HEMP - IT'S WHAT'S FOR DINNER (and skin care and supplements and ...loin cloths?)

    Hemp.  For most people that word represents only one thing - think Cheech and Chong.  But industrial hemp is becoming a big player in the green products arena with over 25,000 different applications!  Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L. subspecies sativa) is bred to maximize fiber, seed and oil.  Marijuana (Cannabis sativa L. subspecies indica) maximizes THC (delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol) the primary psychoactive ingredient. 

    Industrial hemp is a very durable product that is produced by the Cannabis plant.  Cannabis, in all of its strains, is one of the fastest growing plants known, which qualifies it as a renewable resource. 

    Hemp is naturally resistant to most pests, precluding the need for pesticides. It grows tightly spaced, choking out weeds, so herbicides are not necessary.  Hemp can be used in clothing as an alternative to cotton, which is usually grown with massive amounts of chemicals harmful to people and the environment. It can also be pulped using less chemicals than wood and the long fibers allow the paper to be recycled several times more than wood-based paper.

    Hemp oil is the richest known source of polyunsaturated essential fatty acids (the "good" fats). It's quite high in some essential amino acids, including gamma linoleic acid (GLA), a very rare nutrient also found in mother's milk.  Here are a few thing you may not know about hemp:

The version of the Declaration of Independence released on July 4, 1776 was written on hemp.

George Washington and Thomas Jefferson both grew hemp.

Benjamin Franklin operated a paper mill that used hemp.

The original Levi Strauss jeans were made from hemp.

Until 1883, 75-90% of all paper in the U.S. was made with hemp.

 In 1941 Henry Ford built a car with a plastic parts made from hemp and wheat straw.

In 1942 the U.S. government strongly encouraged hemp cultivation to help with the war effort, going so far as to produce a film entitled “Hemp For Victory“.

Robes for Buddhist Monks and loincloths for Sumo Wrestlers are made from hemp.

    Today cereals, milk, cream, butter, supplements, sunscreen, diapers, clothing, carpets, construction materials, paper products, diesel lubricants and thousands of other products are made with hemp, either as the primary ingredient or an additive.  

    We have found some great hemp products that are available on RUNKA.com.  Take a look and check back often - we are searching for more all the time!

IT'S SPRING! Time to Plant with the Environment in mind

    It's Spring and that means it's time to garden.  We all want to make wise environmental choices in every area of our lives and gardening is no different.  In our search for eco friendly products we found something that is a 100% natural alternative to peat based soil mixes.  Peat moss is taken from peat bogs and these bogs take thousands of years to develop.  It also takes them many years to recover and, subsequently, peat is not a renewable resource.

     Coco Garden Coco Fiber is a 100-Percent natural eco-friendly alternative to peat based potting mixes. Coco Garden Coco Fiber is a completely renewable resource made from 100-Percent natural recycled fibers of the coconut husk. Coco Fiber's micro sponge effect dramatically increases the water retention of soil and improves aeration, ensuring optimal root growth and maximum water and nutrient uptake for lawn grasses and container and garden plants. Coco Fiber is excellent for use as a seed starter, planting seedlings and transferring plants. It can also be added to dry soil conditions to improve water retention and also for soils high in clay to improve aeration and root growth. When compared to conventional potting mixes compressed coco fiber lasts longer, requires significantly less packaging material and has a lower shipping weight and volume which greatly reduces its impact on the planet. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               One 1.43-Pound (650-Gram) brick makes 2-2.5-Gallon (8-9l) of potting medium

• Sponge effect boosts water and nutrient retention
• Reduces odor improves decomposition
• Prevents the leaching of valuable compost nutrients
• Dimensions: 4" H x 8" W x 2" D

• One 3.7-Ounce (105-Gram) disc makes 2-Quart (1.89l) of potting medium
• Dimensions: 0.75" H x 3.75" W x 3.75" D

    We have tried this product it works great.  If you have used it let us know how you like it; if not go to RUNKA.com, give it a try and let us know what you think.  Happy eco friendly gardening!

SOLMATE SOCKS - What Is A Recycled Sock and Do I Want One?

