Sprout Strategy

Are we using the wrong strategy?

2010-10-27T12:11:00.000-06:00

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately, inspired by several recent readings, TED videos and mostly the SunChips bag recall. Are we working too hard to employ the wrong strategy?

Here's my thinking...

I asked a business associate what he thought was the biggest issue when it came to the success of sustainability - business or consumer? His reply was, "...there isn't enough money in the world to solve the consumer issue...I think the hardest one to crack is the business issue - simply because of the internal corporate conflicts of interest and sloppy business practices - i.e., NO collaborative arrangements to coral all the experts (internal and external) who can bring the right ingredients into the mix and produce a successful outcome."

What if there was all the money in the world to educate consumers?

I feel like the problem is that we’re relying on corporations to do the right thing, and then relying on them to educate people on what their doing. That uses precious time and resources. Now, you and I, and many others, are keen to that idea, big business should have been doing the right thing from the very beginning. But alas, they haven’t been and they have to shift their behavior and that requires extensive resources, which many big businesses are having a hard time diving into head first. Essentially the planet’s health, and our health, is reliant on a push strategy, which as we’re witnessing with the SunChips example can be very very dangerous and back fire.

What if instead we created a pull strategy? What if we were able to wage an actual global campaign (well US first) that was all about educating consumers, creating a pull strategy – arming and empowering mainstream consumers to demand better for themselves and for the planet? And what if that campaign was about simplicity, empowerment and transformative change?

Do you think that would/could crack the business issue mentioned above?

I have a thought, but I would love to hear anyone and everyone's thoughts and feelings on this if you've got the time. Hit me back and I'll collect, digest and then share an idea!

Here's to living your best possible life!

Melissa Mizer - Chief Brand Cultivator

Making Things Happen: Complaining or starting a movement?

2010-10-08T12:23:00.000-06:00

Hello again! Yes, it's been quite a while. We've been busy launching our new recruiting service GEM (www.findthegems.com). And now that it's off the ground we are back to putting all our attention into Sprout, and making things happen in the world of social responsibility and well being.

And while we're on the topic, there's quit a lot going on. We've just learned about Alex Bogusky's newest Fearless venture, "The Least You Can Do", from The Denver Egotist.

This new venture is in cooperation with Justin's Peanut Butter. Here's what their up to (a few excerpts from their website):

"Justin's is a company committed to healthy eating, active lifestyles and of course - delicious nut butter that comes in handy portable packets. Their packaging is extremely convenient but unfortunately the plastic is not very "green." Still passionate about the environment and not wanting to leave a footprint, Justin's is on a crusade to get the entire packaged food industry to hop on the compostable train, increase awareness, demand and make the world a better place one deliciously squeezable packet at a time."

The site sets out the mission for visitors to Like their Facebook page and become "Inactivists":

"Your Mission:

Join us in the fight to get more companies using greener, compostable packaging instead of oil-based plastic in their packaging. Get started by clicking "Like" over there on your left. Wasn't that simple? You're well on your way to becoming an Inactivist. Click below to see the rest of the activities we have for you. You'll be doing next to nothing in no time."

I love Justin for having a mission and attacking it head on, and I would absolutely love to help in any way I can, which is why I did all the activities they suggest: Like Facebook page, signed the petition, and sent a letter to ConAgra. But I have to admit that I'm really struggling with the manner in which the desired outcome is being messaged/packaged.

While I admire Fearless, Justin's and all those that contributed their work to this cause, specifically because I'm a big believer movements and their potential affect on the evolution of the American Dream, I'm truly not so sure about this. On the surface I think it's great, but when you dig into the possible repercussions is where I start to scratch my head.

Obviously the power of complaint, given the recent Frito Lay/SunChips loud bag action, can move companies to change.

But is this how we want to change the world? By complaining? By "doing nothing" in hopes of gaining a lot? Maybe I'm an idealist but what happened to the idea of taking real action, of actually doing "something" to affect change? For some reason this just feels like we're empowering a bunch of lazy complainers who think that all they should have to do is write an email in order to affect change. I think it's a great first step, but can this really truly change an industry?

