I had planned a Go Green Gobble Fest where there would be food, beverages, a few games, and a showing of sustainable vinticulture with the film Blood Into Wine showcasing Maynard James Keenan's vinyard in Jerome Arizona. My event was canceled a day before it was to take place because the RA I was working with thought no one would come due to the basket ball game that evening. Rescheduling this semester was not possible. My event was ruined by one individual, by one RA. I can't help but have nothing but negative emotions toward the situation. I walk around the hall looking to see if any of my other posters have been attacked/torn down and all I feel is negativity towards the one who wrecked my event. I gave up other opportunities to work with other individuals in the hall in order to have the Gobble Fest and so I feel as if I have let down many more individuals than expected. I'm not sure I want to do a time consuming event next year as the three events I've held have all been sabotaged either openly or deliberately in a secrative manner. I am tired of having all of my events unravel. The sad thing is that the residents of my hall are being deprived of programming by a handful of representatives of housing.
I skipped the end of the year activity for eco reps because I feel sick towards the behavior of housing in my building and I don't want to be put in the middle again. It hurts far too much at the moment.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Tabling
This evening I had the pleasure of tabling with Ludi at Crumley Hall. Ludi was awesome to work with. She was professional and is a real asset to our organization. We talked to several people and many passers by asked why we were making pinwheels. Nov. 11th is national pinwheel day and it is the day the Board of Regents determines whether the new stadium will have wind turbines to generate clean wind energy. We are filling the green space near the business college with our hand made pinwheels so that we can make a clear statement advocating the use of wind power on campus. Ludi was really good at grabbing people's attention and getting them to ask some questions. Today I say hats off to Ludi.
Tabling is always a challenge from my point of view. I can offer someone free candy with no catches and they will refuse it out of assuming they are signing their life away just by taking the candy. This is unfortunate and hinders communication. We had a small snafu trying to find the table to table with. That issue was quickly and pleasantly solved. We got folks at Crumley to make 13 pinwheels. I felt proud of this small accomplishment. Just being noticed while tabling gets the scent out into the wind.
I came home to SF to try and finish the last 50 of my some 400 pinwheels that I personally made. I am not pleased with the way they all turned out but each is another one for the cause. I like to be of use...of help so this was nice. Unfortunately, this didn't last.
On or about 7:30 pm, after normal business hours, I got a knock on my door from someone with housing. I think it's great when we can all be on the same page and cooperate but this evening was awkward. I was frustrated because one of the representatives was less than kind in her stop by my domicile. The housing representative told me about an event they have tomorrow night. That part was fine but I'd prefer not to be bothered after standard business hours as my schedule demands that I get up early so it also means I go to sleep early. The housing representative was in my doorway demanding Go Green swag for their event tomorrow. I find it highly unprofessional to assume that my only function is to provide swag. The event for tomorrow night is not about sustainability in any way. I was given no notice that they would want items. I find the method of demanding rather than asking if supplies are available via our organization quite tacky.
I bit the big one and explained to her that I have had an event planned at SFT for 3 weeks now for Tuesday the 16th which is about a week away. All of my available resources are going toward my own programming and so I told the housing rep the truth and that is that I have nothing to give at this time as my resources are tapped out due to my own planned event. The housing rep responded that people have tried to contact me before but without luck.
Your humble blogger has had a rough few weeks with deaths in the family and other unexpected goings on. I am really pushing myself to get school obligations in classes, Go Green obligations of tabling pinwheel making and prepping my own event. I am not sleeping much and I am pushing myself hard to get through all of this.
I seriously have no time, energy, or other resources to deal with anything else people could pile on right now.
I have worked on educational initiatives for school children and had supply drives for the homeless here in Denton. I am a soft hearted compassionate soul but even I have boundaries that are not to be crossed. In to to if you want something from me don't try to guilt me into it and don't ask last minute. I am more than happy to help if I just know at a minimum of four weeks in advance.
This week tabling has been much more fulfilling than being badgered by housing representatives making demands.
