viva la VeeV!

The other night as Jeff’s +1 for the SF Weekly Best Of award party (in which The Café won best pickup bar and best gay bar!), I had the chance to taste VeeV Açaí Spirit.  I actually didn’t need a chaser when I tasted it by itself (which never, ever happens) and it was absolutely delicious when mixed in a basil gimlet.  When you buy a bottle of VeeV Açaí, $1 is donated to the Sustainable Açaí Project, benefiting the farm communities that harvest Açaí berries. 

VeeV is fabulous because it is the only certified carbon neutral spirits company in the world, they get their power through renewable wind energy, and they are involved in several social efforts such Business for Social Responsibility in San Francisco, California Climate Action Registry in Los Angeles, and Co-Op America in Washington DC, all of which are geared toward sustainability.  Not to mention their boxes are made from post-consumer waste, their bottles are made from partially recycled glass, AND they use recycled paper.  VeeV is the coolest, most socially responsible alcohol companies I’ve ever come across.  And it’s delish.

Just to be clear, I am not advocating that you should go and guzzle bottle after bottle of VeeV; if you do decide to buy it, at least you know that your drink is made from quality ingredients and your money is going toward special causes.

Check out their website to learn more.  Also please drink responsibly!

www.veevlife.com

Rainbow Grocery: my supermarket mecca

It’s official, I’m in love with Rainbow Grocery.  During my trip there the other day, I literally caught myself giggling down the chip isle and saying things to myself like, “La la la, what to buy?!”  Sounds excessive, right?  It was simply a natural reaction toward the mountains of natural and organic goodies inside Rainbow Grocery.  There are local products in big tubs and bins, organic fruits and veggies, pre-packaged meals like salads and veggie sandwiches (the quinoa salad looked especially delicious), baked goods and desserts, stationery, wine and spirits, cleaning products, body products, yoga products… you get the picture.  It was, in a nutshell, a supermarket heaven. 

Not only does Rainbow Grocery have the most enormous selection of organic goods in all of San Francisco, it involves the community in its business too.  Par example, they put on cooking demos, compost, and recycle electronics.  Part of the reason I love them so much is simply because of their mission:

• Providing affordable vegetarian food products which have minimal negative impact ecologically and socially
• Buying goods from local organic farmers, collectives, bakers, dairies and other local businesses whenever possible
• Providing our customers with the best possible service
• Providing Rainbow Grocery Cooperative's workers with a livable wage
• Creating a nonhierarchical work space based upon respect, mutuality and cooperation
• Offering low-cost health care products and resources
• Supporting other collectives and worker-owned businesses
• Supporting fair labor practices
• Donating to local non-profit organizations and schools
• Encouraging bicycling, mass transit, and alternative transportation
• Composting all in-store green wastes; recycling, reducing and reusing resources whenever possible
• Creating a diverse, non-discriminatory multilingual environment

How can you not want to support a business like this?  In my opinion, this is the optimal structure for any type of organization.

Consider yourself warned: upon visiting Rainbow Grocery, you will most likely find yourself aimlessly wandering the aisles, neglecting any list you brought with you in order to avoid aimlessly wandering the aisles.  Just roll with it. 

www.rainbowgrocery.org

sustainable fashion: an homage to my thesis

During the never-ending research process for my final thesis project at the Academy of Art University, I came across some truly admirable (and truly awesome) eco-friendly brands based on the west coast.  I feel it is all too appropriate to include them in my sadly neglected, yet still active eco blog; some of them you may have already seen in previous posts.  What can I say?  I just love these brands and the various causes they support.  I have seen these products in person and I highly encourage y’all to check out their websites.  Without further ado: the brands of my hypothetical showroom.....

