Addressing the problem of tire waste head on, Indosole founder Kyle Parsons converts old tires into modern footwear with a thriving social enterprise

_

The problem: There is a massive amount of tire waste in the world, with over a billion tires being discarded every year. These tires clog landfills, pollute rivers and ground water, and are frequently burned, resulting in toxic oils and fumes.

Kyle Parsons learned of this dilemma during a trip to Bali in 2004. It stuck with him until he finally came upon a solution to address at least a piece of the mammoth problem: Repurpose the old tires into stylish and durable sandals and accessories. In 2009, Kyle returned to Indonesia and and launched his new social enterprise, Indosole.

“The landscape and people of Indonesia had captivated him and he hoped that by transforming discarded tires into soles, he could do his part to help alleviate Indonesia’s pollution problem,” according to their website.

To learn more about this remarkable company, it’s mission for good and beautiful products, visit indosole.com.

The post Indosole: Sustainable Footwear Crafted from Used Tires appeared first on BEST SELF.

A mission to produce sustainable, fair trade chocolate

—

The future is bright — and motivated.

When doing some research for a business class at school, Benjamin Conard was disappointed to learn that 2/3 of the world’s cacao is grown at five degrees north of the equator in West Africa — where extreme poverty and child labor is rampant. But he was also inspired to do something about it.

Our youth get it. They know we can do better. They know we can show up better. They also know that it’s not what you learn, it’s what you do with it.

As an aspiring social entrepreneur Ben dedicated to start something meaningful — thus Five North Chocolate, a fair trade company was born when he was 21. Even though he didn’t know how to make chocolate — he believed he could create something that was made of ethically sourced ingredients, supported farmers and was health conscious.

And his secret ingredient: he mixed his business with the tenets he most values in life. Yes, he certainly created something of impact. In fact, he has been named one of the Top 10 Biggest Fair Trade Advocates in the World — and #1 in the U.S.

Five North Chocolate is committed to 5 things: cacao, fair trade, well-being, diversity and you.

Yes, it’s about making a great product — but it transcends chocolate. A self-proclaimed chocolate enthusiast, Ben is actually a best self believer in possibility. He’s out there being the change he wants to see in the world…one cacao bit at a time.

You may also enjoy Interview: Vani Hari | The Truth About the Lies We’re Fed with Kristen Noel

The post Five North Chocolate: Purpose, Planet & Guilt-Free Pleasures appeared first on BEST SELF.

An inspired journey to Antarctica showcases sustainable practices for manufacturing — and living

—

As they say at Clean2Antarctica, “creating a cleaner world is an adventure for everyone” (and they weren’t kidding!)

It starts somewhere and for Liesbeth and Edwin ter Velde, that was in their kitchen one night while making dinner. Tossing yet another bit of plastic packaging into the garbage became the proverbial straw that broke the environmentally conscious camel’s back.

Recognizing that merely complaining about it or blaming the government or supermarket wasn’t going to solve anything — the next day, they made a personal commitment to rethink their own carbon footprint, and in particular, their use of plastic.

Aside from shifting to using less plastic, they started to ponder the notion of being able to transform waste to resource.

And this story brings new meaning to stretching out beyond our comfort zones. This is the story of adventure for change — of traveling to this zero waste continent that contains 90% of the world’s ice and belongs to no one. You can read more about this extraordinary journey HERE.

Clean2Antarctica is a not-for-profit organization created to raise consciousness and inspire individuals and organizations to further develop and implement sustainable alternatives for our present way of living

This is about a mission I think we can all get on board with (especially Mother Nature)!

The origin of great change is often found in a small step: simply stop throwing stuff away!

~ Clean2Antarctica

The post Clean2Antarctica: Exploring the circular economy from waste to resource appeared first on BEST SELF.

—

THIS is music to my Best Self ears and those of Mother Nature for sure!

We all feel good when we are doing good; for ourselves and the planet. What starts out as feeling slightly inconvenient begins to feel incredibly empowering as we connect the dots between our daily consumption and its effects upon our environment.

Better yet, when we do something about it.

There’s nothing like shopping some place that makes you feel good about your purchase, like a health food store, a farmer’s market or supporting a local business. But here’s an interesting fact: While organic products and sustainable living can at times cost more on the front end, Woodstock Bring Your Own founder, Alex Bolotow has created a ‘refilling station’ that is actually less expensive than buying new products in a conventional manner. It’s conservation that crosses economic divides — making this a no-excuse proposition available to all.

So here’s the deal. You can bring ANY container, jar, or bottle to WBYO and fill it with hand soap, laundry detergent, dish washing soap, hand/body lotions, household cleaners, etc. Imagine how revolutionary this could be in the long run. Not only does it prod us to rethink how we consume, it empowers us to do our part to reduce our own carbon footprint… one bottle at a time.

This eco-chic new addition to my hometown also includes items like reusable straws (that fly out the door), coffee cups, grocery bags and containers. You’ll find things like yoga mats made from cork and recycled rubber (how cool is that), essential oils, refillable floss containers, even raw materials to make your own cosmetics and beauty products. I have to say, I’m kind of surprisingly addicted to the charcoal tooth powder.

And of course, Alex literally puts her money where her mouth is and accepts various recycling streams at her shop as well: toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes, floss containers, plastic packaging and bottle caps. But remember to bring your own bag…

The time is now to recognize how we can all do better in this department. Mother Nature is beckoning your best self, will you heed the call?

If you are local, please visit Alex’s new store in Woodstock, New York or follow her on Instagram as she continues to forge a new path for us all to walk. And may it inspire you to get yourconservation wheels a turning!

You may also enjoy reading Garbage To Garden | Easy Curbside Composting by Kristen Noel

The post Woodstock Bring Your Own: Rethinking Consumption, One Bottle at a Time appeared first on BEST SELF.

