Vegan Fashion.  What is it, exactly?  The vegan lifestyle is inherently cruelty-free and posits that no animal is exploited in the production of any item, be it food, clothing, accessories, personal care products or furniture.

Compassion for animals is the basis for the ethical choices that vegans make and compassion in fashion is a logical extension. Living the vegan lifestyle is also the environmental choice because excluding animal products is a very effective way to reduce your carbon footprint.

Going vegan has become very trendy and it seems every day another star athlete or well-known celebrity makes the decision to kick animal products from their menu.

There are, however consumer items in all areas of life that exploit animals one way or another and while most begin by choosing the plant-based diet, eventually other areas of lifestyle come under scrutiny.

For clothing to be considered vegan, materials like wool, leather and even silk are not acceptable. Does that mean vegans cannot be fashionable?  Not at all!  Vegan fashion is not an oxymoron. …read more of Eco-Fashion: Look Good, Feel Good, Do Good! here

It’s fun to watch ‘Extreme Couponing’ on The Learning Channel, but how many of us have the time, space or desire to create stockpiles of discounted groceries and thousands of coupons.

Maybe you would like to have some extra cash to do something fun. Certainly spending less would free up funds to pay some bills and you don’t have to look far for reasons to save money.

The key? Get organized and it will only take a little extra time to master saving at least half the amount you spend on groceries.

If you spend $600 a month on food, you could be a saving $3,600 a year!  And that is after-tax money.  That means you would have had to make about $5,000 before taxes to pay the $3,600 extra that you are unwittingly spending now. …read more of Frugal Pantry 101: Getting Started with Coupons here

It’s amazing how fast the world is moving. The first “car phone” weighed in at a not so svelte 2.2 pounds (1 kilo) and had a battery that lasted 35 minutes.

Not a problem at the time because you couldn’t hold it for that long, anyway. Quite antiquated by today’s standards!

New technology being introduced every day means the world is not only faster – it is smaller and immediate connectivity is at our fingertips. …read more of Buzz me up Technology here

Give a boost to the planet while ensuring sustainable livelihoods with five green springtime ideas from the Rainforest Alliance that revitalize your body, home and mind.

By supporting companies that have the Rainforest Alliance Certified^tm seal, the Rainforest Alliance Verified^tm mark or the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) logo, you are supporting the environment and wellbeing of farm and forest workers, their families and communities.

1. Rejuvenate your skin
Nourish your skin with Alba Botanicals Rainforest Skin Care Formula. You can enjoy peace of mind knowing that the Andrioba and Brazil nut oil used in these products were grown on farms that help to conserve the very rainforests where they were grown. Be sure to try the renewal scrub, foaming cream cleaner, toning mist and facial cream. …read more of 5 Green Ideas for Spring to Revitalize Body, Home and Mind here

This Valentine’s Day spoil your loved one without spoiling the planet. The Rainforest Alliance has just released their Green Guide to the perfect Valentine’s Day. Conscientious consumers can use this handy guide to find gifts and activities that help to protect the environment and the rights and wellbeing of workers around the globe.

Rise and Shine:
Kick-start your day with a cup of Rainforest Alliance CertifiedTM coffee; then surprise your love with certified blooms, available at Whole Foods Market, Costco and online at FTD.com.

Rainforest Alliance certification is your assurance that coffee, flowers, tea, cocoa, fruit and other farm products were grown using methods that protect forests, soils and waterways on farms that provide decent wages, housing, education and health care to workers and their families. …read more of Rainforest Alliance Green Guide to Valentine’s Day here