We always say that the message is, or is wrapped in, the medium, and while perhaps this is the best way to address this specific issue, could this medium/mechanism be sending the wrong message? It's kind of like Whole Foods being the ambassador for the planet but wrapping their single use utensils in plastic. Is this the message we really want to send?

And if the industry changes will this be because it was already moving in that direction (eg., Pantene sugar cane packaging) or because we asked people to "Like" a page, sign a petition and write to the mega-oil using, trash creating entities like Heinz and ConAgra?

I'm really excited to see the results and will do anything and everything in the meantime to help the cause, and we encourage you to do the same. We'll be sure to keep tabs on it and let you know their progress.

Melissa Mizer

Chief Brand Cultivator

I is for Iron (pumping iron that is)

2010-06-23T10:42:00.000-06:00

As we get older it seems there’s so much to think about, but one of the best things you can do is pump some good ole fashioned iron. Recent studies have shown that after age 40, most people lose about 1 percent of their muscle mass each year!

So what’s the big deal about losing muscle mass, and why should you care? Actually… there are many reasons why.

Having less muscle also alters metabolism, which could lead to obesity or other changes that could alter a body’s ability to use insulin effectively, thus increasing the risk of diabetes. Muscle loss can also lead to weak bones, again increasing risk of breaks and injury.

The good news is… studies show that building muscle (through pumping iron) can stop, and potentially even reverse, all of these effects, regardless of age or what shape you’re in.

Studies have also found that pumping iron can help create a feeling of well-being, reducing risk of depression, and it’s been said that it may even help improve overall mental/cognitive health, which is why many doctors are starting to recommend weight training to patients with Alzheimer’s.

Weight lifting, according to studies, is one of the most important activities that adults can pursue to stay healthy. Today adding a little iron to your routine is simpler than ever, and you don’t have to go to a traditional gym. Men’s Health offers a fantastic Muscle Plan on their website and we’ve been touting the benefits and results of bar classes on the Sprout Strategy Facebook page for months (a Sprout ‘must try’).

Marketing Idea: One of the things we’ve been learning from consumers, especially those just entering the natural foods market, is they need our help – the idea of “being healthy” is not only foreign to them, but very overwhelming and intimidating, making them ‘hungry’ for solutions.

The Sprout’s know that healthy eating and nutrition is THE key to staying healthy, but it seems this has become an extremely myopic and undifferentiated idea for Natural Food companies. There couldn’t be a more perfect positioning for these brands than the idea of “Total Body”. We would love to see more step outside their comfort zone of nutrition and encouraging total-body health, and it can be as simple as providing new and interesting exercises on/in packaging, a dedicated page on their website or even partnering with a fitness organization, personal trainers or special events.

Here’s to pumping iron and in return, living your best possible life!

H is for Health...and Happiness!

2010-05-14T10:01:00.000-06:00

Recently I’ve been struck by just how closely our happiness is linked to our health, it seems they really do go hand in hand. Everywhere I turn it seems there’s something saying – health and happiness!

Take for instance my new favorite book, The New York Times best seller, Born to Run, by journalist Christopher McDougall. His travels and adventures covering the ultra running scene across America give us a peak into an amazing culture that thrives on what many see as torture and craziness (50 mile or longer races through various terrain and conditions). He explains the level of peace and happiness these runners experience, even at mile 60 of the Leadville 100 they’re beaming with smiles - no hurt, no cares, just genuine happiness.

This overflow of happiness McDougall believes is a direct result of the fact that they run, they run far, and they run fast. And they’re healthy!

And then there’s the Biggest Loser on NBC. (I admit I’m addicted and never miss an episode.) Every single one of those in the final six repeatedly talk about how happy they’ve become over the course of their Biggest Loser journey. Why wouldn’t you be happy when you’ve lost the weight of an entire person and look better than you’ve looked in years?

But it’s interesting, that’s not what they point to when they mention their happiness. Rather they talk about how getting healthier is what has made the difference. They’re stronger emotionally. They have more self-confidence. They’re not riddled with disease and the looming chance of heart attack and stroke. So, it’s not because they can now wear a size 10, but because they feel healthier – all over!

