Free Event: Annual Children's Summer Program Fair!

In just a few weeks Spring will officially be here. Of course this also means that summer is on its way! All of the kids will be out of school sometime in June and just what will you have planned for them all summer? This Sunday, AAUW Oakland-Piedmont will host the 26th Annual Children's Summer Program Fair.

This event is FREE! You will have the opportunity to explore and look into a number of local summer programs at this free fair. They have all different kinds of programs and camps ranging from athletic programs, dance camps, arts and crafts camps, sleep-away or day camps, etc. Parents will also have the opportunity to register their children for summer programs at this event.

While you're at it you might consider taking BART to do your part at environmental conservation.

Organic...Vodka?

What exactly is organic vodka? Square One vodka has brought the green scene onto a whole new level. Claiming to be made out of 100% organic American rye, this vodka is supposed to go down richer and smoother than than any other brand on the market. 

Its founders have joined the many other fabulous companies stationed in California and have generously decided to give a part of their profits to land and water environmental causes, in addition to other social responsibility charities. To take it a step further, their products will be using recycled paper for their label, packaging, and all PR materials. I think this is a great idea. 

Crazy nights on the town are no longer a reason to forget the green. Just be drink responsibly or you might be forgetting more than the green scene.

Princess Project

Every girl wants to feel like a princess, especially on her birthday, her wedding day, and undoubtedly on her prom night. Unfortunately some girls aren't able to afford the luxuries that surround prom night.

Here's a chance for you to be a part of making girls around the bay area feel like a princess for their prom night! The Princess Project gives away hundreds of dresses that have been donated by other women in the community. You can donate an old dress, accessories, or even money. You can also offer your time as a volunteer!

Every girl deserves to feel like a princess! You'll feel like a queen because you gave back to your community.

Spring Cleaning With Green Maids...and Method

Greenway Maid is an eco-friendly cleaning agency! What a relief to finally find not only someone else to do a whole house or office worth of cleaning, but also a team of people who will do it using green cleaning products!

If you can't afford a maid, check out Method. They have various products that are naturally-derived and are biodegradable. I would suggest trying the 'Detox Kit' - it is everything you'll need in order to get rid of the dirt and filth in your home and do it without any chemicals.

Also, check out their tote! You can bump Amy Winehouse's Rehab song while carrying this very versatile bag.

Global Green Threw Pre-Oscar Party!

On February 20th, Global Green USA promoted their smart solutions to global warming, exhibited beneficial climate change initiatives, and did so all while throwing an amazing event!

The party had guest performers such as, GRAMMY Nominated Michelle Branch and Oscar Nominated Damien Rice. Aside from the performances, the party featured the latest in green automobiles, cutting-edge green home products and design.

Make a note that the event also kicked off its Global Green's Red Carpet/Green Cars campaign. This means that celebrities will be arriving at the Oscars in fuel-efficient vehicles!

This event has taken place since 2003 and this year the event raised $420,000 to benefit Global Green's climate change initiatives. Also, because this is an election year, they also promoted their 2008 message of "Drive Green. Live Green. Vote Green."

Global Green has many celebrities on their LA committee. Some of the most dreamy just happen to be Orlando Bloom, Charlize Theron, Leonardo Dicaprio, and Penelope Cruz!

Be sure to make a visit to their site to stay up to date on upcoming events.

10 Reasons Why My Mom is the Best Valentine

Even though Valentine's Day has come and gone, I decided to put together a little list as to why my mom was and always is a better Valentine than anybody else.

1. She never forgets Valentines Day
2. She thinks every boy who isn't interested in me is just lame
3. She always sends the best quality chocolates - because she knows good chocolate when she sees it
4. She thinks that flowers are overrated too
5. She calls every other day just to say she loves me
6. She takes me on romantic dinners and always offers to pay
7. She likes to split meals and always has room for dessert
8. She never gets jealous when I talk to other boys
9. She gives the best advice
10. She loves to stay in and watch chick flicks

Making a Case for Sustainable Business Practices

A global study released this week from IBM (via LOHAS) shows that businesses believe corporate social responsibility (CSR) is definitely the way to go - it's just a question of how.

Though more than half (54%) believe that CSR initiatives help give their companies a competitive advantage, and 68% were focusing on generating revenue through CSR activities, there is still a major disconnect between what the customers want - or rather, demand - and what companies are prepared to give them.

In the age of Internet, everyone has access to information, and this creates a higher sensitivity to issues of climate change, product safety, labor practices, corporate financial accountability, and the importance of giving back to the local community.

Yet...

even businesses that feel they are knowledgeable and prepared to deal with CSR issues may not be. Nearly two-thirds of companies surveyed believe they have sufficient information about the sources behind their products and services to satisfy customer concerns, but half of those admit they don't understand their customers CSR expectations well.

So, what's it gonna be? Me or the profits, stakeholders often ask. The study (pdf) concludes that you shouldn't have to choose. In making a business case for social responsibility using the value curve, they hope to strengthen their overall business strategy and do what they came out to do: make some cash, and make a difference.

Skin Deep: the Safe Cosmetics Database

Are you worried about a product you're using? Not sure where to look to find out if it is safe?

Check out Skin Deep! Their whole mission is to compile an entire list of all products and rate them with a safety number. They make it easy for you to check just how safe are the products you're using!

You can also check the overall safety rating of a brand rather than specific products.

Green Spas - A Gimmick?

Women everywhere are spending hundreds of dollars on special organic treatments in an attempt to stay youthfully beautiful! Green Spas are popping up all over the place due to the latest trend of being eco-friendly.

Professor Roy Grekin, from the University of California San Francisco dermatology, says that 'green' is a marketing gimmick for facials.

