Recent events have made it more evident than ever that we should be celebrating National Random Acts of Kindness Day–and not only on one day of the year, but every day! Kindness begins with just one person and you can jumpstart the effort on February 17th, which is National Random Acts of Kindness Day.

National Random Acts of Kindness Day was established by the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation (RAK). Founded in 1995, RAK is a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring everyone to practice and spread kindness. “Ultimately, we’re here for the kind-hearted do-gooders who are looking to spread kindness where they can,” is how the Foundation describes itself.

The goal of National Random Acts of Kindness Day is to highlight the importance of bringing more kindness into the world and our lives. You can get involved by becoming a kindness ambassador, also known RAKtivists (Random Acts of Kindness activist). If you need a little inspiration, read on for some random acts you can perform to help celebrate the RAK holiday and to promote kindness every day of the year.

And if you need some convincing about why practicing kindness is important, watch this video that explains the science behind being kind.

Ideas to Celebrate National Random Acts of Kindness Day

1. Make a pot of soup for a friend or loved one for no reason.

2. Find a Little Free Library and drop off some books.

3. Give the bounty of your garden away!

4. Send “Just Thinking About You” cards for no special reason–other than to let loved ones know that you care.

5. Pick up litter in your neighborhood or town.

6. Offer to buy the coffee of the person in line behind you.

7. Volunteer for an animal shelter.

8. Offer compliments to friends, loved ones, and even strangers.

9. Take in your neighbor’s refuse and recycling bins.

10. Try to smile more. A smile can help improve both your mood as well as a stranger’s.

11. Let someone get in front of you in line.

12. Make a point of holding the door for those behind you.

13. Buy school supplies and donate them to your local public school for those children who may need them.

14. Tip your server really well on your next meal out.

15. Offer to watch your friend’s pet the next time she goes away.

16. Leave inspirational bookmarks in random books at the library.

17. Post positive affirmations on post-it notes and leave them around in public places.

18. Purchase gift cards with small amounts on them and leave them at places like gas pumps with a note of explanation.

19. Volunteer at a local food bank.

Related on EcoSalon

7 Ways to Celebrate World Kindness Day (November 13th!)
The 3 Best Audiobooks for Getting Woke in 2017
The Evolution of Kindness: Can Being the ‘Nice Guy’ Save the Planet?

The post 19 Ways to Celebrate National Random Acts of Kindness Day appeared first on EcoSalon.

Sold Out!

Get Your Gift On with EcoSalon’s exclusive The Box: Holiday Edition event. With $473+ worth of hand-curated eco-luxe beauty, skincare, fashion, lifestyle, nutrition, and tech-accessories, you can give yourself and your loved ones all the holiday gifts everyone deserves for only $129.00 + free shipping–that’s a 71%+ discount! 

The Box: Holiday Edition has it all, everything from a chic ‘n sleek planet-friendly laptop case to luxurious non-toxic beauty goodies, to chic fashion and accessories with a cause and more!

Starting Monday, November 18th, we will reveal  three to four products per day. The Box goes on sale Thursday, November 21 at 8am Pacific time. Set your alarms, bells or whistles because these will go quick. We only have 40.  Buy one, buy a few—but buy  quick! These are guaranteed to go fast. We’re sure you’ll want to keep it all for yourself, so we highly recommend you stock up! Where else can you save 71% on stylish eco-chic holiday gifts? This offer is only available to the first 40 buyers. Good luck!

Blue Avocado’s xo(eco) Laptop Bag Designed by Lauren Conrad

Vamp around town comfortably tech’d-out with Blue Avocado’s xo(eco) Lauren Conrad-designed laptop bag. This stylish padded computer carrier was engineered for ultimate eco-friendly functionality. Made of 50% post-consumer recycled bottle fabric from REPREVE®, the case even includes an audited impact label, featuring carbon footprint and bottles upcycled. Three interior storage pockets ensure you can tote not just your laptop, but folders and accessories as well. The exterior zippered pocket stores additional accessories. Dual handles and zipper closure make for easy portability. To boot, 1% of profits are donated to ocean research and conservation. Fits up to a 17″ laptop. Non-toxic coated exterior can be wiped clean. PVC, lead and BPA-free. 18” x 5” x 14”h. Color: Green Birds on a Wire.

