by Tara Mackey | Blogroll, Health
On the heels of the awful, deadly Bangladesh Factory collapse that killed more than 1,100 people, H&M, Zara, Tommy Hilfiger & others have made a surprisingly heartfelt move. They, along with Dutch retailer C&A and British retailer Primark, signed an agreement that promises to overhaul the way health and safety is monitored in Bangladesh.
The five-year plan calls for independent safety inspections and for companies to publicly report the findings. It is backed by IndustriALL Global Union and UNI Global Union, which represent workers in 140 countries. It also requires retailers to help finance fire safety and building improvements in factories they work with. After a Bangladeshi sweater factory caught fire last week, killing eight, including a managing director of the company that owned the factory, brands were prompted to act. The fire accelerated efforts underway to get broader support for the deal.
Bangladesh is the second-largest apparel producer after China, but its industry is loosely regulated. H&M, based in Sweden, said those signing the agreement are committed to a garment industry “in which no worker needs to fear fires, building collapses or other accidents that could be prevented with reasonable health and safety measures.”
“The accord includes all of the components essential to be effective: independent safety inspections with public reports, mandatory repairs and renovations, the obligation by brands and retailers to underwrite the costs and to terminate business with any factory that refuses to make necessary safety upgrades, and a vital role for workers and their unions,” says Ineke Zeldenrust, a spokeswoman from the Clean Clothes Campaign, in a statement. “At the heart of the agreement is the commitment by companies to pay for the renovations and repairs necessary to make factory buildings in Bangladesh safe.”
Other businesses who outsource from Bangladesh are encouraged to to sign the accord before May 15, especially those brands whose labels or purchase orders were found in the rubble, including Benetton, The Children’s Place, El Corte Inglés, Cato Fashions, and Loblaw (which owns Joe Fresh).
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by Tara Mackey | Beauty, Blogroll, Green Beauty, My Organic Life, My Photography, Product Reviews, Skincare
Okay, okay… I admit it: I’m a little bit of a workaholic (and not in the relevant Comedy Central way.) This came in the form of self-neglect for a number of years. But it has now, in recent months, made me a huge fan of taking care of myself, and I’m always looking for new, wonderful and down to earth ways to do it!
This is a relatively new concept for me, but one I really enjoy indulging in when it comes to my bath and beauty routine, as well as my diet and fitness.
When I travel back to the East Coast, it’s important for me to bring, try and promote local brands that really combat the dry, windy cities of lore! The amazing Laurel – founder, Skin Guru & overall wonderful woman, who grows some of Sequoia’s herbs in her own garden– of Sequoia Beauty gave me the opportunity to do just that when she sent over a lovely little care package of facial treatment! They are based in the Bay area of California, and the wonderful thing about Sequoia is that there is absolutely NO water added to dilute their ingredients. In the world of beauty products, this is absolutely and almost impossible to find! I got the opportunity to use her products for my nightly bath routine, and what a difference!
I have 5 friendly steps to using Sequoia products to aid your nightly skincare routine!
Treat yourself with the Almond Exfoliant & Honey Berry Enzyme Mask! Your skin will thank you!
These ingredients are certified organic, raw, local to the bay area, and non-gmo!
Apply some ultra moisturizing Lavender Lip Healer while your mask sets! Lavender is one of my favorite scents! So calming & lovely!
Hop in a bath, relax in bed, in a sunny spot, read your favorite book, and breathe deeply!
Use Sequoia’s Hydrating Cleanser to cleanse your face of the Mask or Exfoliant. I use the Transform Moisturizer on my lips and eyelids as I relax & unwind!
Lastly, use the Tighten Toner & Nourishing Serum on your face to promote all natural anti-aging, skin healing & organic rejuvenation!
A big hug, love, shout out & thank you to Sequoia Beauty for making my skin routine easy, flexible, transportable and 100% Organic! I’m more than happy to share about their commitment to health & wellness!
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by Tara Mackey | Beauty, Blogroll, Green Beauty, Green Makeup, Green Music Gear, My Organic Life, My Photography, Product Reviews, Skincare
Whenever the Holidays roll around, it’s exciting for me to start focusing on gift giving! It’s so fulfilling to show my loved ones how much they mean to me with exciting and unique gifts! I have a very small, close-knit family, and I think it’s really important to shop local, sustainable, eco-friendly, and to buy handmade & locally grown items this Holiday Season for whatever you celebrate! For example, from your neighborhood grocer or farm, your friend’s etsy shop, your local baker or a neighbor or family member who sells crafts online! It’s important to sustain growth within organic and eco-friendly communities, give feedback to independent brands about their products, and spread awareness of the harmful effects of a lot of the products that we use and that are widely available and sold by the billions!!
