Greener Square

#consciousconsumerism #consciousconsumption

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This is a collection of things that make me happy and come from makers who respect the delicate balance that must be met when using the earth’s resources to craft things for human consumption. In a word, if I were stranded on an island, these are a few things I would definitely want to have in my survival kit. I’ve chosen may favorite cooking companion, organic / fair trade soap, tea blend, and, of course, books that are both a great read — and that help to bring about environmental consciousness.

This hand-curated hand care essentials kit features our top picks for the best hand care products, ranging from hand salves, moisturizing lotions and anti-aging creams, to on-to-go organic hand wipes. Each of these products is made with quality natural and/or certified organic ingredients. Furthermore, these products are highly reviewed by customers for their effectiveness and efficacy. Similarly, the brands that craft these products do their part to be socially and environmentally responsible. Mee Beauty, for example, is a member of 1% For The Planet — an organization defined by its pursuit to build an alliance of businesses that are financially committed to creating a healthy planet. Members of 1% For The Planet donate at least 1% of their annual net revenues to environmental organizations across the globe. Mee Beauty chooses to aid in the restoration of bee colonies and assist in the overall betterment of the bee species. On that note, another company in this bundle is Burt’s Bees. Burt’s Bees makes personal care products from natural and wholesome ingredients—raw materials such as Clary Sage, Chamomile, Aloe, Willow Bark and Beeswax are used in many of their products. They source from around the world and adhere to a strict Supplier Code of Conduct to ensure safe work environments. Their facilities recycle, compost and use energy efficient equipment to better their ecological footprint. Burt’s Bees has also started The Greater Good Foundation to further environmental stewardship.

“Lately, we’ve been in search of some great indoor plants for the home and office — and even dorm room. So, we’ve crafted a list of a couple affordable and cool terrariums that can make pretty much any room look elegant, modern, and add just the right hint of natural green. Quickly, for those who are new to the garden or planting lifestyle, here’s a link to a page that talks about what a terrarium is and what you’ll need to do to maintain your friendly, natural friend. Below you’ll find seven different glass terrariums, each with a unique design and shape — some are pyramidal and others are spherical. You’ll also find an assortment of standing and hanging terrariums. (We like to give you options!). These glass terrariums make for a great gift if you have a ‘nature lover’ in your life, or are just great to have for yourself. We’ve also included terrarium supplies, so you can customize your soon-to-be awesome terrarium. I think that’s all! Happy browsing and happy planting! Let us know what you think of these choices in the comments section.”

“As a vegetarian — with a sweet tooth — I enjoy finding food products that are satisfying, but that are also healthy alternatives to traditionally used baking ingredients. My top picks list represents ingredients and materials that can help you to make your favorite sweet treat, all while allowing you to get essential nutrients with no compromise in taste! Overall, I wanted to pick products made by companies that communicate a mission to provide organic, quality creations. This bundle will help you achieve an environmentally and health-conscious kitchen. Enjoy!”

As environmental junkies, we love biking! So, for this list of our favorite things, we selected our favorite affordable folding bikes. Each is not only well-designed and constructed to be lightweight and portable, but each is also affordable. After searching the labyrinth that is Amazon for folding bikes that balance both quality and price, we’ve picked these seven to showcase. Also, as a somewhat scholastic platform, we feel it’s only right to talk about the environmental benefits of biking. Did you know — a study by the European Cyclists Federation (ECF) found that carbon emissions from cycling are over 10 times lower than those stemming from the average passenger car. Moreover, biking is one of the healthiest modes of transportation — and, because of wind resistance, when you increase the speed with which you bike, you can actually burn more calories than you would running that same distance. Check out this article to read more about this finding. In conclusion, get one of these bikes to lower your carbon footprint and get healthy. Let us know what you think of these great bikes in the comments section! Happy riding!

