How LIVGreen Media gets Greener
Here at home, LIVGreen Media aspires to reach progress, not perfection.
Through consistent networking, LIVGreen Media has expanded its media relations in Minnesota and aspires to expand nationally.
Since the release of our May / June 2009 issue, we have made many changes.
LIVGreen Media now publishes out of a home office in downtown St. Paul, within walking or bicycling distance for most staff. Over dinner, desert or coffee, LIVGreen Media brainstorms and conducts decision-making right at home.
President Obama’s Green Stimulus
President Obama’s greatly debated American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, allocates $60 billion for green stimulus projects. This is how the money is being spent:
• $6 billion for clean and safe water, creating more than 200,000 jobs
• $4.5 billion for greening federal buildings
• State energy grants, issued through the Treasury Department, that will fund renewable energy projects that are eligible for the available tax credits
• Funding for the state energy program, which includes important utility reforms and building code conditions
• $2.5 billion for energy efficiency and renewable energy Research and Development
• $5 billion for the Weatherization Assistance Program, creating approximately 90,000 jobs
• A multi-year extension of the renewable production tax credit
• A more effective tax credit for home efficiency upgrades
• $6 billion in loan guarantees for renewables, transmission and leading edge biofuels
• $2 billion for advanced batteries
• $9.3 billion for intercity rail, including high-speed rail
• $27.5 billion for highways (this large pot of money is not exclusively for highways, and states and cities must use this flexibility to invest in fuel-efficient public transportation)
• $8.4 billion for transit
• $1.5 billion in competitive grants for transportation investments (which could be used for public transportation)
• $125 million to restore trails and abandoned mines
• $146 million for trail maintenance at National Park Service sites
• $140 million for volcano monitoring systems
• $600 million for the Environmental Protection Agency Superfund environmental cleanup program
• $200 million to clean up leaking underground storage tanks
• $500 million for forest health and wildfire prevention
Tax Credits for Wind Energy.
• A three-year extension for tax credits for wind energy.
* Facts provided courtesy of Brian Merchant, NRDC and TreeHugger post
Federal Green Rebates
Free Federal Tax Incentive Decoder
Most of us are confused about how to qualify for the green tax credits available to every homeowner under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), which was signed into law by President Obama in February 2009. The ARRA provides tremendous opportunity for all of us to save money if we weatherize our homes. But how much will it cost the average family and what exactly do we have to do to reap the rewards? Green building efficiency expert Charlie Szoradi and his team have spent the last several months reading and deciphering the 400-page legislation. They have distilled it down to 11 pages of easy to read information so homeowners can focus on next steps instead of wading through the official language of the ARRA. GREENandSAVE is now offering this Federal Tax Incentive Decoder for free and can be downloaded at: http://www.greenandsave.com/homecheckup/free_federal_tax_incentive_decoder
For more information contact: laurel@cachetcommunications.com
Laurel Fairworth 215 219-9358
New Green Products Hit the Market
Check this page out these press releases for some great new green products. We will also have news about companies that offer eco-friendly services. We’ll be updating and adding to it weekly. Here’s a list of the green products featured today:
Interactive Online Game Site Save Planet Blue Online Launches • New Tax incentives for Geothermal boosts Egg Systems • One With Nature Bar Soaps • Kimberly-Clark commits to FSC certification requirement • Propane key to clean energy strategies • Adidas continues fully sustainable Rainbeau Mars shoe line • Eco.Kid organic skin lotion • SPIBelt poised to be best budget gift in 2009
________________________________________________________________________________________
PLANET BLUE GIVES KIDS A FUN WAY TO SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT
September 2009
After a year of development, the highly anticipated interactive online game site, SavePlanetBlue.com has been launched. Children around the world are invited to come register and become Planet Blue Savers for Free.
Today, children are more aware of the importance of recycling and other environmental issues than at any other time before. Protecting our environment is becoming more and more crucial every day, and children know that they will inherit a planet that needs special care and creative solutions. SavePlanetBlue.com is a new interactive online game site where children can learn and explore issues concerning the environment, all while having fun.
So what makes SavePlanetBlue.com different from other online interactive game sites? Well, from a peek behind the scenes I can tell you a few “secrets” I’ve discovered.
