Latest Blog

• Powerful Combinations: A focus on scent

  November 20, 2009 0 Comments

  Give a radiant gift

  There is a strong connection between what we smell, what we think about and how we feel. This is such an important link that there is an entire Sense of Smell Institute dedicated to studying this relationship! The alchemists at Pangea Organics have taken this information seriously and developed their product scent profiles for optimum benefit. Here are some of the considerations that went into their specific combinations:

  Each individual scent evokes a certain reaction. For example, lavender, has a reputation as a relaxing scent. Since whatever you put on your body eventually ends up inside of it, you can expect it to have a reaction on your whole body! While using lavender essential oil has a calming, soothing effect on your mind, it also helps works as an anti-inflammatory or anti-irritant and promotes the healing of traumatized skin (I found out this summer that it works amazingly well on mosquito bites!). Then there is cardamom, which is known for its cleansing and invigorating properties. Cardamom essential oil is a gentle stimulant which can warm sore muscles and improve circulation. Cardamom has also been known to warm other areas, earning itself a reputation as an aphrodisiac.

  Not only does each scent have certain properties, but Pangea has combined them to work in conjunction with each other. Putting lavender and cardamom together into the Pyrenees Lavender with Cardamom body oil for example, creates a product that not only relaxes, warms and heals the body, but helps to keep the mind alert and clear. These two fragrances complement and build off of each other to provide a peaceful alertness and a comfortable body.

  

  This type of marrying of fragrances can also be found in the Malagasy Ginger with Lemongrass body oil combination. Ginger has properties that are similar to cardamom, being a gentle stimulant and muscle relaxer. Lemongrass, besides being a natural pesticide, has detoxifying properties which can inspire, invigorate or renew. While the lavender/cardamom combination has a distinct tranquility and rejuvenating energy to it, the ginger/lemongrass combination has a little more pizzaz and an energizing vigor.

  

  Let’s not forget about the Italian White Sage & Geranium body oil! Used for years by the Native Americans in spiritual ceremonies, white sage has a calming and healing component and is a mild antioxidant. Geranium is a subtle preservative, balancing the body’s sebum production as well as emotional health. It helps to rejuvenate, rebalance and tone the skin and mind! Combined, white sage and geranium applies a holistic approach to enriching the body, cleansing and elevating both skin and frame of mind.

  

  What are some of your favorite scents? I love deep, rich scents like vanilla and apple while my husband prefers light scents like citrus and clean linen. Are there certain scents that you have noticed have influenced you in certain ways or bring back particular memories?

  Thanks to (the queen of subtle)[http://www.flickr.com/photos/queenofsubtle/], (sgrace)[http://www.flickr.com/photos/stasiland/] and (kharied)[http://www.flickr.com/photos/kharied/] for the photos!

  Laura

  

  Give a radiant gift

  • Read More

• What is skin type and why does it matter?

  November 12, 2009 0 Comments

  A gift set complimenting all skin types

  Have people ever told you that you have balanced skin? Oily skin? Or what about dry skin? If so, have you known what to do about it? Or even what it means?

  Here at Pangea we have chosen to define skin types a bit differently from most other skincare people out there. You've probably heard of skin described as 'dry', 'mature' or 'sensitive' (I know mine is sensitive but I would never call it dry or mature!). We think these types of skin need some extra tender care and nutrition so we decided to call them 'thirsty or delicate' types of skin. Similarly, I remember when I was younger, having my skin described as 'normal' which often was translated as oily in some patches (the infamous T-zone) and dry in others (the cheeks, maybe the forehead). But what does 'normal' mean, really? We decided to call this type of skin what it really is -- 'combo or balanced' skin - because it is a bit of everything and so you need a care regime which can handle such variety!

  

  My friend on the other hand, has that skin that I, as a sensitive skin person, dream of - the supple, full kind which when younger can torment us with breakouts or a shiny surface. But instead of calling it 'oily' (which it is commonly described as), we chose to call it 'blemish prone' (which it commonly is) and in so doing, designed a form of care that would honor the skin's natural mantle while refusing to dry it out completely. It's a shift in perspective, definitely, when we consider our skin's needs this way, but we have found it helpful in terms of providing a range of care options for every, single, unique one of us!

  We decided to ask Linda, Pangea's educator, for the skinny (pardon the pun) on those care regimes this week. Here's what she had to say! Here it is, the info you've been waiting for, what Pangea means by those terms and what they recommend!

  For those of us with balanced/combo skin, here are some options:

  First, try using the Calendula and Blood Orange Cleanser twice daily, which may be followed by with a Facial Scrub like the Adzuki Geranium Facial Scrub for deeper cleansing 2-7 times per week. Then, if you can, apply the Italian Green Mandarin Sweet Lime Facial Toner within 20 seconds of cleansing twice per day – or as much as desired to refresh your skin through out the day. Using a toner is necessary to rebalance the acid mantle of the skin after cleansing. Actually, maybe “facial tonic” is a better term as this product preps the skin for a facial cream. After that, the Nigerian Ginger, Sweet Lavender, and Thyme Facial Cream works wonders for balanced/combo skin types.