And it really got me thinking. On a daily basis I either have a conversation with a client, a friend or family member or I overhear a couple of women talking at a restaurant about finding happiness, achieving happiness, trying to figure out what they can do to make themselves happy.

And then I look, I really look at them. And I realize these are the people who are also some of the most unhealthy. They’re plates are overflowing with meat and cheese, they’re stressed out about family and work, they’re overweight (and sometimes obese) and they have bags the size of some ladies purses hanging below they’re eyes because they’re so tired. And I want to scream, “GET HEALTHY!”

Getting happy means getting healthy!

I know, I’m living proof of it. The last couple of years have been very hard – creating Sprout, growing Sprout, sprouting Sprout into another city, unearthing our new recruiting company gem™, not to mention the personal side of things. Without even realizing it, I woke up one day and realized I’d gained 20lbs and I was honestly the most unhappy I’d been in a very very long time.

Since that day I’ve made a commitment to several things, the most important eating a clean diet (Vegan organic diet – wheat, dairy and sugar only for special occasions), and scheduling, and committing, to some pretty tough workouts – oh, and tennis lessons! And I can honestly say I haven’t been this happy since I moved to Chicago the first time.

Over the last two months I’ve come to realize the hardest part is you don’t realize how miserable you truly are when you’re drowning in the stress and burdens of everyday life until something hits you and you start to climb out, get healthy, get happy and look back.

This is not merely a lesson for us as people; it’s a lesson for us as brand marketers, especially those committed to the health and wellness mission. So often motivation is about scare tactics, but what if motivation was about happiness tactics? What if there was a way for us to help people realize their unhappiness now, and what if our brands were the ones that could help them dig out? What would that do for your brand, and your brand loyalty? Just something to think about.

Here’s to living your best possible life!

Melissa Mizer – Sprout Strategy Chief Brand Cultivator

G is for Groovy Green Gifts

2010-04-26T07:58:00.000-06:00

With Earth Day just behind us and being green still top of mind, here are a handful of groovy “green” gift ideas, some of which could even make for that perfect Mother’s Day gift – with mom’s day just around the corner.

If you’re interested in sending mom flowers, or perhaps just planting an eco-certified plant or tree in honor of Arbor Day this Friday, check out www.organicbouquet.com for a variety of sustainably grown floral options. As a bonus, if you check out the site this week (before the 30^th), you still have time to enter to win a $125 gift certificate.

If you’d prefer to “toast” mom this Mother’s Day, perhaps you’d rather send her a bottle of the award winning Chateau Bousquette Cuvee Prestige from www.theorganicwinecompany.com. And while you’re there, you may just want to sign up for the wine of the month club, where you can indulge in three bottles of organic vino every month.

If mom’s been needing a little extra “flair” in her life, check out the Chica Rosa – Silver clutch at www.ecoist.com, hand crocheted with 200 recycled aluminum pop-tops. It’s sure to be a hit with mom and you may even want to buy a matching one for yourself.

Or, for a more casual handbag option, check out the Planet Green Graphic, Organic Cotton or Animal Planet series handbags on www.envirosax.com. These designer reusable bags will help mom spread the eco-friendly message with style.

And finally, If R&R is where it’s at with mom, why not make her day with the Organic Peaceful Spa Gift Set from www.pristineplanet.com or allow her to wrap herself up in a plush Organic Cotton Thick and Thirsty towel from www.gaiam.com.

We could go on and on with the endless variety of green gift options now available, but these are just a few of our faves definitely worth checking out. We’d love to hear your favorites too, but until then…

Happy Mother's Day and here’s to living your best possible life!

F is for (Shocking) Food Facts

2010-04-19T13:47:00.000-06:00

The Sprouts are constantly asking ourselves questions like…

America’s obese, Africa is malnourished, why?

If I eat fish, am I contributing to extinction?

Can vitamins really make a difference?

Well, you know how the Sprout brain works.

And then come along movies like Food, Inc., and TV shows like Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution, packed with the reality of the who, what, where, when and how of our food, and things start to become a little more clear for us.