Tabling is always a challenge from my point of view. I can offer someone free candy with no catches and they will refuse it out of assuming they are signing their life away just by taking the candy. This is unfortunate and hinders communication. We had a small snafu trying to find the table to table with. That issue was quickly and pleasantly solved. We got folks at Crumley to make 13 pinwheels. I felt proud of this small accomplishment. Just being noticed while tabling gets the scent out into the wind.
I came home to SF to try and finish the last 50 of my some 400 pinwheels that I personally made. I am not pleased with the way they all turned out but each is another one for the cause. I like to be of use...of help so this was nice. Unfortunately, this didn't last.
On or about 7:30 pm, after normal business hours, I got a knock on my door from someone with housing. I think it's great when we can all be on the same page and cooperate but this evening was awkward. I was frustrated because one of the representatives was less than kind in her stop by my domicile. The housing representative told me about an event they have tomorrow night. That part was fine but I'd prefer not to be bothered after standard business hours as my schedule demands that I get up early so it also means I go to sleep early. The housing representative was in my doorway demanding Go Green swag for their event tomorrow. I find it highly unprofessional to assume that my only function is to provide swag. The event for tomorrow night is not about sustainability in any way. I was given no notice that they would want items. I find the method of demanding rather than asking if supplies are available via our organization quite tacky.
I bit the big one and explained to her that I have had an event planned at SFT for 3 weeks now for Tuesday the 16th which is about a week away. All of my available resources are going toward my own programming and so I told the housing rep the truth and that is that I have nothing to give at this time as my resources are tapped out due to my own planned event. The housing rep responded that people have tried to contact me before but without luck.
Your humble blogger has had a rough few weeks with deaths in the family and other unexpected goings on. I am really pushing myself to get school obligations in classes, Go Green obligations of tabling pinwheel making and prepping my own event. I am not sleeping much and I am pushing myself hard to get through all of this.
I seriously have no time, energy, or other resources to deal with anything else people could pile on right now.
I have worked on educational initiatives for school children and had supply drives for the homeless here in Denton. I am a soft hearted compassionate soul but even I have boundaries that are not to be crossed. In to to if you want something from me don't try to guilt me into it and don't ask last minute. I am more than happy to help if I just know at a minimum of four weeks in advance.
This week tabling has been much more fulfilling than being badgered by housing representatives making demands.
Friday, November 5, 2010
What's Cookin'
The month of November will be filled with great opportunities for you to get in touch with your earthy side. Tuesday, November 16th will be the Go Green Gobble Fest where there will tentatively be "Blood into Wine" (a documentary on sustainable viticulture), games, and warm beverages at Santa Fe Square.
November 11th get out the support for wind power at the new stadium. Make pinwheels and put them out on campus. If you have pinwheels you made then give them to an Eco Rep and we'll make sure they get put out.
November will also be my turn to Table at Crummley Hall. When I get you the date you'll know when to drop by to badger your humble blogger.
November 30th there will be an event on bicycle safety and awareness. More details to follow.
I just wanted to throw these dates and events out now for you so you can plan to attend.
November 11th get out the support for wind power at the new stadium. Make pinwheels and put them out on campus. If you have pinwheels you made then give them to an Eco Rep and we'll make sure they get put out.
November will also be my turn to Table at Crummley Hall. When I get you the date you'll know when to drop by to badger your humble blogger.
November 30th there will be an event on bicycle safety and awareness. More details to follow.
I just wanted to throw these dates and events out now for you so you can plan to attend.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Appreciation of Mr. 3rd Floor...I salute you!
Yesterday, while I was hanging some coca-cola sponsored posters advocating recycling the bottles they sell their products in, I received a nice surprise just in passing. I was on the 3rd floor of SF and a guy passing through on his way downstairs complemented the round barrels around campus for recycling. The barrels were also a donation from coca-cola along with the stickers we cut and labeled them with before they were placed on campus. I told the guy from the 3rd floor that I appreciated his positive feedback as we eco reps get little in the way of positive feedback from others on our works. 3rd Floor Guy, whomever you may be, you are awesome.