  If your skin tends to be demanding or oil-rich/blemish-prone, some other options may work for you. Here's what Linda says:

  First, try gently cleansing with the Adzuki Geranium Facial Scrub or mix the scrub with the Calendula and Blood Orange Cleanser twice daily. Then refresh your skin with the Argentinian Tangerine and Thyme Facial Toner (Tonic). Applying the French Chamomile and Orange Blossom Facial Cream or the Egyptian Fennel with Rosemary and Mint Facial Cream onto your skin twice per day will leave your skin looking hydrated and radiant without feeling greasy. Give it a try!

  Finally, for those of us with dry or mature skin, we have other options again from Pangea:

  Because our skin is thirsty and a bit delicate, using the Calendula and Blood Orange Cleanser and Adzuki Geranium Facial Scrub simultaneously is a wonderful combination. If you want, the Rosemary Sweet Orange Toner (Tonic) is then a great way to refresh the skin through out the day and before applying the recommended Red Mandarin Rose Facial Cream for thirsty skin OR Ylang Ylang Facial Cream for delicate skin (I love the smell of rose and ylang ylang so I am officially in heaven!).

  

  Did you get all that? Write it down or go online (here) http://pangeaorganics-store.sparkart.net/product/scrub-featured-homepage-egyptiangeranium-adzukibean-cranberry/egyptiangeraniumwithadzukibeanand_cranberry to get what you need and give these ideas a try! To encourage you to add Pangea's Facial Toner to your skincare regime, Pangea is offering you a FREE Toner ($26 value) when you purchase the Cleanser, Scrub and Cream now thru December 31, 2009. Just enter Promo Code Blog20 at Check Out. This offer is available online at www.pangeaorganics.com and in the U.S. only.

  We hope you find a regime that works for you and your skin type so please report back with what works and doesn’t as well as your own creative regimens and combinations for skin types…

  With thanks again to Linda for the education and cobalt123 and Red Mozzie for the images...

  Happy cleansing!

  Carey Candrian

  

  A gift set complimenting all skin types

  • Read More

• A Better Oil

  November 12, 2009 0 Comments

  Great holiday gifts!

  When you hear the word “oil” what image does it bring to mind?

  

  The term “oil” or “oily” make me think of two different things: first, the dark stains left underneath carports; and second, the necessity of using a harsh soap to cut through residue left by grease.

  It seems as though body oils are unfortunately and inappropriately named since they are neither dirty nor greasy. In fact, the light silkiness that characterizes a good body oil is as pleasant as it is unexpected, leaving no unwanted residue on the skin. The Pangea body and massage oils are perfect examples. Most body and massage oils tend to use one base oil such as sunflower, jojoba, sesame, coconut or extra virgin olive oil. Here at Pangea, we decided to use all these oils mixed together to carry our scent combinations and to provide a more holistic care for your skin (not to mention the body and mind!). In doing so we were able to harness the consistency and high volume of essential fatty acids (EFAs) of olive oil for example and combine them with the superb absorption of jojoba oil, while capturing the zinc rich benefits of both sunflower and sesame oils on which our skin relies to repair itself and maintain its health. Coconut oil, of course, carries medium chain fatty acids which are important to our overall health, but is also a great all round moisturizer on its own!

  

  When we think about using body oils, especially in the current season, we usually think about their ability to seal extra hydration into the skin. Skin can quickly become chapped and sensitive, especially with the cold winter winds! However, most body oils and lotions are often heavy and sit on top of the skin. Pangea's body oil, on the other (more hydrated) hand, acts preventatively and protectively, making it easier for your body to hold onto moisture and resist being stripped by the elements. You can even use the two --Pangea's Body Oil and Lotion-- in combination as well!

  Body oils can also be used to energize and relax. This may seem like a contradiction, but there is nothing more calming than a good scalp massage, even as the hair follicles are being stimulated. The same can be said for a pregnancy or labor massage! Our body oils are so gentle and nontoxic that they can be used on expectant mothers without the fear of any unwanted side effects. They are also a delight post-partum as the gentle rubbing of oil into the once-pregnant body both encourages regeneration of the skin and a rejuvenation of the tired tissues there as they work to come back into shape.