From the very first glance, you will be struck by this beautifully animated 3-D website. You begin in The Planetarium filled with vibrant colors and a view of the Universe. The Planetarium is where you create your own personal Planet Blue Saver, a bouncing weeble-type character who you will move through the website. You will be choosing everything from your hairstyle and skin color to the color of your Planet Blue Saver vest. Your Planet Blue Saver can be moved by your computer’s mouse or the arrow keys.
In The Planetarium, you will find other Planet Blue Savers to help you navigate the website and games. They will also have conversational exchange with you and give you facts about the environment. All you have to do is bump into them!
While you are there, take note of the Space Door. This special opening will transport you to other parts of Planet Blue like The Rainforest. As you play the different games in The Rainforest you will meet Frazzie the Monkey, Blinky the Frog, and Petey the Toucan.
Start earning points in The Banana Toss Game where you toss bananas to Frazzie. But be careful not to toss any bananas to Blinky and Petey! They don’t eat bananas and points will be deducted.
The Puzzle Game will test your puzzling abilities while earning points in the process. Points are important; as they will help you earn badges and merit awards that improve your rank. A really unique aspect to this merit system is that when you acquire your highest badge, “The Tree Badge”, SavePlanetBlue.com will adopt a tree in your name and have it planted in the rainforest.
You can explore other games on Planet Blue, like a Recycling Game, Simon Says, and a Memory Match Game. And unlike many other interactive game sites, the SavePlanetBlue.com site will evolve and grow monthly with new games and environments added on a regular basis.
Okay, as an adult writing about SavePlanetBlue.com, you might think I’m having way too much fun. But watch the Save Planet Blue Trailer and you’ll see why this 3D interactive game site for children is different than any other online game site you’ve ever seen.
Visit: http://www.saveplanetblue.com for more information or watch the sneak preview of the television series currently in development at http://saveplanetblue.com/trailer/ We welcome children of all ages!
________________________________________________________________________________________
NEW FEDERAL TAX INCENTIVES BRING ECO-FRIENDLY HEATING AND COOLING COMPANY NEW BUSINESS
September 2009
It’s a technology that’s been around for years, but with new federal tax incentives, now is the time to switch from a conventional heating and cooling system to a geothermal unit, points out Jay Egg, president of Egg Systems. The Tampa-based company installs geothermal heating and cooling systems.
“A geothermal system pays for itself,” says Egg. “Homeowners using geothermal systems can expect to see their bill drop more than 60%. They also qualify for a 30% renewable energy tax credit from the federal government bringing down the overall cost of installation.”
What separates Egg Systems from other geothermal companies is the way the unit is installed. Most geothermal systems consist of a heating pump that is installed to a series of pipes buried underground. A water-based fluid inside the pipes absorbs the heat from the ground and takes it to the pump, where it is converted to hot or cold air and sent throughout the home. Egg Systems; however, uses a well system that taps into natural springs, which are a constant 72 degrees year round.
“The efficiency is simple to understand if you think of a cave. The constant temperature of the Earth is 72 degrees and geothermal starts at that temperature.so, it’s easier and faster to reach a level most homeowners use,” says Egg.
With a geothermal system, no outside unit is needed. The systems require very little maintenance and can last twice as long as conventional air conditioning units.
Egg Systems has been installing geothermal units for nearly two decades but with the federal tax credit and a new eco-friendly mentality, the company says geothermal is becoming a hot trend.
Jay Egg is one of the leading experts on this technology and is involved with speaking engagements and seminars on the technology around the country.
For more information, visit Egg Systems website at www.geothermalexperts.net.
________________________________________________________________________________________
WARM UP WITH ONE WITH NATURE BAR SOAP
September 2009
As Summer makes way for Fall’s falling leaves and crisp air, shower yourself with these warm, Fall scented soaps from the famous Dead Sea. Awaken your senses with Orange Blossom. Revive your mind and body with Granny Smith Apple. Sweeten your spirit with Coco Walnut. Whatever your scent of choice, One With Nature Bar Soaps deliver silky, beautifully scented skin.
