The Green Gadget trade show came to New York City on February 25. Along with the best in green technology, the Green Gadget show also happened to bring along a couple feet of snow as well. I love the fluffy whites but today, in the wake of another snow storm, I'm planning for brighter days. Warmer days. Camping days!

      
The major attention getter at the Green Gadgets trade show was the Orange Solar Tent from Kaleidoscope. It's the perfect eco friendly camping gear and is guaranteed to impress your humble tenting and gas guzzling RV neighbors.

The awesome tent includes solar panels that use the absorbed sun light to illuminate the tent at night, creating the perfect glow for navigating around your campsite at night. Inside is a heated groundsheet for comfort and a wireless hub. The coolest feature I've seen? The magnetic induction charging pouch.
       
Have you seen THAT before? Awesome eco friendly camping is in the works for me. Are you looking to join? Here are my picks for the best environmentally friendly camping items.

The custom imprinted eco blanket will keep you warm inside of the tent with its bamboo and cotton components. And this eco-friendly apparel will keep you warm while star gazing outside.
        
Always keep a custom imprinted solar flashlight nearby for night-time adventures. And our eco-friendly health and first aid items will prepare you for any emergencies.
      

Eco-friendly trends continue to bloom throughout the world. From one person to another, the seeds of sustainability are being planted each day. Likewise, each month our supply of environmentally-friendly products grows. It's clear that people are eager to incorporate eco-friendly items into their lives and into upcoming promotions.

However, many of the materials used in environmentally-friendly products, and even more of the terms used to explain them are not yet common knowledge. When you choose a biodegradable item we want you to know that it's got the ability to safely and quickly break down into the raw materials that nature embraces. Similarly, we want you to know the difference between organic giveaways and recycled giveaways.

To help every customer to understand the perks to any given environmentally-friendly product, we present this list of eco-friendly terms originally from Halo/Lee Wayne Green Promotions, 2010.

Bamboo – Bamboo is 100% naturally grown and sustainable, it is also naturally antibacterial & Bamboo fiber is 100% biodegradable. As the fastest growing plant in the world, bamboo grows to its maximum height in about 3 months and reaches maturity in 3-4 years. Bamboo is known to improve soil quality in degraded and eroded areas of land.

Biodegradable – The ability to break down, safely and relatively quickly, by biological means into the raw materials of nature and disappear back into the environment.

Bonded Leather – A recycled synthetic material containing elements of recycled leathers, leather scrap & tannery leather fibers, which otherwise would go to a landfill.

Compostable – A product made of materials that will break down over time in a landfill.

Corn Plastic – Derived from corn & 100% biodegradable

Cotton-Organic – Organic cotton is grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers, growth regulators, chemical pesticides, irrigation or genetic engineering.

Green – The movement that incorporates environmental awareness, social responsibility, bioregionalism, and nonviolence.

Organic – Products created through a system of farming that maintains and replenishes soil fertility without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers.

Organic Leather – Made from skins that are tanned using only vegetable extracts and chemicals approved by TUV. All possible by-products are also re-used. Non allergenic.

PET – Polyethylene terephthalate is the most popular thermo-plastic packaging material used for drinks and food. It is lightweight, transparent, and has a good moisture barrier.

Polypropylene & Non-Woven Polypropylene – Made from carbon and hydrogen, and manufactured without any dangerous emissions. Can be recycled, incinerated, or land filled without any harm to the environment. When burned, polypropylene will give off only water vapor and carbon dioxide, which is converted by photosynthesis. Sometimes known as “pp”.

Post-Consumer Material/Waste – Term used to describe material that is being reused/recycled after it has been in the consumer’s hand (i.e. soda bottles, yogurt containers).

Post-Industrial Material – Term used to described scrap or excess material that a manufacturer reuses or recycles throughout the manufacturing process.

Recyclable – Materials that can be reused. Includes glass, paper, aluminum, asphalt, iron, textiles, plastics and biodegradable waste.

Recycled – Term used to describe material that has been separated from the waste stream, reprocessed into a new product and then brought back to the consumer as a new item.

Recycled Cardboard – The material is made from cardboard that has been discarded or once used by a consumer.