Adding to our clarity is a new book called The Little Book of Shocking Food Facts, (which we were lucky enough to get a first hand peak of the layouts before it was finalized for production). The book’s crucial facts, figures and tidbits about the food we eat and the process it takes to make it and get it to our mouths (all of which are gleamed from the world’s most admired and trustworthy authorities on food and food production), at times even had us uttering a “WHOA!” under our breath.

The core idea of ‘shock value’ resonates not only in the startling facts, but also in the graphic design and photography, making each page turn an adventure in facial expressions to be sure.

And all of this can’t help but make us wonder…it’s interesting that so many are turning to shock in order to get our attention when it comes to eating and producing food in a healthy and humane manner. What’s more shocking is that despite all these efforts is thousands of McDonald’s Big Macs are still be scarfed down by some of the largest and most unhealthy people in American and at the same time those in India, Bangledesh and Ethiopia (just to name a few) continue to fight for the chance to eat a decent meal and drink a clean cup of water.

Our question: Can shock work to change people’s ingrained behaviors and make us, and the world, healthy?

What do you think? Is shock the answer or is there a better approach?

While you, and the Sprouts, ponder that interesting question, we’d like to thank Craig Holden Feinberg, a friend of Sprout, for his beautiful graphic art design of the book and for an awe-inspiring, and quick, lesson on global food politics, fast food culture and healthy nutrition. The book is available for pre-order at Amazon and will ship in November. For those of you who can’t wait, we’ll try to get our hands on some pre-released copies to give away to clients, or maybe we’ll do a Sprout Strategy Facebook trivia contest in the coming weeks and give you the chance to win a copy.

Here’s to living your best possible life!

E is for Earth Day

2010-04-16T18:39:00.000-06:00

Each and everyday the Sprouts feel a bit overwhelmed by the task of saving our planet from ourselves. We’re constantly inundated by pictures of devastated landscapes and the possibility of extinct animals (those polar bears get us every time) making us constantly aware that our own ignorance, and many times laziness, is what has gotten us to this critical moment in time.

And while the task may seem insurmountable, or uncontrollable, we’ve decided that the best thing we can DO is SOMETHING. Anything! Whether it’s big or small, it will make an impact, as long as we DO SOMETHING!

That’s why as the 40^th Earth Day quickly approaches on Saturday, April 17 we are focusing our efforts at home, where we can see a difference and truly feel like we’re making a difference with our SOMETHING.

The best place to start is in your own backyard, in your neighborhood, in your community. Pick just one thing: plant a tree, join the neighborhood clean-up, participate in your communities blackout night…but DO SOMETHING!

The Sprouts more than anyone get it…we get how hard this is to change your habits. No one is perfect, we all have to make choices and the decisions that fit best for us. But if we all just do one thing, just DO SOMETHING, not only will our planet be better for it, but so will we – whether it be in your heart, your head, your lungs, or your pocketbook.

If you’re still at a loss, earthday.org has a great listing of events, petitions, rally’s, etc. Everyone’s sure to find something there. You can also still join Earth Hour and show your support for clean energy and a clean economy, or simply bring in your own mug to Starbucks today for free coffee – free is always a sure step in changing a habit.

Here’s to DOING SOMETHING and living your best possible life!

D is for the Sunshine Vitamin

2010-04-12T15:57:00.000-06:00

There is a vitamin deficiency that affects over half of the population, is almost never diagnosed, and has been linked to many cancers, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, depression, bone loss and autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis.

What vitamin is almost totally absent from our food supply?

Vitamin D. Are you getting enough?

A fat-soluble vitamin, Vitamin D is made in the body after exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun when the liver and kidneys convert it to its active hormone form, Cholecalciferol, or Vitamin D3.

A lack of sufficient Vitamin D in your body can cause the levels of calcium and phosphorus in your blood to drop, causing bones to become thin, brittle, soft or even misshapen. This is because Vitamin D’s major biologic function is to aid in the absorption of calcium.

(picture courtesy of www.flyingcolours.org.uk)

So what does one do to keep sufficient levels of Vitamin D in ones body?

GET OUT IN TO THE SUN! Sunlight is the most important source of Vitamin D because the UV rays from the sunlight trigger Vitamin D synthesis in the skin. However, with all the fears out there about over exposure to UV rays, over use of sunscreen is the main reason why most people are not getting enough Vitamin D in to their systems. 80% to 100% of our Vitamin D Intake comes from the sun. Sunscreen blocks out an amazing 97% of our body’s Vitamin D production.