One With Nature, dedicated to crafting only the finest skincare products, is widely known as the maker of all-natural Dead Sea soaps. These bar soaps are:
* Triple-milled
* 100% vegetable-based
* Infused with skin-nourishing Dead Sea minerals, aloe, shea butter and pure essential oils
* Wrapped in biodegradable packaging
* Fragrances, colors and ingredients are never tested on animals
But One With Nature is more than just your average soap company. The brand has partnered with Friends of the Earth Middle East (FoEME) – a non-profit environmental organization dedicated to the preservation of the Dead Sea – and is donating a portion of their profits to FoEME to help fund research efforts and build public awareness of the fact that the Dead Sea is shrinking.
One With Nature bar soaps retails for $3.79. One With Nature is available in over 1,500 natural foods, specialty and grocery stores. For more information visit www.onewithnature.com.
________________________________________________________________________________________
KIMBERLY-CLARK MAKES MAJOR COMMITMENTS TO FSC SOURCING AND LABELING
September 2009
Kimberly-Clark’s announcement last week of its new precedent-setting fiber procurement policy represents one of the most significant commercial commitments to Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification since FSC’s founding in 1993. Today, Kimberly-Clark Professional also announced that it has received FSC chain-of-custody certification for more than 20 away-from-home tissue and towel products, making it the first tissue company in North America to earn this distinction.
“This is game-changing. The influence that this decision has on Kimberly-Clark’s current suppliers and its competition will have far-reaching positive impacts for North American forests and forest communities,” said Corey Brinkema, president of FSC-US. “Only a week old, Kimberly-Clark’s new fiber procurement policy is already making waves in the forest products supply chain, where many major players and concessions in Canada’s Boreal forest must move to FSC certification or face losing Kimberly-Clark’s business.”
The FSC label will begin appearing on a variety of Kleenex and Scott brand packaging beginning in September 2009. The label certifies that the wood fiber used to make the products comes from well-managed FSC-certified forests or from post-consumer waste. FSC chain-of-custody procedures track FSC-certified material through the production process – from the forest to the consumer, including all stages of processing, transformation, manufacturing and distribution.
“We are a 100-plus-year-old company. We want to be around for another 100-plus years or more, and the only way we can be is by using sustainable forest practices. Because FSC standards are recognized to be the highest in responsible forest management by many of our global stakeholders, we have a preference for wood fiber certified under the FSC system,” said Kimberly-Clark’s Suhas Apte, Vice President of Global Sustainability.
Kimberly-Clark’s new fiber procurement policy was developed with the support of Greenpeace, which for four years had run its “Kleercut” campaign against the health and hygiene products company for its use of pulp sourced from Canada’s threatened Boreal forest. The new policy states that, by the end of 2011, all of the company’s Canadian Boreal fiber sourcing must be FSC-certified, and that 40 percent of its North American tissue fiber will either be recycled or FSC-certified – a 71 percent increase from 2007 levels.
“One of the most significant outcomes of Kimberly-Clark’s new policy will be the increase in the amount of forest that is set aside due its high conservation values,” said Antony Marcil, president and chief executive officer of FSC-Canada. The company’s policy will support programs for the identification and mapping of ecologically important forests to ensure that such areas are designated for protection, including those off limits to harvesting. Under FSC certification, 7.5 million acres (3 million hectares) of the Canadian Boreal previously intended for logging have been set aside due to their high conservation values.
“The nature of the commitments, the specific timetables provided and the Kimberly-Clark agreement to report back regularly on what proportion of the fiber sourced for its tissue has come from recycled and FSC-certified sources makes this a very credible commitment,” said Michael Conroy, a certification and corporate green-movement expert, and also a member of the FSC-US board.
Every day, more than 1.3 billion people around the world use Kimberly-Clark products. FSC anticipates that the company’s significant steps toward the manufacture and marketing of FSC-labeled product will help inform North American consumers about the importance of maintaining healthy forest ecosystems and protecting the rights of indigenous groups and other forest-dependent communities, all critical values recognized by FSC’s standards and certification system.
