Green Valley Farms offers organic, fair trade, and even bird-friendly shade grown coffee.  This coffee is worth taking a tour of their beautiful farm.  Make it a day trip, and take the whole family.

http://www.goldenvalleyfarms.com/

So, you are thinking of having an event with an eco-friendly flair. Have you ever thought about including organic cocktails?  Well, ECO-BAR promises to offer organic cocktails, ECO-BARtenders, even eco-party planning!  I was fortunate enough to meet the owner of this unique company at Green Fest Philly.

Beth Wilson-Parentice, is the president, and has come up with the brilliant concept of ECO-BAR.  This newly launched business offers the unique concept of cocktail catering.  They will even come up with specialized recipes for your event.  ECO-Bar only uses unique blends of fresh, exotic,  organic ingredients to tantalize your palate. The possibilities are endless with this company!  Check them out for your next event!

www.ECO-BAR.net

The next few blogs will be about all the wonderful people and companies we came across at the fest.  So, stay tuned!

At Nu Wave, we believe in trying to aid in making the world a better one for us all.  Our daily practices of eating locally, recycling and just being overall ecologically aware have become our business.  We decided to combine our skills of fashion and technology to create the eco-friendly business that is Nu Wave Vintage.

Our base product of vintage clothing helps to reduce the million tons of textiles that end up in landfills each year.  The dyes and chemicals used in clothing and shoes alone, are a detriment to the areas that they sit in the landfills.  Often times the area becomes unusable for decades, and eventually kills off  all chance of wildlife and vegetation.  This problem unfortunately is not localized, as it usually spreads  in the soil and eventually affects the surrounding communities.

It is for the aforementioned reason our business began.  We decided that we could play a viable part in getting the earth healthier.  So, for this reason we compliment our vintage clothes with recycled bags and reusable utensils and food containers.  Our goal is to offer you a complete green lifestyle in our community.  Please blog with us, tweet with us, and of course shop with us.

This has been an extremely happy,  yet difficult journey that we are proud to call our own. We will continue to share  our journey, along with the latest green news here.  We hope that you will also share with the Nu Wave community here as well as on Facebook and Twitter.

There are certain products that are good, and some that are great! The difference is being able to use a product for multiple uses, and getting quality results each time.  There is one product of nature that we absolutely adore, and that is Castor oil. The oil is popular for its anti viral, anti fungal and antibacterial properties and hence can be used in the case of any infection that is caused due to growth of bacteria.
Castor oil can be found in any health food store, and should be used in it’s purest form which does not contain any other ingredients.  It is actually a vegetable oil that is derived from the Castor bean(Castor beans are not a part of the bean family). This oil dates back to ancient Kemetan times, and was initially used internally as a laxative.  Today, Castor oil has many uses and benefits to the body.

Castor Oil & Hair

This oil is very thick and viscous.  As with most good products, a little goes a long way. You always want to rub it in to your hands, and then through your hair.  The most important is to pay special attention to the ends of your hair, and baby them.  For the best results, section your hair, and apply. Comb through to make sure it has penetrated your hair from root to tip.

Castor oil is also great for curl definition.  If you have curly hair that needs to be defined, you will find that Castor oil works a lot better than gel, and it leaves your hair soft and manageable.

If you are deep conditioning your hair, a little Castor oil added to the blend will also help to lock in moisture.  The amount that you use can vary.  Depending on how dry or porous your hair may be will determine how much you may need.  Always start with a small amount, and add more as needed.

Castor oil also works well as a hair thickening agent, and works to stimulate growth in thinning or balding areas through allowing more blood flow.  Can also be used to thicken eyebrows and lashes naturally!

Castor Oil & Skin                          

This oil works wonders to soften and moisturize skin. It is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin and is very rich in Vitamin E, which makes it excellent for fighting signs of aging. Because of Castor oil’s healing qualities, it is often use to soothe skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis and can help to thicken hair and reduce hair loss.

A light layer of Castor oil will keep your entire body moisturized, and can also reduce painful dry skin, itching and calluses. For dry cracking feet, hands or elbows rub Castor oil into the area before bed and cover with a bandage, cloth, socks or gloves. Rinse away the oil in the morning with a gentle soap, or for calluses rub the area lightly with a pumice stone.

For beautiful hands and nails, apply a light layer of Castor oil to your cuticles and nails every night before bed. Castor oil penetrates deeply into the cuticles, softening them and preventing cracking. The oil will also add a healthy luster to your nails and keep them moisturized to reduce chipping.

Because of the anti-fungal and bacteria properties of the oil, it can help reduce the appearance of both acne and blackheads.

Massaged into the skin with the addition of heat, it has also been used for abdominal complaints, headaches, and muscle pains. Castor Oil packs are also used to draw out infection and inflammation inside of the body’s major organs.

There are so many more uses for Castor oil. We suggest you try it out and see how it can work for you. It is an amazing plant by-product, and is also biodegradable and eco-friendly.

