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Post from: The Conscious Snob

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Why Leo Rocks Our Planet

It’s an awesome thing when celebrities use their influence and star power to promote positive change.  Leonardo DiCaprio has focused on the environment by founding The Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation and through his participation as a board member of Global Green USA, a nonprofit organization dedicated to greening America’s schools, creating affordable housing, and encouraging cities to combat global warming, lower energy bills, and create green jobs.

The Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation was established in 1998.  It has actively created awareness of environmental issues by participating with various organizations such as the Natural Resources Defense Council, Global Green USA, and the International Fund For Animal Welfare. The DiCaprio Foundation created the web site www.leonardodicaprio.org to create a wider outreach to an international audience. The site also promotes current environmental campaigns, such as “the world wide movement to eliminate the use of plastic bags.”

In celebration of Earth Day this year, Leonardo DiCaprio is participating in an online ebay auction of green experiences, such as getting to meet Leo at the premiere of his newest film with a green hotel and eco-car service included.  Also included in the auction are some costume pieces from Catch Me If You Can, signed memorabilia, and more.  All proceeds benefit Global Green USA.

Post from: The Conscious Snob

Why Leo Rocks Our Planet

Thinking about making a change?  Start by taking these steps for sweatshop-free clothing.

SUPPORT NONSWEAT SHOP CLOTHING STORES
There is a growing number of clothing brands that manufacture their clothing within the United States where they adhere to strict labor acts.  American Apparel pays twice the national minimum wage and even provides an onsite medical clinic for their workers along with subsidized lunches.  Other brands include Edun, Patagonia, and Free People.

BUY USED CLOTHING
Vintage and thrift stores provide tons of near new clothing that has been tossed by the previous owner.  Instead of throwing them into a landfill, find pieces that you can use to add style and eccentricity to your wardrobe.

EDUCATE YOURSELF
It’s hard to have a completely sweatshop free wardrobe, but you have to start somewhere.  Start researching for brands that are organic and ethically produced by visiting their websites.  Most brands provide information on their manufacturing procedures.  Otherwise, email them about the materials and labor used for that awesome jacket you found.   We have featured brands such as cmarchuska and stores that sell only organic and/or sweatshop free clothing such as Fashion and Earth.  Add key pieces to your closet instead of buying new pieces at the mall monthly, and fine tune what is already in your closet.  Each choice you make can promote a better future for your style and the community.

Post from: The Conscious Snob

No Sweat with Non Sweatshop Clothing

GET FRIENDS INVOLVED
Training with friends brings fun and encouragement into the picture. Involving your friends will keep you motivated to do your runs even on lazy days.

MIX THE IN AND OUT
Don’t do all of your training in the gym. While the treadmill is a good way to start building your endurance, the actual run is going to be outside — so you need to get used to it. Hit the gym on the weekdays, and then run outside on the weekends with your friends.

STRETCH YOUR BODY
Make stretching a part of your warm up and cool down. It’ll prepare your muscles for the stress and help prevent injuries and cramps.

If 26 miles is too much to fathom, why not start by training for a 10k (that’s 20 miles less than a full marathon)! Take little steps towards achieving a satisfying, healthy goal.

Happy running!

Post from: The Conscious Snob

Thinking About a Marathon, It’s Possible

1. Join a food cooperation where you can save with member discounts. These co-ops usually offer organic and sustainable products at much cheaper prices.
2. Get your produce directly from farmers. By paying $200-$300 every year by joining the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) you’ll be able to purchase all your produce at no markup!
3. Check out your local farmer’s market. Your local farmer’s markets are great havens for fresh produce at a fraction of the cost.  You can find homemade breads, canned jams, and delicious spreads along with the best produce your local farms have to offer.  Bring your own reusable grocery tote instead of using their plastic bags to save the environment even more.
   
4. Shorten your grocery list and create your own recipes. This is a no brainer for those of you who prefer healthier food choices by making your own recipes to control the quality of ingredients in your foods.

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4 Ways to Save Money on Organic Foods

Then I realized how I could actually use my time more efficiently. Those books that I have always wanted to read can actually be read. I can write articles without constantly having to check my email or chat. I did more yoga. And, I went outside more.

