Stylin Green, Hip & Chic

Stylin Green, Hip & Chic as what we are is shown by what we exude in the world, our hair, make-up, clothing, our skin, all gives off a vision of who we are, what we stand for, and how better to BE Green than to show your inner beauty outwardly.  Wearing our signature T-shirt is Annastasia, who lives to be Green working as a Hairstylist and Make-up Artist in the TV and Film world as well as being a Yoga Teacher with Moksha Yoga which also supports and educates people in helping the earth and our environment by working to make this world a healthier place to live everyday. Annastasia enjoys bringing her yoga lifestyle in the beauty world where the two can join together and create an environment where her clients and the actors that she works with can be true to themselves and the world we live in. To be green and healthy from the inside out. Our T-shirts fit perfectly as we also support what Annatasia works to not only live a Green lifestyle,  but to educate others on how to live Green. Our inner glow comes from a peaceful, healthy inward world, and it shows in our appearance.  The same with our environment.  Taking care of our world to support it’s health and well being for all of it’s inhabitants, will show an outward clean, green and sustainable world.  Being Green is more than action, it is a state of being, a lifestyle.
melissafriendithiptee
Stylin Green, Hip & Chic, Annastasia lives in Toronto, you can view more of Annastasia’s work on her website at www.hairandmakeup.ca. Her most recent projects is working on the hilarious comedy Schitts Creek and Feature Film coming soon, Goon 2.  It’s Hip To Be Green is going Global.  Buy one of our signature T-shirts! Give one for a gift.  Share the excitement of Being Green.

Black Friday can it be Green

The question comes up; Black Friday can it be Green? I think it can be more green.  Certainly it is one of the most wasteful days of the year in the USA. Millions of wasteful products are handed out, thrown away during this busiest shopping day of the year.  Not to mention the carbon dumped into the air by the massive vehicle use sitting in traffic etc.  One might ask, how can Black Friday be Green.  It can be Greener than it is.  Here are a few steps you can take the help Green your Black Friday shopping.

  • Carpool
  • Empty out your trunk ( lighten your load)
  • Take re-usable shopping bags
  • Refuse disposable or marketing materials handed out
  • Buy Eco friendly or Recycled content products
  • Recycle all the bags, paper, cardboard etc.
  • Re-use items or re-invent items you don’t use anymore
  • Donate instead of trashing
  • Shop in one area to avoid excessive driving
  • Buy products that have replacement parts
  • Buy quality made products that will last
  • Buy used if possible, it’s hip and it’s Green!
  • Buy charitable gifts such as a goat for a 3rd world family
  • Shop local and support handcrafted and local made products
  • Buy Organic, eco-friendly products as much as possible
  • Hand make your gifts

So many options when it comes to Greening your Black Friday shopping. It’s endless the small steps you can take to save money and help the environment as much as possible. Help keep the millions of tons of waste out of the landfills by taking steps to lessen your carbon footprint.  Black Friday can be Green! Shop all of our Organic products www.mypumpkindoodle.com

Forward Not Back Climate Change Vote November

Forward Not Back on Climate Change, Vote this November. In the next few months Americans have to make a important choice of who to elect as President of the United States of America.  While this isn’t a political post, it is a call to action.  President Obama tonight said in his speech that “climate change isn’t hoax” and we can make a difference in the coming election.  I’ve heard so many people say that the record heats this year has really changed their mind about climate change.  Watching the fires in Colorado was heart breaking.  Seeing a friend post on facebook a record high of 126 degrees blew my mind.  It is scary for me to think that this could get worse.  I can’t imagine how bad it might get.  Living a green lifestyle couldn’t be more important.  In this election this November it couldn’t be more important to really plug in to the important issues of each party.  Keeping in mind that we live on this planet Earth and that protecting the environment isn’t about saving the planet, it is about saving ourselves, it is however, the only planet we have.  The planet will survive, we however will have a harder time surviving.

When the heat gets much hotter (during the warm months)  our vegetables won’t grow, the cattle will have a hard time surviving. All plant life will have a hard time surviving.  Our entire lifestyle might have to change to adapt to the increasing temperatures and also the lower temperatures during the winter. The effects of Climate Change have already started to occur.  Climate change isn’t just about a hotter climate it is an imbalance in temperatures.  Erratic temperatures that will be extremes in both directions. Massive natural disasters will continue to occur.  Scientists have been preaching this for decades. The time has come for us to act.