Because of the changing weather and many people living in places where the sun hardly shines, supplementing with Vitamin D is essential. The exact amount needed will vary depending on your age, how much time you spend in the sun and the time of year, Winter vs. Summer. The government recommends 200 to 600 IU (International Units) of Vitamin D a day. This is the amount you need to prevent rickets, a skeletal disease that weakens the bones. But how much do you need for optimal health? Our favorite trusted health advisor, Dr Weil, recommends up to 2,000 IU a day, once again depending on personal circumstances.

Fortified foods are the major dietary sources of Vitamin D. For example, one cup of Vitamin D fortified milk supplies about ¼ of the estimated daily needs for this vitamin. You should try to eat dietary sources of Vitamin D. These include fatty fish such as wild salmon or wild mackerel, even eggs, one whole egg contains 20 IU of Vitamin D. You can also take Vitamin D supplements, but be careful when choosing a supplement as many only contain Vitamin D2, which is not biologically active.

Although consuming too much Vitamin D is possible, it is not probable. Vitamin D toxicity can cause nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, constipation, weakness and weight loss. It can also raise blood levels of calcium, causing mental changes such as confusion. Consuming too much Vitamin D through diet alone is not likely unless you routinely consume large amounts of cod liver oil, which in our opinion would be hard to do. It is more likely to occur from high intakes of Vitamin D in supplements, so consult a doctor before beginning a Vitamin D regiment.

Get out into the sun as much as you can, be conscience of the amount of sunscreen you use and eat foods high in Vitamin D3, supplementing if necessary, and you will find a healthier, Happier you!

Here's to living your best possible life!

Cultivating the world around us

2010-04-08T11:02:00.000-06:00

Admittedly the Sprouts fell of the blogging bandwagon. No excuses - one of our Sprouts sprouted, and down a cultivator we were doing everything we could to make sure we were cultivating our client's brands with as much love and attention as possible.

We're finally back to 100% and we're growing again!

Starting Monday we'll pick up where we left off on our A-Z entries with the letter D. And in the coming weeks we'll start sharing more and more about our new sister company, gem - a research recruiting firm that's redefining the research recruit.

Of course our time off from writing gave us plenty of time to think, and boy do we have lots of ideas and thoughts to share in the coming months. And as always, we hope you'll sound off about what you think as well.

Until Monday, have a great weekend!

Here's to living your best possible life!

Eat MORE Fruits & Veggies

2010-04-07T09:21:00.000-06:00

Hot off the presses today from the UK is a new study that cites fruit and veggies may only reduce your risk of cancer by 3%. And this has the Sprouts a little concerned.

The observational study conducted by the Tisch Cancer Institute at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York had a very large sample size, 500,000 people in 10 European countries, and it did make adjustments for other factors likely to influence the results, such as smoking, alcohol intake, obesity, consumption of meat and processed meat, exercise and whether women had taken the contraceptive pill or hormone replacement therapy, but we're a little concerned that large sweeping statements are being made by an oversimplified observational study.

Despite the fact we eat our fruits and veggies, unless we're eating organic we may be eating more than just food, we're probably eating cancer causing pesticides. And of course years and years of eating this way can take it's toll.

While the oversimplified research methodology concerns us, it's actually the impact of the study that has us even more worried. Because the sensational aspect of the report, many news agencies are failing to tell, or in some cases burying, one of the most important parts of the research.

The accompanying editorial by Walter Willett of the Harvard School of Public Health said efforts to increase fruit and vegetable consumption were still worthwhile because accumulating evidence showed that they helped protect against cardiovascular disease and "a small benefit for cancer remains possible". He suggests research now should focus more sharply on specific fruits and vegetables – including lycopene in tomatoes which, studies suggest, helps protect against prostate cancer – and on reducing smoking and obesity. And of course, we're still wondering if eating organic has an affect as well.

So the Sprouts say, "Ignore these stories and eat even more fruits and veggies!" We truly believe the more fruits and vegetables you eat the healthier you are overall; your stronger and more capable of fighting off disease, any disease that might come your way.