Vicarious by Nature is a men’s and women’s eco-friendly clothing brand based out of Los Angeles.   Their organic apparel is soft, stylish, and represents an environmentally conscious lifestyle.  They are “inspired by the notion that we can substitute old ideas for new ideas by promoting a proactive approach to environmental friendliness,” which includes organic production.  VBN is very education friendly and strives to spread their knowledge of ethical fashion “with local and global communities.”  They also give back to the community through partnerships with Econation and Ocean Conservation Society.

http://www.vicariousbynature.com/

Sub Urban Riot was founded by Pacific Northwesterners who eventually started this apparel company in Venice, CA.  They combine sustainable materials with fun images and words, creating a laid-back aesthetic and simple, tailored clothes.  Their shirts have become increasingly popular due to their exposure on the TV show It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia.  Sub Urban Riot collaborates with 1% For The Planet.

http://www.suburbanriot.com/

Stewart + Brown was launched in 2002 in Los Angeles by Karen Stewart and Howard Brown.  Karen and Howard previously worked for established designers; Karen is a trained painter and Howard a graphic artist; they “oversee every aspect of the product and brand themselves.”  Nature and “all aspects of life” inspire them.  The company only uses organic cotton, top quality surplus fabrics, and renewable fibers including non-toxic, low-impact methods, as they believe in “optimizing their designs and lives to attain the highest standards of quality and functional style while extracting the bare minimum from Earth’s precious capital.”  Stewart + Brown donates a minimum of 1% sales to environmental and community organizations.

http://www.stewartbrown.com/

Juleselin is based out of San Francisco and is made from organic cotton, bamboo, and recycled fabrics in a sweatshop-free environment.  Founder Julia Burnbaum is a self-taught designer who previously worked for Macy’s West and eventually decided to follow her passion for designing women's clothing, particularly jackets with classic silhouettes.  She uses sustainable manufacturing practices and low impact dyes, as well as “green office practices” such as recycling shipping and packing materials, using low energy lighting, non-VOC paints, and recycled furniture.  One tree will be planted for every Juleselin item sold, and they also support several charities: Dress For Success, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Stephan A. Communale, Jr. Family Cancer Foundation, and Marin History Museum.

http://www.juleselin.com/

PACT is based out of Berkeley, CA.  Created by Jason Kibbey and Jeff Denby, PACT is made up of an established design team, an underwear consultant/former designer, an organic and ethically responsible cotton factory in Turkey, a sustainable marketing and public relations firm in San Francisco, and Planet Access Company, an organization committed to “social purpose.”  Their underwear is made of 95% organic cotton and 5% elastane, eco-friendly dyes, is packed in its own reusable fabric bag, shipped in 100% compostable packaging, and works closely with manufacturers to minimize excess transportation.  Each pair of underwear is designed for and donates 10% of their sales to specific causes such as ForestEthics, 826 National, Oceana, and Global Green.

http://www.wearpact.com/

Annatarian was created by Anna Mkhitarian in Los Angeles after September 11th, 2001.  She worked for various manufacturers in LA before deciding to begin her own eco-friendly brand and curate art exhibits “with the focus being on peace, eco design, transformation, and animal rights.”  A designer of eco couture, Anna creates eco-friendly jewelry called Peace Love Earth while “giving back to the environment, making a positive impact and designing in a way where there is no waste.”  Peace Love Earth jewelry was launched in 2007, inspired by those very words.  Annatarian supports many organizations including CARE and Urban Possibilities.

http://www.peaceloveearth.com/

Ashley Watson is based in Vancouver, Canada, and uses recycled leather products to handcraft their one-of-a-kind accessories such as bags, wallets, clutches, and belts.  Ashley’s background in studio art gives her product a practical and sophisticated aesthetic through incorporating worn leather jacket pockets and seams into each piece while maintaining an “environmentally sound approach to fashion design.”

http://www.ashleywatson.net/

Hard Cards, a stationery company based out of Los Angeles, employs local designers and printers and donates 5% of their proceeds to several various social causes.  Their cards are printed with soy ink on 100% Post Consumer Waste Paper.  Each card depicts beautiful, colorful graphics with sarcastic, “irreverent messages” about occasions from birthdays to babies to weddings.  Hard Cards “saw the need for greeting cards that make people laugh at the truth,” and is “committed to creating a line of products with minimal environmental impact.”