What about the cleanup? No one wants to clean the grill after a long weekend of sizzling veggies, marinated grass-fed meats, and other grilled up green goodies, your grill will be dying for a cleanse.

If your grill racks have layers of black gook, here is a simple, yet sustainable way to get them clean.

1. Heat the grill so it is really hot, so it will be easier for the clumped up gook to scrape off.
2. Cut an onion in half, larger onion for larger grills.
3. Stab one half of the onion with a fork and then with the flat end of the onion pointing face down, use the veggie-utensil combo to rub down the grate.

This technique ensures your grill works well to keep food tasting fresh and delicious all summer season. This is a cool, eco-friendly way to clean your grill without using nasty, chemical cleansers.

Today it is more important than ever before to minimize your footprint.

Now the  developed western countries are producing more and more carbon emissions.  There is also a growing problem as the population in Africa and Asia start living improved lifestyles which consume more energy.

This is an example of a typical person's carbon footprint.

Here’s a list of simple things you can do immediately

These will start to reduce your contribution to global warming. The items in this list will cost you no money at all, and will in fact save you money.

• Sign up with a green energy supplier, who will supply electricity from renewable sources (e.g. wind and hydroelectric power) – this will reduce your carbon footprint contribution from electricity to zero

• Turn it off when not in use (lights, television, DVD player, Hi Fi, computer etc. etc. …) Electricity is one of the biggest producers of carbon emissions

• Turn down the central heating/cooling slightly (try just 1 to 2 degrees)

• Turn down the water heating setting (just 2 degrees will make a significant saving)

• Check the central heating timer setting – remember there is no point heating the house after you have left for work

• Fill your dish washer and washing machine with a full load – this will save you water, electricity, and washing powder

• Fill the kettle with only as much water as you need

• Unplug your mobile phone as soon as it has finished charging

• Defrost your fridge/freezer regularly

• Do your weekly shopping in a single trip, or on foot to your local Farmer’s Markets

• Hang out the washing to dry rather than tumble drying it

• Go for a run rather than drive to the gym

The following is a list of items that may take an initial investment

They should pay for themselves over the course of 1-4 years through savings on your energy bills.

• Energy efficient light bulbs

• Install thermostatic valves on your radiators

• Insulate your hot water tank, and your walls preferably with recycled goods (recycled denim, wool, or cellulose are all great alternatives to traditional insulation).

• 35% of heat generated in the house is lost through the walls. Installing cavity wall insulation or SIP’s (Structural Insulated Panels) to a medium size house could reduce your heating bills by up to $100 per year

• Recycle your grey water (you can have a filtering system put in that reuses grey water for laundry, flushing the toilet, or plant watering)

• Replace your old appliances (if over 15 years old), with new ones that have an energy efficiency rating of “A”

Travel less and travel more carbon footprint friendly.

• Car share to work, or for the kids school run

• Use the bus or a train rather than your car

• For short journeys either walk or cycle

• Don’t use domestic flights (e.g. from New York to Maryland), use a train or a coach.

• See if your employer will allow you to work from home, at least once a week

• Next time you replace your car – check out diesel engines. With one of these you can even make your own Biodiesel fuel.

• When on holiday – rent a bicycle to explore locally rather than a car

• When staying in a hotel turn the lights and air-conditioning off when you leave your hotel room

• Ask for your room towels to be washed every other day, rather than every day

As well as your primary carbon footprint, there is also a secondary footprint that you cause through your buying habits.

If you buy foods out of season at the super market, then these will have either been flown or shipped in from far away – all adding to your carbon footprint.

• Reduce your consumption of meat

• Don’t buy bottled water if your tap water is safe to drink (especially if it has been shipped from far away)

• Buy local fruit and vegetables, or even try growing your own

• Don’t buy fresh fruit and vegetables which are out of season, they may have been flown in

• Shop local Farmer’s Markets instead of markets when possible

• Buy organic produce

• Don’t buy over packaged products

• Reduce and Recycle as much as possible

• Think carefully about the type of activities you do in your spare time. Most activities can add to your carbon footprint, if you are not careful.

In addition there is your footprint at work.

Do you leave your computer and monitor on when you are away from your desk? Do you leave the lights on when you leave the office? Do you print documents unnecessarily – and could you print two pages to a side and double sided?

Let’s show mother earth how much we care, and eliminate the unnecessary! If we all work together, we can make a huge difference around the globe.

If  you are anything like me, morning coffee is a MUST to get the day started.  There is nothing like a freshly brewed cup of coffee. Most people stop at a coffee shop whether local or a chain, to quench that thirst.  There is a greener way to satisfy that urge.  It is called a French Press.

The French Press has been around in many variations since the early 1900′s.  Today it is an eco-friendly option for some of the richest coffee or tea, you will ever have.  You can also find a French Press in a wide array of styles to match any decor.  You may also be surprised that the French Press will deliver a pretty clean brew.

Depending on your preference and your level of investment, you can purchase a French press to fit your needs.  Prices range from $12.99 at Ikea, to $99 or more at stores like Macy’s.

