Farewell to Anita Roddick

This week, the world lost a dedicated activist and great fighter of the environment, human rights and other social causes: Anita Roddick.

Roddick, founder of The Body Shop, an international chain of cosmetics stores known for its vegetable-based products, died suddenly on Monday at the age of 64.

Roddick used her business to promote causes like ending animal testing and supporting the environment.

"Against Animal Testing," "Support Community Trade," "Activate Self-Esteem," "Defend Human Rights," and "Protect Our Planet," are the company's current slogans.

In an article published in The International Herald Tribune, England's Prime Minister Gordon Brown calls Roddick a "true pioneer."

Not only was she instrumental in banning animal testing in the production of cosmetic products, but she also was one of the first entrepeneurs to create an environmentally-conscious business.

"She campaigned for green issues for many years before it became fashionable to do so, and inspired millions to the cause by bringing sustainable products to a mass market," Brown said.

Roddick's philosophy translated into her company's products. In June of last year, The Body Shop became 100% vegetarian, offering products with all-natural ingredients, including Strawberry Body Butter, Tea Tree Facial Wash, Coconut Milk Body Lotion and Camomile Eye Make-Up Remover.

Making a green statement in a fashionable way

Today I was pleasantly surprised when I found these cute T-shirts at Target. Of course they're fashionable, but what's great about them is the fact that by wearing them, you can share with others the importance of being kind to the environment without even saying a word.

In the first picture, for instance, you find a really cute tee with the message "Recycle Today for Tomorrow." It reminds us of how crucial it is to recycle everything we can so we can help our planet by reusing and disposing properly of materials that are harmful to the environment. The shirt makes it clear that we must do this NOW if we truly want to be able to enjoy our planet in the future, and conserve it so that future generations get to enjoy it as well.

In the second picture, you can also see another cute T-shirt, this one with a great phrase that reads "Green is Good."

On the other hand, the bottom picture shows two other T-shirts that also contain inspiring phrases and/or images. By wearing them, you can share with others the importance of recycling by wearing, for instance, the T-shirt on the right, which features the international recycling symbol. On the left, you can also see the one where Kermit the Frog asks that you to "Stay Green". (In case you can't find this last one, look in the Lingerie department since there is also a sleepshirt with the same design).

By the way, all these shirts are made of 100% cotton and only cost $9.99!

Check them out and wear these or any other shirts with eco-friendly messages so you can spread the green message and "pass on the green."

P.S. Sorry guys, but I have not found shirts with similar messages for men. But don't worry, as soon as I do, I'll post them as well. Keep checking back!

Instant messaging your way to a better planet

Everyone IM's nowadays, so why not contribute to helping the planet while you're at it?

Thanks to i'm, a new initiative from Windows Live Messenger, you actually can.

The way the program works is this: every time you use Windows instant messaging service, Microsoft will share a portion of the service's ad revenue to the cause of your choice. Among your options, the initiative to "help explore and protect the planet" by choosing the Sierra Club. You can also help increase awareness and join the fight against global warming by choosing StopGlobalWarming.org.

Of course, the environment is not the only one that needs our help, so you can also choose among other organizations dedicated to causes of great importance, among them the American Red Cross and UNICEF. And the great thing is, you don't have to feel like once you've chosen a cause you can't help out another that might interest you. Actually, if you like, you can switch back and forth between the causes dearest to your heart by making the appropriate selection whenever you begin a new conversation (I tried it out myself so I know it works!).

This is what you need to do:

1. Download the Windows Live Messenger instant messenger service.
   
2. Before initiating a conversation, choose the cause of your choice next to your Display Name.


3. Start your conversation. While you chat with your friends or family members, you'll be contributing to the issue that is of most importance to you. Every conversation counts!
   

For more details, visit the i'm page and start making a difference!