http://hardcardsrule.com/

Yellow Owl Workshop, based out of San Francisco, creates hand-made paper goods and home items that are “ready for the gallery wall, but formatted for everyday enjoyment.”  They use non-toxic water-based inks, 100% PCW recycled paper and their own screen-printing mitts.  Yellow Owl products include cards and postcards, stamps, ceramics, “correspondence sets,” prints, paintings, as well as producing designs for individual clients.

http://yellowowlworkshop.com/

Indosole is a San Francisco based company who manufacturers men’s and women’s sandals in a sweatshop-free environment in Bali.  The sandals are made from old bike tires found in Bali, and two pair of Indosole sandals save one tire from a landfill.  Indosole also uses sustainable materials like banana leaf, burlap coffee sacks, Indonesian grass, canvas, and grass mat for the upper soles with water based glue and hand stitched reinforcement.  Each pair of sandals is handcrafted in safe working conditions, providing well-paying jobs for Balinese workers.

http://www.indosole.com/

eco hits: sasha's picks

In honor of earth day I wanted to share reviews of my own earth-friendly products that I’ve acquired during the past couple of months.  I have been making an honest effort to green my every day life by buying eco-friendly products and being as environmentally conscious as possible without driving myself totally bonkers.  This endeavor has led me to some pretty awesome things, which I feel inclined to share with all of you!

makeup: Korres

The tinted moisturizer smells like watermelon and I’ve never gotten more compliments on my skin (shh, don’t tell them I’m wearing it).  The face powder isn’t heavy or greasy, and their lip gloss tastes like candy and looks delicious.  They use sustainable farming practices, natural ingredients, and recycled packaging, hooray!

http://www.korresusa.com/

mascara: Buxom - Bare Escentuals

Hands down the best mascara ever.  I’m not kidding.  Ask Kelley and Steph.  Made without all of the nasty scary ingredients that shouldn’t ever be put in makeup.

www.sephora.com

chapstick: Burt’s Bees

100% natural and feels glorious.

www.burtsbees.com

face lotion: Korres yogurt cream

Feels like creamy silk on your face. 

http://www.korresusa.com/

face wash: Pangea Organics – Egyptian Calendula & Blood Orange Facial Cleanser

Made with organic and fair trade ingredients, they use sustainable agriculture, recycled packaging, and it makes your face smell like citrusy goodness.  Plus it actually works.

http://www.pangeaorganics.com/

shampoo/conditioner: Burt's Bees - Pomegranate

Makes my hair smell like fruit all the time.

www.burtsbees.com

curl cream: Aveda - Be Curly

Doesn’t make your hair all crunchy and gross, plus it smells good (clearly I’m a sucker for anything that smells delicious).

www.aveda.com

toothpaste and floss: Tom’s of Maine

I love all of the minty ones.

www.tomsofmaine.com

chips: Food Should Taste This Good

OBSESSED.  Organic ingredients and lots of fiber.  All things amazing.  My faves right now are the Multigrain and Blue Corn, and whoa I just noticed they have CHOCOLATE.

http://www.foodshouldtastegood.com/#/home/

hummus: Trader Joe’s organic hummus

Because no day is complete without hummus. After trying several different organic hummus brands, this one remains my personal fave.

veggie burgers: Dr. Praeger's - Tex Mex

Yes, this is one of the most awkward names to pronounce, but these burgers are SO good and made with real ingredients - no preservatives.  Also, for anyone who cares, they're gluten free.

www.drpraegers.com

 

ice cream: Laloo’s Goat Milk Ice Cream

This is out of control delicious and worth every penny.  Plus it’s lower in fat and doesn’t have most of the negative qualities of cow’s milk.  And it has probiotics.  And they have crazy yummy flavors.  Please tell me how this could get any better, I bet you can’t.

http://www.laloos.com/

local ice cream: Bi-Rite

Bi-Rite is based out of SF and is God’s gift to ice cream.  They use local and organic ingredients, so go there now if you know what’s good for you.  If you don't live here, sucks for you.

