Ethics On Par with Price When It Comes to Purchase Decisions

Despite growing concerns about prices, consumers are still putting placing importance on the ethics of the company they are buying from: 34% said that they consider ethics, while 35% used a product's price and value as their main consideration.

The survey was conducted by The Body Shop - for whom it probably makes sense to publish results that lean towards ethical choices - and it is lacking one major statistic: what consumer actually decide. As we all know, it is much easier to say than it is to do.

When asked how often they actually made purchasing decisions based on ethical values, 40% said they did so weekly. Okay, we'll take it.

Keep Your Summers By Saving Our Oceans

Many of us spend at least some of our summer time at the beach. With the way that global warming is quickly affecting our world, we need to take an active part in saving our summers and indefinitely our oceans.

Jack Johnson is one man behind the cause. He is not only a pro-surfer and singer, but a strong supporter of The Surfrider Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s oceans. The mission is to raise some much-needed funds for our beaches and oceans. The foundation is offering a $45 donation deal which lands you a membership plus Jack’s new CD Sleep Through the Static, a hot Rise Above Plastics (RAP) SIGG bottle, and a chic RAP tote bag.

Donatations to the Surfrider Foundation are also greatly appreciated and free through the YouthNoise Just 1 Click program throughout the month of August. Just click–as many times as you want–and YN will donate up to $1,000.

A Busy Woman

Angelina Jolie may have recently given birth to her twins Knox Leon & Vivienne Marcheline, filmed the movie WANTED and be raising four other children, but that hasn't stopped her from world projects.

She plans to travel to her daughter Zahara's native country, Ethiopia, and build a medical center and an AIDS clinic for the residents. This is just one of the many projects that are part of the Jolie-Pitt Foundation.

Jolie told Britain’s Hello magazine, “We will be building a TB (tuberculosis)/AIDS clinic in Ethiopia. One we plan for Zahara to take over when she is older.” Adding, “the next trip for our foundation will most likely to be Asia to follow up on the situation in Burma and our work in Cambodia.”

Another Influential Woman

Gina La Morte, is Editor-in-Chief of Boho, the founder of the award-winning website TheStyleDoctor.com, and one of the country's most sought-after style gurus. She is the first U.S. stylist to create her own American magazine.

Her expertise on fashion and style has been seen broad casted world wide and viewed by millions on national television shows, including but not limited to ABC's The View, Bravo, and MTV. She has styled celebrities for various clients such as O, The Oprah Magazine, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and more.

This fashionista graduated from NYC's Fashion Institute of Technology and studied fashion in the headquarters of fasion i.e. Paris, London and Milan. La Morte has a happy home in New Jersey with her son and husband. When this woman of several talents and tasks isn't working, she can be found at the beach.

Get Up & Do Something

For most of you, summer by now has become a bit dull. Well it's time to get up and do something. Check out this website which will definitely inspire you to get up and do something. Do Something is a website which believes that individuals have the power to make a difference. They provide tools and resources to help convert your ideas and energy into positive action.

Just a few of the celebrity supporters are Kristen Bell, The Jonas Brothers, and Rhianna.

Click here to watch the cool video!

Boho Lauches Today!

Seed Media launched Boho today, a green fashion magazine that is strictly dedicated to the eco-conscious woman. The magazine itself is an eco-friendly publication, it is made with 100% recycled paper, packaging and inks.

Their websites currently features tips on how to go eco, how to recycle and reuse clothing, and even a contest searching for a reader with the best boho style.

EPA Studies Cosmetics Waste in Our Waterways

So, we know that chemicals in cosmetics and personal care products are bad for people, but we can't forget that they're bad for the environment, too!

The Environmental Protection Agency is digging in on research into fish tissue to determine how cosmetics waste is affecting American waters. Along the way, they're developing important methodology that is going to allow them to detect steroids and hormones related to personal care products and pharmaceuticals, which are also included in the study.

Hormones, you say? In the Bay Area? Not in our town... Well, think again. Apparently, 95% of San Francisco's waterways are contaminated with "hormone-disrupting substances" traced to personal care products. Eighteen of the 19 samples collected contained trace levels of at least one of the following: phthalates, bisphenol A, and triclosan, according to a study conducted by the Environmental Working Group.

Eco-Conscious Hair Treatment

Beverly Hills' Nelson J Salon is best known for its eco-conscious hair treatments. They offer natural haircare products to provide the best results for you and our environment.

So if you're feeling like your hair needs a pick-me-up or you're just in need of a little change, feel good about it and visit them. They'll make you feel and look beautiful, all while knowing its good for you and the environment too!

No Love For Cosmetics "Superbrands"

The UK's top 500 Superbrands* list is out - and there's not a single cosmetics or toiletries brand in the top 100, reports Cosmetics Design.

Luxury brands performed the best: Estée Lauder was the closest at 120, followed by Chanel (No. 142) and Clinique (No. 195). Next came toiletries: Gillette, Wilkinson Sword and Colgate, followed by big personal care players, including Dove at 294th and Nivea at 300th. Still, a poor showing from the industry! --What's up with that?

According to a Stephen Cheliotis, the chief executive at the Centre for Brand Analysis, it is because there is a "lack of heritage and emotional attachment" that consumers hold for brands in the category. Most consumers do not associate big cosmetics brands with their childhood (like Kellogg's) or believe that they represent any kind of value system.

*A superbrand is defined as brand that has established the finest reputation in its field, offering customers significant emotional and tangible advantages over other brands, which (consciously or sub-consciously) they want and recognize.