About the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC):
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international, not-for-profit organization established to promote the responsible management of the world’s forests. It provides standard-setting, trademark assurance and accreditation services for companies and organizations interested in responsible forestry. FSC is the only forest certification system supported by such major environmental organizations as World Wildlife Fund (WWF), The Nature Conservancy, National Wildlife Federation and Greenpeace. There are currently more than 100 million acres (40 million hectares) of FSC-certified forestland in the United States and Canada and more than 281 million acres (112.4 million hectares) in more than 82 countries. More than 14,000 manufacturers and distributors are certified to buy and sell FSC products, representing more than $20 billion in FSC-labeled product annually. For more information, visit www.fsc.org.
About Kimberly-Clark Professional:
Kimberly-Clark Professional is an indispensable business partner, delivering leading-edge health, hygiene and productivity solutions that provide tangible value every day, everywhere. Known for innovative, quality solutions for away-from-home washrooms, “clean” and “industrial” manufacturing environments, and DIY settings, the global brands of Kimberly-Clark Professional include Kleenex, Scott, Kimcare, WypAll, KleenGuard, and Kimtech. With the acquisition of Jackson Safety, Kimberly-Clark Professional offers an even broader range of PPE and other safety offerings, including market-leading welding, traffic control and work zone safety products. Kimberly-Clark Professional, located in Roswell, Ga., is one of Kimberly-Clark Corporation’s four business segments and can be visited on the web at www.kcprofessional.com.
About Kimberly-Clark:
Kimberly-Clark and its well-known global brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 150 countries. Every day, 1.3 billion people – almost a quarter of the world’s population – trust K-C brands and the solutions they provide to enhance their health, hygiene and well being. With brands such as Kleenex, Scott, Huggies, Pull-Ups, Kotex and Depend, Kimberly-Clark holds the No. 1 or No. 2 share position in more than 80 countries. www.kcc.com.
________________________________________________________________________________________
PROPANE AMONG WINNERS OF $300 MILLION U.S. DEPT. OF ENERGY
September 2009
Propane is among the big winners in the $300 million U.S. Department of Energy grants announced last week to transform the nation’s vehicle fleets to support job creation, improve the environment, and reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil.
The grants, funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act stimulus bill, award more than $33.5 million to dedicated propane projects and millions more to projects that include propane among other alternative fuels. The projects will increase the number of propane-fueled vehicles and propane refueling stations in the United States. The department will coordinate the grants through its Clean Cities program, which uses local coalitions to promote the use of alternative fuels and advanced energy vehicles.
Propane is commonly used in U.S. homes and businesses, and it is gaining in popularity as an alternative fuel for fleet vehicles. Roughly 13 million cars and trucks run on propane worldwide, and about 200,000 of them are in the United States. Propane-fueled school buses and trucks are among the 9,000 new alternative fuel vehicles expected to be put on the roads through these grants.
“The Department of Energy has selected some outstanding projects that will soon put more alternative fuel vehicles on the road, and we’re gratified to see that propane is an important part of the mix,” said Roy Willis, president and CEO of the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC). “Propane is already helping Americans meet their energy needs and reduce their impact on the environment, and it stands ready to do even more.”
Propane is a low-carbon fuel that emits significantly lower amounts of greenhouse gases and smog-producing hydrocarbons than conventional fuels. Propane’s portability has made it a staple for home and water heating in rural areas, and its environment-friendly profile also makes it extremely appealing to people looking for clean energy options in transportation, said Willis. About 97 percent of the propane used in the United States is produced in North America as a byproduct of natural gas processing and oil refining.
The Energy Department estimates that the 25 cost-share projects selected for the program will help displace approximately 38 million gallons of petroleum a year.
Among the award winners:
* A Railroad Commission of Texas project that will build 35 propane refueling stations and deploy 882 propane vehicles for 40 school districts and public agencies, helping to displace more than 3 million gallons of petroleum a year. Total award: $12,633,080.
* A Texas State Technical College project that will develop 184 propane refueling stations in more than a dozen U.S. metropolitan areas, support the purchase of dedicated propane school buses and vehicles, retrain and certify U.S. veterans and out-of-work or at-risk service technicians for work in the alternative fuel and vehicle industries, and help displace more than 3 million gallons of petroleum a year. Total award: $12,299,828.
* A Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy project featuring a national coalition — led by Alliance AutoGas — that will build 17 new propane fueling stations along roadways from Washington, D.C., to Florida to Mississippi, helping to displace an estimated 3.9 million gallons of petroleum a year. Total award: $8,605,100.