So, we take it you’re a vegan? Or, perhaps you simply enjoy eating healthy and doing your part to support the humane treatment of animals in the food industry? Nonetheless, this healthy food bundle is perfect for anyone and everyone! We’ve hand-selected a few of our favorite healthy products from socially and environmentally responsible brands in this vegan protein pack — you’ll find organic and non-GMO vegan protein bars, plant-based protein powders, and a superfood veggie drink mix that is rich in antioxidants and essential vitamins and minerals, like  Vitamins A, C and K. Also, it’s tremendously tasty; we’ve tried it. This green drink mix is made by Amazing Grass, a company founded in family-values and sustainable production. Amazing Grass harvests grass, vegetables, and natural resources directly from their family farm. Moreover, their ingredients pass rigorous quality control tests based on nutrient preservation, food safety, and overall taste. As such, their greens are USDA organic, Non GMO, kosher, vegan and gluten free — each product containing a valuable assortment of vitamins, minerals and plant based proteins that seek to support healthy organ functioning, detoxification of the body, and immune responsiveness. Amazing Grass is also part of Whole Planet Foundation, a foundation where its members give a portion of sales to support organizations committed to making a difference in local communities around the world. Similarly, Vega Sport makes protein and energy bars, and supplements from plant-based ingredients. Their products are Non-GMO Verified and certified organic. They largely source ingredients from local suppliers and emphasize sustainable agriculture. Vega is working towards being a net-zero carbon company and hopes to change the world through healthy eating. Each of these products is not only healthy, but highly reviewed by customers for both quality and taste. The brands that crafted these products are similarly incredible, each doing their part to be socially and environmentally responsible. Enjoy!

We’ve hand-selected a healthy food bundle, featuring our picks for the best vegan snacks — each crafted with quality organic, non-GMO, and/or gluten-free ingredients. In this bundle, you’ll find natural vegan and plant-based protein bars by award-winning brands like Pure Bar Organics and  22 Days Nutrition. Additionally, you’ll find protein and snacks chips by Luke’s Organics — a brand founded by an individual with celiac disease, who sought to create a healthy, gluten-free, vegan and non-GMO snack alternative (that is actually tasty)!  We’ve also included a very new company based out of New York City called, Simply Gum. Simply Gum makes natural chewing gum without the standard harsh chemical ingredients. To give you some more background into these brands, Pure Bar Organics makes vegan snack bars with raw and certified organic ingredients. Their bars are soy-free, dairy-free and contain no artificial additives and preservatives. Their products are also gluten-free certified and Non-GMO verified. Pure gives back to the community through their Lunchbox Fund by providing free and healthy lunches to impoverished students in Africa. In sum, Pure crafts tasty and healthy bars, while being socially and environmental responsible. We’re very happy to share these brands with you! Hope you enjoy these tasty treats!

These are a few of our team’s favorite, Fair Trade certified and hand-crafted necklaces made by local artisan groups in Africa, Asia, and South America. These necklaces are made by companies and organization like Mata Traders, Chilean Charm, and the Maisha Project, each of whom are committed to supporting underrepresented groups and are dedicated to promoting values and practices that align with social and environmental stewardship. Mata Traders, for example, connects with local artisan groups in India and Nepal to create beautiful and unique, hand-crafted jewelry and clothing. Their program allows for families in need to receive a stable source of income through their creative productions. Mata Traders is also a Fair Trade member and helps to support ethical labor practices and working conditions, while empowering women and fighting against gender inequality and global poverty. Please help support these great companies and their missions! Find their wonderful works below!

This fashion bundle features an ethically made Women’s outfit for the Spring and Summer seasons. In this outfit you’ll find a Fair Trade certified bracelet and necklace, an organic cotton, ethically made dress, and a fun and comfortable pair of shoes constructed using eco-friendly practices, made with organic cotton. The brands that crafted these wonderful creations meet or exceed Greener Square’s standards for ethical production and sourcing, and we couldn’t be happier to showcase their works and share them with you all. Additionally, these brands each uniquely do their part to lower their ecological impact and so work to better the health of the natural environment.  Synergy Organic Clothing makes clothing products and accessories that combine the principles of sustainable production with modern, yet timeless design. Their clothing is hand made in Nepal and developed with organic cotton from India that is finished with ecologically low impact dyes. They put effort towards creating strong relationships with their manufactures and follow fair trade practices. Synergy’s goal is to make fashionable and comfortable women’s clothing, while promoting environmentally conscious design. Similarly, World Finds works with talented artisans and designers from around the world to bring you mindful Women’s fashion products, accessories, and knitwear. In addition to being a Fair Trade member, World Finds is committed to sustainable production. They use recycled packing materials and boxes, and use the power of ‘hand-made’ to lower their carbon footprint, as the alternative of factory-based production often carries a large carbon impact. We are very happy to share these products and wonderful brands with you — and, if you feel so inclined, take a picture of you wearing one of these selections and we’ll post it on our social media. Show your support! Enjoy!

