ATTENTION ALL SHOE JUNKIES!!! If you are not already aware of this ecolicious company then I am about to blow your tree-hugging-shoe-loving mind!
Terra Plana was brought to my attention by my lovely friend Mary and so I am now bringing it to yours. The company prides itself on minimizing the waste and toxins produced in the the making of shoes by using eco-friendly/sustainable materials… Good for you and your sole. BONUS!
UNDERSTANDING TERRA: The Highlights
VIVOBAREFOOT - Are you feeling it?
VivoBarefoot Technology stengthens the muscles in your feet, realigns your posture and stimulates sensory perception. They give you all the protection of normal shoes and health benefits of going barefoot. Shop for Vivobarefoot
DOPIE - Naked shoes for naked people
The TERRA PLANA Dopie is the result of a search for a sandal in a simpler and pure form: a single shape sole to protect the foot that folds up between the toes to provide control. And it looks unique too! Shop for Dopie
MY PERSONAL RECOMMENDATIONS ;) :
CLASSIC: The Juniper (also in black and hot pink)
COMFY: The Lindiwe
Soul of Africa employs previously untrained and unskilled women to hand stitch shoes with the profits of the sales helping AIDS affected orphans in Kwazulu-Natal Durban, South Africa. Lindiwe is a mid calf length slip on boot with a faux fur shearling lining, otherwise known as the ethical Ugg.
This shoe is water restistant but not waterproof. It is good for the rain but if you were to stand in a water puddle you will get wet. Due to the suede material of the shoe it is highly recommended to spray with a water and stain protector to maintain appearance.
SPORTY: The Yukam
Like what you see? Think your friends might also? Recommend Terra Plana to your friends and get 10% off your purchase.
P.s. While purchasing eco-friendly shoes is a great way to green your life, don’t forget to nurture the pairs you already have. Repair your old shoes rather than dumping them.
Who needs a refresher?
*Image from: Hey Little Rich Girl!
I try to avoid buying “Dry Clean Only” clothing but sometimes it happens. That said, am I going to dry clean my garments after every use? Heck no! Drying cleaning is expensive, inconvenient and NOT eco-friendly. The solution? Fabric freshening!
Before you reach for your Febreze, I’ll let you in on a secret that will safe you some bucks. You can easily make your own personalized fabric freshener at home! Now, that’s refreshing! There are many variations of DIY recipes but the components are the always the same:
1. Water
2. Bacteria-Killer
• Examples: tea tree oil, vodka, rubbing alcohol, etc.
3. Fragrance
• WARNING: Stick to essential oils (like lavender, lemongrass, citrus, etc.) and avoid artificial fragrances that may contain phthalates and other nasty chemicals. There are plenty of essential oils to choose from. Enjoy personalizing your own fabric scent!
If you’re feeling a little lazy but are still down with the idea of an eco-fabric refresher, take a gander at these lovely little gems and peruse your local store for similar products:
BioKleen’s Bac-Out Fresh Natural Fabric Refresher *What I’m currently using/loving!
Earth Friendly Products’ Eco Breeze
The Good Home Co.’s Sheet & Clothing Spray
For more information on how you can green your laundry process, refer back the post below. You may need a refresher ;)
I love this ad! Makes you think, doesn’t it?
E.N.P.A.: Spray | Ads of the World
Help us fight the effects of cosmetic testing.
Advertising Agency: Lowe Pirella Fronzoni, Milan, Italy
Still trying to decide on a costume this Halloween? Keep Mother Earth in mind! Get creative and make one yourself. Here are some helpful links to get the ball rolling:
http://costume.lifetips.com/cat/59671/homemade-costumes/
Every day is a new opportunity to green your life. This Halloween is no different. Take these baby steps toward a greener you (green costume make-up doesn’t count).
KNOW YOUR EARTH: I Take My Hat Off to You, Bilbies!
* This little segment is what I like to call “KNOW YOUR EARTH”. (I thought about calling it “Name That Obscure Animal, Vegetable or Mineral” but that seemed a bit long.) The idea is to bring you a little closer to your natural surroundings by providing you with obscure information about wildlife and our environment . So sit back, relax, and enjoy enriching your earthly knowledge ;)
These little guys and gals, Bilbies, are Australia’s most endangered animals. They even have their own day: ‘National Bilby Day’ on September 13th. Bilbies are in the Bandicoot family. For those of you who wasted hours of your life grew up playing Crash Bandicoot, the word may ring a bell.
The Bilbies have been confronted with some of the same issues that threaten our wildlife here in the U.S., including: loss of habitat due to human expansion and predation from domesticated animals such as cats.
Read more about these interesting little critters at http://endangered-species.suite101.com/article.cfm/the_australian_bilby_macrotis_lagotis