* A Triangle J Council of Governments project that will deploy eight propane stations and 363 propane vehicles and other alternative-fuel vehicles in North Carolina and South Carolina, helping to displace an estimated 724,000 gallons of petroleum a year. Total award: $12,975,388.
* A Central Indiana Clean Cities project that will convert more than 600 light-duty trucks to run on bi-fuel propane, deploy other alternative-fuel vehicles, add alternative fuel stations, and help displace an estimated 1 million gallons of petroleum a year. Total award: $10,125,000.
In related news, the Energy Department has selected the Alternative Fuel Trade Alliance for negotiation of an award of up to $1.6 million to raise public awareness and foster understanding of alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies. The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is one of five members of the alliance. The others are the Renewable Fuels Association, the National Biodiesel Foundation, the Clean Vehicle Education Foundation, and ASG Renaissance.
For more information about propane and how to make every energy choice count toward a better future, visit propane.com.
________________________________________________________________________________________
ADIDAS DEBUTS NEW SUSTAINABLE SPORTSWEAR LINE
September 2009
Adidas successfully enters the second season of the best sustainable Adidas women’s line in Fall/Winter 09. With the Sprint/Summer line introduced in-stores in March of this year, the Rainbeau Mars Signature Line is an exclusive collection of yoga apparel and footwear, which has been developed together with global yoga ambassador Rainbeau Mars.
Having proved that sustainability can work perfectly among soft, colorful and elegant sportswear, the FW09 Rainbeau Mars Signature Line takes design and color a step further by adding fresh new feminine silhouettes. The natural benefits of the fabrics within the apparel continue to add both comfort and style. The collection mirrors the balanced and conscious philosophy Rainbeau Mars embodies within the yoga lifestyle she leads. By keeping Rainbeau’s elegant signature as the key motif in the collection, her deep personality and pure elegance are clearly reflected in the line.
“These clothes are soft, colorful and beautiful – a perfect way to reflect how we should feel about ourselves and the planet” says Rainbeau Mars.
The range sees Indian design inspirations playing an important role especially in the prints. The colors this season are softer featuring gentle grays, warm pinks, earthy browns and intense violet. The beautiful purple shade remains the key colorway exclusively offered in throughout the collection.
The apparel pieces within the collection are made from soft Tencel® fabric, a renewable raw material from eucalyptus wood harvested in Forest Stewardship Council-certified, responsibly managed forests. All prints are water-based and all trims are made from recycled materials. The apparel products also include a small amount of Elastane, although not a sustainable fiber, is necessary to ensure great comfort, fit and performance, which are key elements in this performance yoga range.
The Yatra Ballerina is made from natural canvas, recycled textile and recycled rubber. It uses color in the same way as apparel – soft and cautious. The Ballerina comes with an elastic bandage that was specially developed for yoga classes and provides comfort, support and grip without limiting the foot’s natural movement. The Yatra 75 follows the same principles on the leisure side and completes the footwear offering. The FW09 Rainbeau Mars Signature Line continues as part of the adidas Better Place Program.
The new Rainbeau Mars Signature Line will be available in September 2009 at adidas Sport Performance concept stores worldwide and at shopadidas.com. The collection will be available in the US in August 2009 at adidas Sport Performance Stores in New York, Santa Monica, Chicago and Las Vegas. Price points vary from $65 for the Rainbeau Mars Tee to $150 for the Track Top. Footwear ranges from $60 to $75.
Note: Adidas offers products out of two different divisions: Sport Performance (leading technologies), Sport Style (Y-3: sports-inspired design collaboration with Yohji Yamamoto, Sport Heritage: Originals models). The Rainbeau Mars Signature Line is part of the adidas Sport Performance division.
For more information please go to www.adidas.com/Better-Place.
________________________________________________________________________________________
ECO.KID CASTS A SPELL ON KIDS WITH POTION LOTION
September 2009
With the changing of the seasons and cooler fall and winter months brewing ahead, eco.kid is concocting a magical potion of their own. With a pinch of natural oils, with a dash of pure plant essences and handful of love, Eco.kid’s Potion Lotion will cast a spell to add strength and moisture to delicate, sensitive skin for all kids this fall.