It was nice that he was complementing a project I just so happened to work on last fall and spring. It felt good to have someone recognize what I do and be passionate about it to the same degree. I have hope that more folks in SF are like Mr. 3rd Floor. It was also nice because my posters were not torn down nor was my room crammed full of temporary tattoos under the door. Destroying my work and shoving temporary ink under my door is childish.
Come on, I say if you're going to have some ink done go to a professional and plan it out slowly. Make the tattoo meaningful for you and have the ink done properly in the right scale by someone who loves tattoos as much as you do. Be sure the tattoo parlor of your choosing is up on their health inspections and follows all the health codes. You wouldn't eat food from a non compliant restaurant so don't get ink done from a dirty shop. Put clean things in your body and you'll have fewer worries. I chose at the age of 28 to get my ears pierced for the first time ever. I wanted a professional body piercer to do it because I wanted it done by a professional who is proud of their work. I wanted health codes to be imposed on the parlor rather than going somewhere in the mall who just does it willy nilly and aren't held to regulations at all. Mall shops don't have to comply with health or safety codes like tattoo parlors do for piercings. I had mine done at Aces Tattoos here in Denton and my ears are quite happy and free of disease. The professional body piercer also took a lot of time and care to be sure my piercings were level from one ear to the other and to be sure I had a comfy experience while there. I even got an after piercing care booklet and some jolly ranchers. I would go there again should I ever need their service.
My point in all of this is to illustrate how passionate people providing services are often higher quality specialists and that's critical to having a good final product. Hats off to Mr. 3rd Floor and to any other sustainability supporters in SF. I appreciate your feedback re the recycling barrels around campus and you made my day a brighter place! I salute you Mr. 3rd Floor. : )
It was nice that he was complementing a project I just so happened to work on last fall and spring. It felt good to have someone recognize what I do and be passionate about it to the same degree. I have hope that more folks in SF are like Mr. 3rd Floor. It was also nice because my posters were not torn down nor was my room crammed full of temporary tattoos under the door. Destroying my work and shoving temporary ink under my door is childish.
Come on, I say if you're going to have some ink done go to a professional and plan it out slowly. Make the tattoo meaningful for you and have the ink done properly in the right scale by someone who loves tattoos as much as you do. Be sure the tattoo parlor of your choosing is up on their health inspections and follows all the health codes. You wouldn't eat food from a non compliant restaurant so don't get ink done from a dirty shop. Put clean things in your body and you'll have fewer worries. I chose at the age of 28 to get my ears pierced for the first time ever. I wanted a professional body piercer to do it because I wanted it done by a professional who is proud of their work. I wanted health codes to be imposed on the parlor rather than going somewhere in the mall who just does it willy nilly and aren't held to regulations at all. Mall shops don't have to comply with health or safety codes like tattoo parlors do for piercings. I had mine done at Aces Tattoos here in Denton and my ears are quite happy and free of disease. The professional body piercer also took a lot of time and care to be sure my piercings were level from one ear to the other and to be sure I had a comfy experience while there. I even got an after piercing care booklet and some jolly ranchers. I would go there again should I ever need their service.
My point in all of this is to illustrate how passionate people providing services are often higher quality specialists and that's critical to having a good final product. Hats off to Mr. 3rd Floor and to any other sustainability supporters in SF. I appreciate your feedback re the recycling barrels around campus and you made my day a brighter place! I salute you Mr. 3rd Floor. : )
Monday, October 18, 2010
Heavy Heart
Today your humble blogger writes to you with a heavy heart. In my effort to represent Santa Fe Square, the hall I represent as an Eco Rep, my patience is definitely being tried.
Last night I put the finishing touches on a new poster I made to promote this blog, and my services as an eco rep, but I awoke this morning to the poster being torn down and a bunch of smiley face temporary tattoos shoved under my door. This has become personal. I would much prefer residents of my hall to just come by and tell me if they have a problem instead of immature antics.
My first year as an Eco Rep for Santa Fe Square there was a handful of people in the hall who chose to personally attack me just for doing my job as an Eco Rep. It looks like they haven't gone away...just shifted locations.
My duties include adequately representing my hall and talking to people to try and get the word out. I am there to inform and to offer sustainable programming. These are all tasks I take seriously.
