flesh of any kind, but is willing to consume eggs and dairy products. "Willing" is the key word however in deciding to eat eggs and dairy. Preferably I would like to consume these by-products from places that have humane standards and practices, such as local, family operated farms.<br />
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So this is my way of trying to making a difference, "being the change I want to see...". With so many ethical and environmental reasons - not to mention the countless health benefits - I can't consider living any other lifestyle.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/ebTQXkMUqt0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<em>*This video is something I think everyone should see. Please watch </em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>with caution, it contains extremely disturbing and graphic images.</em></div>Sara Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08634839814936449516noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-113760184465091787.post-10578344870496798732011-06-11T02:09:00.020-04:002011-06-14T11:36:47.854-04:00Spread the Word.Love Some Birds<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQxcY7z-hx8aUIqnoHtPBxZ2Idkpn76asq2mDDUwM7aDGrReSw_88u6rrFSGXVG8gdC02OezTA2mr1AFEFuGyGrM-_cvanMdGf-xA25XDj4wcD2n0GjR1THJ2TE0RsmBMSG5aeVNVXohI/s1600/feathers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQxcY7z-hx8aUIqnoHtPBxZ2Idkpn76asq2mDDUwM7aDGrReSw_88u6rrFSGXVG8gdC02OezTA2mr1AFEFuGyGrM-_cvanMdGf-xA25XDj4wcD2n0GjR1THJ2TE0RsmBMSG5aeVNVXohI/s200/feathers.jpg" t8="true" width="199px" /></a></div>Feathers are a huge trend right now in the hair industry: I know many stylists that wear and sell feathers, I have put numerous feathers in my clients' hair, and presently I wear two feathers in my own hair. Because of my constant strive to stay eco-friendly in my life, I decided to do a little research about where these feathers come from and what<em> </em>I found was horrifying.<br />
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Many feathers sold for decoration - whether it be for fishing lures, crafts, or hair fashion - are not gathered kindly. They are taken from birds that are kept and slaughtered on large-scale animal farms, either before or after their deaths. It is a very cruel process and is painful for the birds. It also supports the cycle of commercial animal agriculture which goes against my vegetarian, earth-loving nature.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkDyqvSSzBqMVZj2YKn21ehOUq_gULhGOF_fC2aOpUPj1WvZ1-wmJrtH3KXOU2r3IChKuAYJXsyk6obzU6xVAMmPn1FFbTy6NOI6H9zbnApEJU4JI0dka57fKUSIXx0uZc2livqf0Dcr0/s1600/chicks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkDyqvSSzBqMVZj2YKn21ehOUq_gULhGOF_fC2aOpUPj1WvZ1-wmJrtH3KXOU2r3IChKuAYJXsyk6obzU6xVAMmPn1FFbTy6NOI6H9zbnApEJU4JI0dka57fKUSIXx0uZc2livqf0Dcr0/s320/chicks.jpg" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These chickies say NO to mass farming!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Fortunately there is some hope. Many crafters and wholesale feather companies are aware of the issues surrounding the use of feathers and have begun to sell and use feathers that fall off of birds during molting or preening. You can find these "cruelty-free" feathers everywhere from Ebay to Etsy. Check out these awesome websites for products and more info:<br />
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<a href="http://www.airhairextensions.com/">Air Feathers</a> <br />
<a href="http://reviews.ebay.com/Where-do-I-get-cruelty-free-feathers_W0QQugidZ10000000009134400">The Happy Rooster</a><br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/frogworks?ref=pr_shop">Frogworks</a> <br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I hope this information aides you in being both fashionable and eco-friendly. And please, spread the word and love some birds! </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Sara Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08634839814936449516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-113760184465091787.post-22203978263167126602011-02-03T20:18:00.000-05:002011-02-03T20:18:24.289-05:00This is why I heart H&M!One of H&M's new look books for Spring 2011? Sustainable Style. All the fashion is organic cotton and recycled material. I can't tell you how excited I am about this. How cute are these dresses?! <br />
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gah, LOVE!<br />
Check out more looks on their facebook page or <a href="http://www.hm.com/">http://www.hm.com/</a>.Sara Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08634839814936449516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-113760184465091787.post-3156772526538033442010-12-06T23:21:00.000-05:002010-12-06T23:29:21.972-05:00In search of a better face?As you all probably know, I strive to use only green, organic products. My problem with that right now is finding the right products to use for my face. I would say my skin is average -I have combination skin with few breakouts -however, my search for the right prduct line has caused my skin to be unpredictable! Sometimes I need to use acne solution products, but then if I use to much my skin gets extremely dry. So then I have to use a heavy moisturizer (which is normally bad for my skin) and then I get more breakouts. It's a vicious cycle! So far I've tried Burts Bees and Boots Botanics Organic, and now I'm about to try ALBA. I used their sunscreen and body lotion at the beach last year and absolutely loved it. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoqRzhi1lrs06BAFLAbqCNaR9NKbCXQiBcliXGQ63A4ZcDoE1QY8j7HLHLw1mdoiHdcJnNeDrUZVvd_mUIvrMyb9n_NP-1ja6A06oYCkkqX7Knhh16ua7bM5vhJmBq_k1K2sYpZ5yuQUs/s1600/alba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoqRzhi1lrs06BAFLAbqCNaR9NKbCXQiBcliXGQ63A4ZcDoE1QY8j7HLHLw1mdoiHdcJnNeDrUZVvd_mUIvrMyb9n_NP-1ja6A06oYCkkqX7Knhh16ua7bM5vhJmBq_k1K2sYpZ5yuQUs/s320/alba.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I opted for just the acne solution astringent and both the face wash and moisturizer to be normal, oil-free formulas. So here goes...Sara Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08634839814936449516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-113760184465091787.post-85164137851675513032010-10-29T10:03:00.000-04:002010-10-29T10:03:31.292-04:00Why I eat only organic...This article really makes you think twice before eating anything...<br />
