Josie Maran isn’t just a pretty face. She’s also a savvy, Earth-loving businesswoman with her own line of luxury eco-friendly cosmetics. Josie Maran Cosmetics are all made without parabens, fragrances, petrochemicals or animal testing. Plus, every piece of packaging is either biodegradable or recyclable. Check out Josie’s gorgeous Argan Cream Blush, which gives your cheeks a glow of sheer, even color; $22, JosieMaranCosmetics.com.
Urban Flair
Hip, functional and green-minded? Say it ain’t so! The Urban Backpack Collection from German outdoor gear gurus Vaude combines a sensible, convenient organization with recycled materials and style. The collection ranges from 15-24 liters of carrying space, and includes pockets for mp3 players, a detachable hipbelt, a Vent Text suspension system and reflective safety piping. Vaude has partnered with the World Wildlife Foundation as well as the European Outdoor Conservation Association; Vaude.com.
Pure H20
When you think rain, you probably don’t associate it with drinking water. That’s going to change thanks to WaterPure international. I had the pleasure of getting a behind-the-scenes look at this new eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to the old and outdated home bottled-water contraption. This state-of-the-art water maker actually just recreates what happens naturally and is 100% free of chemicals and toxins. I also had the opportunity to taste it, and it is by far the best-tasting water I’ve had. Not only does this product completely eliminate the need for plastic bottles — which is a huge biodegradable problem around the world — but it also makes water from air as opposed to our contaminated and unsafe drinking water. But rather than focus on the negative, let’s pay attention to why WaterPure is the purest and best way to get your water. The company is based locally and their product is made in the USA; They provide lease options and a 3-year parts & labor warranty; They use their own patented WaterPureZone Ozonation for 100% carcinogen-free water; The unit purifies and dehumidifies room air; They can make the unit completely customizable for businesses (logo, colors, etc.); It alleviates worry about questionable drinking water and is cost effective, making 7-10 gallons of water a day. Best of all, it lowers your carbon footprint by way of less trips to the store for bottled water, reusing air for drinking water and taking delivery trucks off the road that would otherwise be delivering water to you and local stores. The system is also low-maintenance and the water tastes purely magnificent. To find out more on the company or to order, visit WaterPureInternational.com.
› Born and raised in Miami, Mary Keel is the founder of 305green.com, a local green web-based business directory. Mary and the crew at 305green.com believe that the more green businesses there are, the more sustainable our community.
“Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s need, but not every man’s greed.”
— Mahatma Gandhi
Ink Wise
That ink or toner cartridge doesn’t look like it takes up much landfill space, but manufacturing a new one actually creates 2.5 lbs. of metal and plastic waste. Save money and the planet by recycling them.
Great Idea
Incandescent bulbs only use 10% of the energy they draw to create light. The rest simply turns into heat. Replace those old bulbs with energy-efficient alternatives. Your electric bill will thank you.
Step Out
Did you know that an estimated 25% of car trips are for distances of less than 2 miles? Think how much healthier both you and the planet would be if you walked or biked those short distances instead!