I will continue to fulfill my duties as an Eco Rep but I am saddened that folks prefer to behave childishly instead of talking to me. I feel as though I have let down my fellow eco reps, and my hall in this series of events. A small handful of residents are trying to cheat everyone else out of representation and programming.
Last night I put the finishing touches on a new poster I made to promote this blog, and my services as an eco rep, but I awoke this morning to the poster being torn down and a bunch of smiley face temporary tattoos shoved under my door. This has become personal. I would much prefer residents of my hall to just come by and tell me if they have a problem instead of immature antics.
My first year as an Eco Rep for Santa Fe Square there was a handful of people in the hall who chose to personally attack me just for doing my job as an Eco Rep. It looks like they haven't gone away...just shifted locations.
My duties include adequately representing my hall and talking to people to try and get the word out. I am there to inform and to offer sustainable programming. These are all tasks I take seriously.
I will continue to fulfill my duties as an Eco Rep but I am saddened that folks prefer to behave childishly instead of talking to me. I feel as though I have let down my fellow eco reps, and my hall in this series of events. A small handful of residents are trying to cheat everyone else out of representation and programming.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
BYOB and Win a T-shirt.
The BYOB contest begins October 4, 2010 and will feature winners weekly. Go to : http://inhouse.unt.edu/drink-re-usable-bottles-save-planet-win-t-shirt for details. To see a video on BYOB and being green go to http://www.youtube.com/user/WeMeanGreen. Ask yourself the question, Where Has Your Bottle Been? and come up with a creative picture of your bottle in a new location. Has your bottle been traveling near or far? Has it melted? These questions and more.
-The office of sustainability
-The office of sustainability
Monday, October 4, 2010
Campus Energy Conservation
The university is working on a green track record while improving current water and energy facilities.
"Once completed, the project will provide energy savings equivalent to removing 206,939 tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which is comparable to removing 41,387 cars from the roads or planting 56,287 acres of trees." (http://inhouse.unt.edu/air-conditioning-lighting-and-tracking-program-will-boost-campus-energy-conservation). Preliminary projects have begun as Schneider Electric surveys the affected buildings. Water cooling systems across campus will be streamlined for efficiency while they are expanded. The campus will also be implementing features such as centrally controlled light with motion sensors.
"Once completed, the project will provide energy savings equivalent to removing 206,939 tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which is comparable to removing 41,387 cars from the roads or planting 56,287 acres of trees." (http://inhouse.unt.edu/air-conditioning-lighting-and-tracking-program-will-boost-campus-energy-conservation). Preliminary projects have begun as Schneider Electric surveys the affected buildings. Water cooling systems across campus will be streamlined for efficiency while they are expanded. The campus will also be implementing features such as centrally controlled light with motion sensors.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Feel Like a Hamster in a Tube?
Shweeb Monorail Technology has been developed in New Zealand for recreation park use. The technology has also received backing by Google (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/09/28/shweeb-google-invests-ove_n_741615.html) for their totally green no emissions fully human powered monorail. Their site http://shweeb.com/index.php?m=home has good information on the technology and answers questions providing videos of the technology.
The Shweeb site touts that there are single or double pods each having room for the person a jacket hanger and the usual size commuter area to stash your belongings. While this technology is cool I would personally feel like a hamster in a tube and that's not something I'm willing to settle for in return for a totally green zero emissions cheap commuting service.
I would want to see one fully working before I decide on concessions I might be comfortable with. I am skeptical as is because all of this green technology seems to good to be true. Exact pricing is not detailed but the technology lasts about 50 years before it has to be taken apart and recycled by smelting. For now, I will keep walking to work.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Sustainability Around Campus
The INhouse article, Get fit, save energy with Rec Center’s converters, shows off the most recent addition to the Pohl Recreation Center. Members can now use one of the largest human power plants in the US by working out on one of 36 elliptical machines at the Rec Center.
The 36 Elliptical machines hav a ReRev (check out their homepage http://rerev.com/ ) device fitted to the machine to convert the energy generated. The ReRev device comes from Florida. A 30 minute workout generates about 50 watt hours of green carbon free energy that could be put back on the power grid. Fifty watt hours of energy is enough to power a laptop for about an hour. UNT is now one of 20 Universities using the ReRev device.