http://biritecreamery.com/

toothbrush/razor: Preserve

Made out of recycled yogurt cups!  Just as good as the expensive toothbrushes and razors at the drug store.  Plus when you’re done with them, you can send them back to be recycled!

http://www.preserveproducts.com/

reusable water bottle: Gaiam and Earthlust

Aluminum water bottles are recyclable, and these have pretty designs. 

www.gaiam.com

http://www.earthlust.com/

yoga mat: Gaiam

Yes, it’s true, they have eco-friendly yoga mats. 

www.gaiam.com

organic drink: Synergy Kombucha

SO many health benefits: “Its adaptogen effect is seen mostly through its influence on the liver, the blood and the digestive system, where it normalizes the acidity or pH. Metabolic balancing and detoxification is perhaps the most important function of Kombucha.”  My fave flavors are Guava, Cranberry, and Raspberry.

http://www.synergydrinks.com/

sneakers: New Balance 070

They’re super comfortable, cute, and eco-friendly.  Best combo ever.

http://www.nbwebexpress.com/newbalanceWE070GN.htm

shoes: Olsen Haus and Terra Plana

I do not own these, but I really want to.  Both brands are vegan, support important social causes, and their shoes are adorable. 

http://www.olsenhaus.com/

http://www.terraplana.com/

apparel: Stewart + Brown

My fave dress (which I now own – thanks mom!!) by Stewart + Brown is the Varley Pleat dress made from organic hemp, which basically feels like heaven.  And the fit is amazing.  They are insanely ethical and innovative in every aspect of their business, read more about it and check out their collection on their website

www.stewartbrown.com

boutique: Eco Citizen

Located all too conveniently down the street from me, Eco Citizen carries only eco-friendly, fair trade apparel and accessories, many of which are local, some of which are one of a kind and really special.  Joslin, the owner, is super knowledgeable about the sustainable industry and is one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met.  I love everything in this store.  You can also buy stuff online, so you don’t have to live in SF to shop there.  My fave things right now, which are also on the website, are the Josh Podoll Ikat Wings dress and shirt.

http://www.ecocitizenonline.com/

underwear: PACT

Made from organic cotton, eco-friendly dyes (I love their unique designs), packed in its own reusable fabric bag and shipped in 100% compostable packaging.  Each pair of underwear is designed for and donates 10% of their sales to specific causes.  There are so many wonderful things to say about this brand, you should probably read about it immediately.

www.wearpact.com

eco websites: ecofabulous, Gorgeously Green, treehugger

All are enlightening, fun, and filled with eco ideas.

www.ecofabulous.com

www.gorgeouslygreen.com

www.treehugger.com

green book: Gorgeously Green

Sorry dudes, find your own green book, this one is mostly geared toward the ladies.  Stuffed with important information and nifty ideas.  Definitely inspired me to make changes in my own life.  Check out their website (see above).

stationery: Hard Cards

Made with 100% post-consumer recycled paper and soy ink.  Perfect for sarcastic people such as myself.

www.hardcardsrule.com

e-cards (because e-cards save paper, duh): some e-cards

Totally inappropriate and hilarious with an overwhelming amount of options.

http://www.someecards.com/

a food revolution is the best kind of revolution

I

I can't even begin to explain how excited I am for this show, Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution.  I stumbled upon the first episode the other day on hulu.com and thought I'd watch just a few minutes.  Over half an hour later I was moved to tears (what can I say, food and passionate people make me emotional) and found myself motivated to make similar positive changes within my own life, like Jamie so eloquently does in Food Revolution.


The concept of Jamie's show is to make changes in America's bogus school meal systems.  He pays a visit to the most obese city in America to literally get to the heart of the problem.  What he found was disgustingly alarming: kids were eating pizza for breakfast, processed nuggets for lunch, and were mindlessly throwing away all things nourishing.  His mission is basically to educate people about food, especially our future generations, and explain why nutrition is so very important.  Jamie wants to reevaluate the school meal systems in a way that will incorporate fresh ingredients and eliminate the fatty, preservative-infused foods that these children have become so (sadly) accustomed to. 


