These girls certainly rock too.

Take a passion for girls’ education, rope in New York’s technology, music, and design communities, and add a dose of rock ‘n roll. That’s the foundation of GIRLS WHO ROCK, an annual concert benefitting girls’ schools in the developing world through education non-profit She’s the First. Created by Cynthia Hellen and Tammy Tibbetts in 2010, the concert series has already raised more than $23,000 to sponsor girls’ schooling in Tanzania and Uganda. Pretty rocking, if you ask us. After their last concert in May, we caught up with Hellen to see what drives GWR… besides their love for EcoSalon, of course.

Tell us the premise of GIRLS WHO ROCK.

Simply put, GWR is an annual concert produced by a team of remarkable women and girls, connecting the tech, music, and design communities and helping others sponsor girls’ education through She’s the First. We use technology like social media to creatively produce an experience for all those who connect with our message, follow our moves, and are simply curious about how they can collaborate with us. In the last two years, the concert has raised more than $23,000 to sponsor 32 girls in Tanzania and Uganda. In addition, ten American girls recently completed our GWR GivesBack mentorship program, working with 20 older volunteer role models to help produce the concert.

How did you think up the idea for the concert, and why the emphasis on girls education?

In 2009, I collaborated with Internet Week and Angel Wish, a nonprofit that helps children with HIV/AIDS. I took that as a case study of how social media can be used as a tool to reach the masses and have people join a cause. Then a friend sent me a link about Tammy and She’s the First. She’s the First was three months old and not yet a registered non-profit, but it had a simple message about how girls should be the first in their families to graduate from high school. The message connected with me, but I wondered about others with different cultural experiences and backgrounds. That was it right there – I knew I wanted to address this. I reached out to Tammy, and on our second encounter I shared with her the idea of a GIRLS WHO ROCK concert, and how it would bring attention to girls’ education using all these elements, and how her organization would benefit as well. Two months later, GIRLS WHO ROCK launched during Internet Week 2010.

How are you working toward social change?

As a woman, I am perplexed by how, as humans, we can say we “care” but yet are not willing to do enough for issues affecting us. As a social entrepreneur, I live with a constant reminder of these ongoing issues, and I am led by my curiosity and a desire to utilize my skills to create a simpler and more sustainable solution for the problems we have today, rather than be naive or turn my head.

It’s easy to say, “If it’s not affecting me directly, why should I care or connect myself beyond feeling sadness or pity?” Perhaps I don’t like “easy,” which led me to co-create GIRLS WHO ROCK. GWR is run as a social media production and utilizes the power of music to connect us in a much deeper sense to those who wouldn’t otherwise have a chance to think, dream, and do big things in life – in this case, receive an education.

What is your background, and how did you decide to make this your life’s work?

My background is one of the things in my life I am most humbled about and if anything, grateful for, especially the education I was given as a child. I did not go down “the typical path” that is expected in Western culture. I was simply led by my curiosity to learn, and as I went, I built, and I am still doing so. Music was the first skill set I acquired, then theater, production, and entrepreneurship. College years were TV journalism, PR/social media, and now law and technology. But music and the arts are still my first loves, and those are the foundation of GWR.

Images: Cynthia Hellen, Marc Hall

The post We Heart Our Readers: Cynthia Hellen, GIRLS WHO ROCK appeared first on EcoSalon.

Giving up a house and belongings for life on the road in an Airstream.

It’s no surprise that we love Airstreams. Sleek, retro and the embodiment of simple living, they inspire a sense of wanderlust, making us dream of giving up our belongings and trading it all in for life on the road. That’s exactly what Cece Reinhardt and Brenda Daugherty are doing, living fulltime in an eco Airstream, traveling across the country and telling their stories along the way. Pulled by a truck that runs on biodiesel, it’s all part of On the Green Road, what Reinhardt and Daugherty call “a mobile sustainable living project.” As they traverse the country, they’re sharing stories of tiny living and educating about simple, healthy choices. That’s the kind of tour we want to be on. But the second best thing to being on the tour, is getting an inside look at what living in an Airstream is all about.

Name: Cece Reinhardt and Brenda Daugherty

Website: www.greenrvlife.com

What do you love about EcoSalon? 

EcoSalon is super trendy and fresh. We love that. Our favorites are Foodie Underground and the new Daily Track. Awesome and right on the money.

What inspired you to sell your house and belongings and set out for life in an Airstream?