Advantages

• All you need are ground coffee beans and boiling hot water to get started
• No need to use electrical outlets
• The cost of a French Press pales in comparison to the cost of a quality drip machine
• When paired with Organic/Fair trade coffee,  you are doing double the justice
• Great cup o’ Joe in minutes

To complete the “Green” coffee experience in the morning; visit your local independent coffee shop and get fresh Organic/Fair Trade beans.  This ensures that your coffee got to you pesticide free, and workers were properly compensated.  Also, take your coffee with you in a BPA free container. Many companies like Klean Kanteen, and Watergeeks Laboratories offer BPA free containers that ensure no chemicals, toxins,  funky flavors or smells leak into your beverages.

The most important thing of all; in this economy, if you follow this advice, not only will you be more green, but you will also see how much you can save by making your own coffee.

Organic - technically refers to molecules made up of two ore more atoms of carbon. It is used now as a term for growing produce, etc. without the use of artificial pesticides or fertilizer.  In terms of meat, organic is used to describe animals that have not been given antibiotics, or growth hormones to maintain them.

Fair trade – enables artisans and farmers to earn a fair wage and provides the opportunity for a better quality of life in developing countries.

BPA – also known as Bisphenol A , is an organic compound used to make most plastics.  It is a hormone disrupting chemical that is harmful to humans and the environment.

Model: Kendra

Hair: Sina Washington

In this day and age, most people have cut a lot of luxury expenses out of the budget, and replaced them with necessities.  So, what this means is that we must now find creative ways to stay fabulous on a budget.  Now when it comes to high-lights, low-lights, and covering grays, I have a few ideas.  (All of these techniques either require small purchases, or contain items that you already have in your kitchen).

I have Grays……HELP! 

Even though some people have the most beautiful gray hair, others feel that look older than they would like.  So, I am happy to share with you a natural method of ridding yourself of the gray.

• First, boil two cups of water, and add ½ cup of dried sage. Then, let the sage and water mingle for seven to eight hours. Finally, apply mix to dry hair, then allow your hair to dry before rinsing out the dye. Repeat this technique as many times as necessary until you achieve the  level of coverage you desire.

*Tip – You can maintain the color by applying this  herbal mix once a month.

I’m a brunette, who wants to go lighter!   

The darker your hair is, the harder it is to lighten it. Who wants to constantly put chemicals in their hair?  I for one do not.  So, while on the quest to achieve a great summer color, I stumbled upon idea of using Henna. Now, most people think of the dark henna used to create temporary tattoos. Visit your local health store to purchase a light-colored henna powder. The light versions come in golden, neutral and light brown.  Then, you can decide just how light you may want to go.  While you are there, you will also need to pick up some chamomile herbs to use in the paste.  Chamomile tea is fine if you have some in your pantry, just open the tea bags.

• Once you have the ingredients, mix the henna, chamomile, and 1qt of boiling water.  Continue to stir until the mix begins to turn into more of a paste consistency.  Let cool for a few minutes.

• Next, make sure hair is nice and damp. Apply paste, and comb through making sure to coat every strand.  Cover your hair with a shower cap, and allow mix to absorb for 1-2hrs. Then, rinse your hair thoroughly and style as usual.

*Tip – To achieve speedier results that leave your hair even lighter, sit in the sun while the mix is absorbing.

I’m blonde……I still want high-lights!

Ok, so if your hair is already light, and you want it lighter there are two options for you. One of the tried and true methods of lightening hair naturally  is by using lemon juice. Whether fresh squeezed or from a bottle, the acid in lemon juice causes the pigmentation in a hair strand to break down, making hair lighter. Another way to lighten hair naturally without dye is by using chamomile flowers. These flowers also have lightening agents in them that gradually make hair a lighter shade.

Lemon Lightener    

You need lemon juice (fresh, or bottled) and a liter of water.

• Mix approx. 1-2 tbsps of lemon, with the water. You may want to adjust the acidity according to your hair texture, thickness, and length.  Too much acidity will dry your hair out!

• Next, wash your hair, and towel dry. Saturate your hair with the lemon mixture, and comb through to ensure no missed sections. Repeat this process each time you wash your hair until desired lightness is achieved.

Chamomile Lightener  

• Place a hand full of chamomile flowers in to a bowl of boiling water.  Let that mixture hang out for a few hours to fully infuse the water. Once mixture is completely cooled, it is ready to be applied.

• Wash hair and towel dry.   Saturate hair from root to end, until mixture is completely gone, combing through to ensure total saturation.  Let sit for about 20 minutes, and rinse.  Repeat each time you wash your hair until desired lightness is achieved.

**Test out a patch of hair before dyeing your entire hair as henna powder and lemons are extremely potent. Depending  on your hair texture, lemon juice may dry hair due to acidity, find a good level of dilution for your hair.

**Techniques for blondes and brunettess may be inhanced by letting hair dry in the sun.