Not only is the show moving, it is smart, funny (how can you not love British humor?), and educational.  It will teach you about nutrition and maybe even give you some cooking ideas of your own (he is a chef, after all).  Watch the show, and pay attention. 


Read more about Jamie, the show, his multiple missions (such a do-gooder), and more!


http://www.jamieoliver.com/campaigns/jamies-food-revolution

Seattle: local pride, eco (and volcanic) hot spot

I have a mouthful of wonderful things to say about Seattle, one of them being that it is home to two exceptional people, Lizzy and Dave.  During the 4 days I spent exploring the city, my top-notch tour guides took my friends Sarah, Jane, and I to some excellent spots.  As a self-proclaimed wannabe foodie, I took the most pleasure in discovering some of the city’s delicious little restaurants, many of which were organic, sustainable, and/or local.  I could tell just by looking around Freemont, Wallingford, Queen Anne, and even downtown that Seattle takes some serious pride in their local and organic industries.  There were farmers markets, eco-chic boutiques, art galleries, the most delicious coffee I’ve ever had (not surprising), and many a local brewery or winery.  Not to mention it was surrounded by glorious mountains, more bodies of water than I could keep track of, and a ginormous man-eating volcano.  Here are just a few of my favorite Seattle findings (most of which involve food… do I have a problem?):

Molly Moon Ice Cream – local ingredients (some organic; hormone free dairy), vegan choices, fantabulous flavors, compostable utensils, stores built from reclaimed wood and sustainable materials.  Stomach ache was definitely worth the 2 heaping scoops – 1 salted caramel and 1 chocolate.  All around uh-mazing.

http://www.mollymoonicecream.com/

Homegrown – sustainable sandwich shop, compostable utensils, recycled paper menus, fresh ingredients (many of which are organic and/or local), unique menu items, totally delicious.

http://www.eathomegrown.com/

Pike Place Market – local fruits, veggies, treats, knick-knacks, art, more honey and fish in one concentrated area than I’ve ever seen in my life.

www.pikeplacemarket.org

Snoqualmie Falls – get in touch with nature and visit this visual natural masterpiece (taller than Niagra Falls).  Then go get a cup or two of coffee in the lodge’s lounge upstairs and stare at the falls from a warmer, drier lookout point (home of Lizzy and Dave’s new favorite mochas!).

http://www.snoqualmiefalls.com/

PCC Market – my new grocery mecca, like Whole Foods gone somewhat local.

http://www.pccnaturalmarkets.com/

Freemont Farmers Market – almost anything you could imagine: local everything, fun people, delicious smelling food, candles, and teas.

http://www.fremontmarket.com/

Islandwood on Bainbridge Island – something I have yet to do, however it sounds like eco-heaven.  Teaching environmental awareness, working with the community, all about sustainable living.  My kind of place.

http://islandwood.org/

It is definitely worth taking a short trip up north to check out this lovely little city.  If you want to blend in with the other Seattleites, don’t use an umbrella, drink a ton of coffee that is NOT Starbucks or Peet’s, buy some local beers or wines, and support the local shops/restaurants/farmer’s markets.  And of course go say what’s up to Lizzy and Dave, they’re the best.

delicious urthy food

This past summer, I visited Urth Caffe in West Hollywood, and I am now officially addicted.  The menu is vast, delicious, and obviously organic.  Many of the items are vegan but don’t sacrifice the appeal of a seriously awesome meal, snack, or beverage.  All of their cups and utensils are biodegradable, and they work directly with sustainable coffee growers that are Fair Trade.  My personal faves out of the few times I’ve been there are the Arnold Palmers, Tuna Sandwich, smoothies, and pumpkin cheesecake (thank you, Kelley, for letting me mooch off of your sweet-tooth cravings).  

 

It is so important to support places like these, because if one place uses biodegradable utensils and cooks with organic produce, there is no excuse for others not to.  Spread the eco-friendly love!

http://www.urthcaffe.com/