Know someone who practices the vegan lifestyle? Or, perhaps, someone who just loves animals and desires to use beauty products that support the ethical treatment of our fellow earthly friends? If you answered ‘yes’ to either of these questions, we recommend you scroll down and take a look at the products below. We’ve hand-picked the top vegan beauty products, crafted with non-GMO and organic ingredients. The selected products are also made without the use of harsh chemicals like parabens and phthalates, and are free artificial dyes and colors. We also wanted to pick products that customers find effective — so in addition to these products being environmentally-friendly, they’re also well-reviewed by the public. Essentially, we wanted to cover all the bases in this gift basket bundle to make it as easy as possible to get a gift worth buying. Concordantly, the brands who craft these products share in our mission towards conscious consumption.Andalou Naturals creates hand lotions, body butters, shampoos, conditioners, and many other personal care products with the best in non-GMO, organic, cruelty-free, eco-friendly, Fair Trade, plant-based, vegan, and clinically proven ingredients. Andalou Naturals uses effective and innovative scientific solutions to ensure their products produce the desired result; their “Fruit Stem Cell Science” is clinically proven and harnesses the power of plant-based ingredients to deliver skin-renewal and rejuvenation. Andalou Naturals also helped to start, and is a proud and active supporter of, A Path of Light (TM) — a project and initiative that has gifted over $500,000 to socially and environmentally responsible people and projects. Their contributions help to empower and educate those who need help. This gift basket bundle has everything you should get for the vegan beauty product lover!

We’ve picked our favorite, quality yoga essentials for those who are just starting to learn and practice the yoga lifestyle and art form. The bundle, though, may also work for those already learned in yoga and meditation — as it may enhance your existing understanding of yoga and your yoga clothing and gear.  This collection is also special as it showcases brands who are committed to doing good for the people and planet. These cause-driven brands press forward in both the areas of environmental stewardship and by way of supporting social equity and community empowerment. Prana is a Men’s and Women’s clothing company that is rooted in being environmentally and socially conscious. Their products are made from organic cotton, plant-based hemp fibers and recycled polyester. Their business operations emphasize waste reduction, recycling, composting and energy efficient technologies. They are a member of the Fair Labor Association and adhere to policies that ensure ethical work environments. prAna also works with the environmental non-for-profit, Canopy and the Forest Resources Initiative. We couldn’t be happier to share their wonderful creations with you! Let us know what you think of this collection! Namaste.

You may be asking, what makes a flashlight ‘green’ or eco-friendly? There are few potential things — it could be constructed with sustainable or recycled materials, generate light from renewable energy sources (i.e., solar-power), or it could use LED and rechargeable battery technology, not only making the flashlight long-lasting, but energy efficient. In the case of this review, each of the selected eco-friendly flashlights is made with energy efficiency technologies — technologies that are meant to conserve and save energy. And, perhaps save you a little money along the way. LED (light emitting diodes) lights have been gaining quite a bit of attention in recent months — they’re super energy efficient, using roughly 75-90% less energy than your conventional incandescent lighting, and last “35 to 50 times longerthan incandescent lighting and about 2 to 5 times longer than fluorescent lighting” (Energy Star, 2016).  LED lights are also more durable and produce / emit very little heat due to their efficient internal system. Separately, rechargeable batteries are a more sustainable option than the alternative disposable battery. Rechargeable batteries don’t produce as much material waste during their lifetime, and, therefore, prevent not only additional toxic runoff that can enter soil and streams, but, in using them, you won’t buy more disposable batteries and, thus, won’t generate additional carbon emissions that would be introduced through their production. The flashlights below utilize both of these ‘green’ technologies. They’re all perfect for home and personal use, and some come with pretty cool and super useful features. Take a look and let us know what you think!

