Non Toxic Vision

Domini Social Investments

A few days ago I met with my financial advisor to talk about my current 401(K). While going through their portfolio of funds and investments I found one Socially Responsible Fund. Of course I was immediately interested in it and asked more detailed questions. Turns out they only put it in "to have in their portfolio". The fund consists of underperforming stocks - so the message to me would be - don't bother looking into SRI. This is outragous. After doing some research I found Domini Social Investments - founded by Amy Domini about 20 years ago (this is thinking ahead) this fund did very well in the past. She and her partners also established a research firm Kinder, Lydenberg, Domini & Co. Today Domini Social Investments holds about 1,9 billion USD in assets. So when it comes to the next check-up of your investments - check it out.

Amazingly sexy bamboo fashion

BTC Elements provides sustainable products that are high quality and stylish, inspiring consumers to create an earth friendly and socially conscious lifestyle. We strive to channel the power of the consumer into a path that creates broad prosperity for the shopper, the producer, and the environment. This labes offers great fashion for women, men & baby as well as accessories and home design. My favorite: Bamboo Ring Gown by Kelly Barry. Congratulations! www.btcelements.com

Plastic Water Bottles

Did you know that 1,5 million barrels of petroleum go into the production of the 38 billion plastic water bottles Americans toss every year? So water filter and container producers are jumping on the green bandwagon. Nestle (owner of Arrowhead, Poland Spring and Ice Mountain), Coca-Cola (Dasani Water) and Pepsi Co (Aquafina) are now trying to find ways to cut 30 % of plastic usage, using smaller labels or introducing a cap that can be recycled....well all good efforts. I still do not understand why we must buy bottled water, that is according to consumer group findings in Aquafina's case just purified tap water?? Wouldn't it be a lot easier to just purify it at home and refill existing plastic containers. I do it all the time - it saves money and petroleum. So please do not buy into every fad out there - most of it is just smart marketing.

Ripples by Toyo Ito

This is one of my favorite benches of all times. The japanese architect created this multilayered solid natural wood of different types and colors. The profiles of the seats are reminiscent of anatomical shapes of people of various statures - men and women, robust and skinny, old and young - an entire universe of shapes that come together. Once you find "your" spot you don't want to leave - it is utterly comfortable and relaxing. Only 99 pieces were made, which are signed by the designer. Check out the entire Toyo Ito collection, which now also includes single seats and tables at www.horm.it