Recycled Content – The amount of pre- and post-consumer recovered material introduced in a material production process, usually expressed as a percentage.

Recycled Leather – Material is untreated and is made with leather scraps – recycled to save waste. (As opposed to scraps going into a landfill, they are recovered and reprocessed to make leather material.)

SAFE Plastic – Truly biodegradable in landfills & composting, environmentally safe, no toxic effects, can be recycled.

Take a deep breath of that old country goodness and saddle up for the 2010 Minnesota Organic Conference. Mary Hanks, one of the conference organizers said, "It will be an outstanding educational opportunity for organic farmers and others interested in learning more about organic food and agriculture."
            
This trade show is to offer a look into the wonderful world of living organic. The two day conference will include guest speakers and open up for discussion with round table get-togethers. It takes place in the heartland of family run farms offering products like meat, cheese, eggs, milk and more. They use organic practices to raise crops and animals, making for healthier products and a reduced carbon footprint. What a perfect occasion to browse agricultural giveaways.

This will be an important trade show for businesses moving towards organic initiatives. With farms across the United States offering their services of organic agriculture, they may also want to offer some organic giveaways. By using fun green items to grab the attention of trade show attendees, they'll be likely to remember you.
                                   
While all giveaways will help brand your name, it's important to stick with eco-friendly trade show giveaways. Your business instills itself in sustainable practices and should therefore give the gift of sustainability. For the organic trade show, any of our organic promotions will come in handy. Now, after displaying your dedication to going organic, business opportunities can bloom and we can work towards a green future.

With the holiday season coming up, everyone will be giving and receiving presents. And while some would say that there's no better feeling than unwrapping a gift, that leftover paper and additional packaging does pile up, creating plenty of extra and uneeded garbage. There are companies who now sell recycled wrapping paper and that's a great option, but why not give a gift within a gift?

Choosing custom eco-friendly bags to place your gifts in is a simple, and effective way of giving a gift within a gift. Sure bags are most often used at trade shows, and big company meetings but they can also be given out to make a statement during the holiday season. Just take a look at this case study of how promotional eco-friendly cotton totes worked for an ad agency looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

Over in the Phillipines, TWBA Advertising chose to do just that. Their parent agency, TWBA Worldwide had created a movement called the Carbon Nuetral Challenge, in which they asked their agencies all over the world to think of a way to reduce their carbon footprint. Taking into account their extensive design skills and the power of recycled promotional products, they created these custom eco-friendly cotton tote bags to carry the holiday gifts that they would be giving to clients and staff members. Take a look at some of the fun designs:

 

 

These three bags are just a sampling of some of the fun custom designs that TWBA came up with while seeking to reduce their carbon footprint. Make the smart decision this holidat season and choose promotional eco-friendly cotton totes instead of wrapping paper. Not only will you be reducing your carbon footprint, but your logo will stick around much longer than it would on a gift tag.

People around the world are altering their lives in an effort to live more sustainably. Sacrifices include using public transportation instead of your prize possession car and spending a few extra dollars on eco-friendly products and services. While everyone's willing to give up certain possessions and privileges, there's one thing that we won't give up; that perfect pair of jeans.

While we must count our blessings and limit our possessions, there are some things in life that we just "want." Not to mention, we've all got to wear pants and now, Levi jeans is helping to make our selfishness a bit less selfish. They're now offering a 100% eco-friendly line of jeans to join in the eco-friendly parade. These jeans, made from 100% organic cotton, maintain their perfect fit qualities while offering a green way to look and feel great.
           
We realize that to live sustainably, all aspects of your life must be altered. That's why we've created a huge portal of environmentally friendly products that includes tons of eco-friendly apparel. To make their greenification more prominent, Levi jeans is now using organic products to promote their new line of jeans.
                      
Awesome "eco-tags" are being attached to all of the eco-friendly apparel to entice customers even further. The eco-tags bear a striking resemblance to our plantable ornaments and custom printed seed paper printed postcards. This green smart promotion is the perfect way to encourage purchasers to live sustainably. While wearing their new organic jeans, they can head to the garden and plant this seed paper.