You can find the article on the INhouse web address http://inhouse.unt.edu/get-fit-save-energy-rec-center%E2%80%99s-converters which also offers links at the bottom of the page to other sites for ReRev technology information. The ReRev site offers links to Twitter, Facebook, and Youtube applications featuring the ReRev technology in practice.
The Sierra Student Coalition's Campuses Beyond Coal campaign has also appeared on campus at UNT to try and transition to 100% Green Energy. More information and opportunities for volunteering may be found at http://sierraclub.org/coal/campus/default.aspx .
The 36 Elliptical machines hav a ReRev (check out their homepage http://rerev.com/ ) device fitted to the machine to convert the energy generated. The ReRev device comes from Florida. A 30 minute workout generates about 50 watt hours of green carbon free energy that could be put back on the power grid. Fifty watt hours of energy is enough to power a laptop for about an hour. UNT is now one of 20 Universities using the ReRev device.
You can find the article on the INhouse web address http://inhouse.unt.edu/get-fit-save-energy-rec-center%E2%80%99s-converters which also offers links at the bottom of the page to other sites for ReRev technology information. The ReRev site offers links to Twitter, Facebook, and Youtube applications featuring the ReRev technology in practice.
The Sierra Student Coalition's Campuses Beyond Coal campaign has also appeared on campus at UNT to try and transition to 100% Green Energy. More information and opportunities for volunteering may be found at http://sierraclub.org/coal/campus/default.aspx .
Friday, September 24, 2010
The Tug of War Between Views of Being Green Continues
Pro Green
8 Hurdles on the track of a green energy future: vision of cheap, renewable power faces a technological reality check by John Roach writing for MSNBC reveals the 8 biggest political and technological roadblocks to green energy of the future. The article lists the most probable ways to overcome these hurdles. See the link above for complete details.
· Clean up existing supply with a price on carbon (taking excess carbon dioxide from the recovered natural gas and injects the carbon dioxide underground
· Store wind and solar energy for later use
· Limit impact of transmission lines
· Drives down costs of electric cars
· Build a portfolio of transportation options
· Mine the earth for rare minerals
· Grow energy crops; save the food
· Bury hang-ups on nuclear waste
The Anti Green Opinion
The September 12, 2010 edition of Newsweek has an interesting article called “The Earth Doesn’t Care About what is done to or for it” by George F. Will. Mr. Will looks to Robert B. Laughlin, co-winner of the 1998 Nobel Prize in Physics, to explain this point of view which hinges on being able to think in terms of geologic time. Mr. Will points out that The American Scholar Quarterly recently printed an article that asserts that “what humans do to, and ostensibly for, the earth does not matter in the long run, and the long run is what matters to the earth.” By looking at the geological time, this perspective reflects that it is easier to think of potential situations much worse than what naturally occurs. It is a focus on the potential rather than the imminent that leads to destruction. This article supports the view that recycling campaigns are nice but the real threat is extinction of species because that is the one resource that is not fungible or replaceable. This article was interesting and it does present a new perspective to sustainability. After reading the two page Newsweek article, I want to find the article by Mr. Laughlin for a deeper look.
Recent Trends...One Person's Trash is the World's Treasure
This September 21,2010 article from MSNs GOOD page shows how to recycle an oil rig that is no longer used to mine resources. This former oil rig is now “reborn as scuba heaven”. The Seaventures Dive Resort offers a plethora of reasonably priced dive packages for the oil rig remodel. The resort offers amenities of a regular hotel but focuses on making the available dive trips the highlight. You can spend time with the manta rays, eagle rays, sharks, turtles, and other ocean wonders. The Seaventures Dive Resort has been mentioned in the Wall Street Journal in more detail.
My First Post as an Eco Rep
Greetings Eco Peeps! This week I selected two unrelated topics to discuss in sustainability news. First I looked into sustainability in hair dyes and second I looked at the latest developments in guitar technology.
