July 4, 2012 / Issue 115

     

Mrs. Green's World  



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Greetings!

 

Short, Green & to the Point

(Okay, so two of them are true)

 

Mrs. Green request: I tried to make this newsletter short because it's summer and hot almost everywhere and people are cranky. All things considered, I still ask that you read (or at least scan) the whole thing because there are really some great things going on in Mrs. Green's World and I am eager to share. Okay, here goes...

 

"The truth? You can't handle the truth!" That's a famous quote by Jack Nicholson in the movie A Few Good Men. It kept popping into my brain as I prepared to write this newsletter, and I figured out why.

   

The truth is this newsletter is coming out on July 4th. People are on vacation, enjoying summer, traveling, and I am going out on a limb here, but probably hundreds of you will NOT be sitting by the computer waiting for Mrs. Green's newsletter. The truth is I can handle that because I know it's NOT about me (how sad, right?) and by the time it arrives, I will be on a short vacation to recharge my own batteries. And the truth is this newsletter should be short, green, and to the point.

 



Short summer reminders:

On sunscreen - it really matters that you wear it as far as I am concerned and it REALLY matters that you know what's in your sunscreen. Have kids? Grandkids? Even more important because it's our job to protect them. Please, please, please take the time to do a little research and find out what's in your sunscreen. The easiest place to check is the Environmental Working Group's 2012 Sunscreen Guide. If you are lucky enough to be sitting on the beach somewhere and checking your iPhone or Droid, click through to see what is in YOUR sunscreen. Your reaction could be utterly delightful or you might read it and weep.

On traveling - I don't know about you but road trips and travel have been synonymous with eating really bad junk food for me and my family. Fritos, Cheetos, candy of all kind, soda, things we NEVER have at home nor would we think about eating on any given day. But road trip? Bring it on! Except for an occasional moral lapse, I just can't do that anymore. I have found the key to making better choices is, of course, all in the preparation. Mr. and Mrs. Green will be on a road trip to San Diego as this goes live and I am already preparing. I have my organic, fair trade dark chocolate stash, my healthy drinks, my organic tomatoes from the Farmers Market, and my almonds ready to go. Truth be told, some of the fast food chains are attempting to offer some better choices but having your own good stuff will help to lead you not into temptation!

On continuing our green education - I know that I have made lots of progress these past four years on this journey into greendom. But there are miles to go before I sleep. So did you think I was going to let you sleep? Of course not. Take the summer time and possible slower pace (???) to learn more about a topic of interest to you. Whether it is about solar energy or rainwater harvesting or fracking or why it really IS important to support locally owned businesses (other than making you a great human being). Just pick something new to keep your brain working and the momentum going in the greener direction. Here's one - want to REALLY know about meats and the confusing labels and what meat can you eat to assuage your guilt? Again - EWG makes it easy. If Ken Cook reads this (in my dreams, right?) I hope he gets the great exposure I am giving EWG here. Check it out. Enough already!

Great, Green News - Seriously

How could I not be jumping up and down and clicking my green heels together as I joyously announce our very first out of state, international partner? It gets better. They are based in New Jersey, and I am a Jersey girl! AND their name is Ecco Bella (Behold, Beautiful!) AND, they found us! As loyal and true as I am to VerVe where they always make it a great day for my hair, feet, and hands, and respond to my last minute pleas to fit me in because of a last minute photo op, pretty much every woman I know likes some choices when it comes to personal products. I am no exception. Ecco Bella's founder, Sally Malanga, is an early adopter of the legend making kind, has active oversight in every aspect of the business and is on a mission to put healthy things on our bodies. The beauty products are free of water, gluten, dyes, GMO's, slaughterhouse products, and preservatives. You might want to read that sentence twice. Here's one product that thrilled me and I so mean it: they have a citrus ecco room mist that makes the room smell like someone just peeled an orange. Ecco Mists contain essential oils, emulsifier and water. Nothing else. I love that! Reading about them could be your summer continuing education choice. I also know that many of you will love their active role in protecting the four leggeds, and I mean very active role. Welcome, Ecco Bella. I'm proud to help spread the word about your products and your mission.

Red, White and Green: Eco-friendly Party Tips from Mrs. Green
Mrs. Green wants to remind you about some really simple green party tips that will make your Independence Day gathering the talk of the town.