Being green isn’t a luxury, it is a necessity.  Working together as a nation to do our part to lesson the disasters of this planet due to climate change is a positive step forward. I for one choose to go Forward not Back in the next 4 years.  I feel that our survival and our children’s survival is important.  I hope that no matter what your stance is on the election, you will educate yourself on the issues and vote this November!

College Student Going Green

It’s an exciting time of your child’s life when they go off to college for the first time.  It can be a hectic and emotional time too.  Lots of planning and a long list of supplies to buy before school even begins.  This time of the year can be expensive, overwhelming and also crazy.  In the midst of all of this chaos being green might be the least of your worries.  Besides your soon to be college student wants to have a hip room and hip clothes to wear to school.

Green doesn’t necessarily have to be dull and boring and over spending sure isn’t fun.  Cutting down on spending helps your budget and also helps the environment when you don’t over do on buying products.

You can send your college student to school with the hip and “in style” and still watch your carbon footprint and here is how.

  • Buy clothing that is sustainable and or used.  Start shopping early so that you don’t binge buy.  There are some really cool “in” clothing that is eco friendly.  The great thing about ‘vintage” is that it is Hip already.  Shopping at thrift stores can save you lots of money.  If buying used isn’t your thing, try buying Bamboo Fashion clothing.  It not only wrinkles less, it is light weight so it packs up easy and is very easy to care for, and it’s super soft!  It usually doesn’t need ironing and dries quickly, which is great for the student on the go.  It makes a great year around fabric and layers easily.

  •  Organizational supplies are a must with dorm living.  Believe it or not organization is very eco friendly.  The more organized you are, the less likely you are to buy more than you need.  When you have less space, organization is paramount.  College students need to keep track of their studies, supplies and everyday items, so it will save them time.  You can buy natural fiber and sustainable file cabinets, drawers and school supplies.  Everything you need can be eco friendly for your student’s dorm room.  Natural fiber baskets, bins and desks make your student hip and going green.
  • Room decor, what college student doesn’t want to have a hip dorm room and bathroom.  Mainstream products can be tempting, but you might find that natural products are just as appealing.  Bamboo sheets and comforters, natural fiber pillows and even blinds can be made from a more sustainable and earth friendly source. How about Bamboo Towels?  We have them along with bathroom rugs, and even robes and slippers.

What an exciting time this is for your family.  It can also be a very light footprint for the environment and an opportunity to educate your family on the importance of Going Green!  Just a little planning can make your college student’s dorm healthier and hip! Check out our full line of eco friendly products for students at www.mypumpkindoodle.com

 

 

 

 

 

Being Green on a Budget

I often have heard people say that they will go green when they can afford to.  Things are tight now and Green Products are more expensive.  That certainly can be the case, as with anything.  Luxury products do cost more.  I also know that living a green lifestyle myself, that I save money.  I re-use, and re-design and re-furbish and I save.  I use cardboard boxes in my organic garden to prevent weeds. I use my twisty ties and rubber bands that come on my fruit and veggies for all kinds of uses.  I re-use containers and brown paper bags.  My daughter loves to make cool projects from paper bags and left over tissue paper from gifts.  She make puppet stages and all kinds of inventions out of cardboard boxes.  It saves on buying new toys.  She learns creativity and I can re-cycle it when she is done.  I sell on e-bay and Craigslist.  We buy used and we trade toys… all these things add up to saving a lot of money.  I can buy green products that are quality made because I save in other ways.  We use peanut butter jars to drink out of…  it’s great, I never have to worry if one breaks…  I used my tin watering can that finally rusted out, for a new planter.  It’s decorative and unique.  I’d have to say that being green and living a green lifestyle isn’t expensive at all unless you choose for it to be.  It can be very affordable and even frugal.  Freecycle is a great way to be green.  Yard sales, thrift stores are also great and you can sometimes find some really nice finds.  There are countless ways of being green.  You don’t have to wait until the finances get better.  You can actually help your finances by being green.  Besides being green is Hip! and it connects you to a greater cause and one that makes you feel good.  You meet wonderful people and share a common goal.  Being green is fun and educational.  It becomes the new way of life and it becomes a habit.   I don’t even realize sometimes how green I am, because it’s natural for me now.   Green living is the New, consumerism is going out as people realize how wasteful life has been up to this point, and the enormous impact it is having on us all. Give it a try! One step at a time..