    Well, actually, you don't want one sock - you want two.  But, as we all know, socks seem to have a mind of their own.  They get lost in the dryer or the sock drawer and we end up matching them with a different sock or not wearing them at all.  Then RUNKA came upon Solmate Socks and found that no two of their socks are alike!  You can lose, misplace or mismatch as many Solmate Socks as you want and still have a pair!  They look and feel great and are all made out of recycled cotton!  As you could imagine RUNKA fell in love with them.

                                                                   

                                             The genius behind this particular brand of madness is Marianne Wakerlin, the Socklady of Vermont and here is her story.  We really like her line "mismatched with care".

Marianne Wakerlin, the Socklady is the founder and owner of Solmate Socks. The company is named after her mom, Sunny, who taught Marianne how to knit when she was nine years old. Marianne continued a life long enthusiasm for knitting, but it wasn't until she started knitting socks that her real passion was born.

                   

 Over the years Marianne knit over one hundred pairs of socks for family and friends. She then decided to turn her hobby into a business and in the year 2000 Solmate Socks was born. Her colorful and complex patterns are knit in the USA at a family owned knitting mill, hand finished and then "mismatched with care."

The company is run in a small town in central Vermont, where the Socklady is surrounded and inspired by the woods, brook, gardens and hills of the countryside. 
 

 Social & Environmental Responsibility

Solmate Socks is proud to be an official Vermont Business Environmental Partner (www.vbep.org). We are, and always have been since the company started in the year 2000, committed to protecting the environment, the health and safety of our employees, and the community in which we conduct our business.

In line with Vermont Business Environmental Partnership standards:

Solmate Socks continuously seeks out improvements throughout our business operations to lessen our impact on the local and global environment by conserving energy, water, and other natural resources; reducing waste generation; recycling and purchasing recycled products; and, reducing our use of toxic products. We are committed to pollution prevention, continual improvement and meeting or exceeding all environmental regulatory requirements. 

  

     Everybody at Runka loves their Solmate Socks - yup, we wear 'em - and we think the company is great, too.  Go to RUNKA.com and then let us know what you think.

 

INTERNATIONAL GREEN INDUSTRY HALL OF FAME - A Word From the President

    This Friday, March 25th, the inaugural International Green Industry Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held at UC Merced.  Runka.com is honored to be one of the 18 finalists for 6 spots in the Hall.  If you would like to see a full list of the finalists please go to www.gogreenhall.org.

    We received this email from Sam Geil, President of IGIHOF and a true visionary, and thought that we would share it with you.  In particular please take note of the quote from Gandhi.  Anyone who has ever attempted to promote the environment, start an eco friendly business or become a pioneer in any field can certainly relate to this statement of wisdom.  Next week we will bring you a full update on the ceremony.

Dear IGIHOF Nominees:

With just under a week until we unveil our inductees, I would again like to thank each of you for your support and positive energy.  It looks like we are going to sell out.  We have sold out all our exhibit booths, event program ads and student scholarships (100+). 

I am really excited about our student scholarship program.  Area school administrators have hand selected high school students who have identified "Environmental Sustainability" as the academic track for college.  You should have a very engaged audience eager to learn and willing to listen. 

Roz Savage, Ocean Rower, will not be able to attend, but has graciously sent us a video, which is now on our website. Please join me in wishing Roz the best of luck and God's blessing as she prepares to row from Australia to Africa.  With the pirate activity off the Somali coast line, the courage meter has jumped off the chart.  The only word to describe Roz is WOW!

We will also be joined by Ray Anderson via video recording.  Ray is grounded at the moment, but has graciously agreed to send his digital regards.  Ray will be our first recipient of the "Lifetime Achievement Award".

We also received two congratulatory letters:  One from Keegan Eisenstadt of ClearSky Climate Solutions (Nominee) and John Hofmeister (ex-CEO of Shell Oil) the author of "Why We Hate The Oil Companies" and Founder and CEO, Citizens for Affordable Energy.  Many thanks for the kind message and words of encouragement. 