It's Your Party and I'll Cry If I Want To: Green Parties

Gardening Tips for Your Reading Pleasure!

Hydroponics allows for plants to grow with less space while growing faster and producing more.

                                  -- Brought to you by Sea of Green 

Mrs. Green says "Check It Out!"

Since we began our partnership with PAG (Pima Association of Governments), I have learned so much about clean air, the ozone, bike paths, the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) and the beat goes on. They give me lots to share so I am going to break it up into two newsletters. The information they share is relevant no matter where you live because we all need air to breathe and we all experience stormwater run-off. It matters that we learn about things like keeping stormwater clean and how we can prevent pollutants from accumulating in storm drains.

 

As part of their "Cheetos" campaign, they are reminding people to keep stormwater clean.

 

FYI,as stormwater flows into streets and is transported to storm drains, the runoff passes through our yards, our sidewalks and our driveways where it can pick up urban pollutants. So how can we prevent urban pollutants from making their way into stormwater runoff? By doing the following:

 

  • Fix leaky vehicles
  • Properly dispose of used oils or leftover chemicals at household hazardous waste sites
  • Never dump waste in storm drains or washes
  • Harvest storm water to green our streets and neighborhoods
  • Pick up where your dog left off (do you not LOVE this one?)
  • Get to know your neighborhood wash (seriously)
  • Use yard chemicals sparingly and never before a storm (Mrs. Green uses ZERO!)
  • Don't litter

Stay tuned for Stormwater - Part Two! AND don't miss our July 21st show: The National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) will be discussing their 2012 Annual Beach Report about how much pollution stormwater is causing in our oceans and causing beaches to close in record numbers. Could I make that up? Serendipity - clearly.

 

Can't wait for two weeks? You are one click away from learning more about "Clean Water Starts With Me" or find them on Facebook
Upcoming Shows

Rain BirdJuly 7 
David Johnson, Director of Corporate Marketing, Rain Bird Corporation
Mrs. Green's World's Radio Network's One Year Anniversary show! Ever hear of the Intelligent Use of Water? You will. Please join me as we learn about the leading manufacturer and provider of irrigation products and services in the world. Rain Bird believes in developing products and technologies that use water efficiently. Most impressive? They have been doing so since 1933. We will learn how Rain Bird is helping sustain healthier landscapes thus contributing to a healthier planet. What a great way to celebrate our anniversary - talking about the world's most precious resource: water. This show sponsored by The Fairfax Companies.

Sally Malanga

July 14

Sally Malanga - President of Ecco Bella

When Sally started Ecco Bella over 20 years ago, she wanted to protest the use of animals for testing on cosmetics. Her mission then expanded to creating natural beauty products from organics AND to be known for having "Activist Eyes" on every aspect of her company since its inception. Sally will share with us how she has kept true to her mission of using products that are, for the most part, water, gluten, dye, GMO, slaughterhouse and preservative FREE. I will also talk with Sally about Ecco Bella's important work with animal shelters and their commitment to the four-leggeds. This show sponsored by Chapman Tucson.

 

NRDCJuly 21

National Resources Defense Council (NRDC)

Annual Beach Report - Yes, you read it right. America's beaches saw the third-highest number of closing and advisory days in more than TWO decades last year, confirming the nation's seashores continue to suffer from stormwater runoff and SEWAGE pollution that can make people sick and harm coastal economies in a big way. Can we do anything about it? Where are the clean beaches? Which one are the dirtiest? You will have to join me to find out and we ALL need to find out. This show sponsored by The Fairfax Companies.

 

Blacksmith InstituteJuly 28

Blacksmith Institute 

Ever heard of them? I had not. What we should know is that toxic pollution poses health risks to over 100 MILLION PEOPLE, particularly children, in low- and middle-income countries. The Blacksmith Institute works in some of the world's worst polluted places, sharing resources and expertise with local group and agencies to solve pollution problems, clean up polluted sites and save lives. Sound important? Interesting? I know that I can't wait to let the questions begin and I can't wait for you to join me. This show sponsored by Chapman Tucson.

Mrs. Green's World GREEN TALK RADIO Show
Please remember to tune in to Mrs. Green's World every Saturday at 12:00 pm PST, live streaming on the Internet. 
 
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