Archive for the ‘Green Media’ Category

• Ecover Applauds Last Call At The Oasis And The Water Bill Of Rights

  Date: 2012.04.30 | Category: Green Media | Response: 0

  

  There’s nothing like a stirring documentary film to promote social change, as we saw with An Inconvenient Truth, Food, Inc. and Waiting for “Superman.” Now the producers behind those groundbreaking projects bring us Last Call at the Oasis, a new documentary that shines a spotlight on the global water crisis. The film opens May 4^th, and Ecover is proud to support its message, proclaiming the urgent need to preserve and protect the world’s most precious resource!

  We’re thrilled to see so much activity bubbling around the release of Last Call. The film is premiering in conjunction with the 19^th annual World Water Day, which took place March 22, featuring numerous events highlighting water’s essential role in sustaining our world’s 7 billion people. Also in the works is “Know Your Water,” a social action campaign launched by Participant Media with 30 partners for Last Call.

  The primary campaign initiative is The Water Bill of Rights – a declaration that all Americans deserve access to safe, clean drinking water. Those who sign will receive helpful information and water-saving tips. Here at Ecover, we’re committed to doing our part with super-efficient eco-factories that churn out phosphate-free cleaning products that don’t harm aquatic life or water supplies!

  Conserving free-flowing tap water is just one of our concerns. It’s shocking to learn how much “hidden” water we also consume, along with our goods and services. For instance; it takes about 28 billion gallons of water to produce all the junk mail in circulation; nearly 2,000 gallons to produce a pound of beef and 2,900 gallons to make a single pair of blue jeans! Meanwhile, 884 million people across the world lack access to clean drinking water.

  But we agree with Last Call that “the glass is still half full” – if we act now!

  Photo by via Participant Media

• Kindness To Animals And Living The Eco-Life Makes Alicia Silverstone An Ecover Fave!

  Date: 2012.04.23 | Category: Green Media | Response: 0

  

  When people love animals, you know they have a good heart … and by that standard Ecover thinks Alicia Silverstone’s heart must be huge! The Clueless actress is a dedicated vegan, a staunch supporter of animal rights and an all-around animal-lover. Alicia has been a vegan since 1998 and is the author of The Kind Diet and The Kind Life website, which she says “is about living your healthiest and happiest life to the fullest, while taking care of mama Earth at the same time!” Sounds pretty great to us!

  Plus, Silverstone takes great efforts to live a sustainable lifestyle, living in an eco-friendly house that’s furnished with recycled and upcycled materials, including a table made with the wood from a demolished bowling alley lane! Of course there’s an organic veggie garden out back of her home in Los Angeles that she shares with her husband Christopher Jarecki and a pack of four rescue dogs!

  But that’s not all.  Alicia is also a huge supporter of PETA; she even posed nude for them in an ad and video in 2007 in support of promoting a healthier, more natural lifestyle. And she has her own line of cosmetics and accessories to make her (and us!) as beautiful on the outside as we are on the inside.

  Healthy beauty, sustainable living and a devotion to animals … using her celebrity to further the common good…what’s not to love about Alicia Silverstone? In our book she’s anything but clueless!

  Image via celebs101.com

• Ecover Hears Sustainably Inspirational Lyrics In Bruce Cockburn’s Folk Music

  Date: 2012.04.16 | Category: Green Media | Response: 0

  

  It’s been more than 20 years since Canadian singer-songwriter Bruce Cockburn wrote If a Tree Falls, his classic anthem to environmental angst. The song still rings true for us at Ecover, and seems more relevant than ever. It consistently finds its way onto “best of” lists for songs about sustainability and is also included on the Suzuki Foundation’s Playlist for the Planet.

  If a tree falls in the forest does anybody hear?
  If a tree falls in the forest does anybody hear?
  Anybody hear the forest fall?