I’m Green I Recycle, What more can I do!

Recently had conversations with people and it’s natural that in creating friendships that people want to know what you do for a living.  When I tell them I’m a Green Living Online Store owner, the “Green” questions arise.  It’s really interesting that they think because they recycle that is all there is to being Green.  Don’t get me wrong, recycling is a HUGE deal.  It shouldn’t be taken lightly, but by far is only a small fraction of what being Green is all about.  I love, really love helping people see the small steps they can take to becoming more Green.  Being green doesn’t have to be such a huge life changing event once you understand that you can take small steps that make a big difference in the world and then move on to larger steps later.  If becoming Greener seems scary, too overwhelming or you just don’t have time to read all about it to make the changes, here are some tips that you can do now to make the movement from “just recycling” to having a more greener lifestyle.

 

  • Donate to Goodwill, Freecycle or Salvation Army
  • Save old towels and wash cloths for rags
  • Have Yard Sales
  • Use Non Voc or Low VOC paints
  • Use car washes that recycle their water
  • Buy Green cleaning, and bath & body products
  • Turn your hot water heater down
  • Close windows and doors in the evening to prevent heat escape
  • Turn your thermostat down at night or up if it is air conditioning
  • When  traveling refuse to have sheets changed daily
  • Use a re-usable shopping bag and drinking travel cup
  • Use non-toxic-non-chemical products on your lawn and yard
  • Buy Organic food whenever possible
  • Buy used clothing
  • Look for recycled content when buying new
  • Repair instead of replace when possible

Each step you take creates a ripple in the world that will spread and eventually become commonplace.  It makes a huge difference in the Green movement.  Little by little with every step the world becomes cleaner, healthier and more sustainable for all life.  Make the change to one new Green step a month and you can have a Greener lifestyle in no time.  For a listing of our our Green Living products visit us at www.mypumpkindoodle.com

 

Eco New Year!

As this year comes to an end, we think about all the wonderful happenings of the year, and also some of the not so wonderful happenings of the year. It is a time of reflection and a time of resolution.  This year in particular has been such an amazing year of history making all over the world.  It is a unforgettable year for some.  It has also been a year of heartache and disaster, homelessness and joblessness.   Certainly for me it has been a year of taking notes about the situation this country is in, where it needs to go, to better serve the 99%, and how to take part in turning this country into a country for all.

It continues to sadden me the amount of people that feel that global warming is the reason for being Green and that there is still  a possibility of not existing.  I read it on blogs and see it in the general public – the disbelief.   The feeling that “Green People” are on a lost quest into nowhere.  I do believe that Global Warming is happening because I see it… now 54 degrees the day after Christmas and my tulips are starting to pop up in December.  I see the trees blooming in Winter instead of spring…. However, as I continue on my quest to bring awareness to people, Global warming is not all what it is about.

Even if we wake up tomorrow and  a scientist confirms beyond a doubt that Global Warming is not occurring, would I be angry, NO absolutely not.  All this Green movement would not be in vain.  The Green movement will still be very necessary.

Here is why:  We have massive oil spills in our oceans that is causing tremendous damage,  we have air pollution that is causing lung disease and birth defects, allergies and asthma related issues,  We have literately tons of trash mounding up in our land, so much so that we are running out of places to put it.  We have millions of homeless people, starving people around the world, without clothing, heat and necessities of life.  We have toxic drinking water.  The single most important issue on this planet is water, which besides air is the thing we cannot live without.  We have people in this world living in sewage infested areas with disease.  All this gives me every reason to fight for a cause I’m so passionately aware of, this world needs to be cleaner, healthier and more abundant for ALL it’s inhabitants. not just the 1%.

Whatever your political views are, you cannot be blind to the scarcity of food on this planet in certain areas of the world, the massive waste our own country as well as other countries, the massive people without healthcare, homes and even clothing.  You cannot be blind to the toxic air ( massive pollution you see above your heads clouding the cities) and you cannot be blind to the Oil spills and trash in our Oceans, unless you just want to not see it.

Again, I must say that Being Green is a Hip and Very Necessary thing to do! It isn’t about some trend that will pass, or a new wave of protests that eventually disappear, this is our future and our children’s future we are fighting for.  It is so that our consumerism doesn’t pollute the world to the point global disaster.