  

  The light scents used in the Pangea body oils are also designed with these goals in mind. The Pyrenees lavender with cardamom and the Italian white sage and geranium combinations help to ease and refocus the mind. In a number of different studies, lavender has been shown to help relax and reduce stress, working with the cleansing and revitalizing nature of cardamom. White sage has been shown to help rid the body of negative energy and combining it with geranium reinforces the elimination of harmful or damaging thoughts or emotions. The Malagasy ginger with lemon grass helps to gently reinvigorate and re-energize; although ginger is not recommended for those with very sensitive skin or the more sensitive areas of the body, it is known for stimulating and warming the senses, while the lemongrass is useful for detoxifying (as well as energizing).
  

  

  So as you can see, body oils are a valuable and helpful component of skin health as well as overall mind-body health, used to relax, to stimulate, or both! Pangea's body oils also make for a lovely holiday, house-warming or host gift. And as a special gift to you Pangea would like to offer you a special 30% discount now thru December 31, 2009 available on our website and in the U.S. only. Just enter Promo Code Blog19 at Check Out

  Besides staying moisturized and getting massaged, what are other ways you use body oils? Have any of you had Ayurveda treatments with body oils? How did they make you feel?

  Thanks to kpishdadi, davosmith, alexthegreek, and valentinapowers for the photos!

  Laura

  

  Great holiday gifts!

  • Read More

• Towards a sustainable future - the Pangea Institute

  November 5, 2009 0 Comments

  Give a sustainable gift set.

  What does sustainability mean to you?

  I had the terrific opportunity to talk with Joshua, founder of Pangea Organics over the phone a few weeks ago. I asked him several questions about Pangea and his vision of the Pangea Institute as well as living towards a sustainable future. It was enlightening and fascinating and I am excited to share some of his thoughts and words here with you all so they can serve as a new lens to think and act in the world today.

  

  For those unfamiliar, the Pangea Institute is being developed as a brick and mortar model that will basically serve as a place where corporations or people can come with ideas and put them together into a functional form that creates a company that thrives on profitability through sustainability on a social, economic and environmental level. In short, it is serving as a model through which others can identify and adopt the sustainable living principles through which Pangea thrives.

  What does sustainably living mean? For Joshua and Pangea, it means products that are really thought about. It also means thinking about how employees are being treated, whether they have healthcare, whether they have living wages, what kind of meals are they served at work, the nature of the environment in which they work, where products are sourced, how they are being developed, how they are being packaged and what happens to that packaging once the consumers are finished with the product.

  Even more, sustainable living for Joshua and Pangea means living every day as an opportunity to think about what you are doing, saying, and how these actions are impacting the world and the people around you. Sustainability is multifaceted. So it is our decision every day whether we are going to have a positive or negative impact on those around us. We need to think about how our actions also impact the future such as when we say yes to a product that works well and whose environment, social and economic impacts are also fully thought about.

  Joshua's pledge - aside from working every day, 80 hours a week - is to think constantly about what Pangea can do better. For him, it's not worrying that competitors are doing x, y and z, but about what Pangea can do to inspire other companies around the world. Vertically integrating ideas about the future into their products now, Pangea is committed to having consumers understand why companies do the things they do. But how? Through education, as Joshua describes...

  

  Education can change the course of all things. Education can also save lives. Education can also be the best medicine. Joshua explains that for every second we live, take another second to understand something through the lens of somebody else. He describes further that our lives are based on millions of lenses we have created, generated and collected through our lives. These lenses come from our parents, our friends, our interactions, the places we have traveled, the books we've read, the poetry we have listened to...the things we've touched, felt and understood through our entire lives. These experiences create a collection of lenses. These collective lenses then guide the ways we think, live, talk and act. As sentient human beings, it is our job to never stop creating and re-creating these lenses. Joshua believes, in order to evolve as a culture, we need to take the time to see the world through the lens of someone else...As the interview wraps up, Joshua points out that, "any one can make history, but it is going to take all of us to make the future happen."

  These are just some of the inspiring principles Pangea was founded on, and some of the principles that have allowed Pangea to serve as a model for others to follow. For me, the model asks us to think about how our actions impact each other, our planet and ourselves. Because again, sustainability is multifaceted. Each of us serves as a facet and a lens to inspire, educate, talk and act together, now, towards a sustainable future…

  Whose lens have you seen the world through today?

  Whose lens has guided a decision of yours today?

  With incredible thanks to Joshua for taking the time to talk...and thanks to Dean Forbes and dinish_valke for the images...

  Carey Candrian

  

  Give a sustainable gift set.

  • Read More

• A Threat to our Children: Bisphenol A and its Dangerous Effects

  October 30, 2009 0 Comments

  Give a holiday gift set.

  How many of you are aware of the dangers found in those nursing bottles and sippy cups that you use to feed your children every day? What if I told you that those very same containers could be raising your child’s BPA levels by nearly 70 percent?