(Retail value of $49.99)

Tilth’s Sea Origin Serum

As seen on The Doctors, Tilth’s Sea Origin Serum nourishes your skin with the phenomenal healing potential of our Earth’s waters. Replete with eleven marine extracts, this serum effectively protects skin and helps diminish wrinkles–like a life-boat for your skin. As if by magic, a single application of Sea Origin Serum tackles free radicals and UVA/UVB damage. No matter if it’s beach season or blizzard-time, your skin will look and feel more radiant and youthful. Gluten-free. Cruelty-free. No parabens, phthalates, sulfates, petroleum based products, silicones, synthetic fragrances, GMOs, artificial coloring, animal/dairy bi-products. 1.0 oz.

(Retail value of $62)

Scotch Naturals’ Detox Package

Deck out your nails for the holidays in vibrant toxin-free nail color with Scotch Naturals’ Detox Package. All polishes in Scotch Naturals’ line are eco-conscious and vegan, exemplifying THE CLEAN MANICURE™ (Chic, Luxurious, Eco-conscious, Authentic, and Natural), and are 100% free of solvents phthalates, gluten, fragrances and parabens. Ensure you nails stay stylish and healthy with the Detox Package, a luxurious set that includes everything you need to achieve a long-lasting manicure at home, including:

• 1 bottle of Scotch Naturals Kiltlifter: a classic red creme revolutionary water-based polish that delivers salon-quality results without any harmful chemicals

• 1 bottle of Sticky Base Coat: a fortifying base coat that provides the ideal foundation for Scotch Naturals lacquers by enhancing the adhesion and durability of the polish while also conditioning and nourishing the nails
• 1 bottle of On the Rocks Top Coat: a luxurious top coat that protects nails from scratches while imparting a brilliant shine for that “just painted” look

Tallulah Jane Naturals’ Rayen Natural Perfume

No beauty regime would be complete without the perfect perfume. Tallulah Jane Naturals’ Rayen Perfume Concentrate isn’t merely a perfume, it’s an experience: initial hints of mandarin and a citrus-blend give way to exotic florals and white champa leaf, all set against an amber backdrop. Tallulah Jane creates masterfully formulated fragrances that embrace the centuries-old craft of Bourbon perfumeries, but with a bold, modern sensibility. Organic and wild-crafted oils are mixed with botanical essences, resins and balsams in certified organic grape alcohol, then hand-poured in small batches. Each Tallulah Jane scent is unique–no two vintages are exactly alike. The company uses only 100% natural ingredients in all its perfumes and oils, always sourced from sustainably harvested plants and trees. No synthetic ingredients are ever used. Free of parabens, phthalates, and petrochemicals.  All products in its line are vegan, Leaping Bunny certified, and cruelty free. 4ml bottle.

(Retail value of $35)

LA Indulgence’s Sequin Shimmer Showercap

Go glam for the holidays and say bye-bye to bad hair days. LA Indulgence’s shower caps are not only the latest trend but the must-have accessory. With the opening of blow-dry bars, the recent powder dry-shampoo trend, along with regular curling and flat iron styling, women are no longer washing their hair every day. Flat irons, blow dryers, coloring, you name it–our hair feels the abuse! Now you can feel confident about skipping another hair wash with this fashionable new bathing mate, perfect for the days you need to protect your hair from another harsh wash. LA Indulgence is not your mother’s or even your grandmother’s plain shower cap. The line features 15 fun colors of bouffant-size caps, decked out with LA Indulgence’s signature rose. Whether for home, a spa day, the locker room, hot tub or pool, every fashionable female needs these luxurious bathing caps. Indulge your hair and your sense of style.

(Retail value of $24.95)

BioElixia’s BodyShaper Cellulite Contour Crème 

Say bye-bye to cellulite with BioElixia’s BodyShaper Cellulite Contour Crème. Something like a miracle, BioElixia’s formulation has been scientifically proven to reduce the appearance of cellulite by an average of 57%, increase skin hydration by 53 %, and increase skin elasticity by 10%–all with only eight weeks of use.  With just four weeks of use, you will notice cellulite becomes remarkably less apparent, as skin appears noticeably smoother and firmer. What’s the secret behind BioElixia BodyShaper Cellulite Contour Crème? A combination of key ingredients and their patented TPM® Dermal Delivery Technology, a non-irritant delivery system developed from natural vitamin E.  The result of over 12 years of scientific research and development, this revolutionary delivery system is proven to increase the absorption of key ingredients like caffeine, Vitamin A and Forskolin by up to five times. Features natural additional active ingredients like rice bran oil, green tea and resveratrol. Free of parabens, formaldehydes, sulphates, phthalates, paraffins, artificial colors and dyes, SLS and SLESs and DEAs. Talk about a holiday miracle!