We wanted to pursue our passions – down-sizing our life, travel, being with friends and family, and educating about simple living. The housing market in California was going downhill and we sold before we were completely upside down on our mortgage. It was one of the best decisions we have ever made. From there, we paid off our debt and pursued our dream of owning an Airstream. At first we were simply going do a green remodel on the weekends as we had time. Then as budget and job cuts ensued with the State of California, Cece lost her Public Health job. With free time and creative thinking, we decided to write off for sponsorship for the eco remodel and Brenda pursued a telecommuting work schedule with her employer. The dream of “On the Green Road” blossomed.

What green features do you have in the Airstream?  

We went two ways with this. First, we wanted to be independent and off grid. We added solar power and a waterless composting toilet so we could extend our time off the grid and off the pipe. Secondly, we wanted to have a healthy living environment, free of toxins and VOCs.  To accomplish this, we added organic fabrics and eco materials that were beautiful and healthy like cork and Marmoleum flooring, bamboo cutting boards, a kirei work desk, Paperstone countertop, a Keetsa eco-friendly mattress, American Clay walls and ceiling, eco veneer on existing cabinets, LED lighting and organic linens/textiles.

Tell us about the upcoming On the Green Road tour. What do you hope to get out of it?

We are traveling across the U.S. and Canada over the next 6 months. As we travel, we focus on education and outreach – promoting tangible green change. With our background in outdoor/experiential education and sociology we feel that by incorporating “hands-on” exposure – feeling, touching, seeing and discussing systems in action, sustainability concepts such as carbon footprint, simple living and green lifestyle take on a more powerful and tangible meaning. In essence, we are utilizing individual products and systems like a composting toilet, solar power and biofuels, putting them together in a mobile studio and hitting the green road to put words into actions. But the discussion and our passion doesn’t end there. Taking steps to free yourself from clutter, live more sustainably and create a passionate self are all connected. We want to encourage and continue this conversation as we work, live and travel.

Oh yeah, we also want to have some adventure and fun.

Your motto is “Conserve. Explore. Inspire.” What keeps you inspired to live this lifestyle?

We love the feeling of living a healthy lifestyle – we wake up refreshed and ready to take on the world everyday. By down-sizing our life we also pay into our savings and retirement each month and we don’t have to live paycheck to paycheck. We receive wonderful emails from followers of our website and Facebook page. Knowing that people are making their own life changes and that we have had something to do with that is priceless.

What five items do you never travel without?

iPhone, Verizon wifi, our animals (one cat and one dog), kayaks, Breville Juice extractor.

When people ask you what they can do to live a more conscious/sustainable lifestyle, what do you tell them?

There is not just one way to go green. It’s about balance—taking on what you can, depending on your time, resources and passions. We are just two girls with a cat and a dog, trying to find the balance between freedom, sustainability and passion. Here are things we have found helpful:

Slow down enough in your day to day activities to identify what you are already doing or not doing. Take time to get connected to the nature around you. Disconnect from your iPhone and computer and notice the beauty right there. Our planet is amazing. How nature works is awesome.  Once you get zoned in to this you also start to see things that destroy and interfere with this beauty. When you start to care everything changes.  Your everyday actions start to take on more meaning. What you can do next will just naturally fall into place – recycling, taking public transportation, using less energy, composting, buying less packaging, owning less stuff, spending more time with the ones you love out in the woods, etc. Have fun – being green doesn’t have to be dull and boring. Build a community, in your thought and action. Join together – it takes a village to bring about change.

What is your favorite travel quote?

“For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move.” – Robert Louis Stevenson

The post We Heart Our Readers: Cece Reinhardt and Brenda Daugherty of On the Green Road appeared first on EcoSalon.

Friend-crushing on the voice of Horny Toad.

We here at EcoSalon are huge fans of Horny Toad Activewear, not just because of the Santa Barbara-based company’s infinitely wearable line of inspired outdoor clothing, but also because of the passion Horny Toad infuses into their messaging and branding. That must be why we adore Safia Radha Ohlson, the woman behind Horny Toad’s social media and content. According to Safia, we’re at the top of her blogroll too. Let the lovefest continue.

Name: Safia Radha Ohlson

Website: http://www.hornytoad.com

Why do you read EcoSalon?

