Notes from Virginia: We Share Responsibilty for Activists’ Deaths and Rainforest Destruction
May 31, 2011 by Elias Simpson
Filed under Activists, Blog, Brazil, From Virginia, Front Page, Rainforest, Sustainability, Take Action
Dear Reader,
Today I read an article on the Huffington Post called Adelino Ramos Killed: Third Environmental Activist Murdered This Week In Brazil. In case you didn’t know, as I didn’t, there’s conflict in Brazil. Loggers, farmers, and ranchers are illegally laying claim to the rainforest. The most terrifying aspect is that environmental activists, 1150 recorded to date, are being killed by hit men hired by the companies that profit from the destruction of the rainforest.
It’s hard to think of a better reason to act on principles. I’m writing to get us started on thinking of how we can make a difference for those struggling to sustain the most vital piece of our planet’s environment, our life sources, and biological diversity. The enemy is obvious, and his power is too: money. What’s less obvious is how American consumers are responsible for the conflict….
Read Full ArticleWembe Soaps – The “Wild Spirit of the Rainforest”
April 20, 2010 by Brigette Fanning
Filed under Blog, Body and Bath, Front Page, Household Goods, Organic, Paraguay, Personal Care, Rainforest, Slideshow
Get “the wild spirit of the rainforest,” says Wembé about their handmade soaps. Each soap is crafted using plants native to Paraguay. The company sells 15 varieties of the Wembé soaps, ranging in price from $7.00 for the Coconut Exfoliating Blend to $10.85 for the Black Clay Exfoliating Blend.
I tested the Yerba Mate exfoliating blend, Green Blue River exfoliating blend, and White Rose cleansing blend. They all smelled beautiful and instantly softened my hands. Plus, they’re natural and made from organic ingredients. None of the soaps contain silicone, petroleum products, parabens, sulfates, or synthetic fragrances and dyes.
The soaps’ outer packagings were so pretty, I didn’t want to open them at first. When I did, I found one of the most unique products I’ve ever seen. The interesting swirls of color make the soaps look like they came directly from the rainforest. Since they’re natural and handmade, they all vary in shape and size, though the standard weight is 3.75 ounces.
The Yerba Mate soap is vegan and rich in antioxidants. It contains essential oils, exotic weeds, and crushed yerba mate leaves. Plus, its ability to exfoliate the leftover winter dryness from my hands will make it an Iowa essential for the upcoming December and January months. The cost of the Yerba Mate bar is $9.45 for 3.75 ounces….
Read Full ArticleZamu – A Healthy Blend of Fruits and Herbs from the Amazon Herb Company
July 8, 2009 by Sabrina Potirala
Filed under Blog, Environment, Food & Drink, Front Page, Green Living, Iowa, Nutrition, Rainforest, South America, USDA
The Amazon rainforest is full of plants, herbs, and wildlife. Because of this, the Amazon rainforest has gained a reputation as being one of the best natural pharmacies for not only known remedies that originate in the forest, but for its massive potential healing powers as well. The Amazon Herb Company is one organization using the power of exotic fruit to bring health benefits to its consumers…
Read Full ArticleChoosing to Value a Sustainable Life
February 11, 2009 by Joe Hennager
Filed under Alberta, Blog, Books, British Columbia, Canada, Carbon, Climate Change, Economy, Environment, Front Page, Greenhouse Gases, Natural Resources, Oil, Rainforest, Slideshow, Sustainability, Writers
Yesterday we introduced you to author James Glave, a very down-to-earth, environmentalist who is working to reduce his family’s carbon footprint. He is also active in his community, helping to not only spread the environmental message, but also to make the island he lives on more sustainable. In today’s post, Glave talks about pressing environmental issues that confront both his own community and Canada at large.
Read Full Article