  Bisphenol A is a very controversial topic being discussed right now and I feel it’s important that we all have the facts on this chemical compound that exists in many of the products we buy and containers we use. According to the Environment California website, BPA is a building block for polycarbonate plastics, which are commonly used in baby bottles, water bottles, and children’s plastic toys. This compound is considered “hormone-disrupting” and was originally produced in 1936 as a synthetic hormone. Natural News reported on a study conducted by researchers at Harvard University and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published in early 2009, where it was found that urinary levels of the toxic chemical were increased by 70% in those consuming from plastic bottles made with BPA.

  

  You may be wondering what the dangers are in having an increased BPA level. Here are just a few of the dangers known to having high levels of BPA, according to more than 130 studies reported through the Environment California website: prostate and breast cancer, obesity, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, brain damage, altered immune system, lowered sperm counts, early puberty, heart disease, and diabetes. With such a laundry list of adverse effects to this toxic chemical, why is it still being produced and used in so many consumer products? Simply put, it is advantageous for companies and manufacturers. The FDA bases its decisions regarding BPA on the data generated by studies administered through the GLP (Good Laboratory Practices). This bureaucratic system underestimates the health risks involved with BPA, because it “prohibits the innovative, sensitive state-of-the-art study designs now used to investigate low-dose effects of hormone-disrupting chemicals like BPA (Environmental Working Group).
  

  It is up to educated individuals to share their knowledge about BPA if we are to see changes being made. Due to consumer pressure, many retailers have already begun to ban the selling of BPA-containing products in their stores. The Environmental Working Grouphas published a guide to BPA-free baby products, as well as some helpful hints on how to avoid BPA. They suggest things such as avoiding latex rubber bottle nipples, using glass baby bottles instead of plastic, avoiding plastic bottle liners, using filtered tap water, and choosing powdered formula over liquid formulas as ways to help prevent passing BPA to our children. In addition to eliminating various practices with children, there are also alternatives we can use to avoid BPA for adults. The Local Hazardous Waste Management Program website offers these recommendations for reducing adult exposure to BPA: use glass and stainless steel containers for drinking and storing, avoid plastic containers labeled with a 3,6, or 7 inside the recycle symbol, dispose of scratched or cracked plastic bottles, reduce your use of canned foods by using fresh or frozen foods, and learn to preserve your own foods using glass containers.

  

  Yes, BPA is harmful and exists in a lot of products. Nonetheless, there are choices that we can all make to avoid this dangerous chemical. Having the knowledge to make smarter choices can be an empowering feeling, and ultimately, has the potential to change the face of how we live. Not only will it impact our lives, but it will impact our environment. With less plastic, comes less waste polluting our land.

  How many plastic containers can you identify in your home? Are your children at risk, and if so, isn’t it worth making some changes to reduce those risks?

  Thanks to PressReleaseFinder and Chiot's Run for the photos!

  Shani Canillas-Rucker

  

  Give a holiday gift set.

  • Read More

• Thinking faucetly about water...

  October 29, 2009 0 Comments

  Check out our holiday gift set

  How much water do you consume a day and where does it come from?

  Water is pure, Water is natural, Water is healthy, Water can help all.

  Water is simple, Water is free, Water can help save lives, The lives of you and me.

  -Olivia Taylor

  Today, there are two competing narratives about water. First, drink it – at least 8 glasses a day. Second, it is dangerous, particularly when it is in plastic or out of a faucet without a filter.

  For the longest time, tap water was all people knew and liked. However, after frightening tales of cancer causing chemicals, carcinogens, pharmaceuticals and weed eating liquids finding their way into our water systems, bottled water became the answer to everyone’s concerns. But bottled water is continuously under heated debate and intense scrutiny for its damaging effects on the environment and its poor (and dangerous) quality. Then there are its economic ramifications as well...

  First, plastic bottles are taking a toll on the environment. According to Grist, only 20 percent of plastic water bottles used in the United States are recycled, and far too many of the rest are ending up in the Pacific Garbage Patch – a gyre of marine litter (or “plastic stew”) in the North Pacific Ocean between San Francisco and Hawaii. Twice the size of Texas, this place - our ocean - contains more plastic than plankton, 46 more times plastic than plankton to be exact; according to Tapped, a recent documentary about the bottled water industry.

  

  Second, bottled water is not always from a remote glacier or the pristine mountains in France. Tapped points out that water marketed as “pure” is in reality, largely unregulated, full of harmful toxins like BPA, and far less safe for drinking than free tap water. Even more, 40 percent of the time, bottled water is nothing but municipal tap water! Okay, certainly, we all know that our situation is not nearly as dire as other places, and the documentary and its website acknowledge from the outset that we are extraordinarily fortunate to live in a country where 90% of us have access to some of the best drinking water in the world. Not everyone is as fortunate. Their focus, however, is that there is a time and a place for bottled water. They believe – and their take-away for viewers is – that bottled water is a short-sighted solution to a long-term problem. They go on to say, “By simply buying bottled water and not demanding the government fix the problem we are telling our officials that we think bottled water is an acceptable alternative to clean drinking water. We hope people will let their voices be heard and demand change.”