  Cut and move on
  Cut and move on
  Take out trees
  Take out wildlife at a rate of species every single day
  Take out people who’ve lived with this for 100,000 years -
  Inject a billion burgers worth of beef -
  Grain eaters – methane dispensers.

  Bruce Cockburn’s If a Tree Falls (Big Circumstance, 1988)

  Reflecting on the searing lyrics of If a Tree Falls, Bruce has said that he drew on his concern about the destruction of forests on the West Coast of Canada and North America, as well as also being aware of deforestation in the Amazon. Bravo to Bruce for helping to raise awareness about both of these environmentally sensitive regions.

  Bruce is a case study in career longevity. Although not as well-known in the U.S., he is revered in Canada and ranks alongside such celebrated Canadian artists as Joni Mitchell and Neil Young (also renowned for their environmental activism and their music).  After more than 40 years in the music business and 30+ albums, Bruce continues to write captivating lyrics and agitate for causes.  His 31^st album, for example, features songs inspired by his visit to war-torn Afghanistan in 2009. He maintains his interest in his environment and his world, and we can all take a page from his songbook!

  Photo by Bob Doran via Flickr.com

• Join Ecover For The Green Rush On April 21st!

  Date: 2012.04.09 | Category: Ecover Products, Green Media | Response: 0

  

  This spring Ecover is teaming up with Live Green to celebrate Earth Day in great style. Join hundreds of fellow eco-conscious adventurers in Washington DC for an Earth Day scavenger hunt that is unlike any other. On April 21, teams of between two and five people will charge up, compete in challenges and work towards decoding clues for a chance to win a $1,000 grand prize!  We invite you to bust out your best green themed costume for all the fun, and for a chance at the Green Spirit Award – and a year of Honest Tea!

  The Green Rush is also co-presented by Clean Currents. Live Green and Green Currents are two organizations who make eco-friendly living both accessible and fun. And what better way to show off DC’s fantastic green resources than through our wild and crazy city-wide scavenger hunt? So, grab your friends and get ready to experience DC in a whole new way. Plus, after the race, you can join us in the celebration at our after party at Liv, hosted by Repax. You can enjoy a performance by Tabi Bonney, share tales of your team’s glory, and witness the crowning of the new (and highly coveted!) 2012 Green Rush Champion!

  So, what are you waiting for? Get your Green Rush 2012 team together, register here, and go for the green!

   

• Ecover Helps “Change” The World By Sponsoring The Great Cloth Diaper Change!

  Date: 2012.04.06 | Category: Green Media | Response: 0

  

  At Ecover we are big supporters of cloth diapers, and our laundry products have been helping to keep them clean and baby soft for years. That’s why we’ve decided to sponsor a super exciting cloth diapering event: The Great Cloth Diaper Change!

  On April 21^st eco-parents and caregivers all across the U.S. and in parts of Europe will attempt to break the world record for the most cloth diapers changed at one time.  According to the Real Diaper Association, the event is designed to “to show the world how many people are already choosing and using reusable cloth diapers successfully.” Sounds like a great cause to us … and we’re sure all those freshly changed babies will agree!

  The Great Cloth Diaper Change began when a California woman, Judy Aagard, wanted to find a unique way to have families celebrate Earth Day. In 2011, the first event was held and a Guinness World Record was set for the most cloth diapers changed simultaneously with 5,026 participants at 127 locations in 5 countries. That’s a whole lot of clean (and happy!) bottoms!

  Ecover is looking forward to the big event in April, and we can’t wait to see if a new record is set! Good luck to all the participants … and give all those little kiddies a hug for us!

   

• Are You Hankering To See The Hunger Games? Ecover Wants To Know!

  Date: 2012.04.04 | Category: Green Media | Response: 0

  
  The Hunger Games juggernaut has landed, bringing plenty of food for thought about the future of the human condition. Based on the first book in the popular young-adult trilogy by Suzanne Collins, this action-adventure movie is set in a post-apocalyptic world, a world unleashed by forces evident today: exploitation of our resources, powerlessness, poverty, and our obsession with fame and celebrity.