(Retail value of $49.95)

Waveborn’s $40 Gift Card

Looking for stylish gifts with a cause? Look no further than Waveborn, a sunglasses and accessories company that unifies the cool of fashion with the soul of giving. For each pair of sunglasses sold, Waveborn donates a new pair of prescription eyeglasses to someone that needs them, or partially funds a sight-restoring surgery in the developing world through Waveborn’s charity partners, Unite for Sight, and Surgical Eye Expeditions International. Nine models of sunglasses in over 25 colors are handcrafted in Milan, Italy. Made for both women and men, each of these high-quality must-have shades comes with a custom microfiber pouch to prevent scratches and frame damage. Waveborn also designs and sells a range of accessories like fanny packs and trucker caps to help you “find the sun” (even in the winter months!) and live the Waveborn lifestyle. Waveborn’s good-karma motto embodies the generous spirit of the holiday season: “buy some shades, give the gift of sight.”

(Retail value of $40)

Epicuren’s Cinnamon Vanilla Brown Sugar Scrub

Amp up your holiday indulgences this year: pumpkin pie for your taste buds–and Epicuren’s Cinnamon Vanilla Brown Sugar Scrub for your body.  Maker of pure, non-toxic performance-based skin care products since 1982, Epicuren has formulated an indulgent experience, akin to dessert for your skin. This natural blend of brown sugar and honey has unparalleled humectant properties that soften and smooth the skin. The formula’s effectiveness, combined with its light aroma of vanilla and cinnamon make this scrub a treat for all of the senses. 16 fl oz.

(Retail value of $50)

GREENOLA Style’s $25 eGift Card + free shipping

Vogue-up your closet the humanitarian way this holiday season with GREENOLA Style. A purpose-driven, women’s clothing and accessories brand, GREENOLA Style features art-driven, travel-inspired designs that celebrate artisan skill while respecting cultural heritage and the earth. Your GREENOLA purchase transforms a woman’s life, directly empowering her and her family to rise above poverty. This fair-trade-conscious company builds and sustains personal relationships with its artisans, valuing them as  the key to success. All GREENOLA Style artisans are paid a living wage set by the true cost of production, which is higher than their respective countries’ minimum wage.  Through GREENOLA’s partnership with Solidarity Bridge, the fashion company’s Bolivian artisans have access to quality healthcare. As GREENOLA likes to say, “change your look, change a life.”

(Retail value of $25 + free shipping)

Giovanni’s Ultra-Moist Super Potion & Ultra-Volume Super Potion Hair Volumizing Booster

Giovanni’s 2chic line of hair-care products means no winter blues for your locks. Outsmart wintertime frizz with Giovanni’s 2chic Ultra-Moist Super Potion. Featuring avocado and olive oils, this anti-frizz binding serum for dry, damaged hair does it all: tames frizz and flyaways, re-bonds ends to help prevent splits, prevents future breakage (which causes frizz), and protects hair from heat styling and humidity. The result: maximum shine with a flawless finish. Can be used on dry or wet hair to smooth and defrizz. 1.8 oz.

Turn fine, limp hair up ten notches with the 2chic Ultra-Volume Super Potion Hair Volumizing Booster. This tangerine butter and papaya formula works synergystically with other 2chic products to provide ultimate volume, fierce fullness and humidity-resistance, while preventing frizz and breakage. Can be used with other 2chic products, or used alone–it’s that powerful. 1.8 oz

(Retail value of $7.99 each)
(Total retail value of: $15.98)

Certificate for one ebook copy of Erika Herman’s Eat Like a Fatass, Look Like a Goddess: The Untold Story of Healthy Foods

Ensure sustainable–and delicious–health and weight loss for the New Year and beyond with Erika Herman’s provocative, counterintuitive book that’s been hailed “the anti-Skinny Bitch.” Eat Like a Fatass, Look Like a Goddess cuts through countless popular myths about nutrition, weight loss, disease-prevention, sustainability and planetary health with razor-sharp wit, hardcore research, and a whole lot of heart. Herman, an out-of-the-box board-certified Nutritional Consultant, Holistic Health Expert, author, speaker, incisive researcher and food-lover inspires us to question if everything we think we know about health isn’t true. What if

• most food cravings have nothing to do with lack of willpower
• calorie-counting isn’t an accurate tool for weight loss
• dietary fat doesn’t make you fat
• saturated fat is actually healthy and you should be eating a lot more of it
• women with higher cholesterol live longer than women with low cholesterol
• salt consumption doesn’t give you high blood pressure
• the real Mediterranean Diet is very different from what you think it is
• the Glycemic Index is flawed and inaccurate
• plant foods can’t do many important things for your body that animal foods can
• no culture in the history of humanity has been able to continue its line on a diet entirely devoid of animal foods
• ecological sustainability depends on non-commercial animal husbandry?