Additionally, we have been tracking our carbon footprint thanks to Keegan's link and we will be holding a carbon neutral event once we make our modest donation to the Panama project.  You can learn more at: http://www.clearskyclimatesolutions.com/

As you are aware, our event is going to be streamed live via the www.  As soon as we have more information on the viewing process, I will notify you so you can pass along to your friends, family and business colleagues. 

Also, the inductees and keynote speakers will be interviewed by Susan Frank, The Better World Group. Susan is ingratiating, passionate about Green and very very intelligent.  I am looking forward for you all to meet her during the event.

The VIP reception and dinner is coming together nicely. We will be featuring a sustainable winery from Lodi California (Lange Twins Winery).  Not only are the wines very good, but the Lange family is a wonderful partner. Steve Haworth, World Famous Auctioneer, will be conducting our live and silent auction, which promises to be fun and entertaining.

In closing, I would like to share with you a quote from Gandhi. "First, they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win".  This has been a journey of legacy, love, ecology and responsibility. 

I am honored and humbled to be able to share IGIHOF with you and your colleagues.

Thank you for being a part of something very special. 

Love to you and your family.

Sam

HIMALAYAN SALT - What can it do for me?

     During the formation of the Himalayas the extreme pressure required to create the tallest mountains on earth caused the salt to take on special qualities.  One quality is the beautiful, opaque, orange and reddish colors of the salt.  This helps the artisans to create lovely lamps in many shapes as well as bowls, candle holders, foot therapy stones and massage stones.  Another is the natural negative ion charge inherent in Himalayan salt.  

Round Himalayan Salt Basket Lamp

 What are “negative ions”?
Negative ions are oxygen atoms with an extra electron. Ions are charged particles that are formed by nature when enough energy acts upon a molecule. An electron is ejected leaving a positively charged ion. The displaced electron attaches itself to a nearby molecule, which then becomes a negatively charged ion. In fresh country air it is common to find up to 4000 negative ions per cubic centimeter. By contrast, it is common to find that the number of negative ions in major cities at rush hour is less than 100.

Himalayan Salt Two Candle Holder

Himalayan Salt Therapeutic Foot Blocks

Himalayan Salt Bowl Lamp

 What are the effects of negative ions?
They cause harmful microscopic -particles (particulates) in the air to clump together then weigh them down to the floor. Particulates include all forms of air pollution (smoke, chemical odors, carbon monoxide, bacteria, viruses, mold, etc.) Negative ions in the environment create a powerful antidote for many environmentally induced health problems such as allergies, respiratory ailments, headaches, and infections.

Himalayan Salt Round/Flat Massage Stones

What causes negative ion depletion?
Many factors contribute to the depletion of negative ions. Any high concentration of polluted, static, or hot/dry air causes this. Examples of specific culprits include:

• fluorescent lighting
• high concentration of electronic equipment
• static producing fibers
• air conditioners
• electric heaters and other heating systems
• many plastics
• older TVs and monitors (CRTs)
• airflow from furnace ducts and HVAC systems.

Himalayan Salt Heart Candle

Himalayan Salt Natural Shape Lamp

RUNKA.com carries all of these Himalayan Salt products - and more - on our website.  We bring these beautiful items to you so that you can shop from the convenience of your living room - and we always make sure that they come to you at a discount! 

ELLA VICKERS BAGS - What happens when the love of sailing and recycling collide?

Ella Vickers Recycled Sailcloth Collection takes the old sails from yachts and boats from around the world and reuses the materials to make some of the most beautiful bags we have ever seen - and RUNKA sees a lot of recycled products.  One day, during RUNKA's travels to find you the best, most unique and highest quality eco friendly, green, recycled and renewable items available, he came upon Ella Vickers Sailcloth Bags.  Eureka! 