Divine botanical soaps and candles — infused with gemstones, mantras and deeper messaging, sustainably produced and beautiful to the senses

—

They had me at natural, vegan, sustainable, pure essential oils and ‘spiritual massage’. And did I mention the beauty and crisp, modern packaging?

A delight for the senses — gorgeous handcrafted products made from organic ingredients, infused with not only plant botanicals and essential oils, but with gemstones — and mantras! Now, that’s a lot of gloriousness to pack into one bar of soap.

The overall messaging from our friends over at LifeStone, husband and wife team Victor and Marcelle, is simple — it’s a melding of wellness, nature and their commitment to healthy living body, mind and spirit. Influenced by their love of massage, each bar of soap is intended to nurture the body as the gemstone gently massages the skin when you wash.

And the candles! Holy gorgeousness. Made with the same standards, each candle has a stunning crystal lid — with a gem treasure and mantra as well. One look at these beauties and you won’t want to burn them. That is, until you realize they can also be used for massage oil and that the containers are designed to be easily repurposed.

These are simply divine products of purpose, passion and great intention. Did someone say, birthday presents for all my friends?

Give your best self a soul kiss, from a consciously constructed company using only recognizable ingredients.

Here’s an example of the spiritual messages on the packaging of one bar (there’s much more info for each stone, intention and chakra over at their website):

Enchanted Rose: French rose pink clay, rose geranium essential oil, rose quartz soap bar

Spiritual: Polished Rose Quartz – good for confidence, love, gratitude, relationships, connections

Mantra: “I allow the gifts of the Universe to pour into me. I overflow with irresistible confidence.”

So, who’s ready for a spiritual massage…or two? I know I am.

The post LifeStone: Luxury Soaps & Candles Meet Soul Kiss appeared first on BEST SELF.

Coffee. Consciousness. Convenience.

—

Admit it. When you look around your home, there’s always some place you can do better — and be more environmentally conscious. Sometimes, we turn a blind eye, but sometimes we simply have to take action.

I like my morning coffee. I also like convenience. That typically doesn’t equate to positive environmental impact. My Keurig pods fall into that category. Each day as I toss another empty one in the garbage, I wonder why we can’t do better.

Well, the San Francisco Bay Gourmet Coffee company is doing something about it (and doing something better!)

Fact: 30 million plastic K-cups end up in landfill per day

If that doesn’t stop you in your coffee cup tracks, nothing will. San Francisco Bay Gourmet Coffee’s ‘no waste cups’ are single serve pods that are compatible with Keurigs. They are made  entirely of compostable materials that are transformed to dirt within 90 days!

Who knew? Eco-friendly coffee options and convenience.

I’ll drink to that!

Learn more at sanfranciscobaycoffee.com

You may also enjoy reading Woodstock Bring Your Own: Rethinking Consumption, One Bottle at a Time by Kristen Noel

The post Compostable K-Cups: Finally, a Solution to an Environmental Disaster appeared first on BEST SELF.

Green Is Good

—

Green is certainly all the rage — in our juices, matcha lattes and on our plates — and for good reason. While Kale has been one of the reigning superfoods of choice for quite a long time — sometimes we don’t have access to the foods we need. This is exactly how a Peace Corps volunteer stumbled onto the nutritious leaves of the moringa tree and ideas started popping.

As a vegetarian stationed in Niger sustaining herself on rice and millet, Lisa Curtis’ health began to suffer. That was until local women suggested that she try nutrient dense leaves from the moringa tree. When she found her own vitality restored, other inspiration began to percolate.

Melding ancient wisdom with modern business savvy, she was inspired to turn this newfound knowledge that she had stumbled upon into a business that could expand beyond health benefits and improve the lives of women in West Africa.

Kuli Kuli, a certified B-Corp (Benefit Corporation), was born from a desire to meld it all together: passion, profit and impact — and to use moringa as a tool for nutritional security. Establishing fair, sustainable wages to farmers and women-led farming co-ops around the world to drive economic growth, women’s empowerment and sustainable agricultural development is at the core of this brand.

To date, Kuli Kuli has partnered with over 1,000 farmers and planted over 1,000,000 moringa trees and have provided $1.5 million in income to women-led farming non-profits and family farmers.

 We want to create a world where everyone has access to nutritious sources of food — and malnutrition only exists in history textbooks.

Lisa Curtis, Founder, Kuli Kuli

Yep, green is good!

 Learn more at KuliKuliFoods.com

You may also enjoy reading Five North Chocolate: Purpose, Planet & Guilt-Free Pleasures by Kristen Noel

The post Kuli Kuli: Moringa Tree Superfood Powder Powers this Socially Responsible Business appeared first on BEST SELF.

A stylish online shop supports sustainable practices and women ‘makers’

—

Style meets mission — for the love of earth, art and design.

We are makers, not machines — states the mantra of Amie, a modern online shop of artisanal wares produced by women with passion, paired with compassion and a socially conscious initiative. Amie was founded by entrepreneur, artist and art director, Meredith Brockington, whose vision was to combine her love of art with visual storytelling. In creating a platform featuring female artists, their unique stories and handmade products, she raises the bar on aesthetic, how we shop and interact in the world.

Amie is sustainable, socially responsible, and community centric.

All packaging materials are not only reusable and recyclable — a portion of sales each month is donated to charities and non-profit organizations. It is about putting a level of humanness back into business and in doing so, a new model of entrepreneurship and contemporary design is born. Brockington possesses a deep desire to put a face to the products she represents — one that is also intended to inspire others to hold steadfastly to their own dreams — a reminder that when there’s a will to do good, to reach further and create more beauty…there’s a way.

Mission-driven design is one thing that never goes out of style.

>Join the Amie community at amieartisans.com and follow their stories on Instagram @amieartisans.