What if science indicates these what-ifs are reality? Herman shows us it does. What if we could lose weight, feel vitalized, nix cravings, and save the planet–all while indulging in taboo foods we love? Herman shows us we can. Eat Like a Fatass, Look Like a Goddess shows us how. SPECIAL FOR ALL ECOSALON READERS: receive INSTANT FREE DOWNLOAD of 1/2 of Eat Like a Fatass, Look Like a Goddess when you register for Erika’s FREE info-rich updates here.

(Retail value of $15)

UNA Fashion Organic Cotton Manifesto Tote 

Whether you need to carry groceries, or all your holiday swag, UNA Fashion’s Manifesto Tote is your chic carry all to inspire freedom and positivity. As if its eye-catching design isn’t enough, the bag is crafted from organic cotton by women once trapped in the sex trade of Sonagachi, Kolkata. With over 11,000 sex workers, Sonagatchi is one of the largest red light districts in the world. The social enterprise operates in the same neighborhood, sewing freedom to create change from within. You can be a force of change every time you wear the Manifesto Tote.

(Retail value of $23)

Eco Nuts’ 100 Load Box + Liquid Detergent

Care for your stylish wardrobe the eco-conscious way with Eco Nuts. As Seen on Shark Tank, the 100 Load Box contains odd-looking “nuts” that are actually dried berries from a tree native to the Himalayas. When agitated in water, the “nuts” produce the naturally-occurring surfactant saponin, which gently cleanses laundry. Great for those sensitive to conventional laundry detergents. Easy to use: just place 4-5 Eco Nuts in the provided cloth bag, toss in the washer with your clothes, and natural sudsy wonders will go to town on your duds. Berries are super-affordable to boot: they can be re-used up to 10 times. Multiple award-winning, and certified USDA Organic by Oregon Tilth.
(Retail value of $11.99)

Eco Nuts Liquid Detergent is made from soapberry extract with just three ingredients: soapberry extract, vegetable glycerin, and potassium sorbate (a food-grade preservative). Only one single teaspoon is required of this highly effective cleaner for a regular load of laundry. Packaged in lightweight recyclable aluminum. 4oz. Yields: 96 hand washes, 48 HE cycle washes, 24 Regular Cycle washes. Contains no dyes, fragrances, fillers, enzymes or optical brighteners. 100% SLS (sodium laurel sulfate) and phosphate-free.
(Retail value of $9.49)

(Total retail value of $21.48)

Woolzies’ 3-Pack Dryer Balls

Follow up your eco-conscious laundering with eco-conscious drying. Woolzies is your perfect alternative to chemical-ridden regular fabric softeners (whether liquid or sheet). Conventional fabric softeners have a dirty track-record, as they’re linked to countless allergic reactions, including skin irritations. But with Woolzies, you can rest easy, draped in eco-friendly non-toxic softness. Woolzies bounce around in your dryer, naturally separating laundry, and enabling hot air to circulate, cutting down on drying time by approximately 25% in large loads, and up to 35-40% in small loads–saving you time, money, and saving the planet precious resources. Woolzies are so effective, they’re guaranteed to last for 1,000 loads or your money back–yes, 1,000 loads! Even safe for those with allergies to wool.

(Retail value of $17.49)

Total retail value of The Box: $474.84

Sale price: $129.00 + free shipping. That’s a 71%+ discount!

Sold out!

How to get it + the fine print:

The Box is available until supplies last and can be shipped anywhere in the U.S. (International shipping is not available at this time.) Please allow up to three weeks for shipping. All sales are final. Due to the nature of this exclusive one-time sale, we cannot accept any returns. Any inquiries or concerns regarding purchased Boxes must be submitted via Customer Service within 30 days from date of purchase. 

The post Get Your Holiday Gifts with EcoSalon’s The Box: Holiday Edition appeared first on EcoSalon.

Exclusive green goods shipped to you monthly.

What’s better than getting a letter in the mail? A package in the mail!

That’s why we’re very excited to announce our new partnership with Lost Crates, sending you a package of exclusive green goods monthly or quarterly. It’s like a wine of the month club except with a box of curated products, all with a conscious theme, whether it’s something that’s made from recycled materials, eliminates the need for a disposable item, or is handmade by an independent designer committed to their craft. It’s all items that you will use and love.

Think of it as a special gift from the team here at EcoSalon, sent straight to your doorstep, every month. You can keep the goods or give them away, we’ll leave that up to you, but no matter what you’ll have a nice monthly (or quarterly) surprise.