The Large Open Tote

The Sailcloth Duffel

  Ella has taken her love of sailing and combined it with a great idea to produce totes and duffel bags - and even shower curtains and dog beds!  We love 'em and we think you will too.  Here is Ella's story from her own website:

Ella Vickers

Ella Vickers Recycled Sailcloth Collection is the most refined & quality built on the market. Our pieces are made from authentic recycled/reclaimed yacht sails. They are Green/Eco Friendly, Urban Chic, and Ocean Durable. All items are handcrafted in the USA using yachts sails from around the world, saving 20 thousand yards of sailcloth from the landfill each year. Inspired by her days of sailing as first mate on a classic Americas Cup winner, Ella made herself a set of bags from a discarded sail. When regatta guests bought them right off her arm, a company was born. The durable and sophisticated designs reflect the nautical lifestyle with crisp white Dacron Sailcloth and hi-performance Kevlar Sailcloth. This gorgeous, urban-chic collection ranges from the small cocktail cache to the functional tote messenger and the ocean durable duffel. Experience the spirit of the sail reborn into fresh shapes for a new adventure!

Designer and founder Ella Vickers’ voyage to the creation of EVSC began aboard the sailing yacht Columbia, the first 12-meter vessel to win the Americas cup. While holding down the first mate position on the yacht she was inspired by the incredible power in the multiple sets of sails that have taken the Columbia to many victories. One off-season, when Columbia had her sails replaced, Vickers recycled the old ones into bags. Everyone wanted one, two or three!  Ella Vickers, Inc. and the Ella Vickers Sailcloth Collection was born. 

The Zip Tote

Ella's Dog Bed Cover

The Spinnaker Shower Curtain

Anyone who has ever had the chance to sail understands why Ella loves it - the wind, the quiet as the boat glides across the water, the spray, the adventure.  We don't have to be on the water, however, to experience her bags and other items, all born from two of her passions - sailing and recycling.

Larry and his son Kevin

Dave with Jon and Tim

See, it's not work, work, work all the time at RUNKA.com.  Here are a couple of shots of Larry Morris and David Nuss, two of the partners of Runka, with their kids out on San Francisco Bay.  By the way, the next America's Cup Finals will be held in San Francisco in September, 2013.  Come out and see us!

The America's Cup

  

The International Green Hall of Fame

     We are very proud to announce that RUNKA.com is a finalist for induction into the International Green Industry Hall of Fame.  The ceremony will take place on Friday, March 25th, 2011 at UC Merced.   There are 18 finalists from a group of 35 original nominees and 6 of the finalists will be inducted into the Green Hall of Fame.

    The IGIHOF Ceremony and Conference are open to the public and registration is available at the Hall's website, www.gogreenhall.org.  The full calendar of events will include a continental breakfast and lunch, tour of the UC Merced campus, Keynote speech by Rob Diridon on "Transportation & High-Speed Rail in California: An Insider's Perspective", VIP Reception and Dinner and many networking opportunities.

    We will update the RUNKA.com blog on Monday, March 28th with news from the event.   RUNKA would also like to thank all of the volunteers, Sponsors and IGIHOF Board Members for their efforts in this inaugural Induction Ceremony.  The following is a statement from Sam Geil, Chairman of the Hall of Fame.

      
    Over the past century, our planet has experienced more pollution and human-inflicted damage than any time in history. Conversely, man has also recognized the need to begin the repair, healing, and conservation required to sustain our fragile eco-system. There is evidence worldwide that countries, cities, governments, and world organizations are beginning to have a positive impact on the eco-system through the efforts of individuals, corporations, and governments.

    It is the mission of the International Green Industry Hall of Fame to recognize those pioneers, leaders, and visionaries who have contributed to the Green movement. Additionally, we are committed to preserving the rich history of these great people and organizations by constructing a Green Hall of Fame to house the stories and share the old and the new technologies for future generations. After visiting our website, we hope that you will consider becoming a sponsor or a member. Thanks again for your interest and support… GO GREEN!

Sam Geil, Chairman of the Board
International Green Industry Hall of Fame

       

MARIEL HEMINGWAY: Actress, Author - and Cook! - on RUNKA.com

                                                   

    You already know that she has the right genetic code (Ernest Hemingway was Grandpa), she's extremely talented (Oscar nominated for Woody Allen's Manhattan), beautiful (numerous magazine covers), and is a gifted writer (Finding My Balance; Mariel Hemingway's Healthy Living From the Inside Out; Mariel's Kitchen) - but she can cook, too?  Mariel Hemingway can do it all.  Better take her home to meet Mom.