Today’s society is trapped inside a cubicle, a studio, a computer, an apartment, a mall. We do not know our neighbors, we shop online, we email instead of meet up. We are slowly separating ourselves from human interaction and replacing it with a virtual alternative, one that you can choose to not accept.

So take a break from your computer and look around you. Smile at the person next to you, or give an old friend a call to hang out. Go to a bar with some friends and challenge yourself to meet new people. Go exercise. Interact with life the old-fashioned way.

Post from: The Conscious Snob

Don’t Let Your Computer Consume You

Sustain the Planet, Maintain Your Cool
Do you sometimes wonder why these so-called stylish designer sunglasses that are made of plastic cost hundreds of dollars?  Because people relate to the premium brands and respond to a sense of luxury and exclusivity.  Yet, they are simply mass-produced.  While the world crazes about premium designer sunglasses like Gucci, Chanel, Tom Ford and Oliver Peoples, etc., a new generation of premium eco-eyewear has been introduced by iWood.

All parts are shipped directly from Italy and only a limited pairs of wooden sunglasses are produced in the US each year.   These babies can cost a fortune ($300+), but if you are going to pay top dollar on plastic designer eyewear that goes out of style each season, why not invest in a pair that’s handcrafted, fashion conscious, and easy on the environment?

iWood Features

• Components from around the world
• Eco-sustainable wood veneer
• 100% fully adjustable and UVA/UVB protection
• All iWood sunglasses can fit prescription lenses
• Hypoallergenic
• Lightweight
• Bold & international statement

Post from: The Conscious Snob

iWood: Eco-friendly Sunglasses to Maintain Your Cool

There is also a Cafe upstairs that offers a la carte dishes for both lunch and dinner.  Menus still change daily, and reservations are recommended.  Some dishes you can expect to see at the Cafe include hand-cut fettuccine with asparagus, peas, crème fraîche, chervil, and pecorino, the Provençal fish and shellfish stew with saffron, leeks, and aïoli, and grilled cattail Creek Ranch lamb leg with wild fennel cakes, kale, cardoons, and green garlic.  Talk about watering tastebuds.

Reservations need to be made even a month in advance, and a $25 deposit is required upon making the reservations using a credit card.

Visit Chez Panisse’s website for the menu, reservations and directions.

Happy eating!

Post from: The Conscious Snob

Chez Panisse: Organic Dining at Its Best

When we’re in relationships, it’s very easy to slip into cloud 9 and ignore the rest of the world — but eventually we’ll realize that we’ve missed and want to enjoy the company of our old friends. What happens though when your significant other asks you to choose between him or them?

Undeniably, this is a tough decision. Is it possible to enjoy the company of everyone without offending anyone? Yes.

LET BOYFRIENDS BE FRIENDS
It’s easy to avoid meeting his friends and him meeting your friends when you’re in a relationship with each other. But if you want a supportive and welcoming relationship (with your boyfriend and friends), you’ll want both parties to feel at ease when they are together. Here’s what you can do:

• Meet his friends.
• Hang out with him and his friends.
• Become their friends.
• Ask that your boyfriend do the same with yours.
• Encourage each other to spend time with your respective group of friends.

Granted, there will be occasions when you want to exclusively hang out with one or the other, but there’s no need to always have to awkwardly choose between your boyfriend and your friends. In a serious and healthy relationship, your significant other should be able to put forth the effort to respect and become friends with your buddies. Bear in mind, however, that this applies to you as well… so be smart and avoid this ultimatum.

Happy loving!

Post from: The Conscious Snob

Your Boyfriend or Your Friends?

Eco Erase is a 100% certified organic concealer that protects the skin with Carrot Oil, Vitamin C and E.  Some of the primary ingredients include coconut oil, safflower oil, castor oil, wax palm, jojoba oil and other natural antioxidants to ensure a smooth and even coverage.

It’s great at covering dark circles without over-drying the fine lines around the eyes.  It’s also an excellent eye shadow primer.  Just use a little dab each time and the product can last you months!

Colors come in two natural shades: Neutral (light ivory beige) and Medium (medium neutral beige)
Price, a bit on the pricey side, but well worth it: $30

Post from: The Conscious Snob

Eco Erase Your Imperfections