We love the concept behind Lost Crates, a company that believes in good design. They started out offering crates of notebooks, writing instruments, desk accessories, and stationery, but they soon expanded their offerings, and we’re excited to be the exclusive partner for the green themed crates. We take care of choosing products that you’ll love, and they take care of shipping and making sure your crate gets to you. A perfect combination.

That means that every month we’ll be selecting goods that get sent straight to you. What are you waiting for?

Sign up now to start receiving your exclusive crates.

The post Enjoy Exclusive Green Goods From EcoSalon + Lost Crates appeared first on EcoSalon.

Editor’s note: EcoSalon is fully FTC compliant. We will always disclose sponsored editorials to you.

ExclusiveSaffron Rouge and Alima Pure debut Obsidian, an exclusive eyeshadow just for EcoSalon readers.

When organic beauty shop Saffron Rouge told EcoSalon that they wanted to work with Alima Pure to create an exclusive eyeshadow for us, we were more than thrilled to participate and of course, to let our readers know about the line. From Manhattan to Cape Cod, we’ve been on the green scene and meeting up with organic makeup stylists who have taken the time to try out the line. Our talented artists were able to transform even two busy editors into lovely-lidded ladies. Check it out!

Our first stop was to eco-boutique Kaight, trendy mecca for sustainable shoppers in New York, where we met up with green friends and Green Beauty Team founder and award-winning runway makeup artist, Kristen Arnett. Arnett made us over on the shop couch (thanks to Kaight’s fabulous founder and owner, Kate McGregor for sharing the space!). Arnett created different looks for us to show how well the shadow works for day and night. She demonstrated a natural, fresh look on DuFault and a just-a-little punk night look on Ost. (See the slideshow below for close-ups.)

EcoSalon Managing Editor Amy DuFault (left), and Editor-in-Chief Sara Ost get made over by Green Beauty Team Founder, Kristen Arnett.

On Cape Cod, where Managing Editor Amy DuFault hails, we headed over to local hot spot, Salon Belor and met up with makeup stylist Sara Gilman and our model Dena Papi for some more takes on the Obsidian/Pink Coral duo.

Model Dena Papi gets her eyes and lips Pink Coralized.

A satin matte shadow, Alima Pure is created with lush mineral pigments and can be applied wet, resulting in an intense eye liner, or applied dry over the lid to add color and warmth (see the slideshow to watch it transform). We loved the combination of the Pink Coral with the Obsidian and how they could interchange for day to night depending on how it was applied. We also were amazed to see that the Pink Coral could be used wet as a lip gloss.

EcoSalon’s exclusive color, Obsidian, we found to be a wonderfully, shimmery dark grey-brown that makes a gorgeously dramatic shadow and can pull double duty as a liner. And the color works well on all skin tones. Thanks to Alima and our sponsor Saffron Rouge, the spring to summer trend of muted darks and nudes as well as bright corals are a perfect accessory to everything from citrus frocks to neutral dresses.

Considering themselves color as much as fashion junkies, Alima says their reasoning behind choosing our exclusive color was based on being avid readers and realizing our audience is stylish and sophisticated but that there’s “Enough whimsy and playfulness on the pages of EcoSalon to know that a little sparkly fun is not out of the question!”

View the slideshow below to catch behind-the-scenes shots of our fun makeover journey.

To get your free eyeshadow:

The Alima exclusive eye shadow and our makeover adventure has been proudly sponsored by Saffron Rouge, the organic beauty and personal care online shop. In this special exclusive offer, Saffron Rouge is giving away a free EcoSalon eyeshadow by Alima to any reader with the purchase of $100 or more in organic beauty products. Saffron Rouge has a comprehensive assortment of cosmetics, hair care, skin care and personal care (even products for men and baby!) that is upscale, chic and 100% sustainable and healthy. They’ve got all your favorite brands – Alima, Weleda, Dr. Hauschka and many more – so be sure to bookmark them. Use the exclusive discount code ECOSALON at checkout on your next order to get the free Obsidian shadow.

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Amy DuFault before, ready for her makeover on a sunny but brisk day in NYC with Kristen Arnett at Kaight Shop. What look will Arnett create?

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Arnett and DuFault chat about the look they want, and get started. Arnett is a big fan of Alima. You can see how much fun these two are having. Boutique visitors were curious what we were up to, and Arnett was happy to share her organic beauty tips.