  Collins’s gripping tale is about a futuristic society, split into 12 districts under brutal totalitarian rule. The Hunger Games is an annual rite that pits randomly chosen teens against one another in an immense televised battle for survival. Only one can emerge alive, relying on lethal weapons and their ability to survive in the wild. Collins has said the story was inspired when flipping channels between a reality show and a show featuring footage from the invasion of Iraq. The two “began to blur in this very unsettling way,” she said.

  The movie buffs here at Ecover see the film as a cautionary tale, while reviewers and fans alike are buzzing about everything from star Jennifer Lawrence’s archery skills to the story’s disturbing menu of dark themes. There was a frenzied early response to the movie, too: 8-plus million views of the trailer in its first 24 hours, stratospheric trending on Twitter, a spike in book sales, and an amazing worldwide total of over $214 million over its first weekend. It’s well on the way to becoming an even bigger phenomenon than Harry Potter or The Twilight movie sagas.

  The movie has generated a lot of conversation! We’d love to know what you think. How do you see our environmental future? Share your take via Facebook and Twitter!

  Photo by Murray Close via thehungergamesmovie.com

• NBC’s Today Spreads The Word About The Power Of Ecover Laundry Powder ZERO!

  Date: 2012.03.26 | Category: Green Media, News & Politics | Response: 0

  Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

  On March 19^th, Today on NBC televised an in depth piece on one of our favorite topics: getting the laundry clean! The folks at Today asked the Good Housekeeping testers to see how a variety of laundry detergents worked on a plethora of stains … and, we are pleased to announce that Ecover did amazingly well!

  As Today reported, the Good Housekeeping professionals tested a wide variety of laundry detergents on twenty different types of tough stains, including everything from gravy to lipstick to grass and blood.  After washing the stains in a variety of laundry detergents, including “one of [the] plant-based picks” Ecover Laundry Powder ZERO, the testers concluded that Ecover got the job done. “It did well!”

  During the segment, Ecover’s Laundry Powder ZERO detergent was highlighted as one of the best performers. And since people do almost 400 loads of laundry per year, this is big news. In addition to Ecover’s effectiveness, Today also noted that the testers found the laundry detergents to be effective in cold water. So, if our customers want to save energy … using cold water is another great way to start!

  Based on the Today segment, Ecover’s Laundry Powder ZERO is a top choice so we hope that more people will be interested in trying all of our powerful ecological cleaners for a clean that feels good!

   

• Ecover Thinks Don Henley’s Environmentalism Is As Inspiring As His Music

  Date: 2012.03.19 | Category: Green Media | Response: 0

  

  From his performances of “Boys of Summer” and “End of the Innocence” to all the classics he wrote and played as part of the legendary band the Eagles, Don Henley has proven to be one of music’s greatest performers. In addition to being a talented drummer, songwriter and singer, Henley is also extremely committed to environmental causes like reserving land for the enjoyment of future generations. Maybe that’s why Rolling Stone named Henley one of the most “Eco Friendly Rockers,” and Ecover couldn’t agree more. Let’s take a look.

  Don Henley founded the Walden Woods Project, working to promote and sustain the celebrated Walden Pond in Massachusetts. The project “preserves the land, literature and legacy of the quintessential American author, philosopher, and naturalist, Henry David Thoreau, to foster an ethic of environmental stewardship and social responsibility.” Thoreau wrote about the beauty of nature and of the role of man in this great universe…and of the dangers of destroying the beauty of nature. These ideals are near and dear to our hearts here at Ecover, and it’s wonderful to see someone of Henley’s stature making these efforts.