At work I curate much of the content we use in our social media. This means I spend a decent amount of time cruising the internet for relevant, funny, inspiring material – an experience that can range anywhere from satisfying to horrifying. Even on a good day EcoSalon trumps pretty much everything I come across. It’s like having cocktails with your funniest, smartest, most literate girlfriend. It knows when to go deep and keep things super real, it’s outraged when appropriate, but it’s not afraid to dish a little dirt and compare lip balms either. Plus the playlists and recipes… God, I can’t imagine life before kale quinoa cakes.

Tell us a little bit about Horny Toad and its mission.

Horny Toad is a clothing company based in Santa Barbara. We make the kind of stuff you’d wear when, for example, you’ve got a date that begins with a hike and ends with dinner and there’s no time to change in between. Perfect for when you want to look cute but you also want to be casual and are probably going to get a little sweaty. Most of our fabrics are eco-friendly and we try to keep our styles timeless enough that our customers will want to wear them for years and years. We also make some of the best yoga pants I’ve ever owned (and, for the record, I pretty much LIVE in yoga pants).

What do you do there?

Like I mentioned, I do a lot of the social media stuff for Horny Toad. But I’m also the copywriter and editor of all our written content.

How do people embrace the values of the organization within the office?

Our values are well articulated in the phrase “Find Fun. Do Good. Be Comfortable.” Each of us embraces this ethos in our own, personalized ways. Living in Santa Barbara is so ridiculously good that the urge to give back becomes inherent, and I think we’re all living our lives with a huge amount of gratitude and happiness and balance. The Horny Toad company culture reflects this too. We do beach cleanups and other community outreach on a regular basis. We make a big lunch together about once a month as a way of staying connected in a playful, non-work way. Inter-departmentally, we help each other out whenever necessary. Our dogs come to work which keeps the atmosphere light and sane. We’ve also formed several great partnerships with outside organizations and local companies. For example, all of our products are shipped by a Chicago non-profit Horny Toad help found called Planet Access Company which provides work opportunities and beautiful, safe group homes for adults with developmental disabilities.

What hobbies do you pursue when you’re not working?

Right now I’m learning how to be a good meditator, which is a lot like learning how to do magic. When it’s working you can literally transform ignorance and suffering to wisdom and freedom. Pow! Shazam! Also I do a lot of yoga and am learning how to paint and photograph stuff. And I spend an embarrassing amount of time adoring my dog, Jade, who is current reigning queen of the fairy dogs.

The post We Heart Our Readers: Safia Radha Ohlson, Editor at Horny Toad Clothing appeared first on EcoSalon.

Living vicariously through an American ex-pat in London.

It’s impossible not to develop a serious friend crush on Ana Maria Munoz after following her charming life “across the pond” on her blog, Anamu. Originally from Los Angeles, the self-described flea market fanatic recently relocated to London, where she documents her love for design, adventures in DIY, and weekend jaunts, all set to a soundtrack we want to adopt for our own lives. Apart from Anamu, Ana Maria also curates stylish vintage home accessories at The Pond Market and posts a daily dose of inspiration at Howdy Day! Plus, she’s a regular EcoSalon reader. Yeah, we don’t know how she does it all either.

Name: Ana Maria Munoz

Website: www.anamublog.com, www.thepondmarket.com, www.howdyday.wordpress.com

How did you get introduced to EcoSalon and what keeps you reading it?

From my best friend Google. I studied fashion merchandising in college and after a few jobs and internships in the biz I realized that I wanted more substance out of the industry. I think it was my Junior year when I discovered EcoSalon and I fell in love with the fashion articles and non-crunchy approach to eco living. The perfect balance of everyday topics and thought provoking content is what keeps me coming back!

You recently made the jump across the pond from Los Angeles to London. What are the major differences between the two cities?

They’re both so incredible in their own way but the most obvious difference is simply not needing a car. I lived car-less in LA for eight months before moving to London and got around via public transportation and a car share program, LAXcarshare, just fine (it can be done, people!). However, in London, I haven’t had a need for my own ride in nearly one year! I now have zero desire to ever be a car owner again. Another difference – and perhaps my fave – is that in Europe you don’t need to say “it’s five o’clock somewhere” to excuse yourself when having a drink before evening time. Pub culture is very casual and it’s nice to be able to relax somewhere that’s not a sports bar, swanky lounge, or a full on restaurant.

Tell us a little bit about your current projects, like The Pond Market.

