Earth Day is April 22, and Herban Lifestyle is celebrating being green!

photo ©2009 Julia Guarino

As you probably know, Herban Lifestyle is proud to use only truly natural and organic ingredients, which means only organic and/or ethically wildcrafted herbs and essential oils, organic fabrics and fill, no preservatives, artificial colors, fragrances, or surfactants, and no synthetic, petroleum-based or other chemical ingredients. We pledge to these standards as a signer of the Compact for Safe Cosmetics, and we always adhere to Whole Foods’ Premium Bodycare Standards.

But did you know that Herban Lifestyle is green in other ways? When we package things for you, we only use 100% recycled paper labels, and all packaging and shipping supplies are recycled, recyclable and/or biodegradable. To ship, we only use the US Postal Service; did you know that the USPS holds “Cradle to Cradle”Certification at the Silver level for human and environmental health? To further ensure environmentally responsible business practice, we always offset 100% of our carbon footprint through purchase of CleanCurrents and CarbonFund RECs, and we are an Environmental Protection Agency Green Power Partner, which means we purchase green power in amounts that meet EPA’s requirements.

As a member of Green America and the Sustainable Business Network of Washington, we also pledge to practice ethical business and labor standards, which is easy since everything we sell is handcrafted in Falls Church, VA we do absolutely no manufacturing! In our efforts to be conscientious members of our community we also donate 5% of gross revenues to charity, including Feeding America (formerly America’s Second Harvest), Sierra Club, Herb Research Foundation, and Martha’s Table, we donate goods to local charities (such as EcoVentures) for their fundraising efforts, and we purchase our 800 number through Earth Tones, where 100% of their profit goes to grassroots environmental causes.

We hope you’ll celebrate Earth Day with us! Check out the EPA’s website to learn about Earth Day events and volunteer opportunities happening near you. Be green!

This post was written by guest blogger, Julia Guarino.

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Belated Thanks to the Washingtonian and Mom-entum!

 

Thank You Card by My Ugly Kitty

I’m behind the times, still catching up after a business beginning to 2009. But I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the wonderful mentions I’ve received over the last couple of months. To start the year, Washingtonian.com interviewed ecoblogger Sacha Cohen and asked her for her green recommendations for 2009. Regarding buying locally, she said, “Farmers markets are great for produce and cheese. I also love the organic and natural bath products from Herban Lifestyle in Falls Church.” You can see all of Sacha’s recommendations at The Blogger Beat: Going Green DC.

I also got a nice mention on the Mom-entum blog during Inaguration Week. They loved the idea of my O-BALM-A lip balm, all profits from which go to Feeding America. You can read about it here.

And, in December, the Washingtonian listed my products in their green gift guide! “Nature lovers and newbies to the green scene will appreciate these gifts, sold and recommended by environmentally responsible companies, ecofriendly stores, and conservation organizations based in Washington.” You can read the full article here: A Green Holiday: Ecofriendly Gift Recommendations.

Thank you all for your kind words and support!

O-BALM-A Inaugural Balm

 

O-BALM-A Inaugural Balm

Carry a bit of hope in your pocket!

Barack Obama’s relaxed strength connected distinct groups, bringing hope for change. Blending the essence of robust Kenyan coffee and soothing oil from Hawaiian macadamia nuts, O-Balm-a Mocha Macadamia Lip Balm will smooth out rough spots and heal dry lips. Created to celebrate Obama’s inauguration.

This truly natural balm is made with organic macadamia nut oil, organic cocoa butter, organic coconut oil, organic chocolate chips, beeswax, and organic coffee extract.

All profits from O-Balm-a Mocha Macadamia Lip Balm will go to Feeding America (formerly Second Harvest).

The case cost is $61.92 ($3.44 per tube of balm). It can be purchased at http://herbanlifestyle.com or http://herbanlifestyle.etsy.com.