    RUNKA had the good fortune to spend some time with Mariel at our launch party last year and here's a few things we came away with:  She may look great in pictures, but she is even more attractive in person.  You might expect that with all of the above attributes she would be unapproachable, but nothing could be further from the truth - she was sincere, genuine and loved interacting with everybody in the room.  She's fun, incredibly conversant and can tell a great story - and she doesn't shy away from the gory details!

    But back to the cooking, or more accurately, baking.  Mariel has developed a fantastic product - Mariel's Blisscuits.  Here is what Mariel's website has to say about them:

Blisscuits™ are the first health food snack, including meal replacement and protein bars, designed to promote good health. Believing that the macronutrients supplies to our bodies influences the way we can absorb vitamins and nutrients, the Blisscuit™ was created with no sugar, no flour, and no synthetic ingredients. And they taste great - even to sugar lovers! 

      You can find Mariel's Blisscuits on RUNKA.com in Chocolate, Cinnamon, Orange and Lemon.  We are also the only place you can buy Blisscuits in a variety pack, with 3 packages of each flavor in one box!  And, as always, RUNKA brings the goodness of Mariel's Blisscuits to you at a discount.

      If you want to get an update on Mariel's activities check out her website, www.MarielHemingway.com.  She is also on Twitter and Facebook.  If you are lucky enough to get a chance to hear her speak on the environment, food or a holistic lifestyle - go!  Tell her that RUNKA sent you.


    

Ethletic Shoes - A Fair Trade Product on RUNKA!

    RUNKA.com carries Ethletic Shoes, which are a Fair Trade product from the Autonomie Company.  The following is a description of their commitment to Fair Trade and eco friendly business practices from their site:

Launched in late 2007, the founders of Autonomie Project were inspired by the lack in the social marketplace of a truly wearable & affordable ethical clothing brand. Autonomie Project supplies high-quality garments at competitive prices to consumers that wish to make purchases with a social and environmental impact without having to sacrifice their own personal style, or break their wallet. We hope to inspire our consumers to take action and help us uplift the communities of workers around the world that produce our goods.

We work exclusively with small, independent cooperatives and Fair Trade-certified facilities located in developing areas of the world where we can also allot a portion of our funds to be used for initiatives that will affect their entire community, such as building a health clinic or bringing a steady water supply to a small village. We provide our workers with a fair wage so they can beat out sweatshops and enjoy a healthy, sustainable lifestyle. We assist them with the development, design, and marketing of their products so that their businesses may prosper and become thriving participants in a reconfigured global marketplace.
 
We use organic cotton, all natural FSC rubber, and other eco-friendly & locally-sourced materials whenever possible to lessen our environmental impact. We never use animal products and encourage cruelty-free purchases and practices.

 

    These are the Fair Trade shoes available on RUNKA.com.  RUNKA is fortunate to have the Autonomie Project as a partner in our mission to spread the word about green, eco friendly, renewable and Fair Trade products.

  

FAIR TRADE - Haitian Metal Art

    In Haiti, the traditional art of converting oil drums into wall sculptures is a true mark of both a man's imagination and his resourcefulness in the face of dire economic circumstances. Using 55-gallon oil drum castoffs, the artist first removes both ends of the drum then designs and hand carves different works of art using little more than hammer, chisel and great imagination.

    Runka works directly with Beyond Borders, a Fair Trade company that insures these artists respectable working conditions and fair compensation for their work. We are all aware of the earthquake in Haiti which has devistated the country. Your purchase of the artwork from local Haitian Artisans is a tremendous way of supporting the locals in their greatest time of need. 

 

    RUNKA.com is committed to bringing Fair Trade products to the North American and world wide marketplace.  We believe people have a desire to help others and, given the opportunity, will use their purchasing power to do so.  We search for the finest Fair Trade products available and bring them to our website at a discount so that your shopping experience is simple, convenient, affordable and rewarding.

  

What is Fair Trade and Why Should I Care?

    Fair Trade is a market based approach designed to help producers and farmers in third world countries promote better trading conditions while at the same time encouraging sustainability.  A more direct relationship with the producers through the elimination of "middle men" allows them to recognize a higher price for their goods and keeps renewable products affordable for consumers.

