We like to support local farmers and American ingenuity. According to a recent report from the Organic Trade Association (OTA), American farmers are increasing their investment in organic cotton. In 2010, U.S. farms cultivated 11,827 acres of organic cotton. In 2011, they planted even more, and experts expect farmers to continue increasing the acres devoted to organic cotton in 2012.
Unfortunately, the drought in Texas and Oklahoma meant that American farmers didn’t harvest as many bales of organic cotton in 2011 as they did in 2010. However, recent weather reports suggest that the drought may break this year. If it does, 2012 will be a record year for American organic cotton production. In addition, farmers outside the Southwest have begun to plant organic cotton – North Carolina harvested its first crop in 2011. The future looks bright for American-grown organic cotton, and I’m glad that I’ll have more opportunities to support domestic growers with my work.
0 Comments
By Lin Merage
Presently, many cosmetic companies use chemicals in their products that may be harmful to your health. According to the Director of Friends of the Earth, some lipsticks contain lead and many shampoos include formaldehyde. Although these ingredients appear in trace amounts, consumer advocates believe that they can contribute to long-term health problems. In 2012, Johnson & Johnson announced that it would shift product recipes to eliminate these potentially toxic chemicals over the next two years. The company also pledged to remove these chemicals from baby products before 2013. Consumer advocates continue to advise customers to research their bath and beauty products rigorously. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics maintains a website that lists all chemicals of concern and sponsors a "Compact for Safe Cosmetics" that companies can sign as a testament to their products’ safety. About the author: Sustainability Entrepreneur Lin Merage offers a wide array of organic cosmetic, bath, and spa products. Since 2004, Lin Merage has provided customers with healthier alternatives to traditional products. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 700,000 children across the United States were victims of abuse or neglect during 2010. Nearly 80 percent were under the age of 4, and 80 percent had been abused by a parent. Nearly 1,800 children died as a result of abuse.
Founded in 1972, The Kempe Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect is named for Dr. C. Henry Kempe, a tireless researcher and advocate for children. Since its founding, the center has become a world leader in the protection of and advocacy for children. Part of the University of Colorado School of Medicine’s Department of Pediatrics, The Kempe Center performs diagnostic evaluations of victims, provides comprehensive treatment for children and their families, researches and implements new programs, and advocates for changes in public policy. It also trains professionals such as social workers, doctors, and teachers to help abused children while supporting positive parenting skills. Donors can support this deserving program through online or by-mail donations or by sponsoring or attending fundraising events hosted throughout the year. Lin Merage, Chief Executive Officer and Business Manager of Sol Né, contributes to The Kempe Center. In addition, she runs a foundation that provides financial support for students with special needs. |
AuthorA longtime advocate for sustainable living, Lin Merage currently serves as the CEO of Nature-In-Sync Real Estate, a company that retrofits buildings and homes using a variety of green and non-toxic materials. Archives
November 2022
|