  

  A view from the Walden Woods Project

  Henley also founded the Caddo Lake Institute in Austin, Texas, where he was raised. Its mission is to protect “the ecological, cultural and economic integrity of Caddo Lake, its associated wetlands and surrounding plant and wildlife habitats.” The organization works to fund important ecological research and to protect the 26,000 acres of Texas wetland – and the state’s only natural lake. Thoreau would be proud!

  With more people like Don Henley working for the planet, future generations will always know the beauty and pleasures of nature!

  Image 1 via donhenleyonline.com
  Image 2 via Waldenwoodsproject.org

   

• Ecover Loves Foods Colored Green Naturally On St. Patrick’s Day!

  Date: 2012.03.16 | Category: Green Media | Response: 0

  

  What would St. Patrick’s Day be without a few festive green foods? Indeed, on March 17^th everything from bagels to beer is awash in Kelly Green as Americans celebrate their Irish heritage, or simply enjoy “being Irish for a day.” And while the color is certainly cheery, it is typically achieved with artificial food dyes – substances that continue to raise health concerns. Ecover takes a look at the latest research and some natural alternatives to getting your St. Patty’s cupcakes that perfect shade of green!

  Debate over artificial dyes began in the 1970’s when a pediatric allergist in California found success in treating children with hyperactivity by eliminating certain foods from their diets – including those with artificial coloring. Synthetic dyes are found in many processed foods, as well as the little vials of food coloring in our home kitchens. In 2008, The Center for Science in the Public Interest petitioned the US Food and Drug Administration to ban these artificial dyes, or add warning labels. An FDA advisory panel finally concluded that there is no proof that artificially colored foods cause hyperactivity in most children, but acknowledged that some children with behavioral problems may experience worsening symptoms after eating foods with artificial coloring.

  Another factor to consider – the environmental impact of those brilliant colors, which are derived from petroleum products. A healthier choice for your family and the planet are natural colorings that you can make yourself or purchase. The color may not be as vibrant as the fake stuff, but we say colors found in nature are prettier anyway! And this St. Pat’s day, try making treats with naturally green ingredients, such as these Madeleine cookies made with Matcha powder!

  Happy St. Patrick’s Day – and here’s to being green while going green!

  Photo by Matthew Bland via Flickr.com

• Ecover Loves Knowing Which Stars Keep Their Oscars In The Bathroom!

  Date: 2012.03.05 | Category: Green Media | Response: 0

  

  Who doesn’t love the Academy Awards – the couture gowns, the jewels, the drama … and all those shiny awards the stars tote home? This year’s event did not disappoint as The Artist  and Hugo both took home a boatload of Oscars, and Meryl Streep returned to the gold for the first time in 30 years for her performance in The Iron Lady. By the way, we think Meryl’s environmental commitment and her Lanvin dress made from eco-certified fabric are also award-winning!

  While we enjoyed this year’s broadcast, it was also fun to see blogger Michael Mackie’s recent post noting that lots of past Oscar winners display their golden statuettes in the bathroom. Hey, Ecover is certainly all for shiny bathroom fixtures! The size of the statuette – 13.5 inches tall and 8.5 pounds – does make it pretty showy for a mantle or bookshelf. And no matter how casually a winner might want to be, that 24-carat gold finish screams “look at me!” The bathroom just might be the perfect spot to store it, alongside your must-have gleam-inducing cleaning tools from Ecover (Bathroom Cleaner, Limescale Remover, Toilet Bowl Cleaner anyone?). Talk about glam star power!

  Among those who keep Oscar in the loo are Susan Sarandon, Lionel Richie, Sean Connery and Emma Thompson. Thompson told Time Magazine “They look far too outré anywhere else. They’re up there tarnishing quietly along with everything else I own, including my body.” Love her! Jodie Foster told InStyle she also kept her two “Best Actress” Oscars in the bathroom because they “looked good with the faucets,” until she noticed the bottoms starting to corrode.

  What about you? If you were taking home an Oscar, where would you put it? Let us know via Facebook or Twitter!

  Photo by Prayitno via Flickr.com