Hair Dyes: The Dirt on Eco Friendly Dyes
I have used both natural plant extracts like Henna and Indigo and commercial dyes that are Eco friendly. I am frequently asked about how to go about buying henna and its comparison to other dyes out there. I wanted to try henna because I desired an auburn color that looked natural without the use of damaging chemicals as I am allergic to some hair dyes. The web page http://www.mehandi.com offers both information and purchase information for Henna and other natural ingredients to make dyes from plant extracts. I found this site to be informative and the results were accurate. I tried one of the recommended "recipes" for brunettes who want a bit of the red sparkle in sunlight. My witches brew took a few minutes to mix per the instructions that came with my henna order via Mehandi.com via the www.hennaforhair.com site. I was careful to select a BAQ (body art quality) henna so as to get the cherry red highlights with out chemicals. If you don't want to spend six hours with your head in a wrap you can still be Eco friendly with commercial boxed dyes.
So What's in the Box?
I tried Age Beautiful's Anti Aging hair color carried by Sally's at www.sallybeauty.com. The Age Beautiful brand dye is a new line from a Holland manufacturer. I tried the shade 5N which is a medium brown. I chose to go with this boxed dye over others because I had over processed hair and this dye has proteins and other nutrients. The packaging of the dye is made with 100% wind energy. More information on wind powered energy products may be found at www.NewWindEnergy.com . The inner flap of most products will specify if they are a New Wind Energy product or not. For me the boxed dye did what the label said it would with the exception of the color being much darker than indicated. I wanted a natural looking brown and I ended up with jet black hair partially because my hair was in a damaged condition before dying. I have found that both boxed dyes that use energy efficient packaging and henna both provide nice color to my brown hair but each has it's own advantages and disadvantages.
The Verdict:
I like the copper and cherry red highlights from henna but they tend to look less natural and less professional. Boxed dyes do contain chemicals but the color will be more consistent. I chose to compare the two types of dye because I care about finding earth friendly beauty products. I was a bit apprehensive in using either type of dye as I am sensitive to many commercial products. The most important decision when using henna is to make sure it is BAQ so that the henna etc. does not contain ingredients that are dangerous. The Mendahi page is the only henna retailer I know of that actually sends samples to chemists to certify the lawsone content and absence of chemicals like lead, contaminants, and pesticides. Other retailers may sell BAQ henna but Mendahi actually tests the content. I would use either product again depending on the color I want as a result. I too can be either a "black cat" or a "red cat" with henna or commercial dyes. I have gotten good results on both with complements. I currently use the Age Beautiful product because it takes less time and the color is more natural looking. Cherry red highlights can be beautiful but they are a bit eccentric for my line of work. As a law librarian the dark brown to black shades of the commercial boxed dye look more professional.
Guitar Technology : It's All About the Body
I did a Google search for "sustainability and guitars" out of curiosity this week. I wanted to find products concerning my passion for music, playing guitar particularly, and here is what I found. Some string manufacturers are creating strings from recycled metals. Advertising of this kind of string is not often publicized. I suggest reading labels in the music store when trying to find a sustainable string. Major manufacturers like Fender and C.F.Martin are coming out with models using sustainable woods like bamboo. Niche manufacturers are turning to hemp and other plants to build instruments rather than using current non sustainable woods like mahogany, spruce, maple, rosewood, poplar, and others. While some niche manufacturers offer various body materials like recycled plastics, compressed fibers, and others are being used. Hemp pulp is used by some smaller manufacturers to produce bodies that are much lighter but that the luthiers claim is still as resonant as traditional materials. I look forward to seeing some of these options available at my local music store. I have a Fender, Martin, and Traveler guitars in my collection. I am skeptical of the new sustainable materials until I try one in person because I love the resonance of traditional materials. It's good that there is interest in furthering sustainability efforts with green materials but I don't want a sacrifice in sound. These changes in manufacturing could mark a new era in music. The electric guitar was a revolutionary development in blues leading to modern rock. I wonder if these sustainable materials are all hype or if they will change the face of popular music once again. For now, I will have to wait to judge for myself. When I start to find sustainable instruments locally I will see how they play. Until then I will remain skeptical.