Here's to living your best possible life!

C is for Coconut Craze

2009-11-15T18:11:00.000-07:00

We’ve been noticing coconut water has been flying off the shelves at Whole Foods lately, many times not being able to find it stocked during the busy lunch hour, so the Sprouts thought it was the perfect candidate for our “C” blog entry.

Five years ago, unless you’d been to the tropics, or were a raw foodist you probably didn’t even know coconut water even existed. But now in 2009, the coconut water category, getting a boost from two entrepreneurial companies, O.N.E. and Zico, received it’s first ever analysis by Merrill Lynch with sales going from $0 in 2002 to $35 million in 2009.

So, what’s behind the craze?

On your first sip, it’s like nothing you’ve ever tasted. Not particularly “ coconuty” in taste it’s a little bit like water, but it has a texture and a slight sweetness that some find off-putting.

But perhaps it’s health benefits will help you overlook the taste. According to Mortin Satin, Chief of the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization, “Coconut water is the very stuff of nature, biologically pure, full of natural sugars, salts and vitamins to ward off fatigue and is the next wave of energy drinks BUT natural.”

For those of you looking for a replacement to the sugary sports drinks like Vitamin Water and Gatorade, coconut water is for you.

Coconut water contains more potassium (about 294mg) than most sports drinks (117mg) and most energy drinks
Coconut water has less sodium, around 25mg compared to sports drink’s 40mg and energy drink 200mg
Coconut water has 5mg of natural sugars whereas sports and energy drinks have anywhere between 15-25mg of processed sugars
Coconut water is very high in chloride (118mg), a chemical that the body needs for metabolism, compared to sports drinks that have only 39mg

Because it’s a natural isotonic beverage, with the same electrolyte balance as in human blood, in the Pacific War (1941-45), it was used to give emergency plasma transfusions to wounded soldiers.

So the next time you’re reaching for a sports drink consider the fact that coconut water offers less fat and calories, and no cholesterol, making it healthier than milk and orange juice. And it’s even being compared to human’s mother’s milk because of it’s high levels of lauric acid, which is said to have an effect on raising your metabolism.

We’ll happily raise a glass to that…

Here’s to your best possible life!

B is for Bamboo

2009-10-26T17:05:00.000-06:00

What’s softer than cotton, as strong as steel, and able to renew itself and reach full maturity in just 5 years? Nope… It’s not a bird or a plane… it’s SUPER Bamboo!

Bamboo made its way into the “mainstream” eco-world (primarily as an alternative construction material) several years back, and we’ve continued to see its uses proliferate in everything from eco-housing and bamboo flooring, to textiles and bamboo clothing, to bedding, towels, furniture, recreational products, technology, etc., yet many folks don’t know why bamboo is considered eco-friendly and what makes it the ideal material for so many things.

Let’s start with a little background on this panda-loving product (bamboo 101 if you will).
• Technically, bamboo is a grass not a wood, though it’s frequently referred to as a “woody grass”. It also happens to be the fastest growing grass in the world, with some of its more than a 1000 species able to grow at a rate of up to 4 ft. per day (definitely giving Jack’s beanstalk a run for its money)! Its extremely fast growth is part of what makes it such a fantastic renewable resource, available for harvest in just 3 years versus 120 years for oak.
• Bamboo regenerates itself - It can be harvested without damaging the original plant, unlike wood that takes an average of 30 years for a reforestation project.
• Bamboo grows more abundantly than wood – a single stand can generate 200 poles in 5 years, the same time it takes a single tree to grow large enough for minimal use.
• Both trees and bamboo remove CO2 from the atmosphere but bamboo produces over 30% more oxygen than an equivalent stand of trees. (Perhaps we should think about planting bamboo in a our city-wide tree planting efforts rather than trees)
• Bamboo is an amazing natural antibacterial agent. Called “bamboo kun”, bamboo has a natural antibacterial, antifungal so it doesn’t require pesticides and herbicides, making it one of the most maintenance free plants on the planet.
• And since its diverse species can be found all over the world, in places such as…East Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Northern Australia, and even in parts of the South Eastern United States and South America, its supplies are endless.

