Spirited Woman Blogger Team

Nature & Technology Blend Together in Singapore

It's just amazing, how many ideas and inspirations people create today for going green - exploring new design spaces which combine enjoyment, education in a sustainable man-made environment.

In Singapore at Gardens by The Bay, Project Directory Dr. Kiat Tan is on the leading edge of inspiration and science fiction where his gardens and technology are blending together to take going green to new heights. His creation, termed "Super Trees," are beautiful steel trees 40 meters tall - home to thousands of plants creating a living architectural marvel.

Dr. Tan, refers to them as the "hook" that will draw people in, people who never look at gardens will come and enjoy this space and connect with nature through the work of a group of dedicated engineers, horticulturists, architects, and landscape designers, who have turned their inspired vision into reality right in the heart of Singapore. Enjoy this marvel on video!

The Sun Shines Brightly and Amps Up The Changes Unfolding

Just living is not enough. One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower. ~ Hans Christian Anderson

You've heard the expression there must be something in the wind. When changes are a foot...Well, the more appropriate way to describe things these days would be to say... There must be something in the solar winds...

The activity of the sun is increasing; sunspots, solar flares, CME's coronal mass ejections... All of these physiological changes in the sun are directly affecting the physiological changes within each of us, the planet and everything on her. Although the sun is 93 million miles away, the energy from the sun affects every part of our bodies. The changes in our physical, emotional, mental, spiritual bodies are affected by the powerful energy shifts and changes emanating from the sun.

It's always fascinating to me when you can look and see scientific, cultural, spiritual information all contributing data to the changes we feel ourselves are experiencing in our lives or as we watch things unfold on the news in other parts of the globe. I am inspired by the way this information so seamlessly weaves a description of what is happening. The language and examples from each perspective is slightly different but the picture that it paints gives us tools and reassurance to better understand ourselves and our world. 

Right now the sun is a bigger player in amping up and orchestrating many of the changes we are feeling. "For the first time ever, we can watch solar activity in its full 3-dimensional glory," says Angelos Vourlidas, a member of the STEREO science team at the Naval Research Lab in Washington, DC. On Feb. 6th, NASA's twin STEREO probes moved into position on opposite sides of the sun, and they are now beaming back uninterrupted images of the entire sun—front and back. This is exciting because we can see how that big orange ball in the sky and the energy it is made up with is behaving and we can in turn know there is something in the solar wind that is affecting us.

No More Scented Products!

I love good smelling products. I spend countless hours a year opening and closing shampoo bottles in Duane Reade (a drugstore chain in New York), just to get a good whiff! But did you know that laundry detergents, soap, shampoo/conditioner, moisturizer and lip balm, can be dangerous to your health?

Dozens if not hundreds of synthetic chemicals go into these fragrances! Here are just a few examples:

1. Phthalates -- Endocrine disruptors that cause hormonal abnormalities, birth defects and reproductive problems.
2. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that affect the neurological and respiratory systems and are carcinogenic;
3. Synthetic musks - which may also be endocrine disruptors and additionally, are persistent chemicals that remain in the environment and contaminate marine mammals.

If you’re thinking, naaaa, that can't be -- some overqualified government agency must test the products before allowing the public to be exposed to them -- think again. Advance safety testing is not required before products go to market. Even worse, it’s not even helpful to check product labels because the composition of some fragrances are considered a brand secret and kept confidential.

Even the products that are marked "unscented" don’t necessarily mean a thing. All “unscented” means is that the product doesn't have a “scented” smell! It could very well contain a "masking" fragrance that neutralizes the natural smell of all the other ingredients.

So, rather than guess which products are safe, use these tips!

- Mix water, white vinegar and baking soda for cleaning. And if soap is a MUST, try Castile soap.
- Open the windows! Get rid of nasty air fresheners!
- Refer to the Guide to Less Toxic Products for a list of fragrance free and safe products.
- Check Skin Deep, the Environmental Working Group's cosmetic safety database, to see if your favorite personal care products are safe! They also offer great alternatives for products that don’t make the cut.
- Be SURE that the words "fragrance" or "parfum" don’t appear in the ingredient list of cosmetics.

And finally, use fewer or eco-friendly cosmetics and reduce your use of perfume. (Personally, I can’t give up my Joe Malone perfume!)

- Elaine LaPersonerie - www.winkpr.com

Click here for more of Elaine's posts.

Subconsciously & Surprisingly Greener

I’ve done tons of research about becoming greener to learn what changes to incorporate in my life; everything from what to eat, recycle, eliminating plastic bags and bottles, getting around, the clothes I buy and how to conserve on bills. Initially, I thought I’d have to practice these tips religiously because in adapting a new lifestyle, I'd need to be reminded of certain do's and dont'ts.