I’m self-diagnosed as a flea market fanatic so as soon I moved to London I knew that I was going to have to do something about getting my treasure-hunting fix. Even if I don’t need it for myself,  I can’t deny the feeling of discovering something and bringing it home for a new lease on life. Because I had experience running an Etsy shop with my previous business of handmade clutch purses, I knew that I could easily set something up for my vintage finds and share them with folks back in the States.  But, since I can’t shop all of the time, I’m exploring a freelance career in graphic design and photography. I’ve always had a passion for both but my new expat status and recent travels have really motivated me to take them to the next level.

How you do source your finds?

Flea markets are my main source for buying but I do occasionally find items in antique stores or charity shops (thrift stores). As for how I pick what what I buy, it’s really as simple as “I know it when I see it.” I literally zoom in on pieces from afar like a hawk on prey. It’s kind of freaky.

Where do you get your design inspiration?

For the shop, I’m a sucker for brass so that’s always the first thing that catches my vintage-loving eye. There’s a very warm quality to it that brings so much character to a space. I try to buy pieces that are functional and beautiful, something that will make a statement on its own but also compliment existing contemporary spaces you may have at home. Design-wise I find a ton of inspiration in the lines and patterns of buildings. Just as in clothing from different eras, buildings give incredible insight into different design styles and what is culturally relevant in any given place. I do tend to lean towards simple geometrics so I went completely nuts in Morocco and fell back in love with the art deco and mid-century lines found all over LA.

What are your favorite flea markets/vintage spots around the world?

Hopefully there are many more to discover but I do love El Rastro in Madrid for its local and maze-like ambiance. It’s held in a residential area of La Latina where you’re surrounded by balconies draped with the day’s laundry. In Paris I love the Vanves Market because it’s super low-key, has an amazing selection of unique French bric-a-brac (as well as fine antiques), and is big and small enough to be manageable and satisfying for a morning outing. In London I love Camden Passage because in addition to their Wednesday and Saturday market, the pedestrian-only street is filled with well-curated vintage clothing stores and independent shops from local fashion and accessories designers. And last but not least, my ultimate favorite is the Rose Bowl Flea Market in my hometown of Pasadena, CA, USA. I’m not just being biased on this one – they really do pack a lot in there! It has by far been the best market I’ve been to for furniture and clothing. People in Europe seem to hold on to their furniture much longer than Americans so there isn’t much turnover for vintage lovers to buy into here. The next two trips are to Tuscany and Brussels so we’ll see what I find there!

The post We Heart Our Readers: Ana Maria Munoz, Blogger and Flea Market Fanatic appeared first on EcoSalon.

Breaking barriers at home and abroad.

As the founder of Mountain2Mountain, Shannon Galpin empowers women in conflict zones by providing them with a voice and access to education and vocational training. Galpin works primarily in Afghanistan and famously cycles across dangerous zones like the Panjshir Valley – where Afghan women can be punished and even killed for riding a bike – to bring attention to women’s issues. Talk about cojones. We have incredible respect for Galpin’s work. As it turns out, she’s a fan of us too.

Name: Shannon Galpin

Website: http://www.mountain2mountain.org

What do you love about EcoSalon?

I adore the complete range of lifestyle articles, from alternative design and architecture, to green living and relationships, often covered from a truly unique and irreverent perspective! My favorite column is Foodie Underground – one week I’m dreaming of a fish taco-fueled Baja escape, the next rediscovering my Parisian addiction to the vast array of brightly colored macarons, to looking at oysters as not just a food but as an important part of a sustainable relationship with our food sources and waterfront economies. I love to see food discussed not as vegan or paleo, or as it relates to diet or body image, but instead reading about the pure joy of food, where it comes from, and how our communities are related to the food sources themselves. But I am also a huge sucker for the Sex by Numbers series, especially the Republican Caucus edition!

Tell us about Mountain2Mountain.

Mountain2Mountain was founded nearly five years ago with the desire to create voice and value for women and children in conflict zones. Essentially, I knew I didn’t want to just build schools or clinics as a reaction. We want to create catalysts within conflict zones that can create a ripple through their communities which creates a more sustainable and community-driven approach for change. We can do that by improving access for education, by activism for women’s rights, through vocational training, and through media training. One of our newest programs we are launching this year is called Combat Apathy, and its based on the idea that voice matters. So we work with citizen journalism and leadership with young adults in conflict zones and evolve into youth driven social impact programs that we support to tackle the issues of women’s rights, sex trafficking, LGBT rights, and war and conflict. If individuals are given the opportunity to use their voice, people will listen and you can instill a sense of value and confidence that we can cultivate into social action and community action. We have been working in Afghanistan for four years but are expanding into Cambodia, Mexico and other conflict regions this year as well.