The post Amie | Empowering Women Makers With Style & Purpose appeared first on BEST SELF.

Girls Who Invest founder Seema Hingorani

—

Seema Hingorani is on a mission. Seeing the percentage of women involved in managing investment funds plummeting to under 10% nationwide, she founded the nonprofit organization Girls Who Invest to educate and support young women seeking a career in the financial investment sector. To her, it’s about more than increasing employment opportunities for women, it’s also about instilling strength and respect in an industry that has tremendous potential for good, but that potential is not actualized, mitigated by shrouds of secrecy, insulation, public distrust — and patriarchy.

Since introducing Girls Who Invest, Hingorani has been met with a groundswell of support from investment and academic communities alike. Why now?

• Gender diversity is good for business, providing more balanced decision-making and a stronger inclination toward social good.
• The percentage of women in the investment sector is at an all-time low, so there is a great opportunity to shift the male-dominated industry.
• The number of female candidates is small, due to lack of awareness and role models. Girls Who Invest will increase the candidate pool through advanced training, networking and connection with employment opportunities.

There are many ways to get involved with Girls Who Invest, as a partner, donor, volunteer, or an applicant for their program. Let’s invest in shifting perceptions, protocols and preconceived notions. Let’s invest in our girls.

Learn more at GirlsWhoInvest.org.

You may also enjoy reading CauseBox | Chic Goodies with a Social Mission by Kristen Noel

The post Girls Who Invest (Something Worth Investing In) appeared first on BEST SELF.

Limited edition socially conscious products, curated for women who care

—

Why? BeCAUSE being socially conscious always feels better! Membership boxes are all the rage these days, but the folks at Causebox have taken it a step further by creating a membership box for women that matters — one that’s filled with chic goodies that each tell a story while helping to create a better world. They care how products are made and who they empower.

1 box, 4x a year, limited curation of products from the leading socially conscious brands = a win/win for all. Doing good is always in style! #causebox

Learn more at causebox.com

You may also enjoy reading Woodstock Bring Your Own: Rethinking Consumption, One Bottle at a Time by Kristen Noel

The post CauseBox | Chic Goodies with a Social Mission appeared first on BEST SELF.

Rothy’s shoes are lightweight, machine-washable, chic — and made from recycled water bottles

—

A girl can never have too many shoes!

When do you hear words like recyclable, Earth-friendly, machine washable, flexible, blister-free seamless knit… and stylishly chic in the same sentence?

I love my shoes, but I also love my planet — with Rothy’s we can have it all; a fashionable, comfortable ‘go-to’ wardrobe must-have that takes both into consideration. They are made from recycled plastic water bottles, are hand-assembled, durable and can be thrown in the washing machine. And did I say as comfortable as slippers?!

Rothy’s are the accessory du jour for fashionistas around the world who want to not only look good, but want to feel good about their purchases.

Just another reason to take selfies of your shoes! Spreading the good word in style. #liveseamlessly

Learn more at Rothys.com

You may also enjoy reading Indosole: Sustainable Footwear Crafted from Used Tires by Bill Miles

The post Rothy’s | Chic & Comfortable Shoes From Recycled Materials appeared first on BEST SELF.

Providing economic opportunity for women in Under-Served Communitites

—

Doing the right thing is always in style! Great fashion sense is the added bonus — giving new meaning to retail therapy.

The mission of Songa Designs International is straight forward: Songa, which means “the path forward” in Swahili, exists to create jobs for skilled women in under-resourced countries so they can earn their way to economic independence. And this design company is doing just that — advancing the lives of the Rwandan women who craft this artisan collection— all the while creating stylish ecofriendly fashion and home décor. Generational weaving tradition meets socially conscious fashion forward style. Can we say, Win/ Win for all?

You may also enjoy reading Girls Who Invest (Something Worth Investing In) by Bill Miles

The post Songa Designs International | Economic Opportunity For Women appeared first on BEST SELF.

4 words no parent ever wants to hear: Your child has cancer. That became reality for Richard and Diane Nares. While living in the hospital, though grateful for the tremendous support system around them — looking around they recognized that not everyone was as fortunate. And in 2003, after losing their five-year-old son Emilio, they decided to create a foundation, the Emilio Nares Foundation (ENF), to honor his life and to aid those journeying through cancer. They knew firsthand what others were experiencing.

When battling cancer, everything becomes a part of the big picture. Rides to and from the hospital for treatments become a lifeline. When Richard learned that many children of low-income households were missing these treatments due to lack of transportation — he stepped in, at first with his own vehicle, to provide dependable and reliable services. And thus a movement was created. Emilio’s Annual Impact: 162,000 hours spent in a van, 107,000 miles, 4,250 rides, 223 patients served, 2,300 appointments.

The Mission

To ensure no child misses a cancer treatment due to lack of transportation.

The goal

To bring “Ride With Emilio” to cities across the country. Southern California based today — nationwide tomorrow.

It’s of no surprise that in 2013, Richard Nares was named a Top 10 CNN Hero; watch the video below:

Today, as ENF continues to expand, in addition to providing rides they are providing:

• ‘Emilio’s Snack Bags’ — healthy snacks for long rides
• Family Resource Center — enabling families to connect with financial aid, employment, legal aid, housing, food, and other vital community services.
• Creating for Hope — Guided knitting and sewing circles for patients and parents as activities to reduce stress and promote healing.
• Loving Tabs Healing Shirts — Specialty shirts created to administer chemotherapy through a child’s permanent chest catheter port without having to lift or remove clothing.
• End-of-life Child and Family Care — During the last weeks of a child’s life, assistance with funeral costs, family meal cards, emergency financial aid, end of life ceremonies and education.

Changing lives one ride at a time, our hats are off to Richard and Diane Nares and the entire Emilio Nares Foundation for stepping up to the steering wheel!

Our patients are family.