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Pretty and polished, DuFault shows off Arnett’s first makeover, a perfect daytime look that’s fresh for spring. Arnett used the Obsidian powder to form a thin, muted eyeliner, then blended carefully. She finished with a little bronzer and lip gloss.

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DuFault looking a little mischievous. (When doesn’t she?)

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The obsidian and peach combination works perfectly with DuFault’s coloring.

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Editor-in-chief Sara Ost’s turn in Arnett’s hands.

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Arnett gets to work. Ost’s usual routine is just a little mascara and lip gloss, and she tells Arnett to get creative.

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Arnett uses Obsidian and a wet brush to create a sexy defined cat eye.

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The finished look! Ost hasn’t seen it yet. Arnett explains it’s amazing the versatile looks that can be created with a wet brush and a good mineral powder shadow like Alima.

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Mama like.

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Arnett, Ost and DuFault at Kaight after the Saffron Rouge makeovers are complete.

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At Salon Belor, our gorgeous model Dena Papi gets an Alima makeover by Cape Cod makeup artist Sara Gilman.

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Gilman uses the accenting peach color to add extra dimension and fullness to Papi’s smile.

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A subtle smoky Obsidian smudge makes the look both natural and sexy.

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DuFault, Papi and Gilman with the finished look. We love how striking Papi looks with the lip and eye combination.

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Thanks to Kaight for hosting our NYC Saffron Rouge makeovers!

If you like this special offer from Saffron Rouge and EcoSalon, let us know in the comments. Tell us what you think of Obsidian, how you’d like to wear it, and what future exclusives you’d like from us.

The post EcoSalon Exclusive! Alima Pure Eyeshadow Gift Offer from Saffron Rouge appeared first on EcoSalon.

Who am I to argue with the Madison Avenue suits who coined the phrase “diamonds are a girl’s best friend”?

If only diamonds were all we believe them to be. The violence resulting from the diamond mining and trading industry is, in a word, tragic. And, as it turns out, diamonds aren’t even as valuable as we’ve been told.

First, a little primer:

The U.S. happens to be the largest consumer of conflict diamonds, purchasing over $33.7 billion dollars’ worth of the rocks in 2005. Wondering what conflict diamonds are? I’m no fawning fan of DiCaprio, but the film “Blood Diamond” is nowhere near as fictional as we’d like it to be. Conflict diamonds involve abuse, corruption and death. There goes that gorgeous, shimmery, sparkling stone set in platinum I’ve been dreaming about.

Here are several important reasons you should never, ever buy (or accept) a diamond:

We’ve been conditioned to want a diamond. Pavlov much? Who isn’t tired of the advertising and marketing ploys used to brainwash us into believing our value as women rests on the size of our…gem? (Toss that in with measurements and marital status and we’ve got an endless supply of not-good-enough.) Marketers have thrown us a giant, glittering bone, and watched the profits pile up as we’ve chased, fetched and rolled over in order to conform to what we’ve been conditioned to believe is the only acceptable standard.

Diamond prices have been artificially inflated by the diamond cartel. The average diamond sold in the U.S. has been over-graded in quality by 2 grades, and the average U.S. couple pays twice what they should for an engagement ring. Do you really want to enter into a lifelong commitment with a man who’s willing to waste his hard-earned cash on a diamond, especially when said diamond is ridiculously overpriced? Okay, well, me too. Forget number 2 and let’s move on to the third reason to avoid diamonds.

Diamonds are anything but an “investment”. A 1-carat diamond will set him back about $5,000, which amounts to $710,000 per ounce. Worse even than a car once it’s driven off the sales lot, a diamond will never be worth what you’ve paid for it. Try to trade it or sell it or pawn it and you’ll be sorely disappointed. Do you know why? Because their “worth” has been artificially inflated! Diamonds aren’t scarce or rare.

Just don’t tell him this until after it’s on your finger. (Kidding!)

Conflict diamonds. Any lover shallow enough to buy you a diamond to “make up” for misbehavin’ ways is indeed dumb enough to think that the name “conflict diamonds” refers to relationship issues. Ditch that man and his diamonds…fast. Blood diamonds have resulted in over 4 million deaths in Angola, Sierra Leone, Liberia and the Ivory Coast. One shiny rock, 4 million lives.

Diamonds with strings attached. Did you know that only 11 percent of U.S. jewelry stores practice a conflict diamonds policy and 67 percent won’t even discuss the topic when asked if they have one? Just because he bought you dinner, I mean a diamond, doesn’t mean you have to marry him. Presents aren’t promises, and kisses aren’t for keeps.