Why women’s rights, and why Afghanistan?

I staunchly believe that we need to think of women’s rights as human rights. Women’s involvement in their community, their government, and global affairs are integral to the future of our global community. Gender equity is not just morally right, it is pivotal to global sustainable development. It is number 3 on the UN’s Millennium Development Goals – not just because its morally right but because empowering women will contribute to achieving all the other goals, reducing poverty, improving maternal health, improving universal education, combating HIV/AIDS, and even environmental sustainability. Afghanistan is consistently ranked the worst place in the world to be a woman so to me it seemed like the best place to start! It’s also a country that is the source of so much apathy in the US – overloaded with negative media and our ongoing military involvement – it seemed to me that if we could challenge stereotypes of Afghans in the U.S. and of Americans in Afghanistan baby steps could emerge.

One way you’ve broken barriers is by mountain biking across dangerous regions of Afghanistan. Can you talk a bit about the cultural implications of an act like that?

Well, Afghanistan is one of the few places in the world where women are not allowed to ride bikes. Around the world the bike is used as an effective vehicle for social justice and it was frustrating to realize that it just wasn’t something we could utilize in rural communities for school transportation, or for midwives and teachers. After working in Afghanistan for a couple of years I realized that I was constantly challenging gender barriers as part of my daily routine. When I’m in Kabul I like to walk as much as I can and interact with the Afghans I met in a more natural way. I ride a motorcycle which I bought in Kabul to avoid the traffic snarls that congest the city at rush hour, thanks to the lawlessness that permeates the country it means that you can ride on the sidewalk, or weave backwards through oncoming traffic, it’s all about the shortcuts. Being a foreign woman means that I find myself in a unique position as a hybrid gender. Men that still treat Afghan women as second class citizens will treat me as an equal and let me challenge gender barriers like riding my mountain bike because they are curious or intrigued but not threatened. It’s a little thing, but I also wanted to show another side of Afghanistan, the beauty, the adventure, and the possibility that what was once a tourist destination, could perhaps be again in the future if peace was ever achieved.

You’re obviously dealing with very heavy issues. What keeps you motivated and inspired?

My daughter, Devon, is a huge source of daily inspiration – nothing like the complete open honesty that a seven year old has to help you see the world in a fresh way. She’s also a big reason that I’m taking on the issues I am. Firstly feeling the responsibility to do my part to make the world a little better for her and her generation. Secondly to set an example to her that you MUST be involved in the world. The responsibility is not with governments or global organizations – it’s with individuals, citizen diplomats. Lastly, it’s important to remember that we are part of the global community. I want her to realize she is a global citizen, not just an American. She has to know that young girls in Afghanistan, or Cambodia, or even closer in Mexico are no different than her – and thus deserves the same access and rights.

The post We Heart Our Readers: Shannon Galpin, Mountain2Mountain appeared first on EcoSalon.

The girls of {r}evolution apparel are on a mission to ignite conversation in the fashion industry.

When Kristin Glenn (left) and Shannon Whitehead launched a Kickstarter project to fund their idea for a sustainably-produced convertible travel garment late last year, they had no idea the interest they’d generate. 796 backers contributed more than $64,000 dollars to the Versalette from {r}evolution apparel, making it the most funded fashion project in Kickstarter history. Now, Kristin and Shannon are working with producers in the U.S. to bring the garment to life, chronicling their production adventures on a blog, and keeping up on their conscious lifestyle news by reading EcoSalon. Here, Kristin chats with us about why she’s a regular reader.

Name: Kristin Glenn

Website: http://www.revolutionapparel.me

What sets EcoSalon apart from other publications you read?

In our quest for sustainability (in our business and our everday lives) it’s hard to find the cool, interesting, non-granola aspects of eco-living. EcoSalon brings so many things together – films we should be watching, companies to look out for, new and interesting things that actually apply to our lives! It’s not just for tree-huggers and it’s not just for snobby design people. It’s for readers like us who want to know what’s up in the eco-world in a relatable way.

We started {r}evolution apparel in the hopes of sparking conversations about fashion and consumption. Fashion wreaks havoc on the environment and is a source of many human rights issues across the globe – and we’d like to put a spotlight on that through our products.

