Chic Vegan

Editors Note: This is a guest post about the troubles of modern food production,  from our favorite omnivorous ninja: Miss Beth.

All right my chic vegans… it’s about to get real up in here… let’s talk about REAL FOOD.

As a vegan, I’m assuming  that you try to eat real, whole foods. I, as an omnivore, am very careful about the food I eat.  I get most of my food from farmer’s markets or small, locally owned markets. When I eat out I choose restaurants that either specialize in locally sourced food or I go veggie for the evening.  I am even careful about feeding my dog – she eats Earthborn Holistic brand, Ocean Fusion food and only treats I make myself or are made by small, either organic or small batch companies.  (Apparently, I and puppsters aren’t the only ones who love Earthborn Holistic; the manager at the pet store says it’s flying off the shelves!) (more…)

*Editors Note: Here is a much needed break from all the Holiday to-do, from our favorite randomly quirky guest blogger, Miss Beth.

The Veined Octopus (sexual connotations are welcome in the comments!), Latin name Amphioctopus marginatus,  lives off the coast of Indonesia where the ocean floor is a vast muddy flat with little to offer in terms of safe shelter. To predators these animals are tasty treats with no bones to get in the way.  The octopi have taken to collecting coconut halves and then scampering away with them to build shelters. This little guy has apparently almost caused many a scientist to almost drown from laughing (I can tell you from personal experience, laughing + several feet of water above you + scuba mask = not a good idea)!

Do you know what has eight legs,  can carry and then MAKE a shelter? This guy!

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In this day and age, it boggles the mind to read about a new species being discovered, much less 20. It’s a double edged sword; we are still discovering things on our own planet, even as we reach farther and farther out from our little niche in the universe; and we are making footprints on lands that may be better off with out them. This comes just a few days within the news that we sent a rocket to the moon to bomb it for water. If we are running out of water on Earth THAT fast, wouldn’t it be prudent to, I don’t know… TELL us? (more…)

Remember those old Herbal Essences commercials?

They made natural hair care sexy and beautiful. Their ingredient list is long and scientific sounding though, which makes us wonder if it is all that natural. Most of them turn out to be manipulated natural ingredients. Either way, these days, being “green” is so trendy you can’t walk down a hair care aisle without all sorts of plants, and all natural ingredients screaming at you from the bottles. Salons are developing their own natural hair care lines and paying special attention to their clients. I’m a little wary about buying hair products that might not be safe, for my hair or the world. So instead of diving right in, I sat down with Rebecca from Bubbles Salon in Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA to talk with her about some products we conscious chicks can use without fear.
BG: So, tell me some of your favorite hair products?

Beka: Bubbles Salon makes our own line, Cibu which contains “Spring Roll” . The whole line is sulfate free, paraben free (possible cancer causing agents) and is made with natural ingredients. We test our products on our own stylists, not on animals. The packaging is made from 85 percent post consumer materials and is made in the USA, meaning we cut down on carbon emissions to distribute our products. My other fave is Purology, also made with natural ingredients. It’s 100 percent vegan and most of the packaging is completely recyclable with your regular plastics. Both of these lines are also color safe which is a plus. (more…)

Just like anything, becoming more eco-conscious is a habit.  It takes a concerted effort at first and then before you know it, it takes no effort at all!  Here are 5 easy ways to begin your more eco-conscious lifestyle:

1. Buy those reusable bags you see EVERYWHERE! Did you know there is a giant island of garbage in the Pacific Ocean that is 80% plastic?  Ew!  These reusable shopping bags are cheap and are usually made out of recycled plastic bottles or those offending plastic bags. And they have gotten mighty chic. Hardest part of this habit remembering to bring them with you when you go shopping.  I keep one in my backpack so that it is ready should the urge to shop arise.  My mom keeps four in her car!  And as I mentioned, almost every grocery and drug store have them right there by the cash register. An added saver: a lot of stores are now discounting your total bill by as mush as 10 cents PER BAG you use instead of taking the bags they offer you! And you didn’t even have to clip any coupons! (more…)

What is the East Coast Greenway? Well, my friends, gather around and I’ll tell you a tale…

Picture the Appalachian Trail… but instead of dirty hippies and deep dark woods (which are both very nice, don’t get me wrong), there was a nicely graveled trail that connected all the major cities, from Boston to Miami and beyond. You can bike the whole way or just a little.That’s what the developers thought. But how?

Thanks to the recent economic developments and ecological movements, bike riding as a means of commuting has become more of the norm than ever before. Sure, bicycling is fun and also healthy, but it appears that more and more Americans are matching their European counterparts in bicycling to work, to the store and to social events. (more…)