“Envirosax bags are ‘a move in the right direction’ and are targeted at people who would normally not use an eco-friendly bag.  We are making the whole concept of reusable bags (previously dull, boring and ugly) something which is trendy and fashionable, and thus spread the message of re-use to as many people as we can.” -Envirosax 

Top 10 reasons why reusable totes are beneficial:

1. Each reusable grocery bag has the potential to eliminate 1,000 plastic bags the average family uses in one year.  One single person will reduce about 156 plastic bags in one year by using just one tote.(considering they may forget their tote once in a while).
2. Most grocery stores offer discounts on each tote that is used to purchase your groceries, offering a credit of 5-10 cents for every bag used, depending on the location and store. 
3. The Convenience Factor: It may be convenient to just have the checkout bagger put your groceries in a bag that the store supplies, however the use of a reusable tote is just as convenient, if not more, and will positively effect the environment.  An Envirosax Tote is more durable, holds more groceries, is reusable and also washable.  This in turn creates less bags breaking while carrying your food items and less trips from the car to the kitchen.
4. About 100 billion plastic bags are used each year in the US alone, requiring an estimated 12 million barrels of oil used for their manufacturing.
5. Plastic bags are detrimental to our wildlife.  100,00 whales, sea turtles, dolphins and other marine life die every year directly caused by the disposal of plastic bags.  This is due to the 3.8 million tons of plastic bags that end up in landfills or incinerators every year in the US.  Only 1% of plastic bags are recycled every year. 
6. Plastic bags do not fully deteriorate.  They decompose in a process called photodegrade (which takes anywhere from 500 to 1,000 years since sunlight and UV rays are needed in this process).  This process breaks the plastic bags down into smaller and smaller toxic particles which end up contaminating soil and water. 
7. 500 billion plastic bags are consumed worldwide ever year, which is a million a minute.  Manufacturing 10 plastic bags creates 5.5 kilograms of air pollution, which equals 2.75 trillion kilograms of air pollution worldwide every year. 
8. Most people will think that paper bags are better, this is not true.  About 14 million trees are cut down each year to supply America alone with paper bags.  The production of paper bags is just as harmful to the environment and to us as the production of plastic bags that grocery stores use.  It requires toxic chemicals like sulfurous acid (which can lead to acid rain and water pollution) and requires hundreds of thousands of gallons of water to manufacture the paper bags used every year by Americans. 
9. The chemicals and dyes that are used in plastic grocery bags contain cadmium, lead and other toxins that will leach into the environment during their use.  Envirosax graphic bags use inks and dyes that are eco-friendly and do not contain carcinogenic amides, while the bamboo and linen totes are printed with soy inks.
10. Envirosax reusable totes are very affordable.  Ranging from $8.00 for a durable, polyester bag to $25.00 for organic bamboo and organic linen, create your own collection of colors and styles for a personal grocery experience.

Shop the Editor’s Summer Picks

With Summer’s arrival comes movies in the park, music street festivals, and my all-time favorite (even though I’m a vegetarian) barbeque get-togethers.  It’s not so much the grilling outside that I am drawn to as it is the enjoyment of hanging out with close friends in a backyard or park on a hot summer day.  When the new summer collection of Chilewich Placemats arrived, I knew I would be needing them for those bright and sunny occasions.

Chilewich placemats come in a variety of patterns, with Rain Collection introducing two new collections designed in great vibrant colors, perfect for those outdoor festivities.  Made from woven vinyl, these placemats are durable and easily washable; just throw them in the dishwater at the end of the party for a quick clean up!

Chilewich Colorblock Placemats available in Clover, Cloud or Surf

Chilewich Seaglass Placemats available in Mediterranean Blue, Natural, or Frost

With such a great assortment, feel free to experiment.  I love the idea of mixing the Clover Colorblock and Frost Seaglass Placemats for an eclectic, contemporary vibe.  Who says you have to select just one!

From July 2nd through July 5th save on select summer fun items at Rain Collection.  You may view these sale items here.

Have a happy and safe holiday weekend!

Here are my top four favorite products from Rain Collection:

A wish list is a very useful tool in today’s fast pace, tech savvy world.  I find that it not only helps your dear ones to peer into the world that is ‘you’, but it also helps as a reference tool for yourself.  Once I add to my wish list, I can return to that item and all the others I had my eye on, without spending too much time trying to find it again.

You may view my entire wish list under ‘Find a Wish List‘.

He may be getting older, but remains a child at heart.  He’s a revolutionary problem solver, a Mr. Fix-it (even when it’s not broken), a teacher, a troublemaker and your pal.  Show your appreciation for your Super Dad this Father’s Day with hand-selected items from our gift gurus. 

Shop now through June 16th, 2010 and Save 5% with coupon code BLGFATHERS5.  Coupon code not applicable on already reduced merchandise.

National Endangered Species Day is Friday, May 21st.  Join us in recognizing Endangered Species Day; a day to learn about the threatened wildlife in your area and also to share the importance of wildlife conservation with family and friends.  North America is home to a variety of wild plants and animals, however, scientists estimate as many as 1/3 of the United States’ native species are at risk of extinction, mainly due to human-caused threats such as habitat loss and global warming.

“This year, Endangered Species Day comes at a time when wildlife faces an extra urgency:

• The BP Oil Spill continues to gush oil into fragile marine and wetland ecosystems, threatening sea turtles, sperm whales and other endangered and threatened species in the Gulf. Also at risk is Louisiana’s state bird, the brown pelican, which was deemed "recovered" and was removed from the Endangered Species list just this past fall of 2009.

• Shell Oil is pushing to drill in Alaska’s Chukchi and Beaufort seas–newly-designated critical habitat for polar bears, which were listed as "threatened" last year.”

-www.nwf.org

For more information on what you can do to help the environment, visit the National Wildlife Federation’s website at www.nwf.org

And remember, ENDANGERED means there’s still more time.

For three days only Save 15% on Grant Dawson at Rain Collection in support of National Endangered Species Day! Grant Dawson Collections strives to bring about environmental change by giving back more than we take from the Earth.  The company has earned the prestigious Silver Exemplary status of the Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC), a non-profit coalition of industry leaders committed to promoting sustainable practices within the home furnishings industry by raising awareness among consumers and buyers. A portion of all Grant Dawson profits will be donated back to the SFC to help maintain a healthy balance between environmental conservation, social equity, and economic development.

A second blog entry into our world of the wish list.  My favorite pieces from Rain Collection typically include any of the following:

• Natural, raw elements used in unique, new possibilities
• Artistic designer accessories that have yet to be discovered
• Soy-based candles, an immediate relaxing ambiance builder
• Eclectic home decor and collector’s items

My environment helps to create my mood and energy, and the items I put into it must always be special, and must-haves.  Here is my list of must-haves from Rain Collection.  My impulsive, “love to shop” personality has made this list extra long, although I tried to shorten it to my absolute favorites!  I hope you enjoy browsing what I love, and if it inspires you, do the same!

To view my Wish List, visit our ‘Find a Wish List‘ feature.