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Written by Jessica Meehan
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Tuesday, 27 May 2008 |
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 So this may not interest all Locallectuals (namely those who are not Oprah fans or those who really, really love meat), but Oprah Winfrey recently started a 21 day vegan cleanse. Maybe some of you are rolling your eyes at “those crazy veg heads” but as a vegetarian myself, I can say that a) not all of us are hippie, granola types (look at celebrity vegetarians Pamela Anderson and Carrie Underwood) and b) it’s an awesome lifestyle choice!
Now my girl Oprah (yes I’m a lifelong Oprah fan...roll your eyes here if you must) is only doing a cleanse, but I will say after becoming a vegetarian almost two years ago (August 4th to be exact). I have felt healthier and had more energy than I’ve ever had. And so far, Oprah seems to be agreeing. Check her blog to read her comments on her journey, including ones about her abundant energy and how filling and hearty a vegan diet can be.
So, maybe you’re asking, what does this have to do with Locallectual? A lot of things actually. If you’re concerned with reducing your carbon footprint, as many Locallectuals are, you can do so by becoming a vegetarian, and reduce it even more by becoming a vegan. Research conducted at the University of Chicago has calculated that an average human carnivore emits 1.5 ton more CO2 per year than than their herbivore counterparts (I know, big biology words here). This article from the UK’s The Independent paper offers another’s experiment with a vegan diet. While Oprah chose to give veganism a try in pursuit of spiritual and dietary discipline, Emma Rubach chose a month of veganism for ecological reasons. Her article offers lots on insight into what it’s like to go vegan without a personal chef (we can’t all afford this kind of experience, O), and though she ultimately decided that she wasn’t ready to go that way (I relate to her personal struggle to give up cheese), she does see the advantages for the planet.
Plus, being a vegetarian is cheaper than being a meat eater from my personal experience. AND there's not as much room for sketchiness in processing of the food because well, hopefully there isn't much processing at all!
So obviously being a vegetarian is great, but if you're scared to take the plunge what should you do? Check out VegCooking for their advice on making the transition. Let me know how it goes for you, because it's changed my life and the planet's as well!
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Written by Jessica Meehan
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Tuesday, 20 May 2008 |
It’s really only been in the past few decades that outsourcing manufacturing to countries that can produce for less has become the standard for American companies as well as European ones as well. Many companies, especially toy companies, you can safely assume outsource their manufacturing. But consumers need to be especially aware of companies that are iconic for their domestic roots and double check their “Made in” labels. It’s these companies that, although not necessarily hiding where they manufacture, may be hoping you will purchase their products based on their reputation for being a domestic institution and not even bother to glance at their label.
So it’s pop quiz time ladies and gentlemen. Of this list of companies, guess which ones are domestic manufacturers:
C and C California
New Balance
Vermont Teddy Bear
Coach
Sterlite
Frye Boots
Burberry
So let’s start at the top:
C & C California: C & C is a company on the younger side, that grew especially popular for it’s light airy fabrics and creamy colors that embodied the California lifestyle. They came (and still do) with a hefty price tag but many justified it (including me) because all their pieces were made in the US. Well sad news, but C & C has recently begun outsourcing some of their production! If asked why, I’m sure they would give you the same answer many companies would - that American manufacturers couldn’t keep up with the demand and that they couldn’t keep their prices competitive if they continued to manufacture domestically. Tisk tisk.
New Balance: Don’t be fooled by the American flag and “U.S.A.” found on New Balance’s shoes. Many of their shoes are made in China, or say something about being made in the US of Chinese parts. Not as American as they would lead you to believe, hmmmm? While New Balance does have American factories and employ many, many American workers, they do outsource a great deal of their production.
Vermont Teddy Bear: Most stuffed animals are made overseas, generally in Asian factories, so you can assume that these teddy bears are too, right? Wrong! Vermont Teddy Bear makes high quality teddies that will survive your children and probably theirs as well. They are all made in Vermont and they have styles to choose from, plus you can custom design a bear with the fur colors you want. They make great lifelong gifts for occasions when you would generally send flowers (I have a bear from my Grams I got when I graduated high school).
Coach: My mom was shocked when I told her Coach, known for its American crafted leather pieces, was now outsourcing to China. Their website and literature included in their bags all discuss their tradition of fine American craftsmanship, but now sadly, its fine Chinese craftsmanship. While still a well made product, Coach’s increase in popularity has lead to the outsourcing of their product.
Sterlite: Sterlite containers are items we run across daily, many times without even noticing. And you can buy them at almost every store under the sun, including big chains like Wal Mart, CVS, and Kroger. So because they’re plastic, abundant, and available at big,evil stores like Wal-Mart they have to be produced abroad. Nope! Sterlite has always been an American manufacturer and make their plastics in Massachusetts. So look at the label before just grabbing any old plastic container off the shelf. Rubbermaid-imported. Sterlite-domestic.
Frye Boots: Frye Boots is another iconic, American leather company like Coach. However while a good amount of their boots and shoes are made still in the United States, some are outsourced to Mexico. But Frye is a company you have to check the label on closely. You can’t assume that all boots are made in Mexico and all sandals are made in the US...there really is no pattern or formula, that I’ve found to their manufacturing practices. It’s just something you’re gonna have to read up on. Sorry.
Burberry: To many, the Burberry plaid is as English as the Union Jack, but the once 100% English company is now outsourcing lots of manufacturing of their line to, surprise, China. It’s just American companies that see the shortcuts outsourcing abroad presents, but European counterparts as well.
So as you can see that you can’t really go on what you think you know, or with the information that companies wave in your face. You have to sometimes do you own investigative work, or of course you could talk to the Locallectuals and learn what companies truly align with your shopping ideals.