Richard and Diane Nares

You may also enjoy reading Interview: Kris Carr | Crazy Sexy Awakening with Kristen Noel

The post Emilio Nares Foundation | Ensuring Children Have Transportation to Cancer Treatments appeared first on BEST SELF.

This paying-it-forward company, The Giving Keys, creates purpose-driven products — imprinting words like love, believe, faith and courage — onto reused keys that stand as testament to what is possible. When we embrace ‘our’ word, we can then give it to another — and best yet, through this social impact employment model, every key you purchase supports job creation for people transitioning out of homelessness.

Every key is made with a purpose. Every key has a story to tell. What do you want yours to be?

Purpose, passion and panache!

You may also enjoy reading A Holistic Approach to Creating Wealth for Entrepreneurs by Steven and Chutisa Bowman

The post The Giving Keys : Employing the Homeless, Paying Inspiration Forward appeared first on BEST SELF.

Healthy food donations to improve the health of the hungry

—

Let’s face it — the majority of food drives, while well-intended, focus more on quantity than quality. Why can’t we focus upon both?

Welcome SuperFood Drive — an organization committed to giving the gift of health. Dedicated to elevating and transforming the way we think about, and contribute to food drives — and to ultimately improving the health of the hungry. The statistics of those dependent upon food pantries are staggering. The accompanying health issues of those individuals, alarming. Highly processed foods, high in fat, sugar, sodium and chemicals perpetuate a vicious cycle.

Perhaps the next time you go to grab a can off a grocery shelf to donate to a local food drive or pantry — reflect upon how nourishing it is. Will this feed someone on a deeper level, spark something within them to know that they are worthy of healthy, good food and that healing is possible?

Kudos to SuperFood Drive for addressing the unhealthy elephant in the room. Let’s follow their lead. Let’s give consciously. Let’s transform the food banks within our local communities and beyond. Let’s raise the standards one nutritious donation at a time!

To learn more about finding a healthy food pantry, hosting one, educational programs for youth and beyond — check out their site for resources. Find ways to create small shifts with large impact. Let’s do this together.

The opposite of hungry is not full — it is healthy.

~ Ruthi Solari, founder of SuperFood Drive

You may also enjoy reading Sharing Our Light In Service to Others and, In Turn, Ourselves by Anita Neilson

The post Super Food Drive appeared first on BEST SELF.

Protective blankets to shield vital organs from everyday radiation

—

There’s no escaping technology, but there’s also no reason to not raise our awareness of everyday radiation exposure — and do something about it. Belly Armor has created apparel and accessories that shield with 99.9% effectiveness. We often take for granted how many devices we are surrounded by throughout the day — between our smartphones, IPads, laptop computers, microwaves and even cell towers.

When I first came across the Belly Armor blanket, I saw a pregnant woman shielding her unborn baby (which made perfect sense). It instantly occurred to me that not only do unborn fetuses need shielding, but perhaps so do our internal organs as well. Ponder that the next you have your laptop resting on your belly!

Check out their site for tips on how to avoid radiation and for some products to protect yourself.

You may also enjoy reading ElectroSensitivity: When the Modern World Hurts by Alison Main

The post Belly Armor | Radiation Protection Blankets appeared first on BEST SELF.

Grab-N-Go Green natural range, environmentally friendly eco packaging

—

Sometimes it’s just unavoidable — we’re traveling, eating on the go, and ultimately feeling like there are no options. So we cringe as we pick up our plastic silverware and take-out containers and carry on business as usual, knowing we will return to our conscious-minded ways when we return home. But what if there was an alternative that we could get behind?

This company, Grab-N-Go Green Natural Range Packaging, had me at 100% biodegradable, compostable, disposable, recyclable, sustainable and eco-friendly. Now that’s some take-out to feel good about! Why can’t we all get on board, and why can’t we urge those we patronize to do the same? Seriously, we should expect more of ourselves and others. Check out their food packaging offerings. Let’s be the change we want to see in the world whether we are on the go or not!

You may also enjoy reading Rothy’s | Chic & Comfortable Shoes From Recycled Materials by Kristen Noel

The post Grab-N-Go Green | Eco Packaging appeared first on BEST SELF.

Algalita: A ship with a mission to raise awareness of and reduce the mammoth plastic pollution in our oceans

—

When I first met Captain Charles Moore, Founder and Research Director of Algalita and author of Plastic Ocean, it was hard not to be distracted by his seemingly whimsical, colorful necklace. Upon closer inspection I realized, there was nothing whimsical about it. It was constructed of plastic remnants from every day objects found in the ocean. Point taken, message received.

Algalita has a vision: To lead the world to a plastic pollution-free future. And who couldn’t get on board with that? Plastics are one of the most serious threats to the ocean. And unfortunately, I’m probably not alone in not knowing about the Great Pacific Garbage Patches: masses that collect in the ocean from chemical sludge and plastics from around the world; one such mass is believed to be the size of Texas!

Algalita works to bridge science with solutions and to give the ocean a voice via research and education programs. Best Self wants to give voice to the vision and good works of Algalita! Do you share our vision?

Learn more at Algalita.org

https://vimeo.com/127245122%20

You may also enjoy reading Indosole: Sustainable Footwear Crafted from Used Tires by Bill Miles

The post Algalita | Raising Awareness of Ocean Pollution appeared first on BEST SELF.

So easy you won’t even get your hands dirty!

—

One man’s trash is another gardener’s gold!

While most of us have good intentions when it comes to recycling, composting and taking care of our environment — we also know we can fall short in this department. Visiting a friend this summer, I discovered what the folks over at Garbage to Garden have created to do their part and to make it seriously excuse-free for the rest of us. This is truly easy composting.