There are a lot of tea brands out there. Many are good — but we’ve found the best. Below are eight green teas that have not only met or exceeded our ‘greener’ standards for social and environmental responsibility, but have also been received positively by the public for their taste and quality. For this aspect, we assessed customer reviews and added only green tea products that are ranked four stars or above. Each of the selected teas possess their own value — some are crafted with premium, certified organic ingredients, while others are Fair Trade certified and so support responsible sourcing techniques. Of course, some of the teas possess both of these exemplary qualities. In addition to the teas themselves, the brands whom create these products demonstrate their own forms of conscious production. Frontier Natural Products Co-op offers natural and organic teas, spices and seasonings. Their sustainable practices range from their agricultural activities and processing, to packaging and shipping. They are part of the Bonneville Environmental Foundation Green Tag Program and EPA Green Power Partnership Program, which promote carbon offsetting. They also follow Fair Trade and Well Earth policies which ensure ethical and safe labor conditions. Frontier established The Frontier Foundation to support social, educational and environmental causes. They embody what it means to be an environmentally-friendly and socially responsible company. Moreover, Newman’s Own, as part of the Newman’s Own Foundation, has given, as of the end of 2015,  over $450 million to a diverse selection of charities and organization. Each of these products and brands are worth supporting. Now, happy tea searching! You can’t make a bad choice!

Look no further. We’ve hand-crafted a collection of the best vegan kitchen essentials for a fruit or green, vegetable smoothie. This collection is perfect for someone who practices a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle — or for someone who just wants to be healthy and have clean, good food. We’ve picked the Magic Bullet Nutribullet (the #1 top selling blender on Amazon), a natural bamboo cutting board set, premium knives with bamboo handles, wooden cups, and a best selling recipe book for vegan, vegetarian, and healthy living. The recipe book not only contains over 100 tasty recipes, but also provides great content on how to live a more healthy lifestyle, giving helpful definitions, tips, and simple and easy practices one may espouse. The other bamboo products use the eco-friendly powers of bamboo. Bamboo is considered by some to be one of the most sustainable, durable, and effective materials to use for construction. Why? Bamboo grows 10 times faster that its other plant-based competitors and, generally, products made with bamboo can more easily be broken down by soil and the environment upon its disposal. In a word, this collection is all kinds of awesome! Happy shopping, and we hope you make a sweet and tasty fruit or vegetable smoothie. Let us know in the comments if this bundle pack worked for you!

“So, we take it you know someone who loves chocolate. More specifically, perhaps this person you have in mind likes the rich taste dark chocolate. Below you’ll find a hand-curated collection of our team’s favorite organic dark chocolate treats, snacks, and blends. All of these chocolate products are made by Dagoba and areRainforest Alliance Certified. Dagoba is a company committed to socially and environmentally responsible practices. This commitment is reflected in their decision to use organic and sustainably-grown cacao from farms and agricultural communities that value the conservation of the rainforest and the overall proper use of natural resources. For this reason, Dagoba partnered with the Rainforest Alliance — as they too share a mission towards social equity, economic empowerment, and environmental protection. To tell you a little more about the Rainforest Alliance and their certification process, here’s a brief background. The Rainforest Alliance certification indicates that a given product has met standards in ecosystem conservation, workers rights, wildlife protection, water and soil conservation and forestry preservation set by The Rainforest Alliance. These standards are intended to promote and produce, according the Rainforest Alliance website, “ecological, social and economic benefits.” These two organizations are pretty much a match made in heaven. Moreover, Dagoba works closely with farms in Tanzania, Dominican Republic and Peru to help individual farmers acquire the Rainforest Alliance certification. According to Dagoba, in 2011, they helped more than 20,000 Tanzanian farmers earn Rainforest Alliance certification. Not to mention, Dagoba also provides financial support in these areas and helped to build a nursery fermentations center in Peru. We are incredible happy to showcase their tasty chocolate products. So, while you buy and enjoy the taste of rich dark chocolate, you can also rest assured that you’re supporting a good cause.”