Archive for organic fashion
Pink Ribbon CSR for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Posted by: | CommentsOctober is breast cancer awareness month and many companies are stepping up their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and fundraising to support the cause. These companies are not only raising awareness, but also funding essential breast cancer research. Today we’re going to explore the great examples set by Hard Rock, Coach and Eggland’s Best.
Hard Rock’s corporate social responsibility efforts include fundraising through Pinktober®, which is celebrating its 12th year of raising breast cancer awareness. They are once again inviting you to “join forces with Hard Rock and a host of musicians around the world for parties, live music events, and the chance to raise awareness and money for local, national and international charities. As well, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of Pinktober® apparel and accessories goes directly to breast cancer research. The Breast Cancer Research Foundation and The Caron Keating Foundation are just two of the amazing organizations that will benefit from your participation in Pinktober®.” In addition to their other events “select Hard Rock Hotel guestrooms will be decked out in pink, and 25% of the room rate will support breast cancer research and awareness.”
Coach's Kristin Hippie handbags support the BCRF
Another corporate social responsibility initiative supporting breast cancer research comes from luxury accessory brand Coach with their ‘Coach for a cure’ campaign. “During the month of October, Coach will donate 20% of the proceeds from [certain] items to The Breast Cancer Research Fund (BCRF). BCRF is dedicated to preventing breast cancer and finding a cure in our lifetime by funding clinical and translational research worldwide.” They are selling a light pink handbag called Kristin Hippe which retails for $258 (USD), a Kristin Large Wristlet $108 (USD), a keyfob $58 (USD) a Coach print scarf in various shades of pink for $68 (USD) and a pink rimmed Pheobe watch $298 (USD). All of these items are available on the Coach website. Since Coach is a line designed primarily for women, this is a great example of a company fundraising and building awareness for issues that are important to their customers.
Eggland’s Best (EB) eggs is also helping to find a cure. “Through November 15, 2011, Eggland’s Best will feature the signature “EB” stamp with the Susan G. Komen Running Ribbon on all varieties of EB farm fresh eggs. They will also be donating $50,000 to support Susan G. Komen in their pledge to end breast cancer forever.”
Eggland’s Best is also helping their consumers take action through a variety of ways:
- “Enter Eggland’s Best Pink Dozen Recipe Contest! Create a delicious, healthy recipe with EB Pink Dozen eggs for a chance to win great prizes.
- Participate in the “Less Talk. More Action.” photo contest on Facebook. Throughout the month of October, EB will be inviting people to post photos of how they are taking action to support Eggland’s Best & Komen. Each week [they] will select a photo to win an EB prize pack. Full details on this contest can be found here.”
- Join Eggland’s Best/Susan G. Komen Twitter party being held on October 19, 2011
Breast cancer, as with any cancer, affects more just the person who is struck with the disease. Friends, family, and co-workers are also impacted and want to do something to help find a cure. Organizations participating in these kinds of corporate social responsibility initiatives have a broad reaching appeal and can truly help raise awareness. It’s inspiring that so many companies fundraise to help combat breast cancer; hopefully more will join them in trying to find a cure.
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Planet Forward is an online retailer of ethically-made, earth-friendly products designed for everyday use with a distinctly urban feel. Products include reusable stainless steel bottles, stainless steel thermal travel mugs, waste-free lunch bags, reusable shopping bags, Make-it-Yourself toxin-free Green Cleaning kits, organic fashions and other accessories. SALE 50% OFF ALL PRODUCTS – SHOP NOW !
Apple Visionary Steve Jobs Dies at Age 56
Posted by: | CommentsSteve Jobs, co-founder of Apple Inc. and Pixar Studios, innovator of the Mac, iPod, iPhone, and iPad, died October 5, 2011 in California at the age of 56. We first learned back in 2004 that Silicon Valley hero Jobs was battling pancreatic cancer. In January 2011 he announced a medical leave of absence from his CEO post at Apple which eventually became his resignation as CEO on August 24, 2011. Job’s creativity impacted a generation of music and technology lovers alike, an impact so universal that it will reverberate for many generations to come. So as you reach for your iPod, iPhone or iPad today, remember that Jobs, who started building computers as teenager in his parents’ garage, brought you that convenient handheld device that you appreciate every single day.
In 1976, he co-founded Apple with Steve Wozniak at the age of 22. In 1984 he helped launch the Macintosh personal computer, at the time boasting a graphical user interface and the ability to use a “mouse” and clickable icons. Today, Mac users are everywhere across the globe. In 2001, the iPod portable digital media player took the world by storm and the Walkman became obsolete. Next was the ridiculously popular iPhone and most recently, the iPad. Ironically just yesterday on October 4, 2011, Apple revealed its newest version of the iPhone called the 4S. The 4S features a groundbreaking new voice-controlled “assistant” called Siri which enables you to just use your voice to send messages, make calls, schedule reminders and more without having to enter anything on your iPhone. Another brilliant invention by Apple that will inevitably captivate users.
Here are some of the many published tributes to Jobs provided by colleagues and friends:
Bill Gates:
“I’m truly saddened to learn of Steve Jobs’ death. Melinda and I extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends, and to everyone Steve has touched through his work. Steve and I first met nearly 30 years ago, and have been colleagues, competitors and friends over the course of more than half our lives. The world rarely sees someone who has had the profound impact Steve has had, the effects of which will be felt for many generations to come. For those of us lucky enough to get to work with him, it’s been an insanely great honor. I will miss Steve immensely.”