Whatever the blockage is for you about going green, it will be far more of an inconvenience to live in a world that is far more uninhabitable.   I’m in awe of this amazing planet we call home, rather than pack up and head for another planet once we’ve disposed of this one, why not make small changes that will help regenerate this world and we can enjoy it as a thriving planet, not a disposable planet.   I know some people really feel that is far reached.  Actually it might not happen in your life time, but most likely in your children’s or grand children’s  life time.  It is a possibility, if we don’t begin our journey now.  Changes on this massive scale take time, and it won’t be an over night healing process, but we can begin to shift our destructive ways into more sustainable, proactive and humane ways of living.  Where all life on this planet is cared for, thriving and treated with respect.

It is my hopes for the coming year, that people take a long look at the actions that they are causing on this planet and the effect it is having on the world as a whole, instead of the mentality of instant gratification and a disposable world, or one of apathy  and denial.

Whatever steps you take towards a cleaner, healthier world will be of tremendous benefit to the world as a whole.  Make this new year a Eco New Year! Not for Climate Change /Global warming, but for cleaner air, cleaner water, healthier children and cleaner oceans, rivers and soil.  To support the 99% of this world from living in conditions that are unnecessary and unfair to the working class and the poor.   Support a true democracy in this country, one that stands of the premise of our founding fathers for equal opportunity for all man. Instead of one for corporate greed and control.  Let’s work for a cooperative, true democracy in this country.  Here is to a more prosperous and healthy new year in 2012!  Happy New Year! www.mypumpkindoodle.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Christmas Tree Debate!

Christmas Tree Debate Real or Plastic?

Over the years I’ve heard so many comments about what is considered the eco thing to do when it comes to buying Christmas Trees.  Some have commented that real trees, cut down trees and therefore it is much Greener to have an artificial tree.  Some say it is much Greener to have a Real Tree!
Here are some facts to help you decide:
Plastic trees last longer, yes, but they also will eventually end up in the landfill and take over 500 years to decompose.  The carbon footprint of the production of a plastic tree and the toxins it produces to make them are of real concern.
  • Artificial trees are made of PVC a toxic plastic which off gas toxic chemicals
  • Artificial trees are non recyclable and non biodegradable
  • Artificial trees are made of petroleum and metal and have a high carbon footprint
  • Artificial trees are cleaner and less messy and maybe the choice with people with tree allergies
33 million live trees are sold in the US every year.  This benefits local tree farmers and helps the environment. Most trees take up to 16 years to harvest.  These trees are re-planted, from seeds, which keeps the cycle of trees constantly going.  Live trees biodegrade much faster.  I suggest getting your tree locally and driving as close as you can get the tree to avoid the carbon footprint of emissions.
  • One single tree absorbs 1 ton of carbon emissions in it’s life time.
  • Live Christmas trees are a sustainable product, they are replanted / replaced each year.
  • Live Trees employ over 100,000 Americans
  • Live Trees can be mulched, used for landscaping, gardening or erosion control
  • Live trees can have an impact on the environment if pesticides are used to grow them
  • Live trees can be purchased with a bulb and replanted for next Christmas
  • Live trees need to be discarded outside of a landfill, landfills don’t provide enough oxygen for decomposition

The best option for live trees would be a chemical free tree or an organically grown tree that is locally grown. If you must purchase a artificial tree search and see if you can find one that is used. It has less off-gassing and is much better for the environment because new ones don’ t have to be made. Until which time food grade plastic trees or other sustainable fiber trees can be made, our vote is on a live Christmas tree! They have a wonderful aroma too! Enjoy your holidays!

Shop Green this Holiday Season with Pumpkin Doodle!

Cyber Monday Is it Cool?

Tomorrow is the biggest shopping day for online retailers.  It is like Black Friday for brick and mortar stores.  It is what keeps most stores in business as the majority of their sales come during this season.  So many people into the Green movement stray away from this shopping frenzy.  However you can make Cyber Monday a Green one!  Buy Green! Use Ethical Green Small business to buy your holiday shopping  gifts.  You can get really great deals on Green, Eco friendly products during the Cyber Monday sales.  Here are really great deals we are offering.