As temperatures start to drop during the colder months, so does moisture in the air, leaving unprotected skin cracked and chapped. Children’s skin is more sensitive to changes in weather conditions and is more affected by dry skin. Dehydrated skin can result in red and itchy skin that can cause pain and irritation. Eco.kid’s Potion Lotion is the ideal solution to preventing children’s’ skin from drying, chapping, and cracking, as all ingredients are naturally brewed, simply the best Mother Nature has to give.
The skin of a child is not the same as the skin of an adult for one very important reason – Sebum. Sebum is oil that helps skin from drying out. Sebum reduces water loss from the skin surface, protects the skin from infection by bacteria and fungi, and contributes to body odor.[1] Children’s skin produces almost six times less oil on a daily basis than adults’, leaving children’s skin sensitive to chemicals and prone to rashes. Potion Lotion is formulated to address all kids ages 3 through 12 using only the most natural ingredients.
Potion Lotion is made from pure organically certified plant extracts including the world’s richest natural fruit in vitamin C – the Kakadu plum, vitamin E, aloe vera leaf extract to sooth and nurture and coconut and wheat to nourish and hydrate. With these all natural ingredients, Potion Lotion will deliver a healthy barrier on the skin to shield from the cold dry weather. With its fresh citrus scent, Potion Lotion glides on light and smoothly to keep skin moist all day long.
Specially formulated for kids three to twelve years old, Potion Lotion is an energizing natural elixir that helps to protect from environmental damage while infusing the skin with visible radiance. Potion Lotion works with young skin’s own biology and uses pure ingredients that are uniquely aligned to the skin’s natural chemistry.
“Eco.kid’s Potion Lotion uses only the purest ingredients provided by Mother Nature. Potion Lotion protects with natural anti-oxidants and plant hydrating essences. We are committed to bringing the safest kid care products to the market and Eco.kid’s Potion Lotion provides parents a natural skin care moisturizer that is safe for everyday use on kids,” commented Robert Sansone, National Sales Director for Harry D. Koenig and Company, Inc., importer and distributor for Eco.kid.
Wherever possible Eco.kid is made from ingredients that are vapor distilled, organically certified, wild harvested, naturally derived, readily biodegradable and Australian indigenous which together creates a product that is naturally preserved, nutrient enhanced, ecologically inert, naturally fragranced and naturally colored.
Eco.kid’s Potion Lotion can be purchased online at www.target.com, www.simpleluxuries.org, and www.cosmeticmall.com. For more information about different organic bath and body products for kids, visit www.ecokidorganics.com.
About Eco.kid:
Eco.kid (USA) is committed to bringing a healthier solution to kid’s hygiene without harming the planet. Developed with the use of native plants from Australia, Eco.kid (USA) is leading the market in eco-friendly children’s bath, skin, and body products. With NO artificial preservatives, colorings, fragrances, and NO synthetics, silicone or sulfate used to manufacture eco.kid products, they believe Eco.kid should be used as part of a healthier lifestyle for kids and a safer solution for the planet. They pinky swear that no bad stuff is allowed in Eco.kid products. Only flowers and trees, oils and leaves that are organically certified and wild harvested. Eco.kid’s labels also contain Braille to aid visually impaired children and parents. Eco.kid believes it’s always greener on the other side…they call it the Eco.kid community!
________________________________________________________________________________________
SPIBELT POISED TO BE THE BEST BUDGE GIFT IN 2009
September 2009
This holiday season as we are all focused on cash conservation, SPIbelt is offering a complete line of unique gifts suitable to any budget. Looking for the perfect gift for the practical individual who enjoys being hands free, recreational athletes, fitness enthusiasts, travelers, and children alike but all under $20? Look no further than the SPIbelt, the original Small Personal Item Belt that keeps all personal belongings close at hand including a cell phone, Ipod, cash, keys, and identification. SPIbelt (www.spibelt.com) promises to delight even the hard to please and that special someone this holiday season at the right price.
