Go Green Expo | Jao Packs The POW!

Gale Mayron, alongside her father David, have unlocked the ancient secrets of Roman conquerors to ward off evil spirits and keep clean and moisturized at the same time. Jao is a line of bath and body products that uses no dyes, petroleum or artificial fragrances. I've used the moisturizer and hand-sanitizer for about a year now and have never looked back. This stuff lasts a long time because very little goes a long way. There is no dry, sticky feeling or chemical aroma. Clean doesn't have to feel that way : )

I could go on and on about the blissful scent of eucalyptus in this product, but I'll let Gale share her two-cents. Check out the video below and watch me cure my ashy elbows while Gale shares the story behind Jao.

Find Jao Products at a store near you.

Go Green Expo | KABS Electric Bicycles

I was introduced to KABS Electric Bicycles by Tai Ajani at NYC's Go Green Expo 2010. KABS are hybrid electric bicycles that allow you to commute to work and run errands around town with a single charge of the 10Amp 48Volt onboard battery. You'll be able to travel 40miles per charge at break-neck speeds of 20MPH. - The average person travels 33.4miles/day.

Find more electric bikes and mobility HERE.

Going Green, A Crappy Situation

Go Green Expo Entry 1: Mr. Ellie Pooh

This beautiful display caught my eye at the Go Green Expo.

This paper company is taking fare-trade to the next level. They have created fantastic stationary and books for the Eco-Masses. What's even more enticing is the story behind the paper. "These products are 100% handcrafted, 100% recycled, 75% dung but most of all, 100% fun." Yes, you read correctly; 75% dung - elephant pooh to be precise. Elephant pooh, pooh being the technical term, is a prime candidate for extracting paper because elephants eat such a healthy and fibrous diet.

Buying paper products from Mr. Ellie Pooh supports the jobs and families of the workers who make the paper in Sri Lanka.

Check out the media below for more information on the PPP (Poop Paper Process).

Mr. Ellie Pooh

Go Tufts Jumbos!

Leave It Better Than You Found It...

Do you remember playing with Legos in first grade or being in an elementary school art class? I'm still in that environment, but that's not the point : ) In these wonder years, your parents and teachers tried to instill in you a sense of responsibility for the things you used and the spaces you were in. "You should always leave it better than you found it!" my granny would say.

I think that meme still rings true today in a different way. As adults, we need to unclutter our lives, "empty our backpacks" - Gotta see Up In The Air.

But Steve, how do we do this? (@marquesstewart)

I have no idea, but I have found some inspiring examples of people trying to live simply while having minimal impact on the planet. They not only clean up their rooms, but they clean up their community and in-turn, the world we live in. I found it fitting that I plug the documentary, No Impact Man. This is the story of Colin Beavan's, no impact, family project. I appreciate this film because it shoes both extreme consumption and environmentalism while inciting a discussion on finding a middle ground.

I'm not expert, and certainly don't want to impose lifestyles on anyone. I take these examples and draw from them the greater habits that are involved in using less. I wouldn't give advice that I wouldn't follow myself, so my fiance and I will be working on doing our own impact experiment. It can be something as simple as no television for a week then gradually incorporating things like candles, instead of lights. I don't know what the best scenario is for you, but every bit makes a difference. Eliminating the extras or distractions may encourage family interactions that you never thought possible.

10 Things You Can Do

We don't have to throw our televisions out the window and make butter at home to reduce our impact, but in the process, you may learn to appreciate the nuances of your environment. - The rare glimmer of a star you may see through the haze of New York City's night sky.

Join others in the 1Week No Impact Experience

No Impact Man Trailer

Back Where I Started...

Go Green Expo 2010!

Biome+you has come full circle this year. The Eco Skeptic and I attended this year's events in full force. The venue, Pier 92 NYC, was host to several star-studded guest speakers; the likes of Ed Begley Jr and Mariel Hemmingway. There was also a showcase of young innovators who I will be highlighting in coming posts.

Stay glued to this site and feel free to share your eco-story here by emailing info@biomeandyou.com!

LEED the Way!

The countdown begins...

I'm taking my LEED GA (Green Associate) Exam next Saturday. The path to Greendom is tough, and cramming is not the way.

I took an amazing Everblue Energy prep course that provided me with all the tools necessary for building green. I'm buckling down and studying while balancing some other green projects (that will remain unnamed for the moment).

Stay tuned for more updates, including snippets from New York City's Go Green Expo 2010.

"There is a sufficiency in the world for man's need but not for man's greed."

~Mohandas K. Gandhi