  But this isn't always easy or accessible. For example, last year I took a tour of a local wastewater plant and was shocked, confused and disgusted to learn that the sewer and water industry were essentially one and the same. According to the Metro Wastewater Reclamation District, all the water that’s ever existed on Earth – or ever will exist – is here right now. "Toilet to tap" is as real and important as ever and might in fact, hold some significant potential...

  Needless to say, this is why it is important for us to conserve water and treat it after we’ve used it – so that others can use it again. Furthermore, the water that goes down gutters and storm drains to creeks, streams and rivers does not get cleaned. We all must do our part to keep pet waste, excess fertilizer, pesticides, motor oil, anti freeze, cigarettes, and other pollutants out of gutters and storm drains. Because unfortunately, no one comes at night to pull all of those toxins out! We, in essence, are the inspectors, advocates and the solution in order for the water we wash our dishes with, take a bath with, wash our clothes with and drink to remain in good care.

  Why else is this important? EWG reminds us that unlike tap water, where consumers are provided with test results every year, “the bottled industry is not required to disclose the results of any contaminant testing that it conducts.” As such and in line with sustainable living movements, there is a growing awareness that recycling alone is not enough. Instead we must be more aware – more conscious – of the way we are consuming, the way things are packaged and the way our consumptive practices are influencing what is being sold and made. Also, we need to re-member and give more importance to the other two “R’s” in the mantra we all know so well: reduce and reuse. And yes, still recycle.

  

  So how can we ensure the water we are drinking is safe? According to Timothy Ford in Environmental Health: From Global to Local (2005), “ensuring the safety of drinking water extends from the source to the faucet: protection of water sources from contamination, water treatment to remove contaminants, and protection of water from recontamination during distribution” (p. 490). Even more, “there is a compelling argument that if the money people are wiling to pay for point-of-use filters and bottled water were invested in municipal treatment and distribution, many current health risks (real and perceived) could be mitigated” (p. 498).

  How should we be assessing current water safety risks?

  How should we be dealing with the appearance of new diseases that may be transmitted by means of water?

  These questions matter and so too do our actions.

  With thanks to shrff14 and Peter Gawthrop for the images.

  To good water habits,

  Carey Candrian

  

  Check out our holiday gift set

  • Read More

• Breast Cancer Fund: Strong Voices Fighting for Strong Women

  October 28, 2009 0 Comments

  Click here for a holiday gift set

  Have you made your impact on breast cancer awareness this month? Have you done or learned something that may help someone who suffers from breast cancer?

  As we get nearer the end of October, let’s take a moment to remember just why those pink ribbons are so important. Pangea Organics aims to bring light to the ways in which we can all improve both our bodies and our environment. However, they realize that this purpose cannot be achieved without the combined efforts of many individuals. When it comes to breast cancer, the second leading cause of death for women according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, what may not be common knowledge is that there are many preventable causes of this disease. Realizing that something needed to be done to bring more awareness to this issue, Pangea Organics decided to partner with the Breast Cancer Fund to highlight some of the efforts being carried out to reduce the number of women diagnosed with this life-threatening illness.

  So who is the Breast Cancer Fund, and what do they do?

  

  The Breast Cancer Fund offers a ton of resources to educate us all about breast cancer. They provide fact sheets and publications that present otherwise unknown information to the public. For instance, did you know that our environment contains mammary carcinogens, endocrine-disrupting compounds and radiation that have been scientifically linked to breast cancer? In fact, statistics show that while more than 1 in 8 women are at risk of getting breast cancer, less than 1% of the cases are actually linked to genetics. This is why the Breast Cancer Fund launched a campaign known as Pure Prevention; a campaign emphasizing the importance of making smart choices regarding the types of products we put on and in our bodies. Pure Prevention also offers five tips to decreasing your odds for being diagnosed with breast cancer. They are the following: 1) choose chlorine-free and bleach-free cleaning products, 2) choose organic, anti-oxidant and fiber-rich foods and hormone-free meat and dairy products, 3) choose cosmetics free of toxins, 4) get outdoors (it reduces stress and builds the immune system), and finally 5) spread the word to family and friends.

  In addition to education, the Breast Cancer Fund advocates for institutional changes and legislative reforms of environmental health policies. They established the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics as a way to stop the cosmetic industry from using harmful chemicals in their products, which in some cases are not even approved by the FDA. Julie Homan, Cause Marketing Manager for the Breast Cancer Fund, believes that "what we put in and on our bodies matters." She states that toxins in the environment, as well as chemicals in many commonly-used products, are the biggest contributing factors to breast cancer. When I asked Julie if she could talk, specifically, about some of these chemicals, she discussed with me the research that has been going into BPA (bisphenol A), a type of compound commonly found in plastic and plastic additives, which acts as an estrogen-mimicker. Julie talked about the ways in which BPA is consumed into the body from containers and "fools the body" into thinking there is added estrogen. Over time, this compound accumulates, causing negative effects to the body.
  