Diamond mines damage the environment. This is important, even though it’s true of all types of mining, not just diamond mining. Mines are dangerous for workers (including children) and threaten our planet, too. I wish there were a way to dig that deep without so much damage.

And last but definitely not least…

A diamond is not forever. Nothing is forever, my friends. Engagements, marriages, jobs, you name it. If they happen to last a long time, then you are indeed a very lucky person. Why do we kid ourselves into believing that a sparkling rock, delivered to us on the backs of the abused, purchased for more than it’s worth, marketed for more than it means and obtained at the expense of our own dear planet will keep love alive?

And please tell me why I still melt, just a little, at the sight of a beautiful, shimmering diamond ring perched on a shelf in a store window.

(Lastly, did you know? There are some great alternatives: you can buy vintage diamonds – at a fraction of the cost! – and retailers like Brilliant Earth and Green Karat are eco-friendly and cruelty-free, too.)

Each week here at EcoSalon, the editors choose a post from the archives that we think you’ll love. The original post can be found here.

Images: fashionjewelry, stephend9, ruby-jade-sapphire-pearl, smh, nyinquirer, starryskies, hairdecor, hourglass diamond

The post Diamonds Aren’t a Girl’s Best Friend appeared first on EcoSalon.

“You could consider me the goddess of organic wine because of my longevity,” says a tres enthusiastic Veronique Raskin of The Organic Wine Company in San Rafael, Calif. “I’ve been at it for 30 years so I should know a couple of things.”

The French native and head cheerleader for the benefits of organic helped uncork the notion of drinking naturally-farmed grape back in 1979. That’s when she brought the first shipment to the U.S. from her family’s 200 year-old vineyard, Bousquette, located in the Languedoc region which borders Provence in the south and produces one-third of France’s grapes.

“Back in the 60s, people with small family properties handed down from generation to generation took notice of the damage done by pesticides and herbicides and began looking for alternatives. We decided non-organic had no future and conventional wine was damaging to the earth, the people working the earth, and down the stream to the public.”

Much has changed since those days in 1979 when she shopped her Chateau Bousquette to wine merchants in the Bay Area, singing the praises of its purity.

“I remember I took a bottle into a store called Mr. Liquor. I was this idealistic 30-year-old, and so excited to share the only wine I could drink without getting a headache,” she recalls. “The owner looked at me and said, ‘Lady, my customers don’t give a s…t what is in their wine!’ I stood there gasping and didn’t have a comeback. I was so stunned someone would say even if wine contains poison, people don’t care.”

Now that people do care, Veronique Makes it her mission to get the public to seek out wines that are Certified Organic, which guarantees the producer is following strict organic regulations for farming without synthetic chemicals.

She warns us to steer clear of empty references: sustainable practices, ecological development, long term planning and reasonable farming. These are frequently dictated by the greenwashing of the business to keep up with marketing trends.

This wine expert also says the sulfites in wine issue can be extremely confusing and blown out of proportion in a way that can cause public hysteria.

“Sulfites are naturally occurring in wine as result of fermentation, so it’s about adding a minimal amount to supplement what is there already,” she says, sighing about this overheated topic.

“A small part of the population, mostly asthmatics, are allergic to sulfites and should be warned with labels,” she explains. “But the majority of unpleasant complications are not due to sulfites but the other chemicals added. People should be concerned about pesticides that kill us and cause diseases. Focusing on sulfites is just a distraction.”

Apres the fine education comes the fine selection. I’m toasting this part because the woman knows from organic reds.

She has been carefully selecting labels for the past 20 years, importing and selling only those wines certified in their country of origin. In terms of the vintage, Veronique finds this mostly applies to rare wines that are generally out of our reach, unless you’re a collector with big bucks and a cellar.

“There it can make the difference between a simply good wine and a fabulous one,” she says. “This is very much the case in the Bordeaux region where the weather can radically alter the growing conditions from one year to the next.”

In guiding the rest of us (those without big bucks or a cellar), Veronique has created a virtual organic wine 101 course at her website – with information based on the great depth of knowledge gained over the years.

Her mission is to foster a community that sees the importance of drinking and enjoying organic. “We’re not just merchants, but passionate, idealistic people who happen to be running a business,” she says.

I asked her to get down to business and give us the dirt on the best organic reds for sharing with friends over dinner or giving as gifts.

The list comes with these savvy tips:

1. Let the bottle breathe. “It’s like stretching your body when you are in tight clothing.”

2. Drink red wine with food. It’s how Europeans do it, and for good reason. The more you taste the food, the more you taste the wine, and they enhance each other. “Wine is nourishment to me. I drink two glasses every day,” she says. “My family drinks with lunch but I don’t because I’m now part American.”