This subscription-based service ($14 a month I might add!) provides you with a bin to compost. Once a week, they swap your bucket at the curb for a fresh, clean bucket – and upon request, a bag of compost is delivered. Hello?! This is a no-brainer and as they say, “Ick-free” on our part. This Maine-based company is spreading the love to cities across the map. You can even initiate bringing this to your town.

• Say goodbye to stinky, dripping trash
• Do right by the environment
• Save money using fewer bags
• Support local
• Feel Good

Fun fact: Did you know that 1 household composting for 3 years = 1 ton of food waste diverted from landfills?

Talk about an all-around win/win. Composting for everyone – as they say, “a rind is a terrible thing to waste.” They have programs for homes, businesses and events. How about making your next event a zero waste one? Now that’s some food for thought!

Learn more at garbagetogarden.org

You may also enjoy reading Rothy’s | Chic & Comfortable Shoes From Recycled Materials by Kristen Noel

The post Garbage To Garden | Easy Curbside Composting appeared first on BEST SELF.

The Sill provides beautiful plant design, delivery, and care in New York City

—

Who needs a green thumb when these guys are around? The Sill brings the outdoors in and creates live art installations at home or in office spaces. Whether it is matching the perfect plants with a particular space or installing a live wall — their divine, modern aesthetic abounds.

5 benefits of houseplants:

1. Boosts your mood
2. Filters toxins
3. Increases Productivity & creativity
4. Creates a more welcoming environment
5. Spruces up the joint.

They’ve got a plant for any space – low light, bright light, you name it! The match.com of plants; pairing you with the perfect partner and even the wherewithal to take care of it (or not, they’ve got that covered if you like as well!) They even collaborate with artists for one-of-a-kind pots. Yes, as their tagline states, Plants make people happy (especially pretty ones)! #PlantsMakePeopleHappy

>Learn more at thesill.com.

The post The Sill | Brilliant Botanical Design appeared first on BEST SELF.

The Seabin ProjecT – What do you want to swim in?

—

With one vision in mind — the image of a pollution-free ocean — 2 Australian surfers quit their day jobs and spent 10 years perfecting an innovative prototype designed to accomplish just that. They created a bucket that works like a fish tank filter, sucking all trash, oil, and waste into a removable mesh bag. Connected to a water pump, it spits clean water back into the ocean — a win-win for all. It works 24/7 and is safe for fish and other ocean life. Best yet, when emptied…people can see what they are actually swimming in, provoking a visceral connection to the environment. 

Their innovation doesn’t cease there — the duo’s next vision is to create usable plastic material from the waste plastics recovered. Now we are swimming in possibility (and cleaner water, of course)!

We have a mission: Keep the oceans tidy

To learn more: seabinproject.com

Facebook

The post Seabin Project | Cleaning The Oceans A Bin At A Time appeared first on BEST SELF.

Cafe Gratitude, a California-based collection of restaurants, serves gourmet vegetarian cuisine with a flair and a message

To borrow the two leading words on their menu, I AM…grateful for restaurants like Café Gratitude and would be even more so if they would open on this side of the country! Currently only California-based, this collection of restaurants, serving 100% organic plant-based dishes, sets the bar high and brings new meaning to comfort food in all aspects of body, mind and soul. This goes beyond décor and great nourishing cuisine, as our cheery waiter prompts us with the question of the day, “What can you give the world today?” And the menu, made up wellness elixirs, juices, tonics, and all-around feel-good yumminess, gives its items names such as “Enlivened,” “Blissful,” “Vibrant,” “Rejoicing,” “Humble,” and “Devoted,” to name a few. So when the waiter comes back to take your order…the response is, “I AM…(fill in your own order). Get it? We are what we eat after all.

Café Gratitude is our expression of a world of plenty. Our food and people are a celebration of our aliveness. We select the finest organic ingredients to honor the earth and ourselves, as we are one and the same. We support local farmers, sustainable agriculture, and environmentally friendly products. Our food is prepared with love. We invite you to step inside and enjoy being someone who chooses: loving your life, adoring yourself, accepting the world, being generous and grateful every day, and experiencing being provided for. Have fun and enjoy being nourished.

cafegratitude.com

The post Cafe Gratitude | Vegetarian Cuisine With A Message appeared first on BEST SELF.

Ecological cleaning products that are safe for people and the planet

When tragedy struck a family in 2005, and their child Molly was stillborn, they decided to investigate and dig deeper into the causes of stillbirths. What they uncovered was a disturbing fact:

In the United States alone, 80,000 chemicals were approved for use by the TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act) and yet only 200 of the toxins were tested for human safety. A European study proved mothers pass chemicals to their babies via pregnancy and breast milk. Newborn baby cord blood and amniotic fluid had multiple non-natural toxins detected in it, as many as 240 chemicals in cord blood have been found! More than 120 of the chemicals were from toxins in food, personal care, household, and environmental products.

The rest was history – as they set out to teach others about toxins and create a product line that could make a difference in honor of Molly.

While consumers are becoming savvier about ingesting green juices and organic food, they sometimes forget about what they allow to touch their skin. Molly’s Suds earth- and plant-derived laundry and home products are safe for people and the planet. Certified vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free, the line contains items such as laundry powder, oxygen whitener, cloth diaper laundry powder, wool dryer balls, and all-sport laundry and dog shampoo.

Most notable is the presence of baby Molly’s footprints on their packaging.

“Molly’s little footprints are on our website and all of our packaging to remind you that our products are safe for even your tiniest family member.”

mollyssuds.com

Facebook

Instagram

The post Molly’s Suds | Ecological Cleaning Products appeared first on BEST SELF.

Calm the mind, change the world.

In a digital world of constant connectivity and overload, we often need reminders and reset buttons to remove us from our everyday stressors. The overall philosophy presented in Michael Acton Smith’s new book Calm isn’t about escape, but rather incorporating simple acts of mindfulness and tranquility into daily life.