Organic Cotton Robes these are truly the Rolls Royce of Bath Robes… Amazingly soft and well made. GOTS certified Organic Cotton.  We have matching slippers also.  Perfect for Him or Her. On Sale! Was $154.00 now $144.00  Buy Now

 

 

Organic Cotton Slipper
Organic Cotton Shawl Robe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mom’s and daughter’s love to polish their nails and with the toxic chemicals in nail polish and remover, many mom’s don’t.  We have nail polish and remover that is Earth Friendly and Non-toxic.  Made from earth’s materials… They make great stocking suffers and friend gifts too!  Mom might want some for herself. Set includes 3 colors. Polish remover can by purchased in gift sets or separately. Check out our full line of Natural Nail polish and accessories Buy Now $23.50

 

Indluge Nail Polish
Natural Nail Polish

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Every home needs  candles. Main stream candles have toxic chemicals. Most are made from Petroleum.  Some are made from GMO soybeans.  Our candles are made from Organically grown soybeans.  They are as Eco friendly as candles can be.  Amazing aroma and longer lasting.  Fill your home with the sweet smell of Organic grown soy candles in amazing scents.  One for every room in the house.  They make great gifts!  Buy Now!

16 oz Soy Scented Candle Blue
Scented Soy Candles

 

The holiday season is a time for Toys and lots of them. Little girls and boys love to receive toys under the tree!  We have a wide selection of Wood, Organic and Natural toys , games and playdough.  Let their imagination soar with our Eco toys.  Children learn from playtime and what a great way to make sure they are safe from harsh chemicals.  Check out our advanced wooden block set on Sale from $94.00 to $78.95 amazing savings!  Buy Now

Advanced Wooden Block Set
Advanced Wooden Block Set

 

 

Being Green doesn’t have to be expensive.  Buy Green this holiday season and feel good knowing your helping the massive mass market of toxic products that are produced every year. Many of which end up in the landfill.  Give your family the best in quality and Eco products.  Check out our full line of products at www.mypumpkindoodle.com Happy Shopping!  Happy Holidays!

 

Black Friday Shopping

Thanksgiving is this week. A time for us to stop and think about all we are grateful for.  This holiday is my favorite holiday as I always have so much to be grateful for.  It is also a sad time of the year “the holiday season” where so much waste occurs.  In the time of Thanksgiving, lets take a look at this amazing planet we have to support us, feed us and give us beauty.  I find this planet amazing, and I’m always in AWE of it.

So when you  sit down to have your meal and go around the table to say what your are grateful for in your lives, family, friends, health , job and home, let’s add this amazingly beautiful planet.  Let’s treat it as our home and nurture it, protect it as it is precious.  Generations to come deserve to have this amazing planet preserved so they can enjoy it also.

Each year around the holidays 5 million extra tons of waste are produced than any other time of the year! That’s 25% more trash that goes into the landfills.

I don’t know about you, but I cannot fathom 5 million tons of trash!  That’s just during the holiday season.  Every time you re-use wrapping paper, gift bags, ribbon and bows you save lots of trash from going into the landfill. It is imperative to recycle during the holiday season!

Here are some pre-holiday tips for the up and coming Black Friday shopping frenzy.  Planning ahead can reduce waste.

  • Have oil changed and check air filters: traffic is heavy and people sit in traffic a long time in between stores this saves on emissions and saves gas.
  • Avoid heavy traffic roads and plan on back streets to avoid sitting in traffic
  • Clean out your trunk prior to shopping
  • Take shopping bags and fold them for easy carrying.
  • Use lightweight easily compact shopping bags
  • Refuse plastic bags
  • Combine products into other bags
  • Buy wood toys and other non – plastic gifts
  • Buy gifts that you know will be used for long time
  • Avoid throw away gifts
  • Send e-cards or have children make cards for gifts
  • Use last years wrapping paper, bows, and ribbon
  • Buy Green, Eco friendly gift bags, ribbon or bows
  • Use fabric gift bags
  • Carpool to the shopping malls
  • Buy family gifts instead of individual gifts
  • Buy gifts that have replacement parts or warranties
  • Buy Energy star products that save energy
  • Buy products made from recycled content or can be recycled
  • Avoid shopping at large franchise stores and shop local businesses
  • Buy quality made over quantity
  • Donate to a charity for a gift
  • Buy Handmade items from local artists / craftsmen
  • Buy Non-toxic , Organic and chemical free products
  • Be aware when shopping the carbon footprint and where the item will go after it’s been used. Can it be re-used.

 

Every step we take towards cutting down on trash during the holiday season helps cut down the 5 million tons of trash produced each year from Thanksgiving to New Years. Have a safe and enjoyable Green Holiday season! Be Green! Take a look at our online Eco store for many Eco Friendly products!  www.mypumpkindoodle.com