Pretty cool if you ask us!

But all bamboo isn’t created equally green. The difference comes in the manner in which bamboo is processed for our consumption in the form of clothing, household goods, furniture, building materials, etc. Because of this it’s very important to look for two things when purchasing bamboo
1. Look for bamboo that’s been made with water-based, formaldehyde-free adhesives with low/no-VOC finishes, and of course bamboo which uses the “mechanical” method (the crushing of the woody parts and use of natural enzymes to create a mushy substance that can be combed out and spun into yarn) of processing, especially when purchasing fabrics.
2. Ask if it’s FSC Certified. This certification is provided by the Forest Stewardship Council (http://www.fsc.org) which ensures the bamboo has been harvested in a sustainable fashion requiring the bamboo not come at the expense of deforestation of already existing natural forests.

All this said, there’s no denying that bamboo is still a highly renewable and highly sought after resource, and one that you should feel good about purchasing as an alternative to less green options, as long as you’re educated and know what to look for.
As a flooring or furniture option, not only is it beautiful (check out the creator of Sprout’s own bamboo cabinetry right here) and sustainable, it’s also extremely durable and strong. In fact, the tensile strength of bamboo is comparable to steel, and much harder than either maple or oak.

Good sources for great flooring and furniture options are Smith & Fong’s Plyboo, Teragren Modern Bamboo Furniture, and Room and Board

And, while bamboo may not be the #1 most eco-friendly product for use in clothing and other fabrics, it still has amazing health and wellness oriented qualities that you simply may not find in other clothing and bedding products.
• It’s naturally anti-microbial and anti-fungal
• It contains a natural agent (bamboo kun) which requires no harmful chemicals to prevent bacteria and fungus from cultivating on it
• It’s softer than cotton, cashmere and silk, making it ideal for wearing or snuggling up in, especially for little ones!
• It’s practical – more durable and less expensive than silk or cashmere and can be conveniently cleaned in your washer and dryer
• It’s comfortable and breathable, which helps keeps you drier
• It’s hypoallergenic, and non-irritating to the skin.

Check out Kicky Pants bamboo kids wear, Sprout Kids Clothing (unrelated but great name), and Green Earth Bamboo for great bamboo bedding, bath and other apparel options.

Here's to living your best possible life!

A is for the Antioxidants

2009-10-13T17:56:00.000-06:00

Did you know our bodies rust due to old age and exposure to the environment?

Yep. Our bodies, just like our cars, are susceptible to oxidation. Over time our bad habits and indulgent activities such as smoking, poor diet, vigorous exercise, sun worship and those nasty hangovers take their toll on our bodies at the molecular level, causing our cells to oxidize, breaking down and destroying the very structure that holds us together and helps us fight off disease. And unfortunately this gets worse the older we get and the more oxidative stress our cells are under.

So here’s what’s happening to your body … when our body cells use oxygen they naturally lose an electron, producing a by-product called “free radicals.” These little buggers can create oxidative stress or damage to the many different cells in our bodies. When we develop bad habits such as overeating, smoking, and drinking, these free radicals can become more than our bodies can naturally handle. Normally, our bodies can handle these bad boys, but if we’re prone to over indulge, and we’re not as young as we used to be, these suckers become so abundant our bodies can’t control them. And low and behold, research is proving these free radicals are the culprits for many types of health problems including heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, macular degeneration, and many types of cancers. (More to come on free radicals in a couple of weeks with the letter “F”)

Our biggest defense against these scoundrels is Antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances and nutrients in our food that can slow, and even prevent, the oxidative damage caused by free radicals. They can also enhance our immune system making us less susceptible to disease and infection. We like to think of them as our body’s version of Pac-Man munching through our bodies and gobbling up all the excess electrons rendering the free radicals powerless.

The best way to get your antioxidants is to “taste the rainbow!” No, we don’t mean eat a ton of Skittles. On the contrary, eating as many fruits and vegetables, in as many colors as possible, is your surest defense: the deep red of cherries and tomatoes; the orange of carrots; the yellow of corn, mangos, and saffron; and the blue-purple of blueberries, blackberries, and grapes. The most well known components of food with antioxidant activities are vitamins A, C, and E; β-carotene; the mineral selenium; and more recently discovered, the compound lycopene. The American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, and the National Cancer Institute all recommend you get 5 servings of fruits and vegetables everyday.