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Written by Jessica Meehan
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Monday, 19 May 2008 |
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It’s mid May and I.am.ready.for.SUMMER! I’ve retired my daily uniform of jeans for my more comfortable one of sundresses. And don’t think in all my excitement I’ve forgotten you! Oh no no! I thought I’d share some of my favorite Locallectual companies that can add to your summer fun and relaxation without compromising your dedication to locally produced goods.
First off, put that J.Crew catalog away! There are numerous designers making wonderful, sexy swimsuits domestically. L Space, Lisa Curran Swimwear, Asha Couture, and Fabucci are among the Locallectual companies that make fashion-forward swimwear. One of my new favorite companies however, is Jungle Gurl . Jungle Gurl is a swimwear line started by a former model who uses vintage clothing and fabric she’s gathered from her travels around the world to make one of a kind swimsuits. So you can steer clear of seeing someone else on the beach in your suit and help the planet by wearing repurposed materials. If you not up for paying upwards of $100 for a swimsuit, then check out American Apparel for more great options. If, like most of us, you are not built like a model then consider the designs of Michigan company, Exelnt Designs Swimwear . They make a variety of designs to flatter all shapes and sizes.
For the little ones, check out Flap Happy and Fishskins. Flap Happy ’s signature item is their floppy sun hat, a sun essential for all little ones. They have expanded their line to include swimsuits and some clothing as well. Fishskins makes great rash guard type suits for children so you can protect your kids from the sun and the chill of the ocean.
Now that you’re all suited up, don’t forget the sunscreen! Check out Locallectual companies Goddess Garden and Juice Beauty for organic sun protection.
We’re adding more companies everyday so keep checking back for more companies that will make your summer time living easy. Jess
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Written by Jessica Meehan
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Sunday, 04 May 2008 |
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 I'm not that far out of college, so I feel especially passionate about the topic I'm blogging on- the shortage of hops and why it's important to support your local brewery. The global food crisis and rising oil costs are being felt across the globe, making rice, bananas, and now, hops, more expensive to secure. Hops availabilty is at its lowest point, some say, in 25 years and this shortage is putting a strain on microbreweries across the country, who have built their businesses around their flavorful,"hopsy" brews. Boston.com a few months ago published an article illustrating how the low supply of hops has affected area brewers, including the nationally known beers of the Samuel Adams Brewing Company.Sam Adams sponsors a home brewer's competition annually, with a prize of having your beer produced and distrubuted nationally. However, the company was unable to recreate the 2007's winning brew due to the lack of availabilty of one of the hops called for in the recipe. Sad, isn't it?
Smaller producers have been hit harder since they can not as easily estimate and order in advance their needed hops, causing them to have to buy at the inflated prices. Some Boston brewers have said that the cost of a pint will probably go up to cover the increase of manufacturing prices, although they admit their first step will to be less generous with the hops when brewing. Why is there such a shortage? Well like every other food commodity, fuel and transportation costs are going up, making it much more expensive and costly to secure the staple beer ingredient. The American Northwest, a region known for its hops farms (a fact I learned about 10 minutes ago), has been hit hard by rising costs and wealthy investors who have bought them out and turned their farms into gated communities. So perhaps the beer will stop flowing so freely at your friendly neighborhood dive bars and frat houses. But I doubt it. But you still might having a bigger tab at the end of a night than you expected (or remembered...but that might happen anyways). If you want to help your local brewery out and make sure they don't feel the sting more than they have to, check out the site, Beer Advocate , and their article on why to buy local. Beer, that is. Among some of their great reasons, are that domestic beers more than likely cost less than foreign brews, plus they will taste fresher. And I don't know about you, but after 4 years in college, I've had more than enough stale beer, so I'm definitely going to pay more attention to what I'm sipping on, and make sure it's from closer to home. Jess
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Written by Jessica Meehan
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Friday, 02 May 2008 |
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The Go Green Expo in New York was a great experience for the Locallectuals. We met many people that were excited about the site, as well as meeting many people who were doing things that got us really excited and inspired. AND we met lots of Locallectuals and Locallectuals in the making! Here are some of my favorites: Doggie Hair Products: Lani makes great natural, mostly organic (something like 60-70%) dog shampoos, conditioners, and other canine beauty products. The best part is that they are 100% DOMESTIC! They try to source ingredients and packaging as close to South Carolina as possible (that's where they products are made and shipped from). AND they also try to source their packaging pieces from as few producers as possible to help reduce their carbon footprint. Plus, the people behind Lani are friendly and knowledgable. If I had a dog (I plan on getting one soon), they will be Lani dogs. Sail Away: Ella Vickers makes tote bags, computer bags, travel bags, and purses out of old sailboat sails. If you're a fan of the preppy, nautical look, or big, bold colors (I bought an amazing tote in UVa's colors of orange and blue with a "J" on it!), then these recycled bags are for you. Ella's bags are made on the North Carolina coast where she has lived all her life enjoying the surf and sand. I met Ella in the flesh and think that not only are her products awesome but so is she! Ride Amigos: Ride Amigos is a web tool that allows users to arrange cab carpooling to airports, events, etc. It helps you save money, cut down on pollution, and meet new friends! These are a mere few of the over 250 businesses that had booths at the expo. Everyone was great and I definitely think you should check out the Go Green site and the list of exhibitors. I will be jetting away again on Sunday, but don't cry for me, I'm going to Paris! I will be enjoying the City of Lights and researching all the great French manufacturers out there, as well as hopefully recruit some French Locallectuals! Au revoir! Jess
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