    Instead of dependency on aid, Fair Trade empowers farmers to get a fair price for their harvest, helps workers create safe working conditions and provides a decent living wage.  Through direct, equitable trade, farming and working families are able to eat better, keep their kids in school, improve health and housing and invest in the future.  Some facts about current world trade conditions:

2.7 billion - estimated number of people in the world existing on less than $2 per day, according to the World Bank.

284,000 - the number of children in the Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria and Cameroon working in hazardous tasks on conventional cocoa farms, according to an International Institute of Tropical Agriculture study.

2 cents - the amount farmers on conventional farms receive from the average $3 latte, according to Transfair USA.

$70 billion - the amount African countries could generate if their share of world exports increased by 1% - approximately five times what the continent receives in aid - according to Oxfam International's Make Trade Fair Report.

$13 billion - total amount required to provide basic education and nutrition in all developing countries, according to the 2005 UNICEF State of the World's Children Report.


    The Fair Trade Movement seeks to address these inequities with the power of the free marketplace.  The American consumer, through their individual purchasing choices, has the ability to positively impact not only the environment but the lives of people living in poverty across the world.  RUNKA.com searches for Fair Trade products and is proud to carry these items on our website.  Over the next several days we will feature several Fair Trade products that can be found on RUNKA.com.

ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS - It's up to the masses!

  

    25 years ago California had a severe problem with hazardous piles of scrap tires spread throughout the state; some of these piles numbered in the millions.  California produces approximately 30,000,000 scrap tires every year so the problem was not only with the existing piles but it was also growing with no end in sight.  Whole tires do not decompose and therefore remain in landfills and piles indefinitely.  Due to their shape tires collect and hold water which creates ideal conditions for the breeding of insects and rats.  More important, tires are composed of over 26 petrochemical ingredients that emit extremely toxic smoke and hazardous waste runoff if they catch fire.  Due to this chemical makeup they are almost impossible to extinguish.

     

    In 1985 the partners of Runka.com worked with Willie Brown, Speaker of the California House of Representatives, to assist in creating the first scrap tire bill in the United States.    Regulations went into effect governing the handling and disposal of scrap tires and new markets for recycled products from tires began to emerge.  Tires were shredded or ground into a powder and consumed by waste to energy facilities, added to asphalt as a modifier, used as a cushioning agent in sports fields and equestrian arenas and blended into molded products.  Once the market for crumb rubber from tires was developed tire piles essentially disappeared and a new industry had been created.  Over the last 25 years the partners of Runka.com have diverted some 250,000,000 pounds (over 10,000,000 tires!) of solid waste from landfills and the waste stream.    

    Many of the environmental issues faced by our planet today can also be solved, in part, through the consumption by the mainstream marketplace.  Much of the desire is already there on the part of the consumer thanks to the media, environmental groups, government programs and advertising which has raised public awareness.   Most people won’t go out of their way to buy environmentally safe products but if the consumer is given the ability to make healthy choices in a simple, convenient and affordable manner they will often do so.   Because the green industry uses high quality materials and ingredients and many of the items are hand crafted the products are generally more expensive.  At a time when most consumers don't have extra money to spend on organic, natural or eco friendly products this can be problematic.  If we are to see a significant impact on the eco system by virtue of the products we consume we must bring these goods to the mainstream market at affordable prices.

    With this in mind the partners of Runka.com launched a website that carries only green, eco friendly and environmentally safe products and we are dedicated to getting the items to the consumer as inexpensively and conveniently as possible.  We travel across the country to personally source the finest clothing, household goods, pet items, baby products, health products and many other items made from natural, organic and renewable materials and ingredients by companies using Fair Trade practices.  RUNKA.com does the product research and brings these products to one website so people can shop for healthier products for themselves from the safety and comfort of home.

    We believe that the mainstream marketplace can and must play a significant role in solving environmental problems, just as it has in the case of scrap tires.  We also believe that the general public wants to participate in this process and we at Runka.com are striving to support and simplify this effort for the consumer.