  

  You may be wondering how you can get involved. Besides educating yourself on the foods and products you use on a daily basis, you can also participate in the many events that the Breast Cancer Fund puts together. What better way to spend your weekend than by running, climbing, biking, or kayaking for a good cause? One such event is the Climb Against the Odds event that happens at Mt. Shasta in California. Not only are you helping to support a good cause and raise awareness, but the experience can be truly awe-inspiring!

  Clearly, there’s a lot of work still to be done if we are to prevent the increase in breast cancer diagnoses. Nonetheless, these are some great places to start getting educated and getting involved, which is always the first step.

  Can you afford to read labels, make smarter food and cosmetic choices and participate in life-changing events? I guess a better question would be, can you afford not to?

  Thanks to BL1961 and incurable hippie for the photos.

  Shani Canillas-Rucker

  

  Click here for a holiday gift set

  • Read More

• Keeping health mindful this season

  October 26, 2009 0 Comments

  We are closing in on that time of year when frosted cookies, fudge, turkey, stuffing, candied sweet potatoes, holiday “buffets,” eggnog infused spirits, pumpkin bread and pumpkin ale tempt us all...not to mention the worry that comes with trying to fit into those holiday pants or holiday sweaters!

  How good is this season for our stomachs? Even more, how good is this season for our planet?

  As we prepare for the eating season, instead of people encouraging us to use smaller serving spoons and plates, we could stick to foods that require utensils and contribute to the dinnertime conversation since the more we talk, the less we eat – I am going to spotlight some people and companies keeping health mindful this holiday season.

  

  First, chocolate. Chocolate goes well with most things, that’s why Frederick Schilling, founder of Dagoba Organic Chocolate is a name that should be included in your holiday plans. In 2001, inspired by the soul and spirit of cocoa/cacao as well as its history and the farmers who grow it, Mr. Schilling was on a mission to create exceptional chocolate – made form the finest organic ingredients – to benefit people and planet. In addition to their commitment to exceptional savory products including chocolate bars, drinking chocolate and baking products, Dagoba's commitment to people and planet are principles which inspire them to seek positive change in the areas of ecology, equity, community and quality. The company, with its focus on Full Circle Sustainability is involved in a multi-year reforestation program in Costa Rica at the Upala Cacao Cooperative. To date, their sponsorship has funded five plant nurseries, planted 45,000 seedlings and successfully grafted 7,700 trees that have gone to 41 farmers in the region! So next time you pick up a bar of hand wrapped Dagoba, allow your senses to experience a moment of pure bliss from a bite made from ingredients that are not only good for you but produced by sustainable and community rich values that are also good for our planet. Say hello to chocolate!

  Say hello also to Ed Nichols co-founder of Sambazon and acaí (ah-sigh-ee), the fruit from Mother Nature filled with antioxidants and loads of healthy Omega fats, protein and dietary fiber. Mr. Nichols, in a blog post explains, “Sambazon was born of a sincere passion to share what we considered to be a true gift of nature. In our case this ‘gift of nature’ was an exotic Brazilian palm fruit called Acaí. This passion evolved from a simple passion to share our love of a special fruit into a vision to commercialize the fruit, utilizing it as a vehicle to drive preservation while providing the American consumer with a potent source of nutritional attributes to aid the preservation and sustainability of their own wellbeing.” Whether you prefer to use this superfood in a smoothie, vinaigrette, molé, margarita, or sorbet, Sambazon knows its organic mission extends beyond the ingredients in the berries to caring for the planet and farmers as part and parcel of enjoying the benefits of this purple berry. To do that, Sambazon has created a supply chain that benefits thousands of local families while protecting the Amazon rainforest through sustainable agriculture, such as supporting women in local cooperatives who make acaí seed jewelry as a means to supplement their income and help bring them above the poverty line. So sip this incredible fruit often because it is benefiting your health as well as the health of others!

  Finally, as the holiday season(s) take a toll on our bodies, it’s also important to take note of Tom Newmark and involve New Chapter in your daily regime. Mr. Newmark and New Chapter believe Nature got it right the first time. That is, “nourishment, protection and health come from whole food – not from synthetic vitamins, minerals and chemical herbal isolates” found in most supplements. Every one of their products is a “new chapter” in nourishment, healing, protection and health. Their probiotic, for example, is built on the idea of having beneficial bacteria that not only transform basic nutrients into powerful, life-giving nourishment, but also activate the body’s natural chemistry that supports our health. "Anti-" means to kill. "Pro-" means to live. This product like all of New Chapter's is created to protect and sustain life – human life, animal life, plant life. Organic is not enough – a commitment to “conscious nourishment” is a more mindful path. In developing a New Chapter, they ask us to really think about what we’re putting into our body. To think not only about its effect on us but its effect on the earth, nature and all of who rely on nature’s incredible gifts to continue to live and breathe….