Well today, I had some unbelievable realizations that I want to share. None of these situations were planned or calculated in an effort to be greener. But what I’ve learned is that being green is much easier than I thought or all of this green talk is subconsciously working!

I haven’t turned my TV on in nine days. Of course, I’ve lost every show I like because my DVR is so backed up, but again, I haven’t watched TV in nine days! That means I’ve conserved electricity and saved my brain from hours of useless information and entertainment. I have just been so busy that I have not had a moment to watch TV!

I spent an hour at the supermarket last night – I love shopping in the rain! I found myself reading labels and making sure none of the foods I was buying contained any chemicals or soy lecithin. In addition, I go straight for the organic eggs, milk, meat and cheese like I’m programmed to know no different! Even the Gala apples which are in two separate bins next to each other, one organic and one non-organic, don’t drive me nuts. Organic all the way, even at forty eight cents more! 

Get Eco-Chic For Earth Day

How are you getting eco-fashionable for Earth Day? Yes, it’s this Thursday, April 22nd so if you don’t have any eco-conscious, recyclable or sustainable garments in your wardrobe, then don’t miss out on online retailer HauteLook.com Earth Day event launching early this Thursday morning. You can be eco-chic and save dollars doing it. I just realized saving dollars translates to saving greens, which means you’ll definitely be celebrating going green!

Featured collections for HauteLook’s event will be available at highly discounted prices for online shopping. One of them is ecoSkin, a California apparel company offering chic, contemporary designs for the eco-conscious but fashion-savvy woman. Core to its planet-friendly mission, ecoSkin uses only environmentally sustainable luxury fabrics that are woven, dyed and sewn in the USA.

ecoSkin’s founder, Sandy Skinner recognized that the apparel industry could do much more to support a healthy environment. She also knew the industry could do more for contemporary women who wanted to live a responsible, green lifestyle but also wanted to look eco-chic and sexy. As a green brand, ecoSkin offers contemporary women the opportunity to make a positive environmental difference one purchase at a time.

"This is my passion," Sandy says. "I am committed to making ecoSkin a successful company that I and the industry can be proud of." She adds, "We are in our infancy with many aspects of eco-friendly apparel. Green technology and environmental standards are still evolving and quality raw materials and dyes are scarce. All of this is challenging but worth the effort. The more customers demand responsibly-produced eco-friendly products, the more the industry will demand responsible suppliers and the faster we will clean up our planet, making green living mainstream living."

Your GREEN Guide to Bug Spray

I can’t complain that the weather in NYC is getting warmer! But I have to complain about some part of it. BUGS! With the sunshine and bronzed skin comes the creepy crawlies - mosquitoes, gnats, green flies, yuck. And to make matters worse, I have “that” skin – the kind all bugs want to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon eating.

Bug sprays generally work at least for a few minutes. But have you ever thought – what am I actually putting on my skin? Nope, me either. Crazy enough – I’m almost okay saying I would put ANYTHING on my skin as long as the bugs stay away! The majority of insect repellent brands being sold today contain the chemical DEET, or N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, as it is chemically known, as their active ingredient. There are currently about 40 companies manufacturing over 140 brands of insect repellent containing DEET in the USA. These repellents can be found with varying percentages of the pesticide, and generally, the greater the amount, the greater the potential for harmful effects. DEET has also been shown to have a negative impact on wildlife and water sources in production and during use. DEET is toxic to birds and aquatic life and has been found in approximately 75 percent of U.S. water sources, including the Mississippi River.

DEET has been linked to Parkinson’s Disease, frequent headaches, respiratory issues and loss of memory and children are at greater risk because of their skin’s ability to absorb chemicals. Although the US Environmental Protection Agency has researched and argues that DEET is safe, there has not been much testing about the long term use of insect repellent.

Throw Those Plastic Water Bottles Away!

I've been noticing lately how many people are still drinking out of plastic water bottles and not yet comfortable drinking tap water. In NYC (where I live), tap water is known to be safe so New Yorkers, put down the plastic!

First off, drinking tap water is so much better for the planet than buying bottled. If you aren't sure how safe your tap water is, start with a visit to the Environmental Working Group's website to see how your state's water rates. You will find out a ton of useful information about possible contaminants which will allow you to buy a filtration system accordingly. If your water gets good marks and your biggest concern is the omnipresent chlorine (added to keep the water from picking up contaminants as it travels through municipal pipes), try filling a pitcher and letting it sit, uncovered, on the counter overnight. The chlorine will evaporate - and later, when you stash it in the fridge a (covered) pitcher of water saves energy by helping to regulate temperature. That alone will not only cut down on the cost of buying bottled water BUT will also help you save electricity, lower your monthly overhead a touch.

If you are debating a water filtration system for your home, here are some facts that might help you make a quicker decision.