<a href="http://www.thedailygreen.com/healthy-eating/eat-safe/Dirty-Dozen-Foods">The New Dirty Dozen: 12 Foods to Eat Organic</a><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDWFQfsGtpe3Q76avX8YdCTtZ0Y0Zx8YW8bddIoowukQm6vveGwBUn_1Tl5ATqNAFzCxwWGIl0QYdtJtXyPgZoNNFs326j6JsKvf8mGv0SmOvhUR2TP4pNY9ysUFjifZ5nnocwpBBhl3o/s1600/organic-choice-lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDWFQfsGtpe3Q76avX8YdCTtZ0Y0Zx8YW8bddIoowukQm6vveGwBUn_1Tl5ATqNAFzCxwWGIl0QYdtJtXyPgZoNNFs326j6JsKvf8mGv0SmOvhUR2TP4pNY9ysUFjifZ5nnocwpBBhl3o/s200/organic-choice-lg.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Sara Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08634839814936449516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-113760184465091787.post-58844436677719389922010-10-18T13:20:00.001-04:002011-09-14T01:17:54.898-04:00Convenientally GreenWow, I must be the worst blogger ever - it's been 2 months since I started blogging and this is only my second post! My life is so busy, I feel like I never have time to just sit down and type out a post. And if I do find myself with that kind of time, I'd rather be spending it cuddled on the couch with the bf watching a movie. And I suppose it would be easier to act that way when it comes to living a "greener" lifestyle. Sometimes it's just more convenient not to try. <br />
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But then I remind myself why I'm trying so hard. Why I recycle. Why I constantly unplug everything. Why I buy only green products. Because I believe my efforts, no matter how small, make a difference. I recycle so that my consumer waste doesn't sit in a landfill and emit methane and carbon dioxide gases for the next hundred years. It may not be convenient for me to go to the recylcing center with piles of recyclables from my house, my parents house and the salon I work at, but I do it monthly. And perhaps having to plug the microwave or toaster back in first before each use may be a bit tedious, but I do it daily because it saves energy. I use power strips for the bigger electronics, like the TV and it's many components, to make the unplugging easier. And although buying the energy efficient light bulbs or our new energy star/high efficiency washer and dryer (which I am in LOVE with) may be more expensive, they will help save energy and money in the long run.<br />
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So here's my conclusion: when I'm feeling lazy and thinking about throwing just one bottle out instead of recycling it, I remind myself it will only take a few seconds more to rinse the bottle out and drop it in a different container. Because what might be "inconvenient" for me at times, will definitely be beneficial for the World.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_iQeza8tcIk5gzHBfTIB39RbuInBbRHq7rBPmT2m85FY12QJi04uv9JVEv4931y29RiLsN02zDqjV2GQF2ineLJYVyo_I_BIfasyTmKSusm770mQ3zqEeV_MqNZokasak4G6TCBx5RCw/s1600/recycling2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_iQeza8tcIk5gzHBfTIB39RbuInBbRHq7rBPmT2m85FY12QJi04uv9JVEv4931y29RiLsN02zDqjV2GQF2ineLJYVyo_I_BIfasyTmKSusm770mQ3zqEeV_MqNZokasak4G6TCBx5RCw/s320/recycling2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div>A few pictures of my monthly cardboard/magazine/newspaper collection from my house, my parents house, and the salon. And then the center where I take it all to be recycled.Sara Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08634839814936449516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-113760184465091787.post-53135795233987531482010-08-10T22:10:00.000-04:002010-08-10T23:33:52.075-04:00A little bit about me...<span style="font-family:verdana;">For</span><span style="font-family:verdana;"> those of you who don't know me, I am a huge environmentalist. My love for the planet began when I was a little girl - summers were spent riding my bike to the farms around my house, reading in trees, shucking corn on my back porch and making friends with every animal and bug I could. Life was so simple and wonderful back then and those memories continually inspire me to lighten my carbon footprint. So far I have become a recycling queen, developed an OCD for unplugging everything with a plug, and am fully biased towards all organic foods, cleaners and beauty products. I dream of one day living a fully sustainable lifestyle of home-grown food, reusable rain water and solar paneled energy. </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Through this blog I will share my daily life, and how I strive to lessen my impact on the environment. My hope is to educate, motivate, and inspire people to be more aware of their own carbon footprint.</span>Sara Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08634839814936449516noreply@blogger.com0