With their help, I’ve collected some Natural, Eco-Friendly & Handmade Brands to get you started on Brands to Bring Home for the Holidays! As part of my commitment to My Organic Life, I have taken all of the Product and Beauty shots myself!* I hope you enjoy! 🙂
Marie Natie
I have teamed up with All Natural Cosmetics brand Marie Natie to bring you some great products to gift for the Holidays! They also make perfect stocking stuffers for anyone who is looking to try some really great, affordable, organic makeup this coming year! The greatest part about all Natural Makeup is that it’s entirely safe to use! You can give it to young and old alike without any worry about it putting anything but FUN into their day!
Some products by Marie Natie that I highly recommend:
Marie Natie Eye Liner ($15)
My first go with all natural liner has been nothing but FUN! It’s goes on clean and smooth, lasts ALL day long, and makes my eyes pop! I love that it contains no harmful ingredients and it makes a great gift!
Marie Natie Lip Gloss in Love Struck ($18)
This gloss is absolutely beautiful, decadent, long lasting, and 100% natural! It feels good, tastes good, and looks absolutely stunning! I’d recommend Love Struck to anyone – a voluptuous color but not striking!
Find Marie Natie online:
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Couch Guitar & Camera Straps
I didn’t forget the boys! Couch is a great place to start for all your eco-friendly music or camera needs! I personally have a lot of musicians in my life and these stylish, made in USA, extra durable, cruelty-free guitar straps from Couch are perfect for the Holidays! They strive also to use 25% recycled materials in their products! They’ve got a ton of great styles and colors to choose from! Personally, my strap has traversed everything from city streets to mountain ranges and hikes, and I am really, really happy with it!
Find Couch Guitar & Camera Straps Online:
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The Cat’s Meow
Annnnnd back to the girls! 🙂 The Cat’s Meow is a high fashion, vintage inspired beauty & fashion line created and hard crafted by Rachel L. Olson. Rachel says, ” The collection features false eyelashes embellished with feathers & fabulousness. Eyelashes are a fabulous upgrade to any look, subtle or dramatic, as they frame your eyes & drop jaws at the same time! My lashes will bring attention to your eyes and face, where attention should be! Each piece is individual and unique, just like my customers. Cat’s Meow lashes are great for parties, holidays, weddings, or just being fabulous everyday.”
Custom orders are also available!
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Eucalypto Organics
Eucalypto Organics uses only nourishing organic and natural ingredients in their formulas to create effective skin care for the entire family. Creator and Organic Chef Laurie ” Always had an interest in beauty products and started to make my own when I couldnt find anything on the market that satisfied my dry, sensitive skin. When my products produced such amazing results I though why not share them with the world.”
Lavender Facial Toner is a great start and super refreshing after a long bath or hot shower and before your moisturizing routine!
Sugar & Lavender Spa Body Scrub is wonderful to relax with in a long bath! It’s the key to glowing skin and a great mood! It smells great, feels great, and is 100% Natural and Organic!
Find Eucalypto Organics Online
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The Hemp Butterfly
This fashionable, eco-conscious, organic and vintage line offers one of a kind jewelry & accessories. All are hand made & hand knotted in Hemp by Jennifer Robison’s own little fingers. I really love the detail and intricacies of her work! From the boho – chic and the ultra fashionable all the way to the creepy cool.
I can explain The Hemp Butterfly no better than in Jennifer’s own words:
” When I was very little I was fascinated by color. I would give life to my crayons and give them each tasks. Little did I know that many years later in my late teens I would discover an outlet for all this color fascination. I put myself into every piece. I aim to make you happy with the colors of my work. Sustainable, organic, vintage, recycled and up cycled. I want you to see that Hemp is every bit as wonderful and fashionable as any other jewelry or art form.
Most pieces are one of a kind and put up as they are born. Even if I attempt recreation I am forced to add something new, a pop of color or a quirky addition. Expect beaded work along with macrame knotting. Some complex , some are not. Trendy, swift and unique.”
Find The Hemp Butterfly Online
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Buying local, organic & handmade is part of the American tradition of self-sufficiency and serves as the basis for a lot of local communities. Thank you to the Brands who have helped me to help you get started shopping this Holiday Season! Be sure to check back for more!
I’d also love to hear your experience with Organic, Natural, and Eco-Friendly Brands!
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* All Photographs (C) Tara Mackey 2012