  

  So as you prepare for the eating season keep these names in mind. Even more, keep their guiding ideals as a basis from which to celebrate the season and celebrate life and all those who are acting responsively and responsibly in keeping health and living as the foundation for exceptional products based on incredibly sustainable and mindful practices!

  Twas’ the days of unconscious holiday cheer. Tis’ the days of conscious, mindful cheer that is good for our people and our planet (and for our stomachs!).

  With thanks to cobalt123 for the natural wonders.

  To good health!

  Carey Candrian

  

  • Read More

• Helping Women and Children around the World: Reaching Out and Offering a Chance to Those in Need

  October 23, 2009 By Optional Byline 0 Comments

  How often do you take time out from your busy day to help someone in need?

  The International Labor Organization estimates that there are approximately 12.3 million people engaged in forced labor. This includes sex slavery. Poverty, abuse, inequality, discrimination; these are some of the atrocities we hear about every day on the news, during commercials, and during the occasional lecture on college campuses. While this almost certainly saddens even the toughest of individuals, it often fails to ignite the driving urge for people to go out and engage with what’s going on in the world around us. We sit on our couches thinking that someone else will do the work. But I ask you…is there more we can do to support the millions of women and children suffering, besides simply feeling sorry for them? Can we leave an imprint on their lives rather than allowing them to be but a brief second in our minds?
  

  It is important to become educated on ways in which we can all help. There are many efforts being made to improve the lives of women and children, and it’s up to us to make the choice to be a part of that effort, whether it is through donating, volunteering, or simply spreading the word. Pangea Organics, for example, has created a way that is both easy and effective. Noticing there was a genuine need for help, they partnered with Women for Women International, an organization that provides women in conflict and post-conflict environments the opportunity to participate in a one-year sponsorship program whereby they engage in the processes of recovery and rehabilitation to move from victim to survivor to active citizen. This happens through the teaching of skills that provide these women with the tools necessary to gain emotional support, job skills training, and business services. Jennifer Morabito, Marketing Officer for Women for Women International, works hard to build community support through engaging various grassroots organizations and generating an awareness of their purpose. When asked why Women for Women International decided to partner with Pangea Organics, Jennifer stated that it was important to their organization to support, and be supported by, organizations that share their socially responsible vision of finding opportunities to spread the word of environmental betterment, as well as the support of women around the globe. So, how does Pangea Organics play a role? First, they donate 5% of their net profit to Women for Women International in order to offer financial support, but they also plan to purchase many of the key ingredients used in their products directly from women-owned cooperatives through Women for Women International. So, essentially, each time you buy any Pangea Organics product you are indirectly helping to sustain their ability to support these women who so desperately need it. I don’t know about you, but this makes me feel empowered and rewarded just knowing that something so simple can make such a big impact.

  

  CARE is another organization that focuses on women globally, specifically women in poverty-stricken communities. Last year, CARE helped 55 million people in 66 countries. If you’re wondering whether CARE is an established organization, here’s just a bit of history on how they got started. In 1945, 22 American organizations came together to provide CARE packages to survivors of World War II, and with each new decade, CARE has responded to numerous catastrophes, including natural disasters, that have hit all over the globe. Organizations such as NoVo Foundation, Mona Foundation, and Global Fund for Women also fight to help many women and children overcome exploitation and violence by offering them an education and a voice to use in civil and political participation. Social change can only happen when people come together and fight for a worthy cause.

  

  So tell me, are these causes important enough for you to stop sitting on your couch, feeling sorry for others and make the shift to being proactive and participatory? We must all ask ourselves, "will everyone else really take care of things or does it start with me?" There is no greater reward than exercising our humanitarian rights and providing help to those in need.

  How have you helped someone today?

  Thanks to sickofstatistics and Find Your Feet for the photos.

  Shani Canillas-Rucker

  
  

  • Read More

• Living "O" on a budget and emptying our suitcases...

  October 16, 2009 0 Comments

  What are some challenges that get in your way of achieving a healthy lifestyle?

  What are some things you do to achieve a healthy lifestyle on a budget?