3. Share red wine with friends. “It is meant to help us relax and partake of each other’s company, to open up the heart and enjoy sharing. That’s why the typical visual of wine is around the table with friends. Jesus did that with his disciples all of the time. Wine comes from the depth of the earth and grapes are the quintessential symbol of transformation.”

Veronique Raskin

Here is the goddess’s guide to delicious and affordable organic red wines, some of which can be purchased through her site.

Languedoc Region

Chateau Bousquette, Prestige $27

Chateau Bousquette, $18

Chateau Veronique, $15

Mas de Janiny Cabernet, $30

Mas de Janiny Syrah, $20

La Marouette Cabernet, $13.99

Rhone Region

Domaine des Cedres, $15

Cotes du Ventoux, $10.99

Burgundy Region

Bourgogne Pinot Noir, $24

Spain

Navarrsotillo Rioja Tinto “Noemus”, $15

California

Sky Saddle Sangiovese, $24

Le Vin Winery Hillside Estate Organic Vineyards 2002 Merlot, $28

The post The Trail to the Tastiest Organic Red Wines from a Certified Grape Goddess appeared first on EcoSalon.

I grew up thinking it was completely normal to slather my skin with products featuring a complex, unpronounceable list of ingredients. Most of us probably never even thought twice about it.

But awareness is rising and many of us just aren’t tolerating toxins anymore. Smart entrepreneurs are stepping up to fulfill the growing need for skincare made of completely natural (and often edible) ingredients. If you like to feed your skin only the finest, add Naya Organics to the menu.

Stemming from a literal interpretation of the “less is more” philosophy, Naya’s scrubs and body oils literally contain only the simplest, most natural of ingredients. There’s nothing that was created in a lab.

I’ve been trying quite a few of the products. I recommend you use the coarse salt scrubs to exfoliate your skin and the lightly scented oils to protect and replenish. I wouldn’t be surprised if you have a hard time deciding – go for the sample pack with a little bit of everything. And be thankful that you don’t have to “treat” your skin to strange, complicated chemicals anymore.

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Looking for an interesting, educational, fun and non-battery operated toy for your children? Look no further than OWIKit’s 6 in 1 Educational Solar Building Kit. It’s the latest in a line of solar toys for kids that OWIKit has been manufacturing for a few years now.

The 6 in 1 Educational Solar Building Kit, due for release next month, is designed to teach children (and adults, too) how to use solar power to drive a small motor. Consisting of 21 snap-together parts, the kit allows you to build six different working models – an airboat, a car, a windmill, a puppy, and two different planes.

Priced at about $13.95 each, these kits are bound to be a hit with both kids and parents alike. And parents in particular will love the fact that no batteries are required.

The post Teach Kids to Think Green with a Solar Power Building Kit appeared first on EcoSalon.

I have two thumbs and neither one is green, in any way, shape or form. Nature and plush, pretty gardens fill me with joy, but don’t let me anywhere near a shovel or pruning shears – tragic mishaps are likely to occur.

I’ve been responsible for many a premature death due to my apparent lack of “intuition” when it comes to growing green things. But even I could probably take on a Grow Me a Tree and nurture it through adolescence and into adulthood.

The Silver Birch seeds arrive “grow ready” in a compostable brown sack filled with soil. Rip off the top of the sack and care for the seeds (i.e. water, assure proper sunlight exposure, etc.) until the tree is mature enough to plant outside. Seems easy enough. But please note that the Silver Birch can grow as tall as 30 feet high. Plant carefully.

Despite my trepidation, I ordered one for myself and plan to focus as if the future of the planet depends on it. If others followed suit, and each grew a tree, what a wonderful world it might turn out to be.

Find the Grow Me a Tree at snowhome for approximately $8.50 (plus $15 shipping from the U.K. to the U.S.).

– via Nigel’s Eco Store

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Not everyone has the space or budget for a large thermal wine cooler in their pad. Here’s a practical way to chill that organic vino and rescue the dying cork stopper industry at the same time.

The Cork Bark Wine Chiller from Bitters Co. is from and features unglazed terracotta wrapped with an outer layer of natural cork bark ($46). It cools your bottle by insulating it with these layers and lends some earthy style at the same time.

The way of life for Mediterranean cork harvesters has become threatened by the replacement of hand-harvested cork with cheaper, synthetic twist-off caps. So farmers in Portugal are brainstorming alternative uses for their product – like this wine cooler, as a way of salvaging cork production, which is organically farmed.

The post The Small Chill appeared first on EcoSalon.