We hope that our apparel line helps tell the story of the fashion industry, and what we can all do to make fashion more ethical (and enjoyable).

We are both avid travelers and realized that there was a need for versatile, sustainable clothing while we were in Central America learning about sustainable textiles. Working towards reducing our consumption seemed to make a lot of sense, especially when we were living out of a backpack! And the Versalette was born…

Fantastic, exciting, and nerve-wracking! We met so many people via Kickstarter who we never would have met otherwise. We offered pre-sales of our first piece, the Versalette, and ended up raising over $60,000. All-in-all, it was incredibly rewarding.

Our purchases make a difference. When we support a small button company or a recycled fabric company, it matters. The “butterfly effect” is very real.

Sustainability is about making the best decisions you can. Nothing is truly sustainable, but taking small steps towards that is what keeps us moving forwards.

People are generally awesome.

We will be going on a sustainable fashion tour this summer on the West Coast with an RV and some Versalettes, hoping to bring awareness to the issues behind fashion and consumption!

The post We Heart Our Readers: Kristin Glenn, {r}evolution apparel appeared first on EcoSalon.

Allie Bombach of Red Reel Films takes us on a journey to find the simpler things in life.

When we grow up we want to be our readers.

Allie Bombach blew our minds and won our hearts from the first time we watched the trailer for her film, 23 Feet. The documentary, released earlier this year, follows Allie and two friends as they cross the country in a 1970 Airstream, meeting with people who have ditched their traditional lifestyles for the open road and the great outdoors. A director, producer, and videographer, Allie uses her gift for storytelling to promote simple living and respect for the environment – things we definitely dig here at EcoSalon, along with Allie.

Name: Allie Bombach

Website: www.23feet.org

How did you get introduced to EcoSalon?

I started reading EcoSalon because of Foodie Underground and the fabulous Anna Brones, and I’m hooked on the home design tips and interviews with rockin folks. For me, it’s a wonderful source of inspiration and at the same time a guilty pleasure during the work day to check out the recent articles.

Tell us about 23 Feet.

23 Feet is a short documentary about people who live simply to do what they love outside. We set out across the west in the summer of 2010 searching for the community of people who live in cars, buses, and other small spaces ditching the creature comforts of today’s society to raft, surf, and climb. The name 23 Feet comes from my own 1970, 23-foot Airstream that I live in and took from Colorado to Oregon during the production of the film. After the film was finished, we took the Airstream back on the road for an outdoor theater tour in the summer of 2011 that screened the film off the side of the Airstream. We had about 30 screenings in a variety of landscapes from the middle of wilderness to the middle of cities. For me, the whole experience was an exploration in the meaning of home, community, and ultimate happiness and passion in what you do.

The Airstream has a name. What is it, and why?

Roma is her name, and besides all the roaming she does, she just seemed like a middle-aged old woman that would give you great advice. Hence, Roma. Perfect.

You tricked out Roma with recycled and reclaimed materials. What are some of the highlights?

Roma’s got some snazz to her for sure. Her cork floors are pretty awesome and she has reclaimed wood for the desk and bed. What I am excited about is the upcoming improvements to make her really cozy and sustainable. I’m hoping to add a wood stove, solar panels, and one fine day, a composting toilet. As of now, she’s pretty simple with no plumbing, and the truck charges the batteries in the Airstream after a drive. So lots more to do!

I imagine there was a fair share of magical moments on the road. What was the craziest?

The production was wild. We had no idea if what we set out to do would actually work! We didn’t know if we would find characters, or even if we would make it to Oregon. The truck pulling the Airstream broke down several times, and it seemed like surprises were around every corner. And because most of the budget came after the film was edited, we found ourselves sleeping in a lot of random spots. It was pretty adventurous. The film screening tour was one moment of bliss after another. We were on the road for four months, winding in and out of national parks and major cities. Connecting with so many people who have lived (or want to live) the lifestyle documented in 23 Feet was very magical. To tell a story is one thing, to have that story compel people to tell you their story is a whole different gift. It made all that hard work worth every moment and then some.

What five items/products made life on the road easier?

In a small space, the things you own are few, but very important. From your toothbrush to your water bottle, everything needed to be sturdy and worthy of the road.

Innate Gear Thermos – I swear you can put your coffee in hot and it will still be piping 8 hours later. It’s a miracle bottle.

French press – Any appliance that doesn’t need electricity is a great find. Plus, my favorite way to make coffee.

