What We Found: In our last post we introduced two materials from the rainforest: rattan and water hyacinth. We wanted to introduce pandan and banana this week. Each of these materials will be detailed at length in future posts. We also made a brief video of our adventures into Java and Borneo to share from […]
Natural Materials from the Rainforest Overview Rattan and Water Hyacinth: If we use more of these materials, positive economic pressures are placed to keep the forest in tact. The indigenous people of the forest also benefit by staying on the land and managing it in the sustainable ways of their ancient cultures. As the New […]
Over the years, shoe production has been linked to sweatshop labor and processes that are environmentally hazardous. The following are our favorite shoe brands that are changing that perception by producing fairly-made shoes that are not only ethical but high-quality. El Naturalista El Naturalista from Spain uses sustainable, high-quality fabrics, innovative features, and […]
If you want the best protection for your skin, steer clear of chemical sunscreens which have been linked to not only allergic reactions but hormonal disruptions and early onset puberty, low sperm count, and breast cancer. Opt for natural sunscreens which David Colbert, MD of New York Dermatology Group, describes as “a million little umbrellas protecting […]
It’s summer! This means your kids are out of school and spending more time outdoors playing. Unfortunately, this means they’re likely to come home with scrapes, cuts, bruises, and insect bites. For these superficial wounds, there are some natural remedies that you can use that don’t contain harsh ingredients but are just as effective as […]
Hemp, unlike its controversial cousin, Marijuana, has been known and loved for its industrial and environmental uses for generations. And while it comes from the same cannabis species as marijuana, they are genetically distinct and can be distinguished by their use, chemical makeup and even the method by which they are cultivated. As far back […]
The reality is that finding the words “Made in the USA.” on a clothing label is quite rare these days.Fashion has become so fast-paced that brands have turned to outsourcing everything from designing to manufacturing overseas in efforts to churn trends quicker and cheaper. However, some brands have remained steadfast with their ethical approach to […]
Ever wonder how yoga made its way to America? Who were the Yoga pioneers in the US? Yoga was believed to have been first introduced to America in the 1800s. In 1893, Swami Vivekananda, a key figure in the introduction of the Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the US, made a presentation in […]
Many people don’t have a second thought about what their clothes are made of. But did you know that the textiles used in your clothing may have damaging effects on the environment and can even make you sick? Not to mention the workers who are suffering from the ill effects of the many chemicals they […]
There’s more to many flowers than beauty and fragrance. Researchers have discovered that some have powerful medicinal properties. Bonus: humans have utilized their healing powers for centuries. Here are our top 4 flowers with amazing medicinal properties: Dandelion Root Fresh or dried dandelion herb is used as a mild appetite stimulant; it also relieves […]