Hair Dyes: The Dirt on Eco Friendly Dyes
I have used both natural plant extracts like Henna and Indigo and commercial dyes that are Eco friendly. I am frequently asked about how to go about buying henna and its comparison to other dyes out there. I wanted to try henna because I desired an auburn color that looked natural without the use of damaging chemicals as I am allergic to some hair dyes. The web page http://www.mehandi.com offers both information and purchase information for Henna and other natural ingredients to make dyes from plant extracts. I found this site to be informative and the results were accurate. I tried one of the recommended "recipes" for brunettes who want a bit of the red sparkle in sunlight. My witches brew took a few minutes to mix per the instructions that came with my henna order via Mehandi.com via the www.hennaforhair.com site. I was careful to select a BAQ (body art quality) henna so as to get the cherry red highlights with out chemicals. If you don't want to spend six hours with your head in a wrap you can still be Eco friendly with commercial boxed dyes.
So What's in the Box?
I tried Age Beautiful's Anti Aging hair color carried by Sally's at www.sallybeauty.com. The Age Beautiful brand dye is a new line from a Holland manufacturer. I tried the shade 5N which is a medium brown. I chose to go with this boxed dye over others because I had over processed hair and this dye has proteins and other nutrients. The packaging of the dye is made with 100% wind energy. More information on wind powered energy products may be found at www.NewWindEnergy.com . The inner flap of most products will specify if they are a New Wind Energy product or not. For me the boxed dye did what the label said it would with the exception of the color being much darker than indicated. I wanted a natural looking brown and I ended up with jet black hair partially because my hair was in a damaged condition before dying. I have found that both boxed dyes that use energy efficient packaging and henna both provide nice color to my brown hair but each has it's own advantages and disadvantages.
The Verdict:
I like the copper and cherry red highlights from henna but they tend to look less natural and less professional. Boxed dyes do contain chemicals but the color will be more consistent. I chose to compare the two types of dye because I care about finding earth friendly beauty products. I was a bit apprehensive in using either type of dye as I am sensitive to many commercial products. The most important decision when using henna is to make sure it is BAQ so that the henna etc. does not contain ingredients that are dangerous. The Mendahi page is the only henna retailer I know of that actually sends samples to chemists to certify the lawsone content and absence of chemicals like lead, contaminants, and pesticides. Other retailers may sell BAQ henna but Mendahi actually tests the content. I would use either product again depending on the color I want as a result. I too can be either a "black cat" or a "red cat" with henna or commercial dyes. I have gotten good results on both with complements. I currently use the Age Beautiful product because it takes less time and the color is more natural looking. Cherry red highlights can be beautiful but they are a bit eccentric for my line of work. As a law librarian the dark brown to black shades of the commercial boxed dye look more professional.
Guitar Technology : It's All About the Body
I did a Google search for "sustainability and guitars" out of curiosity this week. I wanted to find products concerning my passion for music, playing guitar particularly, and here is what I found. Some string manufacturers are creating strings from recycled metals. Advertising of this kind of string is not often publicized. I suggest reading labels in the music store when trying to find a sustainable string. Major manufacturers like Fender and C.F.Martin are coming out with models using sustainable woods like bamboo. Niche manufacturers are turning to hemp and other plants to build instruments rather than using current non sustainable woods like mahogany, spruce, maple, rosewood, poplar, and others. While some niche manufacturers offer various body materials like recycled plastics, compressed fibers, and others are being used. Hemp pulp is used by some smaller manufacturers to produce bodies that are much lighter but that the luthiers claim is still as resonant as traditional materials. I look forward to seeing some of these options available at my local music store. I have a Fender, Martin, and Traveler guitars in my collection. I am skeptical of the new sustainable materials until I try one in person because I love the resonance of traditional materials. It's good that there is interest in furthering sustainability efforts with green materials but I don't want a sacrifice in sound. These changes in manufacturing could mark a new era in music. The electric guitar was a revolutionary development in blues leading to modern rock. I wonder if these sustainable materials are all hype or if they will change the face of popular music once again. For now, I will have to wait to judge for myself. When I start to find sustainable instruments locally I will see how they play. Until then I will remain skeptical.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
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