With effective green promotions like these, one by one people will turn to more eco-friendly habits. So support organic companies and use environmentally friendly products.

Of all organic fibers, organic cotton is one of the most popular. Here are some facts about the growing organic cotton industry.
 
What is "organic cotton?"

Organic cotton is grown using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment. Organic production systems replenish and maintain soil fertility, reduce the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers, and build biologically diverse agriculture. Third-party certification organizations verify that organic producers use only methods and materials allowed in organic production. Organic cotton is grown without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. In addition, federal regulations prohibit the use of genetically engineered seed for organic farming. All cotton sold as organic in the United States must meet strict federal regulations covering how the cotton is grown.

How much organic cotton is grown globally?

Organic cotton grown by farmers worldwide increased 152 percent during the 2007-2008 crop year, according to the Organic Cotton Farm and Fiber Report 2008 released by Organic Exchange. As a result, organic cotton production reached 145,872 metric tons (MT), equaling 668,581 bales, grown on 161,000 hectares in 22 countries.

Approximately 60 percent of the total represents expansion of known projects, while the remaining 40 percent represents data from new projects becoming certified or previously unknown projects. According to the report, the production increase was driven in large part by the heightened demand for organic cotton from small- to large-sized retailers around the world.

India took over Turkey’s long-standing position as the leader, seeing its production increase by 292 percent to reach 73,702 MT, or about half of world organic cotton production. Other leading organic cotton producers, according to rank, were Syria, Turkey, China, Tanzania, United States, Uganda, Peru, Egypt and Burkina Faso.

How much organic cotton is grown in the U.S.? 

In 2008, U.S. acreage planted with organic cotton increased for second straight year, according to research compiled by the Organic Trade Association (OTA). Analysis of available data found that the total acres planted in organic cotton grew from 8,510 in 2007 to 9,279 in 2008, constituting a nine percent increase.

Harvest acreage figures for 2008 are not yet available. Other findings show 14,025 bales of organic cotton were harvested in 2007, representing a 73 percent increase over the previous year, when the total number of bales was 8,116. The U.S. organic cotton harvest represents about 2.1 percent of total global organic cotton production.

To compile the research, OTA surveyed organic cotton farmers in the United States who grew organic cotton in 2007, and combined those results with acreage and harvest figures from the Texas Organic Cotton Marketing Cooperative. Ten of 62 farms surveyed returned surveys that met the criteria for analysis. OTA’s survey, funded by Cotton Inc., asked about the types of cotton planted and harvested. Survey respondents planted 2,590 acres of organic upland cotton and 245 acres of organic pima cotton. In 2007, survey respondents harvested 1,716 acres of organic upland cotton and 225 acres of organic pima cotton.

Other survey findings revealed that changes are taking place within the organic cotton market. Organic cotton farmers saw the range in average price they received per pound increase from between $0.85 and $1.25 for organic upland cotton in 2006 to between $1 and $1.50 in 2007. Organic pima cotton farmers saw a similar increase in price, ranging from $1.65 to $2.09 in 2006 to $1.05 to $3 in 2007.

Additional findings from the 2008 survey make clear that several challenges lie ahead for U.S. organic cotton producers. Such producers remain in need of educational and economic resources to support their organic practices and build awareness of and access to high-quality markets for their organic cotton products.

Despite these challenges, survey data and projections from farmers forecast growth in production of U.S. organic cotton during 2009 to approximately 12,000 acres, a 29 percent increase from 2008.

How is the apparel industry involved with organic cotton?

Apparel companies are developing programs that either use 100 percent organically grown cotton, or blend small percentages of organic cotton with conventional cotton in their products. There are a number of companies driving the expanded use of domestic and international organic cotton. For a current list of OTA members with fiber products, visit The Organic Pages Online™ at http://www.ota.com/.

What kinds of products are made using organic cotton?

As a result of consumer interest, organic cotton fiber is used in everything from personal care items (sanitary products, make-up removal pads, cotton puffs and ear swabs), to home furnishings (towels, bathrobes, sheets, blankets, bedding), children's products (toys, diapers), clothes of all kinds and styles (whether for lounging, sports or the workplace), and even stationery and note cards.
In addition, organic cottonseed is used for animal feed, and organic cottonseed oil is used in a variety of food products, including cookies and chips.