Slippers – Just because you are on the road, doesn’t mean you can’t be cozy. I travel with slippers everywhere I go.

Horny Toad dresses – They don’t wrinkle, they are super comfortable, and they are super easy to clean. I love me some Horny Toad.

Dr. Bronner’s soap – All purpose awesomeness. Just a few drops and you’ll shine like a new penny. It’s way better for the environment too. (Ed. Note: We love their hair conditioner too.)

What creature comforts did you miss the most?

The only thing I can think of is plants. I miss having little plants around. It’s like a class 5 earthquake in the Airstream when we are on the road, so no plants have been able to take that kinda shock! Other than that, you won’t find me missing TV or a dishwasher.

Any plans for a sequel? In other words, what’s up next?

My business partner Sarah Menzies and I run a production company called Red Reel. We had such a powerful reaction to the outdoor theater tour last summer that we are excited to be able to continue the grassroots unique distribution for projects to come. As far as the stories in the works, we’re sticking with character driven pieces, and pointing our lens to the movers and shakers of environmental and social change. Right now Roma is sitting in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with my family, and Sarah and I are calling San Jose Del Cabo, Baja, home for the winter. We’re filming in the water and editing our 2012 spring films. If there were a sequel to 23 Feet, I think we might take it onto sail boats, but right now, 23 feet of home has turned into about 3 feet of suitcase, and life couldn’t be better.

The post We Heart Our Readers: Allie Bombach, Documentary Filmmaker appeared first on EcoSalon.

Editor’s Note: Thanks to you, we are feeling the love. To show our gratitude, we are profiling some of our most cherished readers who often stop by to see what we have cooking on the site. Please make them feel welcome by saying hello!

Award winning photographer, filmmaker and conservationist Beverly Joubert has been working in Africa with her husband Dereck for 30 years. Together they are explorers in residence at the National Geographic Society. The Jouberts spend years at a time living in remote bush camps in Botswana tracking animals to film and photograph. Their work focuses on big cats and their goal is to inspire others to take care of the planet. In 2008 they founded The Big Cats Initiative as an effort to stop the decline of big cats in Africa. Their latest film The Last Lions premiered this year in cinemas around the US.  with all profits from the film going to conservation. Two DVDs called Living With Big Cats and Big Cat Odyssey are to be released this year. To further educate and promote their mission the Jouberts recently expanded into conservation tourism through their company Great Plains Conservation.

Name: Beverly Joubert

Website: www.wildlifeconservationfilms.com

What do you like reading about on EcoSalon?
EcoSalon is making people so much more conscious. There are so many good articles. One jumped out at me about plastics in the ocean. It is really important to bring that to the table. And also the article about young Sarah Outen rowing across the oceans – each ocean is different and she will be learning the value of each one.

Tell me a little bit about your work?
We have been working in particular areas of Africa for 30 years and we have watched the areas transform, and not for the better. The animals have been diminishing. Ninety five percent of the cats have gone over a 50 year period – about the time we have been alive. Every film or book we make acts as a platform for big cats. Our last feature film ‘The Last Lions’ we named provocatively so we could start having the conversation.

What is your environmental philosophy?
Big cats are the most sexy species. But by protecting land for lions you are protecting it for everything else too. And by protecting wilderness areas we are protecting ourselves because most of these areas are the lungs of the world.

What inspires you to keep going?
The younger generation is really enthusiastic. It seems that they don’t just think as they have been taught but they are truly innovative. As explorers we have always had to think outside the box and be innovative. We are getting letters from tiny little kids saying how much they love lions. They truly understand and have ideas of how to help.

When are you happiest?
We found a baby elephant drowning in a man made mud pool and Dereck and I worked all night to try and save the little animal. We only intervene if it (the problem) is man made. It was intensely rewarding in the end. The mother cow came running down when the baby was out and she was fondling him. She didn’t even try and charge us. That was the most rewarding and beautiful moment I have ever had.

Image: Dereck and Beverly Joubert

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Editor’s Note: Thanks to you, we are feeling the love. To show our gratitude, we are profiling some of our most cherished readers who often stop by to see what we have cooking on the site. Please make them feel welcome by saying hello!