1. A system will help filter over 500 dangerous contaminants from your water including bacteria, mercury, lead, arsenic and chlorine (to name a few).
2. You are protecting yourself from getting sick from bacteria and chemicals in your water.
3. Your children will not be at risk for developing mental or physical problems caused by lead poisoning. 
4. You will have taken steps to protect yourself and family from heart disease, cancer, gastrointestinal illness and even death caused by bacteria, heavy metals and minerals.
5. Your water will have no odor, be cloudy or smell and will not leave rust stains on fixtures or clothing.

General principal states that you should drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day. With those nutritional guidelines, find a way to make water affordable and safe to drink at home. Come on, you are a Spirited Woman, you can do this!

- Elaine LaPersonerie - www.winkpr.com
Click here for more of Elaine's posts.

Vertical Gardens - Inspired Greening of the Globe's Cities - One Wall At a Time

One of the things I love about where I live on Martha's Vineyard, and why I choose to live here, is all the wonderful shades of green that I come into connection with each day. The plants are part of my life, even if I am only passing them by as I walk along a path or drive down a road... But I come into connection with them because I live in each moment of my day. The shades of green contribute to who I am, the fragrances and textures and birds the plants host in their canopy enriches my creativity and experience.

Many people live in cities and get caught up in the rush of the life there and hardened by the lack of nature in their environment. A French research botanist's love of plants and inspiration for putting the green back into the city landscape has been changing that. Patrick Blanc has taken his love of rain forest plants into vertical gardens in cities from Australia to Florida. The result is a wonderful living wall that enhances buildings and the lives of the people who come into connection with the plants letting their lives be enriched.

What will you do to live more in the moment, to come into connection with all the wonderful shades of green and plant life that is there ready for you to notice?

Plants touch all of our senses and let us savor who we are as they remind us to step into the moment and out of the rush of past or future thinking and living.

BZ Riger www.artofallowingmindset.com, www.internetradiowithjuice.com
Click here for more of BZ's posts.

Spirited Woman Earth Day Challenge

Earth Day, April 22, was founded in 1970 to help raise awareness about the Earth’s environment. This year, Earth Day celebrates its 40th Anniversary! There are a TON of things you can do to make our Earth a healthier place EVERYDAY but I want to put you to the test on April 22! Join me in the “Spirited Woman Earth Day Challenge” and live one full day completely Earth conscious. You have a little over two weeks to actually make this happen. Do you think you have what it takes?

In order to give yourself an Earth Day pat-on-the-back, you must adhere to ALL of these rules on April 22, 2010. Good luck!

Eat an organic breakfast, lunch & dinner and/or use ingredients grown at a local farm.
Cut your shower time in half.
Brush your teeth but DO NOT leave the water running for more than 5 seconds. (morning & night).
Pack a brown bag lunch for work.
Carpool to the office, ride your bike or walk.
Do not purchase or use ANY plastic water bottles. Pre-order a Klean Kanteen if you must!
Do not consume any beverage served in a plastic or Styrofoam single serve container.
Snack on REAL food – nothing processed or packaged!
Do not use paper plates or plastic cutlery.
While at work, don’t print any unnecessary emails.
Do not accept ANY plastic bags from retails stores.This means BRING YOUR OWN CANVAS TOTE!
Share your Earth Day Challenge and the rules with at least FIVE friends – Facebook, Twitter, Blog, whatever!
Edit your email signature to include an important “eco-statistic” to help educate others about the Earth.
Don’t run the water while doing the dishes.
Conserve electricity and only light the room you are in.

This is super easy and can be managed with a little thought and preparation. And just think – if we all followed these simple rules, even once a year, we would be conserving so much “Earth." I will let you know how well I mastered the Spirited Woman Earth Day Challenge and hope you will update me on your success too!

- Elaine LaPersonerie - www.winkpr.com
Click here for more of Elaine's posts.

Goldfish Care 101

Friday at my school was relay for life. One of the teams was giving out goldfish as prizes for winning their game. One of my friends won a fish but couldn't keep it.They asked if I could. I thought I could put it in my sister's fish tank and it would be fine so I said yes.

When I took the fish home I realized it needed a filtered fresh water tank. In my sister's fish tank is another type of goldfish that didn't like the goldfish and it was getting so stressed out it could have died. My dad went up in the attic and found a plastic tank that was larger. This would help all the goldfish live together in a better environment. After relocating the fish they were finally happy.

A note to those who would like to own a goldfish:

Please, please, please don't keep your goldfish in a bowl. That would be like keeping a person trapped in a small car their whole lives. If you can't afford an expensive tank just yet - either don't buy the goldfish or find a larger tank that holds a lot of water. Don't forget to filter the tank or buy a filter, feed you fish, and make sure the tank has plenty of room and fresh AIR is cycled through. Air can be cycled through by bubbles.

- Alice, The Spirited Kid
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