According to the National Retail Federation, consumers in 2008 claimed the one factor that played the biggest role in buying gifts for the holidays was price. According to the survey for 2008 Consumer Shopping Trends, 40 percent of shoppers said that sales and promotions was the largest factor, while another 12.6 percent stated that everyday low prices were the most important when choosing the perfect gift. Only a handful of consumers said they made decisions while buying based on a convenient location (5.6%) or helpful customer service (5.2%).
This year shoppers are looking for even more ways to save money , but also give a practical gift that will be used. Each of SPIbelt’s unique gift items combine quality and design to produce a functional accessory for any leisurely activity. With so many items under $20 to choose from, including the Original SPIbelt ($19.95), SPIband for men ($19.95), Kid’s SPIbelts ($14.95) and the new SPIbelt Water Bottle ($19.95), no one will be left off the gift list this year.
Gift givers in the market for the perfect gift to fit any budget this holiday season better hurry. Having already been featured on “The Today Show” and “The Rachael Ray Show”, as well as in Better Homes and Gardens and Cosmopolitan, SPIbelt has also been chosen by MSNBC as a “Great Gift Under $20”.
Holiday gift givers and recreational athletes who would like to learn more about SPIbelt and its budget-friendly product line can do so at http://www.spibelt.com. Interested media are encouraged to arrange a personal interview with SPIbelt by calling 512-294-6218.
About SPIbrand:
Kim Overton founded SPIbrand as the parent company for her collection of innovative fitness, travel, fashion and medical supply accessories. Fueled by her personal struggles with her daily run and not having anywhere to put her keys, Kim concluded, “There has got to be a better way!” Thus, the Small Person Item Belt (SPIbelt™) was born. Today, the company’s product lineup includes the SPIbelt™, the SPIband™ and both the Love Your Legs™ and the Love Your Core™ DVDs, with many new concepts in the works. For more information on SPIbrand and its products, please visit www.spibrand.com.
Organic Products
Check out www.greenzer.com! Greenzer.com offers a wide selection of green and organic products from more than 100 online retailers. It is the THE site for environmentally conscious products.
Eco Expo at Canterbury Park
Eco Expo at Canterbury Park
Shakopee, MN!
Sat. Sept. 12th & Sun. Sept. 13th
10 – 6
GOING GREEN MAKES SENSE!
Eco Expos LLC brings leading environmentally and socially responsible Twin Cities companies together with interested attendees to showcase their latest products and services.
Come visit with the experts in a variety of fields!
From: Alternative Energy, Beauty, Building, Clothing, Consulting, Development, Eco Vehicles, Education, Food & Wine, Fuels, Geothermal, Government, Health Care, Irrigation, Landscaping, Municipalities, Organizations, Paper & Printing, Pets, Plants & Habitat, Recycling, Restaurants, Retailers, Solar, Tourism, Wind Power
Seminars – Information – Interesting Exhibits
Free Parking – Family Friendly
ABC’s Earth 2100
I recently saw the ABC special Earth 2100 and found it to be a very intriguing piece. In the special report, ABC’s Bob Woodruff leads us through the life of a child born today. We learn what experts feel the future might hold for the planet over the next 90 years. A sort of worst case scenario, the story does a great job of connecting issues in our current world with potential catastrophes of the future. While ABC doesn’t claim that this future is necessarily the one that will come to pass, they do warn that the economic and social problems that are inherent in our system could lead to total collapse.
To watch Earth 2100 for yourself, go to abc.go.com and click on ABC News Specials under Free Episodes. The piece comes in two parts. It is about an hour and half long, but well worth it.
LivGREEN’s Social Networks
Check the LivGREEN social networks to keep up-to-date with everything LivGREEN.
Good Clean Love Oils, Candles, Etc.
April 13, 2009 by Zach Moss
Filed under Editor Picks
“Oils, candles, etc.” Made from all-natural ingredients and essential oils. Pick from sexy scents like Caribbean Rose and Indian Spice (or take it one step farther and have a custom blend made for you and your partner). It’s all good. check website for local retailers. www.goodcleanlove.com
Twin Cities Green Zen Bowl
April 12, 2009 by Zach Moss
Filed under Editor Picks
This 91% recycled glass Zen bowl is sure to bring a smile to her face. Fill it with water and float some blossoms. www.twincitiesgreen.com $94.95