Some of our favorite ways to get our antioxidants include drinking Yerba Mate or green tea every morning instead of coffee (the former claiming to offer 10,000 times the amount of antioxidants than blueberries). Guayaki Yerba Mate and Mighty Leaf Tea are our favorites and can be found in any Whole Foods (we especially like both of them for their sustainability and free trade practices).

Acai berries are another new food that’s chock full of these goodies. Sambazon, the foremost authority on acai berries, offers several different products. Their frozen non-sweetened smoothie paks are our favorites, especially when they’re mixed with frozen strawberries and bananas in apple juice – YUMMY!

Beware of processed foods touting their antioxidant benefits. 7-Up seems to be up to their old bad tricks. Harkening back to their “natural” campaign, they’ve just introduced Cherry 7-Up Antioxidant.

This is a huge red flag for us for several reasons. Vitamin E is found naturally in sources such as nuts (almonds), wheat germ and leafy greens, none of which are listed on the product's ingredient list along side the likes of high fructose corn syrup and “natural flavors”. What’s particularly unsettling is the ingredient list includes Vitamin E, but in its man-made form, Vitamin E acetate. And we’re curious to know why did they choose Vitamin E in its synthetic form rather than Vitamins A & C, which could have come from a natural source, and supported their Cherry natural flavor offering?

The best advice we can give when it comes to antioxidants is this ... eat real foods, especially fruits and vegetables … drink some hot tea to warm your bones in the winter months … if you’re older or worried about not getting the right amount ask your doctor about their daily recommendations, Dr. Weil is a great natural resource with a great website. And last but not least, make sure your indulgences are super good ones, and free radical worthy!

Here’s to living your best possible life!

Welcome to Sprout Strategy

2009-10-05T08:48:00.003-06:00

Welcome to Sprout Strategy. We’re so happy to have the opportunity to share our passions of health, wellness and sustainability with you.

Sprout Strategy is a Brand Growth Boutique and was started because we wanted to do some good with our marketing talents. Let’s be honest. There are tons of products out there that people just simply don’t need – they don’t really truly make you, your life, or the planet any healthier, brighter, or more enjoyable; most of the time it’s just more stuff to fill our closets, time and minds and take our attention away from what really matters.

Now that’s not to say that we’re not all for a little indulgence, we’re all for exploring all aspects of our desires. A good friend described our mission best, “the ideal mix of inspiring intellectualism and debauchery and abandon” – so I guess you could say we Sprouts know how to live life to the fullest. So while satisfying our innate desire to let go and be free is definitely tops on our list, products and services that have no interest beyond making a buck are not OK by us.

Our blog is dedicated to bringing you our perspective on what’s happening in the world of health, wellness and sustainability. We hope in the days and months to come our blog will be a place you will turn to for news, updates, events, insights and ideas on new and existing products, events, people and places. In the process we hope to shed some light on who’s doing a good job and what lessons we could all learn. Our goal is simple. We want to provide that little spark of inspiration that helps all of us do a better job of helping each other live our best possible lives in this crazy mixed up world.

So with that, we’re kicking off our blog with “Health and Sustainability A-Z”. It all starts Monday, October 12, 2009 with, you guessed it, “A” – everything from Antioxidants to those little Acai berries that are so doggone hard to pronounce, but so yummy to eat and drink. Each Monday we’ll introduce a new letter and share with you ideas, products, initiatives, and services that start with that letter. We’ll touch on everything from music to carbon emissions and the best running shoes to delicious treats.

We hope you enjoy the next 26 weeks with us. If you’ve got any ideas on what you think we should highlight for a letter of the alphabet, we’re all ears and you can reach us at grow@sproutstrategy.com. And, while Monday’s are specifically dedicated to A-Z we’ll still be tweeting and writing about anything and everything that catches our eye or interest.

Thanks again for joining us. Please let us know if there’s anything we can do to make your visits more enjoyable, informative or inspirational.

Live well,
The Sprouts.