Calming the mind is not about switching off and retreating from the bustle of life. It’s a superpower that rewires our brains, changes the way we see the world, and helps to unlock our true potential.

Everything about this beautiful book screams “feel good” – from the texture of the cover to the whimsical creativity within. The pages are filled with images, exercises, thought-provoking quotes, and spaces to doodle and write, and they include prompts such as:

“Go for a walk.”

“Try mind-mapping.”

“Read some poetry.”

“Design your own tattoo or treehouse.”

“Draw a leaf.”

There are even instructions for a “digital detox.”

Derived from the hugely popular Calm app (which has been downloaded more than 3 million times since Smith launched it in 2013), Calm is divided into eight sections: Nature, Sleep, Travel, Relationships, Work, Children, Creativity, and Food – as a means to thread Calm through all aspects of our lives.

What will make you feel calm today?

calm.com

The post Calm | Rewiring Our Mind In A Chaotic World appeared first on BEST SELF.

Eco-friendly dishcloth

In the spirit of conscious gift giving – to your friends, the environment, and your best self, Three Bluebirds has created the perfect stocking stuffer or holiday gift – an eco-friendly, stylish-with-a-dab-of-whimsy dishcloth designed to replace sponges and paper towels.

Each cloth is reusable, washable over 200 times, replaces 17 rolls of paper towels and lasts over 9 months. Beat that! Best yet, it’s 100% biodegradable. How could you not feel good about gifting that?

threebluebirds.com

The post Three Bluebirds | Eco Dishcloth appeared first on BEST SELF.

To Diaper or Not To Diaper

Nothing gets me more pumped up than witnessing the rise of entrepreneurial spirit paired with environmental consciousness. We’ve all heard of coaches for team sports, life coaches for personal growth… but EC, aka Elimination Communication coaches? They had me at “no more poopy diapers.” Seriously? Is that really possible? Think of our landfills, think of all of those Pampers piled-up. EC is an exciting movement afoot among new parents with one solid goal on the horizon – to tread more lightly on the planet while consciously connecting with their children. Jessica Bentson is a young mom, and now a certified Go Diaper Free coach, guiding other parents through the process.

EC is a gentle, non-coercive method of potty training from birth. It is what parents were doing for 100,000 years pre-diapers, and is based upon responding to the signals of babies, much like heeding their requests when hungry or sleepy. Certainly a worthy conversation – here’s to the possibility of diaper independence! jessicabentson.com

The post Diaper Free appeared first on BEST SELF.

As friends of Kids for Peace, we know this organization puts their money where their mouth is. When my father recently passed away, food platters, flowers, and heartfelt cards aside, one of the most touching gifts received was a Rafiki Amani. In Swahili, Rafiki means friend and Amani means peace. For only US$50, you can provide your Rafiki Amani with half their school tuition, a new uniform, and breakfast for one year. Learn more about Kids for Peace school in Kenya for children between the ages of 4-8. And while they don’t have desks, they make use of their laps and dream of what is possible. In partnership with the community, this organization provides an opportunity for meaningful gift-giving for any occasion. Have you ever pondered gift ideas? As we enter into the gift-giving season, look no further and Sponsor a Rafiki Amani.

The gift is in the giving.

The post Rafiki Amani | A Gift of Meaning appeared first on BEST SELF.

If Starbucks has become the de facto headquarters for the office-less entrepreneurial startup set, then Krash is quickly becoming their residence. The co-housing spaces, founded by Phil Freemont-Smith and his wife Jennifer in 2012, take communal living out of the post-hippie era and into the modern world of business. Krash has properties in Boston, New York, and Washington, D.C., with more coming as they push their model westward. While each property is unique, they all offer clean, minimal sleeping spaces paired with comfy common areas, fresh linens, a fully stocked fridge, and the company of other up-and-comers who seek a deeper networking experience than a mere lunch or cup of coffee. Typical stays range from 3 to 6 months, although a “K2” membership gets you the keys to all the Krash pads for as long as you like. Weekly family-style meals and regular presentations from various business leaders add a warm and inspirational vibe. Learn more at Krash.io.

The post Krash | Co-Living Space for Networkers appeared first on BEST SELF.

Captivating at the intro video, Climb That Damn Mountain plays out with cinematic passion. “Tempe Arizona – June 12, 2010 – 11:43 pm – The first Stone and Cloth backpack.”

Tell me more!

Talk about a man on a mission. Pumped up from reaching his goal of climbing the highest peak in Africa, Matthew Clough learned on the descent that his porter Benson (who had carried his heavy rucksack for a week) didn’t earn enough money to put a child through school.

Light bulbs started popping – with a desire to help and a passion for design, he was determined to make an impact. This is the inspiration from which Stone and Cloth was born. He purchased a sewing machine and constructed a backpack named “The Benson,” now a signature piece in the collection and reminder of the journey from there to here.

The activation of passion + purpose, sprinkled with a little faith = a line of products constructed to help others. “Your purchase helps provide scholarships for students in need.” Divine inspiration meets divine aesthetic. Click on over to Stone and Cloth for a little retail therapy, that quite literally, “carries an education.” Purchase with purpose.

The post Stone and Cloth | Mission-Driven Packs appeared first on BEST SELF.

We normally reserve this space for shiny new apps, initiatives, and product offerings that are aligned with an excellent social mission. So it may be a bit of a surprise that we are calling out a huge manufacturer here, but Intel is truly taking a stand for humanity with its resolve to source raw materials from conflict-free mines.