  Like many right now, money is tight and therefore, my budget is also tight. This situation creates some challenges when making decisions at the market and elsewhere! But in these moments, I am transported to a day several months ago when I was observing an emergency department and heard something interesting from a doctor. She was about to discharge a patient and give them their care plan, but before doing so, she asked the patient what they were going to do differently after leaving the hospital. Specifically, she asked the patient how they were going to incorporate exercise into their everyday life. The patient seemed taken aback with this question, but the doc took this very seriously. The patient began outlining the difficulties of finding time to exercise and then spent time outlining the difficulties of not having a budget to support exercise. Although each of these are valid barriers that get in the way of a healthy life as we all know, the doctor looked at the patient confused and said, “we all have access to walking! And walking doesn’t cost anything and for the most part, doesn’t require you to drive some place.” The patient looked surprised, smiled and said, “I guess you are right.” "And walking will be very good for you," the doctor assured her as they parted.

  

  We have choices when trying to achieve a healthy life. As a graduate student with a tight – very tight – budget, making decisions about what to eat and what to put on my body is complicated at best. Although articles are helpful in outlining what we need to do to live well, they are less helpful outlining how we might manage other things that may get in the way, like children, pets, loved ones, work, travel, deadlines, meetings, time and budget! But like the story at the beginning, sometimes we have more options to save a dollar here and there than we think, simply by rethinking our options and current practices. These dollars go a long way in helping make decisions that matter. Because when money gets tight, unfortunately the things we do to stay healthy are often the first to go.

  Eating healthy and using products that are good for me and my body are important, so I have made some choices that allow me to do the things that mean the most while cutting the corners on the-not-so important activities.

  A- Exercising. I have always had a difficult time walking and running inside so gym memberships have been easy to avoid. Despite Colorado’s unpredictable weather, the savings of $60-$80 a month is enough to bare the days that get chilly. My other enjoyment - yoga, I have been less successful bringing home. Even with some "omwork" about how to do this, I am simply too distracted being on my mat at home and furthermore, the group dynamic during a guided class lends for an effective flow. Fortunately yoga, like running or walking, doesn't require much equipment, just a mat or shoes.

  B- Refreshments -- morning coffee, breakfast, lunch, dinner and taking H2O to go. Doing a quick calculation, if I make coffee at home ($2-3 savings) and pack my lunch ($5-7 savings) everyday, I save about $200 a month (right there we have a few months of yoga :)). Reusable water bottles are another cash saver that ALSO help mitigate greenhouse gases. In concert with giving love to the environment and saving lots of money bringing my own H20, I think the jury is still out whether the water in plastic bottles is even any different than filtered water out of the sink!. Although it is fun eating out and catching up with friends, all kinds of savings are available here... Having friends over to cook not only keeps the food healthier but the cost down. Even more, we can enjoy a bottle of wine for $8 without paying just below that for a glass when we are out (more savings here for my skin and bodycare products!)…

  C- Food - buying organic or local food and the magic of the bulk aisle at the market. Buying bulk – since you don’t pay for the packaging and shipping – saves money and you don’t have the problem of buying more than you will use. Purchasing organic is important to me not only because organic farming emits far fewer greenhouse gases than conventional farming, but because its philosophy makes sense to me and the food makes me feel better. This is not to say, however, that all conventionally grown produce is evil. According to Natural Solutions, nonorganic onions, avocados, and pineapples have light pesticide loads. But conventional peaches, strawberries, and peppers get heavily sprayed, so it’s smart to choose organic brands for these items. Another good rule from Natural Solutions: go organic on items you use everyday, like milk, cheese and bread. For a list of how conventionally grown produce is treated before hitting the market, take a peak at EWG’s shopper’s guide: http://www.foodnews.org/fulllist.php. It's amazing what you can learn -- check back here to find out more on Joshua Onysko's experience shopping to be well on a budget in November!

  

  With these choices, I have managed to have some breathing room on a graduate student budget. Even more, they have allowed me to purchase food and products whose philosophies I support and whose ingredients are rich for my body, mind and soul. The list obviously is not comprehensive nor is it designed as a "how - to." The point and reminder is that we all have choices – albeit different given our own unique circumstances – about how to live a healthy life (including our own definitions of what a healthy life means). But sometimes, our options around achieving a healthy life are simpler and more cost effective than we imagine. What has worked for me has been the rethinking of old patterns rather than the acquisition of new ones, just as the doctor reminded her patient about walking...

  Someone asked me 2 years ago how I was going to “empty my suitcase.” No, it wasn't about how I was going to unpack after returning from a trip!! Rather, it is similar to the famous Zen story - where the teacher pours tea into an already full cup, causing it to overflow. The point of the story - whether it is a cup or a suitcase - is that in order to make room for new lessons and different habits, one must first empty one's cup (or suitcase).

  What are some ways your suitcases are beginning to overflow?

  And how are you re-packing and making room for different lessons/ habits on a budget?

  With thanks to vikram and Lif for the images.

  Carey Candrian

  

  • Read More

• Next

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next