President Barack Obama:
“Michelle and I are saddened to learn of the passing of Steve Jobs. Steve was among the greatest of American innovators – brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he could change the world, and talented enough to do it.
“By building one of the planet’s most successful companies from his garage, he exemplified the spirit of American ingenuity. By making computers personal and putting the internet in our pockets, he made the information revolution not only accessible, but intuitive and fun. And by turning his talents to storytelling, he has brought joy to millions of children and grownups alike. Steve was fond of saying that he lived every day like it was his last. Because he did, he transformed our lives, redefined entire industries, and achieved one of the rarest feats in human history: he changed the way each of us sees the world.
“The world has lost a visionary. And there may be no greater tribute to Steve’s success than the fact that much of the world learned of his passing on a device he invented. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to Steve’s wife Laurene, his family, and all those who loved him.”
Steven Spielberg:
“Steve Jobs was the greatest inventor since Thomas Edison. He put the world at our fingertips.”
John Lasseter, Chief Creative Officer & Ed Catmull, President, Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios: ”Steve Jobs was an extraordinary visionary, our very dear friend and the guiding light of the Pixar family. He saw the potential of what Pixar could be before the rest of us, and beyond what anyone ever imagined. Steve took a chance on us and believed in our crazy dream of making computer animated films; the one thing he always said was to simply ‘make it great.’ He is why Pixar turned out the way we did and his strength, integrity and love of life has made us all better people. He will forever be a part of Pixar’s DNA. Our hearts go out to his wife Laurene and their children during this incredibly difficult time.”
Mark Zuckerberg:
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Justin Timberlake Awarded for Environmental Leadership
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Justin Timberlake, the man who brought sexy back, has been honoured as an environmental leader by the EMA. The Environmental Media Association (EMA) has announced that Timberlake is the recipient of the “Futures Award,” sharing good company with past recipients Edward Norton, Rosario Dawson and popular band Maroon 5. Timberlake is known obviously for his music and acting career but also for his incredible eco-friendly golf course in Tennessee. Timberlake said, “My two loves are golf and the environment.”
Before we get back to JT, it’s important to understand the role of the Environmental Media Association (EMA). “The Environmental Media Association believes that through television, film and music, the entertainment community has the power to influence the environmental awareness of millions of people. This initial concept set the stage for our 1989 launch and it remains a core EMA tenant today. EMA mobilizes the entertainment industry in educating people about environmental issues, which in turn, inspires them to take action. A pioneer in linking the power of celebrity to environmental awareness, it was EMA who invented the ‘green carpet,’ launching the concept of taking a hybrid or alternative fuel vehicle – not a limo – to high profile awards events and bringing the concept of alternative automotive technology to millions of previously unaware households.”
EMA President Debbie Levin called Timberlake “a great example of how you can lend your voice for positive change.”
Now let’s explore some of the ‘greens’ at Timberlake’s eco-friendly golf course. Mirimichi golf course, located in Tennessee, has numerous green features and here’s the top five directly from their website:
- Audubon International Classic Sanctuary
The Mirimichi team partnered with Audubon International and consulted with Audubon Environmental so that the renovation of the golf facilities would implement sustainable resource management principles that incorporate wildlife conservation, habitat rehabilitation and enhancement, water conservation and water quality protection. Audubon International (AI) certification requires a yearly audit to ensure Mirimichi continues to implement these natural resource management principles long term. - GEO Certified
Mirimichi is one of the first ten courses world-wide to be recognized as GEO Certified from the Golf Environmental Organization (GEO). This prestigious designation recognizes our commitment to environmental sustainability by protecting and enhancing ecosystems and biodiversity, maximizing resource efficiency, reducing waste, and conserving cultural heritage and landscapes. We adhere to the promise of continual improvement, and regularly monitor and review environmental performance indicators to ensure progress. - Future Clubhouse
Mirimichi’s future clubhouse will be designed and constructed to meet the highest green building and performance measures. These measures will substantially reduce water and energy consumption, protect indoor air quality and occupant health, and use sustainable building materials that include local and recycled materials, as well as reduce the amount of construction waste diverted to area landfills. - Buffers, Littoral Shelves, Wildlife Habitat Enhancement
Along with conversion of turfgrass to grassland habitat, buffers and littoral shelves (shelves planted with aquatic vegetation along banks) have been added to on-site streams and ponds. Buffers and shelves protect water quality and provide safe, easy access to water resources for wildlife. - Natural Resource Management Center (NRMC)
The NRMC, or maintenance facility for Mirimichi, is the building in which pieces of equipment are serviced, and pesticides, fuel, fertilizer, and cleaning solvents are stored. The building has been designed to reduce the potential for spills and prevent pollution of soil, surface water, or ground water.
This isn’t JT’s first award for good deeds. The 24th annual Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards gave the“Big Help Award” to Justin Timberlake for his efforts on behalf of the Shriners Hospital for Children. Justin Timberlake’s annual Shriners Hospitals for Children Open is a PGA golf tournament that’s dedicated to raising money and awareness for the organization. Justin Timberlake is a great ambassador for kids and the environment and remarkably, he’s leveraging his notoriety for good and not just fame and fortune.
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Planet Forward is an online retailer of ethically-made, earth-friendly products designed for everyday use with a distinctly urban feel. Products include reusable stainless steel bottles, stainless steel thermal travel mugs, waste-free lunch bags, reusable shopping bags, Make-it-Yourself toxin-free Green Cleaning kits, organic fashions and other accessories. SALE 50% OFF ALL PRODUCTS – SHOP NOW !