Microprocessor production requires gold, tin, tantalum, and tungsten – minerals largely mined in the Democratic Republic of the Congo – the profits from which have financed brutal conflict and resulted in the deaths of millions of innocent people. Carolyn Duran, Intel’s supply chain director, has responded by leveraging their enormous buying power to encourage transparency programs for the smelting plants regarding where they source their raw materials. Five years later, nearly half of the world’s smelters of these materials now pass conflict-free audits, shrinking the market for illegally traded minerals and reducing warlords’ profits. Duran hopes to declare Intel’s entire product line conflict-free by 2016, and inspire companies in other industries to do the same. [source: Fast Company]

The post Intel | Responsible Sourcing appeared first on BEST SELF.

A mission-driven brand pairs luxury technical cashmere with comfortable chic

—

Kit and Ace had me at “technical cashmere” and they aren’t kidding when they say, feeling is believing. The divine pairing of the softest thing you have ever worn with impeccable style, purpose and ease. There’s a new luxury in town – and this one goes right into your washing machine. Modern, clean aesthetic meets old school artisanship, a locally oriented mindset with global aspirations. No mysteries here – cashmere is sourced from happy goats living in Mongolia and Inner Mongolia, China.

Putting their money where their art is – each Kit & Ace studio exhibits the work of local artists. Taking it one step further by creating The Wall Dot Com, a new digital conversation has commenced as the artists from local communities are brought to the global stage, in a digital exhibition celebrating the work of others, on their site.

Their shopping bags read like a poetic rap: INTEGRITY – WITHOUT IT NOTHING WORKS > NOTHING WORKS WITHOUT INTEGRITY. A company so confident in their product that “shipping’s on the house.” There’s no turning back after technical cashmere, luxury with artful purpose.

>Learn more at KitAndAce.com

The post Kit and Ace | Luxe Technical Cashmere appeared first on BEST SELF.

Fierce Forward isn’t all about trendy beads and style – it’s about a lifestyle of meaning, melding inspiration and empowerment in all aspects of life.

When founder Ashley Johns’ life hit rock bottom, she made the choice to choose a different way. She slipped on a bracelet (that would change her life forever) as a reminder of her promise to self, a mantra to move forward (fiercely). Since then, through that visual reminder, she has created a tribe and a line of bracelets she calls “armor,” made from African trade beads, to empower others to set goals. Each bead is as unique and individual as our own intentions. The bracelets are branded with words like: PURPOSE, COMMITTED, ENERGY, GROWTH, PASSION and STRENGTH, each accompanied by a Fierce Forward charm. And if you don’t know which bracelets to choose to create your own Wonder Woman stack, Ashley offers consultations.

Style meets commitment to self (best self)! As Ashley says, Be Fiercely YOU!

>Learn more at FierceForwardForLife.com

The post Fierce Forward | Jewelry with a purpose appeared first on BEST SELF.

Read Indeed is a nonprofit literacy organization and the vision of Maria Keller, a book-loving 15-year-old who wants to make the world a better place—one book at a time. Maria began Read Indeed when she was 8 years old and her original goal was to collect and distribute one million books to kids in need by the time she turned 18. She accomplished that goal before the age of 13! Now Maria wants to distribute books to all 50 states in the U.S. as well as every country in the world. Having donated more than $4 million in books, Maria has touched the lives of hundreds of thousands of children. Beyond just our youth, Maria’s initiative serves up inspiration for us all!

Read Indeed founder, 15-year old Maria Keller

Learn more here.

The post Read Indeed | Nonprofit Literacy Organization appeared first on BEST SELF.

Well, my bags are packed and I’m ready to go…(feel free to sing along!). Camp is no longer just for kids. If you ever craved recapturing the essence that summer once held for you as a child – sun-kissed nose, whimsy, playfulness, the freedom to skip, to breathe, to dream – you are in luck. Set your cell phone aside, disconnect from the noise of the world around you, and dust off your old camp trunk. Soul Camp is an adult sleep- away camp created to reawaken and reconnect to that essence of joy left amid the memories of childhood. It is camp for the mind, body, and soul. While it is still about fun, it is also about deep transformation and aligning with your best self – “one person, cabin, and camp at a time.” With the traditional camp bells and whistles – lakeside settings with waterfront activities and mess halls with healthy food – this camp has a roster of thought-leader counselors and activities to awaken your authentic self, among them: dreamcatcher making, Kundalini yoga, and “Soul-versations.”

Book your bunk! Now there is a Soul Camp East and a Soul Camp West.

The post Soul Camp | Adult Sleep-Away Camp appeared first on BEST SELF.

Empowering women in need through responsible employment

Thread Works is a new online shop for textile home goods, with social purpose woven into their DNA. The brainchild of interior designer Nicole Ashey of Burlock Interiors, Thread Works looks to employ survivors of domestic violence to make ecologically and socially conscious home goods.

The current product line is an assortment of stylish, limited-edition pillows made from fabric remnants and off-cuts, which most companies would find unusable and toss into landfill. Thread Works will bring new life to these textiles, while its employees work on building something new for themselves.

This two-pronged approach of addressing women’s issues and environmental sustainability while producing lovely products sets a high bar for responsible business practices. This is shopping you can feel good about!

Learn more here.

The post Empowering Women | Thread Works appeared first on BEST SELF.

“Kindness Matters” – This is the motto of Kids for Peace, a global nonprofit that provides a platform for young people to actively engage in socially conscious leadership, community service, arts, environmental stewardship and global friendship. Through Kids for Peace projects and programs, youth from all socio-economic backgrounds are empowered to become part of positive solutions leading to a healthy and harmonious planet.

kidsforpeaceglobal.org

The post Kids For Peace | Conscious Engagement appeared first on BEST SELF.

Curious if your groceries are ethically sourced? A simple new app, How Good, delivers exactly that information in a quick, user-friendly snapshot. Just scan the barcode of the product, and you will get a summary, and deep details if you like, with regard to labor conditions, trade ethics, chemical use, environmental social impact, corporate transparency/integrity, and more. Being an enlightened consumer just got easier!

HowGood.com

The post How Good | The App For Ethical Food appeared first on BEST SELF.

