Are "Greener" Fireworks Better?

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This weekend thousands of people will gaze up into the skies to watch firework spectacles, but some researchers report that "traditional" fireworks can present health and environmental risks. So what about eco-friendly alternatives? Are they better, and do they achieve the same mouth gaping, awe-inspiring, colorful explosions?

Traditional fireworks are made up of fuel and an oxidizer, (usually perchlorate salt - an oxygen-rich chemical made up of chlorine and oxygen), both of which are toxic compounds. Put it all together, add some serious heat, and the heavy metals in the fireworks produce color. Ooo, ahhh. The entire concoction is fired into the sky using a propellant, generally gunpowder, you know...the stuff in bullets. However exciting this may sound, what goes up must also come down...into the air, nearby water and ultimately into our soil.

Scientists now know perchlorate can interfere with the way the body takes iodide into the thyroid and can disrupt the gland's regulation of metabolism. In developing fetuses and newborns, iodine (the body reduces iodide to iodine) deficiency can cause mental retardation.

Also, some of the heavy metals that make fireworks colorful may also be poisonous when heated. For example, antimony, which is sometimes used to produce the color white, can harm the lungs, heart, stomach and other organs. Barium, which provides a green hue can also be toxic to the heart and "does something really nasty to your insides and gastrointestinal tract," said Michael Hiskey, an explosive chemist and co-founder of DMD Systems, a pyrotechnic research and development company.

DMD Systems currently produces a line of fireworks that are perchlorate-free and contain about one-tenth the amount of barium used by traditional fireworks. Hiskey's formulation uses nitrocellulose as fuel and nitrates as oxidizer, thus avoiding perchlorates altogether. This reaction produces only stable gases like carbon dioxide, water, and nitrogen, cutting down considerably on the metal oxides and potassium chloride that are released from more traditional fireworks as smoke.

Because eco-friendly fireworks produce less smoke they are more visible and the colors more vibrant. Presently many theme parks and concert venues use the eco-friendly fireworks produced by DMD Systems. Whether you can expect to see them explode at a local 4th of July celebration comes down to cost and demand. Voice concerns to your local officials, and perhaps you can make a difference in your town.

Shout out in eco fashion world!!!

Jaszy's Jewelry got a mention in eco fashion world's eco-fashion guide!!

eco fashion world's goal is "to keep you green, gorgeous and growing with a comprehensive ecofashion finder of the greatest brands, shops and resources around the globe."

Look to eco fashion world for all the latest ecofashion news and reviews, designer q&a's, store profiles, launch updates, and interviews.

Thank you eco fashion world!

Amazing Natural Eye Makeup Remover!!

I’m here to tell you that I have searched and searched and…searched for an affordable, natural eye makeup remover for a long time. Just ask my husband Steve, he’d probably respond with, “Enough with the eye makeup remover already!” Anywho, I have found the perfect product that works wonders for me.

The fragrance free Chamomile & Green Tea $8.25 by EarthScience first came to me by way of an article in the March 2009 issue of body + soul magazine, Test Drive Natural Eye-Makeup Removers feature. “We tested paraben-free brands and found… Earth Science Chamomile & Green Tea Eye Makeup Remover. A great option for those with sensitive eyes, this non-greasy gel contains no artificial colors or fragrances. It helps smooth away fine lines with moisturizing vitamin E.”

An extra-gentle herbal formula made with Decyl Polyglucose, a corn derived cleanser, and Vitamin E for wrinkle prevention. Chamomile and green tea provide gentle anti-oxidant, anti-irritant protection.

I was impressed to learn that Earth Science has been in the business of making natural, paraben-free products for +25 years and still remains a family business.

“…always been guided by one principle, to try our hardest to make something special. Earth Science is a business, but it is much more than that to us. This is our creation, our craft, our profession, and we care deeply about what we do. With every product we formulate, we set out to make something that will work better than anything else out there, and then we price it fairly. We never compromise on quality.” (http://www.earthessentials.com)

Finally a beauty product that really works, contains natural ingredients, is affordable and created with integrity. Oh, yeah!

Spotlight on: Fair Trade Tagua Seeds (Ivory-nut Palm)

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Taguanut, also known as corozo nut, is the seed of the Phytelephas macrocarpa, a low South American palm. They are most abundant in the Amazon Basin of Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru. Ivory-nut palms are dioecious, with the female palms bearing clusters of large, brown fruits, the size of grapefruits or melons. Each fruit is studded with numerous woody, pointed horns and contains four or more large seeds.

The ivory palm endosperm or “tagua” have a similar density and color of elephant ivory, and have often been used as a substitute for making netsuke, scrimshaw and inlay work on furniture and boxes, beads, buttons, figurines, jewelry, and can be dyed. More recently, palm ivory has been used in the production of bagpipes.

