Mambo Sprouts

Do you travel over the holidays? Some families do so annually, which makes sense, given that most of us get some vacation time in late December. And many great travel deals are offered through sites like www.go-today.com and www.funjet.com.

Also, as December is a chilly affair in much of the nation, it’s no surprise that a sunny destination might be tempting. And certainly, many families visit relatives in other areas for shared celebrations. Whatever your reason for holiday travel, how can you make it as safe and stress-free as possible?

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Many people working hard all year look forward to an annual vacation. However, green-minded individuals may worry about their carbon footprint when traveling. This is a consciousness we all must have, since nearly one billion tourists travel around the world each year, making for an extraordinary level of carbon emissions. So, how can you reconcile a planet-friendly mindset with your wish to enjoy that well-deserved vacation? Fear not, you can still create memorable adventures with these eco-travel tips:

Consider a “staycation”

While you might dream of foreign cultures, vacationing closer to home has many benefits. Not only will you use fewer resources, you’ll also save money. And you may realize you have an untapped wealth of possibilities right in your own backyard. You can either visit a nearby city for cultural events, or seek out natural settings close to you for wine tasting, hiking, biking, camping, kayaking, etc. You have a great opportunity to make some exciting discoveries in your own general vicinity while minimizing your impact on the earth. Read the rest of this entry »

When many of us celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day, we are not only remembering Saint Patrick, but the country in which his story takes place – Ireland! Shamrocks, the popular image of clover leaves, and other green decorations fill the day’s celebrations. Anyone who can claim a drop of Irish blood proudly wears “Kiss Me, I’m Irish” somewhere – a button or tee shirt. Potato-based dishes, cabbage and corned beef are on many menus this day.

Considering what green means to us, we’ll be celebrating another aspect of Ireland this month. We’re celebrating the country’s choices to protect the integrity of its beautiful land and waters. Check out these four wonderful ways that Ireland is green!

What happened to all the plastic?

Ireland, also known as The Emerald Isle for its many shades of green, has made a bold move to end the widespread use of plastic bags – and it worked! Ireland’s government started charging a tax of 33 cents per bag back in 2002 and saw a 94% drop in plastic bag use within weeks! Who would have ever thought that it could be so easy? Talk about instant green gratification!

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Even if you don’t have easy access to sand and surf, these books can keep you company while you relax in your backyard or on your roof top deck.

Cleaning Green:
Clean House Clean Planet by Karen Logan
Keeping a sparkling clean home doesn’t have to mean saturating it with harmful chemicals. Keep your home and everyone in it (not to mention the planet) as healthy as you can with this guide to natural housekeeping. The Shopping List on page 39 is especially helpful. Instead of producing a headache-inducing chemical smell, these methods will result in a refreshed environment inside your home and beyond.

If this was already on your book club list, try: Organic Housekeeping by Ellen Sandbeck Read the rest of this entry »

It’s National Outdoors month and whether you are going camping with the family, hiking with friends or shipping your kids off to camp, here are some of Mambo’s favorite eco-friendly outdoor gear that you shouldn’t leave home without!

Don’t forget to enter to win this month’s giveaway! (scroll down to the bottom of this post for more details)

Item: Eco-Gear Backpack

Why we love it:

• Made of planet-friendly organic cotton, PVC-free materials, recycled plastics and toxic-free dyes and components. Click here to learn about the dangers of PVC.
• It’s tough enough to handle any hike, run or walk without being tough on the environment.
• Visit www.ecogear-products.com to find the Eco-Gear Snow Leopard Backpack for $79.99 each (FYI – We just saw it on sale for $49.99!).

Personally recommended by: Christine (Mambo’s Production Coordinator a.k.a. Facebook Fanatic) “I bought this backpack because not only was it earth friendly but comfortable as well.  The padded straps make it so comfortable to hike around in. I also love that it has slots for my MP3 player and water bottle.”

Item: Merrell Shoes

Why we love it:

• Super comfortable and incredibly durable.
• Merrell believes in encouraging and equipping everyone to get outside. They support organizations that share their mission to increase participation in the outdoors –especially among children.
• Uses recycled material and synthetic fibers that eliminate harmful chemicals.
• Prices vary. Find them online at http://www.merrell.com

Personally recommended by: Kim (Mambo’s Sales Advisor a.k.a. Unofficial Health Informant) “Merrell shoes rock. I walked for 7 1/2 hours when I was 7 month’s pregnant in my Merrell’s and my feet still felt great at the end of the day. If I could do that, Merrells can hang with any kid this summer!”

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Whether you’re planning a trip around the world or a weekend getaway, you’ll want your best skin to shine through in all of your amazing vacation photos. Follow these four easy tips for a clean complexion while traveling.

Tip #1: Stick to the basics

It’s easy to let the excitement of a new destination distract you from your normal skincare routine.  Your skin may be the last thing on your mind while vacationing.  If so, it can be the first thing you’ll think of when problems such as breakouts occur.  Skin looks its best when you stick with a basic maintenance routine: cleansing, toning and moisturizing.

Try these products for fuss free skincare:
Kaia Bamboo Cleansing Cloths (3 in 1 product-eye makeup remover, facial cleanser and toner) www.kaianaturals.com, Angel Face Botanicals Adzuki and Green Tea Cleansing Grains, these grains travel well and offer light exfoliation. www.angelfacebotanicals.com

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Global warming is the gradual increase of the Earth’s temperature. Carbon dioxide emissions are one of the main reasons that our planet is warming. The United States accounts for over 6 million tons of C02 emissions each year. That’s a daunting statistic. But we can be the ones that take charge and save the environment for future generations. Carbonfund.org agrees, which is why they created their non-profit organization to help offset carbon emissions.

Here’s how it works:

Step One – Reduce: The first step is do reduce your C02 emissions as much as you can and offset what you can’t

Step Two – Calculate and Contribute: Using their nifty C02 calculator, carbonfund.org helps you figure out how much C02 emissions your guilty for, and the calculator spits out a dollar amount. You can contribute that amount, or just select a preset donation amount.

Step Three – Offset: Carbonfund.org will use your dollar to support their carbon-reducing projects such as renewable energy, energy efficiency and reforestation projects.

Mambo Sprouts understands the significance and importance of carbonfund.org. That’s why we’re an official partner. We offset the carbon emissions from our staff commutes, as well as each Go Mambo! tour. So far, we’ve offset 7.3 tons of C02 in 2008!

Click here to find out how you, your business, or organization can offset your carbon emissions. You can even offset the emissions from your wedding!

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the United States is making great strides in air pollution, and we are in much better shape than we were several years ago. In fact, it would take 20 of today’s new cars to release the same amount of emissions from a 1960 model. And over the past four years, over 100,000 hybrid cars have been purchased! That being said, Mother Earth still needs our help. Follow these simple tips, and if everyone pitches in, we’ll be in even better shape in a few years than we are today!

1. Purchase a hybrid car.

Hybrid vehicles reduce emissions and improve gas mileage. Check out the Yahoo! Green Center to find the most environmentally friendly models. www.autos.yahoo.com/green_center.com Other perks of owning a hybrid include tax credits and hybrid only parking spots!

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