How fast is the organic fiber market growing?

In 2006, organic fiber linens and clothing sales in the United States grew by 26 percent over the previous year, to reach $203 million, according to the Organic Trade Association's 2007 Manufacturer Survey.  According to the 2006 edition of this survey, women's clothing accounted for 36 percent of total organic fiber consumer sales in 2005, amounting to $57 million in sales. Men's and child/teen clothing grew 56 and 52 percent, respectively, in 2005, while infant's clothing/cloth diapers grew 40 percent and accounted for $40 million in sales.

Via: http://www.ota.com/organic/mt/organic_cotton.html

Cotton is one of the most heavily sprayed agricultural crops in the world, using some of the most toxic chemicals available. Cotton accounts for more than 10% of pesticide use, and approximately 23% of insecticide use worldwide. Organic Cotton agriculture avoids the use of chemicals by promoting healthy plants and soil to control pests. 

Here are the differences between conventional and organic cotton farming techniques.

Seed Preparation
CONVENTIONAL	ORGANIC
Typically treats seed with fungicides and insecticides. Uses GMO seed for approximately 70% of US-grown cotton.	Uses untreated seeds. Never uses GMO seeds.
Soil & Water
CONVENTIONAL	ORGANIC
Applies synthetic fertilizers. Loss of soil due to predominantly mono-crop culture. Requires intensive irrigation.	Builds strong soil through crop rotation. Retains water more efficiently thanks to increased organic matter in the soil.
Weed Control
CONVENTIONAL	ORGANIC
Applies herbicides to soil to inhibit weed germination. Repeatedly uses herbicides to kill weeds that do grow.	Physical removal rather than chemical destruction. Controls weeds through cultivation and hand hoeing.
Pest Control
CONVENTIONAL	ORGANIC
Uses insecticides heavily, accounting for approximately 25% of world consumption. Uses pesticides: the nine most common are highly toxic; five are probably carcinogens. Frequently uses aerial spraying, with potential drift onto farm workers, neighboring wildlife and communities.	Maintains a balance between "pests" and their natural predators through healthy soil. Uses beneficial insects, biological and cultural practices to control pests. May use trap crops, planted to lure insects away from the cotton.
Harvesting
CONVENTIONAL	ORGANIC
Defoliates with chemicals.	Relies mostly on the seasonal freeze for defoliation. May stimulate defoliation through water management.

 

Via: http://www.truly-organic.com/files/organic-cotton.php

 

Charles River Apparel Organic Jacket

Is it enough to just recycle, save natural resources and keep a green mind? What is the benefit of "greening your wardrobe?" The organic clothing blog has all the answers to your questions and can help us all understand why eco-friendly apparel is the way to go.

Simply, to qualify as being organic, organic textiles are made from raw natural fibers such as cotton, hemp, ramie, wool, and alpaca that have been grown without the use of synthetic chemical fertilizers, pesticides, growth regulators or defoliants.  Just because a shirt is made from a natural fiber such as cotton doesn’t mean that it is organic or can’t cause health problems.  Growing the natural fibers organically is only half the equation to qualify as organic clothing.  The manufacturing process is the other half and often the half that is the most abused by toxic chemicals.  Organic clothes do not receive any synthetic chemical finishes or treatments such as moth resistant, fire retardant, easy care, anti-pilling, stain resistant, or wrinkle-free. Dyes used on organic clothing should be either plant / mineral derived or if not of natural origin are environmentally responsible low impact dyes. No heavy metals or other harmful chemicals should be used in the dyeing process. An ethically and environmentally aware approach is extended to all aspects of the organic clothing industry.

This “ethical and environmental awareness” found throughout the organic clothing industry is one of its more fascinating qualities.  To simply be organically grown and manufactured isn’t adequate.  “Living lightly upon the Earth” is entrenched into the organic clothing industry and market.  Fair Trade practices to insure that the farm and garment workers receive a fair and just wage for their efforts are also a cornerstone of the organic clothing industry.