Vegetable ivory (tagua) furthers important environmental and socioeconomic goals by stimulating the local economies, provides an alternative to cutting down rainforests for farming, and prevents elephants from being killed for the ivory in their tusks. This is a natural rain forest product that can generate five times the artisan income than banana plantations or cattle ranches. In one year a tagua palm produces the same amount of "ivory" as one female elephant. Tagua nuts are harvested by hand after the ripe fruit has detached without harming the tree.

You can find Fair Trade tagua in many Jaszy’s Jewelry designs accented with gemstones, sterling silver and gold metals.

Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tagua
http://waynesword.palomar.edu/pljan99.htm
http://www.3malliance.org/index.php?id=32

For more in-depth information, see blog post http://milenagalapagos.wordpress.com/2007/11/23/ecuadorian-tagua-nuts/

Jaszy's Jewelry on Channel 8 News with Gayle Guyardo!

It's kinda surreal to see yourself on tv and very exciting! I am thrilled that I had this opportunity and so very thankful. Yet, just as surely as the moment came my good friend SR reminded me that the work has just begun. He's right of course, but I'm gonna bask just a bit longer!

Take a gander at my interview with Gayle Guyardo!

Jaszy's Jewelry TV Debut...almost **UPDATE**

**UPDATE**

(Abundance. What can I say? What's the old adage, "When you let go, abundance appears?" Or maybe that is the teacher/master analogy. Anywho, it appears that not long after I wrote this post my tv interview aired in a prime time slot instead of the early bird special slot!!! Yeah, baby!!! So even though I haven't seen it yet, thanks Mom...it's out there. There's a chance it may air again tomorrow in the wee hours of the morning. In any event just as soon as I have access to the link you can bet your bottom nickel I'm gonna share it!)

Today I was scheduled for my television debut, an interview with one of our local news stations...yay! Well, you know show business, things did not go as planned. A little disappointed? Yes, but it's all good in the natural course of things. One of the great things about things not going according to plan is that it affords an opportunity to learn something from the experience. I'm learning humility. I'm learning to let go. My purpose on this great blue and green orb is to share my gifts, and when I can do that with an open heart, clear mind and conscience, well...who needs fame right? It's just gravy. I'm sure in time all things will go as planned, it feels good to keep my eyes on the prize in the meantime.

So, be sure to check out my vibrant new summer designs at http://www.jaszyjewelry.etsy.com.

Celebrate Mom with Eco-Fashion Gift!

What better way to celebrate Mom and honor Mother Earth than with a gift of eco-conscious jewelry!!

All jewelry now 40% Off and if that isn't enough to tempt you...for a limited time enjoy a free gift with your purchase!

Necklaces, earrings and bracelets made with Fair Trade Gems, reclaimed Sterling Silver, Fair Trade Tagua and more!

Visit http://www.jaszyjewelry.etsy.com.

For all she does, Mom deserves a special gift...give her one that gives back! A percentage of all sales benefit The Nature Conservatory.

Earthday 2009!!

Earth Day is April 22, 2009. What is Earth Day? Glad you asked...Earth Day -- April 22 -- each year marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970.

This Earth Day will mark the beginning of The Green Generation Campaign which will also be the focus of the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day in 2010. With negotiations for a new global climate agreement coming up in December.

For more info on how to join The Green Generation Campaign and to find an Earth Day event in your area, visit http://www.earthday.net/earthday2009

More than 1 billion people participate in Earth Day activities, making it the largest secular civic event in the world.

Eco-friendly Totes from Keen!

I had the pleasure of speaking with a Keen rep recently and was pleasantly surprised to learn that Keen Footwear offers stylish totes and bags made from 100% reclaimed rice paper...yeah, rice paper!

Brown rice paper is sprinkled with colorful rice bag designs for an eye-popping effect. Transition from the market to Main Street just like that!

Because of their unique nature, each item is one of a kind.

To learn more about these stylish, versatile bags and their other sustainable efforts visit, http://www.keenfootwear.com.

Eco-friendly Fashions at Target!

Yes, I was extremely excited to learn that Target...um, Tar-jay will offer a sustainable fashion line for men and women starting April 19. The Loomstate for Target collection designed by Rogan Gregory and Scott Mackinlay Hahn will feature relaxed, nature-inspired T-shirts, dresses, bikinis, shorts, skirts, and jackets using 100% certified organic cotton. Prices range from $14.99 to $44.99. This collection will be available for a limited time to act fast!

Spring 09 Eco-fashions

Green Spring Fashion 2009 is in full swing! Check out eco-friendly designs from the runways.

Take a peek with Conscious Living TV...http://vimeo.com/2587895

Be sure to visit http://www.consciouslivingtv.com for more!

eco-fashion news blogs

I found some of the webs most interesting and informative sites and blogs that I just must share with you...a couple to check out are

http://www.eco-chick.com
http://www.organicconsumers.org

Additionally I will be posting relevant stories and updates from these and other sites weekly so that you can stay current with what's new and exciting in the eco-fashion world!

be well, be positive, be present...
Jaszy