Sarah Outen, was the youngest person and first woman to row solo across the Indian Ocean. Now, at age 26, she’s set off again on a solo adventure to do a human-powered-only loop of the globe which she calls London2London. Leaving London on April 1st, Outen has kayaked across the Channel to France and is now cycling across Europe and Asia, then will kayak to Japan and from Japan row across the Pacific. Her final leg will include a cycle across America and row across the Atlantic to finish in London two and half years after she left. She is raising money for four charities: CoppaFeel, The Jubilee Sailing Trust, MND Association and Water Aid.

Name: Sarah Outen

Website: www.sarahouten.com

What topics do you like reading about on EcoSalon?

My internet time is so limited at the moment but I love the news & culture section. I am interested in all things about the environment.

What other websites do you like visiting and what do you like reading about on the web?

I usually look at the news when I am away it is good to catch up. I also like to catch up on other adventurers. At the moment I am following my friend Roz Savage who is in the Indian Ocean (she is currently rowing solo from Australia to India). I am hoping once we get some communications problems sorted out with a satellite broadband terminal I will have more time online.

Tell us a little bit about your expedition’s website.

I have a blog archive you can go back and read so it doesn’t matter when you join the journey. There is a journey tracker to show you exactly where I have got to. I will be updating it with more photos and videos soon.

Do you consider yourself to be an eco-conscious individual?

Definitely. Traveling the way I am by bike and rowing across oceans focuses you on sustainability. You need to think of your own energy – do I have enough water and food? I am very connected with how much waste I am producing. Every night I collect my trash and then in the morning have to find a bin. Then 1km down the road you see the massive rubbish tip. In the boat you have all your trash for six months with you. I love traveling this way – you’re so close to the landscape and wildlife and feel every bit of the journey. I have a really intimate connection with everything around me. It is unique.

What inspires you to keep going when things get tough?
I use memories of people to motivate me. Mostly the solution is found by breaking the task up into tiny tiny steps and moving forward little by little. It’s just about keeping the balance stacked up with positives.

When are you happiest?

At the end of a day’s cycling I love getting the tent up, sitting back and feeling content. Although other times I am very happy buzzing along making the miles and thinking ‘I am doing this.’

Image: Vikki Rimmer

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Editor’s Note: Thanks to you, we are feeling the love. To show our gratitude, we are profiling some of our most cherished readers who often stop by to see what we have cooking on the site. Please make them feel welcome by saying hello!

Name: Jen C
Website: SewnNatural

1. When did you first starting reading EcoSalon?

I first discovered EcoSalon about a year ago. If I reach into my slightly foggy pregnant memory, I think I discovered it through The Daily Green. I found the first articles I read very thought-provoking, something refreshing in the world of eco-centric writing and news.

2. What topics do you enjoy reading the most about on EcoSalon?

I love the recipe round-ups that are focused on a single ingredient, and the food files are some of my favorites. I find the Culture articles fresh and love how they ask a lot of questions. And an eco centric take on sex? Yes, please.

3. Would you consider yourself a very conscious individual? What about in relation to being kind to the planet?

For me, being green is a state of mind more than anything. It’s a filter through which I view what we eat as a family, what we buy, how I choose to live and what I make/create. We are committed to eating organically and locally as much as possible, and this means a lot more time procuring, growing and processing food. Instead of buying three set of sheets, we’ll use one sweatshop-free, organic set. We make a lot of our own stuff, and live more simply with less, often better things. I’m really careful about what I put on my skin, what makeup I use and what I use with my daughter. Greening my life is a process, and I try to consciously improve on it every day.

4. What’s your all time favorite products?

We love our Obasan organic mattress (they are an Ottawa company), and the eco wool felted mats we use for camping from Shepherd’s Dream. I’m always finding new products at our local Ottawa organic skin care spa, Oresta, where I discovered Pangea Organics and Afterglow Cosmetics. And my organic cap by SparkyJones, can’t live without that.

5. Tell us a bit about your blog and other websites you enjoy visiting.

I have an eco friendly, handmade collection for baby & home called SewnNatural, a small family business my mother and I started a few years ago. Among my favorite blog reads are Petite Planet, Nerd Boyfriend, Made by Joel,  and She Eats Bears.

6. You are the happiest when . . .

I’m working with my hands and discovering (often, rediscovering) life with my family, especially with my almost-four-year old daughter. Hearing her giggle uncontrollably is the most wonderful, happiness-inducing sound in the world. Reminds me of how important it is to help protect her body, air, water and food from toxins and pollution so she can grow up healthy and strong. And the urgency of conserving our planet and its resources for her children and grandchildren.

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