There are chemicals used in facials that are naturally taking place, but they are indeed not made naturally. "They're made in a factory chemistry lab," Grekin said. According to researchers, because of these chemicals in facials, people may be more at risk for sun damage, which would in turn be defeating the entire purpose of the facial!

Check here for more details.

Can Facebook Help Beauty Brands?

When Facebook revealed its advertising platform not too long ago, marketers of brands big and small jumped for joy. At last! A way to tap into this giant network of consumers who openly (or not so openly) share their personal information online.

Can you imagine the conversation they thought they'd have? "Hi, Beacon representative. Yes, I'd like to advertise to 30-35 year old Prius drivers who have a penchant for French fragrance, potato latkes, and Jude Law. Oh, you can target that group? Great, thanks. Lates."

Well, I hate to bust anyone's bubble, but that conversation never happened. Or rather, the result never happened. Facebook is and was a flop for advertisers. And now, with cosmetics companies attempting to leap onto the Facebook platform and create buzz for their brands, we're finding that "groups" are a limited resource for gaining exposure.

CosmeticsDesign writes that "searching through the groups created on Facebook for leading cosmetic brands throws up only a handful with more than 100 members," and that those that are popular, like Estee-Lauder's MAC Addicts (7,942 members) are large, well-known companies, which "suggests that the brand's success on Facebook is merely indicative of its success elsewhere."

So, what's a cosmetics marketer to do? Ignore the Facebook phenomenon? Or hop on board, just to prevent an accusation of being "behind the times"?

Not Just a Granola Game

It's not just "crazy hippies" that are getting into the Green movement. Apparently the trend has reached major television networks as well. The Discovery Channel has recently unveiled plans to invest $50 million dollars into creating programming that encourages sustainable living and organic lifestyle.

The Green media company Lime has prepared to debut six new web series that focus primarily on green living. They have currently partnered with Microsoft to develop more prolific advertising across green websites. "Lime is really on pace to be the destination for green living, "says CJ Kettler, the founder and CEO of Lime Communications.

Is there room for this hippie idea in the major television world? Or is it just a fad on its way out?

Making a S.A.D. Day Better

For all of you singles out there Singles Awareness Day is coming up! Here are a few tips from the St. Valentine's Day website:

Pamper Yourself!

Freak out with friends!

Acts of Service

Express Gratitude

Think Positive

Focus on Relationships

Get the details here.

Fun Activities for those Rainy Daze

It is February and spring is almost here! The weather is getting warmer and we all want to go spend our time outside. Unfortunately spring isn't entirely here yet and there are the few days of rain. Brighten those cloudy days indoors by spending some quality time doing a few fun activities.

You can always bundle up and watch a few good movies with your family and yummy treats. You can also put a better spin on the day by baking cookies, cakes, or even breads. You and your family could spend the day doing arts & crafts activities or use your imaginations to make the inside 'outside'.

Spending the time together is what is really important, so find something you all will enjoy doing.

Don't Forget the Others You Love!

Valentine's Day is just a few days away and while most people are planning sweet and romantic events and gifts for their significant other, we here at Edelbio want to remind you to remember your other loved ones...

Valentine's Day is all about showing the ones you love a little bit of appreciation. Take the time out to tell your mother, your daughter, and your sister just how much you love them. A quick phone call or a small card will do the trick. It isn't just a female's holiday even though it oftentimes appears that way. So remember to also tell your fathers, sons, and brothers that you love them too!

We Heart EcoFabulous

Zem Joaquin: the founder of EcoFabulous.com preaches a new philosophy about today's green movement. During her speech at the Teens for Safe Cosmetics Campaign 3rd Annual National Summit, Joaquin expressed that today you don't have to sacrifice style for sustainability- you can have it all.

Edelbio agrees that all products should strive to be effective, stylish and eco-friendly! Current Eco-Editor at Domino magazine, Joaquin believes that it's no longer enough to be conscious consumers - now we need to be completely conscious individuals. "We need to promote the companies that are doing things right." She mentions NBC's recent GREEN WEEK which included tips for saving water and energy and features of "How to create a Green Wedding". Joaquin is sure that this green trend will only grow throughout other media outlets. We think this focus on the environment throughout the media, new products and businesses can only help spread awareness and hopefully make the changes necessary to improve the earth for future generations.

A Quick De-Briefing of the TSFC National Summit

There were many exciting things going on this past Saturday, but one of the most exciting events was the Teens for Safe Cosmetics Campaign 3rd Annual National Summit. There were many teen girls (as to be expected) and quite a few notable speakers.

Dan Jacobson is the Executive Director of Environment California. He introduced himself to the crowd and immediately asked, “What are Phthalates?” I’m sure much of the audience was confused and hadn’t a clue. He went on to explain that Phthalates are basically what makes plastic soft and squishy, and a rubber ducky was displayed as an example. He proceeded with, “They act like a hormone when they’re in the body, interrupting the “chemical conversation,” which in teen bodies is particularly complicated.”

Whole Foods market was represented by Jeremiah McElwee, Global Whole Body Coordinator. He made the point that "the interesting thing is that for personal care products there are no governmental standards" and we here at Edelbio Skincare have been trying to point that out as well. He also explained that "the term 'natural' became ubiquitous and kind of lost its teeth" and that the solution is education. He told us that we must push for standards and the rest of the retail world will follow suit. There is power in the dollar and it shows in comparable sales.

Jared Huffman, State Assembly Member 6th District, announced that legislation is not the answer. He justified that by explaining that the industry will put out new chemicals on the market faster than we can remove them. He mentioned that he is now working on butter flavoring chemical and flame retardants.