Emerging Women / POWER CIRCLES: Real women. Real Power.

This is not your mother’s book club. They say there is power in numbers, especially when we are connected and working together to build a tribe, and to align with our inner feminine super powers. Power Circles unite 7 diverse women (from entrepreneurs to executives) over the course of 6 months either in person or virtually, with the purpose of activating their lives, helping them play big. With an emphasis upon connection, collaboration and heart, women are inspired to become their best selves – professional & life coaching meets unstoppable camaraderie. As high-level matchmakers, Emerging Women designs groups that will optimize the expansion of all aspects of the group and is led by a trained facilitator. When women come together, united by a common denominator, in the comfort and sanctity of sisterhood – holding one another accountable to the process…there’s no stopping the magic.

www.emergingwomen.com/power-circles/

The post Emerging Women | Power Circles appeared first on BEST SELF.

Plant-Pick-Puree-Package. Hooray Puree offers a real solution to a real problem. Whether it’s a school lunch or a meal at home in our own kitchens – who couldn’t use an added dose of vegetable nutrition? Their innovative product is shelf-stable for two years, and makes an economically viable, nutritionally sound option for greater reach to larger organizations – schools, universities, hospitals and beyond. These purees, which can be consumed on their own or incorporated into recipes, bridge the gap by providing equal access to food and being a seasonally independent option. Have vegetable, will travel — great for on-the-go cooking solutions. As a full-fledged farm-to-fork initiative, Hooray Puree advocates for a more nutritionally sound world…one with a real vegetable on every plate.

hooraypuree.com

The post Hooray Puree | Nutrition Made Easy appeared first on BEST SELF.

Goldie Hawn’s Hawn Foundation puts mindfulness into practice where it matters most – in our schools and with our youth. Its mission statement: “The Hawn Foundation transforms children’s lives by providing vital social and emotional learning programs to reduce stress and aggressive behavior, improve focus and academic performance, and increase resiliency for success in school and in life.”

Goldie Hawn, despite her ebullient charm, has also suffered from panic and anxiety. Applying tools of mindfulness and meditation, she has learned to manage the fear and pain, and now considers it a life mission to help others, especially children, do the same. MindUp, a signature school program specifically designed to complement a child’s regular curriculum, brings in mindful techniques such as two-minute “brain breaks” and gratitude circles to help them stay more focused on their work, relieve stress, and elevate optimism. Note: The techniques work equally well on adults!

The Hawn Foundation

The post The Hawn Foundation | Mindfulness & Youth appeared first on BEST SELF.

Attention Animal Lovers and Walkers!

This is a no brainer… trust me. Just do it! ResQwalk is helping animals one step at a time and all you have to do is walk, they’ve got the rest covered. Once you have downloaded their FREE App, you can choose an animal shelter or rescue to support and begin your walk. That’s it. The App logs your distance walked and links sponsors’ funds to your charity of choice. Now that should get some tails wagging!

resqwalk.com

The post Resqwalk | The App For Animals appeared first on BEST SELF.

This is more than just a program. It’s a movement.

-Reshma Saujani, Founder

Girls Who Code aims to provide computer science education and exposure to 1 million young women by 2020 and by virtue, close the gender gap in technology.

Facts:

• In a room full of 25 engineers, only 3 will be women.
• Women make up half of the U.S. workforce, but hold just 25% of the jobs in technical or computing fields.
• While 57% of bachelor’s degrees are earned by women, just 12% of computer science degrees are awarded to women.
• Women today represent 12% of all computer science graduates. In 1984, they represented 37%.
• 100% of 2012 program participants report that they are definitely or more likely to major in computer science following the program.

You go girl! Go forth and be coding.

GirlsWhoCode.com

The post Girls Who Code appeared first on BEST SELF.

The character of Grumpy Fish was created by Killian Mansfield while he was navigating the world of cancer at the age of 11. It was Killian’s desire to create a relatable image that matched up to his experience, one that conveyed his discomfort, but simultaneously maintained a voracious sense of humor. He was committed to empowering other kids suffering with cancer and wished more of them knew that choosing to eat well and doing acupuncture, reflexology, aromatherapy etc. could make them feel better. Though Killian passed away in 2009 at age 16, his voice lives on in an inspiring and compassionate way. Today, his legacy continues on through the work of the Killian Mansfield Foundation and the Grumpy Fish books.

14,000 children in this country are diagnosed with cancer each year. 1200 copies of the 1^st book were given away to 7 hospitals in 4 states. The goal of the KMF is to provide a book for every child diagnosed. The 2^nd book, Grumpy Fish Aid: Comfort Tips From Kids With Cancer, is a fantastic follow-up collaboration of information outlining practical strategies from practitioners, the pediatric oncology community and most importantly patients. Each donation to the KMF, literally puts a book in the hands of a child suffering with cancer. Let’s put our money where our books [and hearts] are!

KillianMansfield.org

The post Grumpy Fish | The Killian Mansfield Foundation appeared first on BEST SELF.

The Miracle Manor Retreat is a seven-room 50’s era spa motel that sits atop Miracle Hill in Desert Hot Springs, California. The Miracle lies in the aquifer some 400 feet below the surface – the source of geothermal mineral waters. These health-giving, naturally hot and cold mineral springs were discovered nearly 100 years ago. Innovatively restored by its owners, artist April Greiman and architect Michael Rotondi, the Manor has been designed as an oasis of the spirit. Celebrating the subtle forms and textures of the desert, sky and waters, its highly detailed simplicity invites reflection, renewal and rejuvenation. Nothing beats reading a book in a beautiful simple room, or soaking in the water as you look up to a clear star-filled sky. Truly transformative. One of their mottos: “If thinking, think nothing.”

MiracleManor.com

The post Miracle Manor Retreat appeared first on BEST SELF.