Green Living Newsletter - December 2009

Dear Readers,Welcome to the source for the latest eco-news and information that will guide you in leaving behind a lighter footprint! This choice was easy and I was also helping out the local farmers and creating a sustainable platform that would evolve into Jennifer McColm.com.  Our lives, our family, and ultimately our planet, are made better by these choices. My 10 + years of involvement with Certified Farmers Markets taught me not to ignore the healthier alternatives I could make for my family.  This is where my own “green” revolution began - simply by choosing organic fruits and vegetables from my local Farmers Markets!  Let this be the place that will be your one source for learning how to thrive in your personal “green revolution”!

Jennifer McColm Certified Organic Soy Candles!

I have worked very hard at creating a long burning, organic soy candle to keep homes aglow and fresh scented.  I am so happy to introduce you!

With the holidays fast approaching, if you are like me you are planning and already purchasing gifts and stocking stuffer’s for your loved ones!  Take a peek at my line of soy candles as well as beeswax tapered candles.

Benefits of soy candles: no carcinogens are produced from the burning wax, it is biodegradable, soy wax is water soluble - which makes “oops” clean-ups a lot easier, your purchase of soy candles promotes local and US soy farmers, soy wax goes further for your buck, it burns 30-50% longer than paraffin.  Beeswax shares many of the same benefits of soy!

Each candle is hand poured in an 8 oz glass mason jar.  Once you have enjoyed many hours of your candle you can re-use the mason jar for whatever your heart delights in.

Available in these delightful scents:

Fresh Cut Grass, Bamboo & Basil, Brown Sugar & Fig (a great scent for the Fall/Winter holidays!)

http://jennifermccolm.com/web/green-shop/

Featured Vendor - “All Green Things”

The idea all started with a little a little independent film called “An Inconvenient Truth”. The message was clear and there is actual evidence to back up what Al Gore has been saying for years: Global warming does exist. After watching this documentary, Tanya Peel, like many of us, was motivated to start the journey to embrace a green life-style, not only for herself, but for our planet.

“I wanted to figure out how to minimize my use and waste of resources. It is undoubtedly a challenge at first, but I was realistic in trying to affect an initial change through an evolution instead of a shock. Consistent and deliberate action, however small, ultimately adds up to immense differences that reduce the negative effects on our environment. I suddenly felt empowered and wanted to empower others to challenge themselves to do more. I genuinely believe that people not only CAN make a difference, but when inspired properly by the stakes of this global struggle, will WANT to make a difference.”

Tanya Peel
Founder/ President

First, the easy stuff – she started with recycling bottles, cans, and paper products at home. This was a realistic beginning that led to bigger changes, such as exploring organic foods and eco-friendly household products. These steps were a little more daunting as a fear of paying higher prices for these products is a natural concern. Surprisingly enough, she found that with eco-friendly products you end up using less (light bulbs are a great example of this) so you actually end up SAVING MONEY.

Empowered by this new knowledge, Tanya became excited about inspiring and educating others to explore their own options in this green revolution. From this hope for the future, “All Green Things” was born. “All Green Things” is an on-line educational resource that provides users with a comprehensive source of facts about green living. They offer eco-products that encourage a purchasing process that focuses on local economies, fair practices, reusable or sustainable materials, and less consumption tied to ever changing trends.

One of the most successful selling items on the website is a 100% hemp reusable produce bag. These bags come in small and large sizes and are breathable, lightweight, washable and super durable. You can also purchase a 100% organic cotton carrying pouch which holds 5 or 10 100% hemp reusable produce bags. Perfect to keep on- hand at home, work, and in the car for those last minute needs! Click here for more info.

As a rule, “All Green Things” strives to be a good citizen within the “greening the planet” industry. As an extra bonus, whenever you make a purchase with them, they give a portion of all net profits back towards causes in support of the arts, community, and environment. They are a proud member of “One Percent For the Planet”, a select group of retailers who are committed to giving back at least 1% of net profits towards environmental causes.

On Saturday mornings you can always stop by Tanya Peel’s booth at the Calabasas Farmer’s Market. She is also making plans to open her new storefront in Woodland Hills, due to launch March 2009.