We Won!

Thanks to your votes and the confidence of the panel of judges at startupnation.com we won the 2008 Top Ten Greenest Home-based Business award!

We are so excited to be a part of the top ten greenest businesses in America! This award comes at the close of our first year of making eco-friendly children's clothing! What a great way to end the first chapter of our journey of style & sustainability!

Thanks for all of your support!

Check out the full article at Startupnation.com.

Save Some Trees & Sanity--Stop Junk Mail

I am so sick of 90% of my mail being junk I didn't request. So I decided to take matters in hand. Did you know that the average person receives about 41 lbs of unwanted mail every year? (according to 41pounds.org)

Yahoo says, "Junk mail destroys 100 million trees every year, and some of the junk paper can't be recycled because of toxic inks."

So lets change the cycle!!

I found a GREAT resource for "moving to 100% free of junk mail."

First, go to www.greendimes.com and sign up (for the free plan or the other).

They take you through each aspect of opting out of junk mail. Most only take a few clicks to be free of the junk innundation. It's easy!

Another option (if you want someone else to do it for you) is to go to 41pounds and pay them to take care of it! http://www.41pounds.org/

Either way, in 6-8 weeks (which is usually how long they take to stop sending mail)your mailbox will be a cleaner, happier place--not to mention the impact of less junk mail on the planet!!

Vote for Healthy Child Healthy World -- It's Easy!

Vote for Healthy Child Healthy World & they will get $20,000 if they win!

All it takes is a click and a little info and you can help one of the best non-profits get some well-deserved support. Best of all, it costs you nothing.

Take a quick moment to vote for Healthy Child Healthy World. Check it out: http://healthychild.org/blog/comments/help_us_win_20000_with_the_click_of_your_mouse/

Don't Forget to Register to Vote!

You care about what's going on in our world, so don't forget to voice your opinion.

I have to be honest, I've lost a lot of faith in our voting system and to quite frankly--I really don't like either top candidate. But, for me, it's important to vote to, at the very least do two things:

1. Voice my opinion
2. Respect all of those who worked so hard for the right to vote. (Remember, we women have only been able to vote since 1920)

You have your own reasons to vote, but nonetheless the deadline is coming up (in California we only have 7 more days to register--that's it).

So go to: www.maps.google.com/vote to find out where/how to register in your neck of the woods. Don't let this opportunity to voice your important opinions pass you by!

Pooka is featured on EcoStiletto.com

Our kid-friendly, kid-created clothing is featured in this weeks edition of EcoStiletto's Kids section. Their favorite tee is "Save It for Me.”

What is EcoStiletto? Well, since you asked...EcoStiletto is the stylish side of green. The site is full of fun news in fashion, celebrity, beauty, etc. --all with a distinctively green cast.

Check out our feature here: http://www.ecostiletto.com/index.php?/Kids/comments/pooka_and_very_meri_organic_cotton_tees_designed_by_and_for_kids/

By the way, I've got some great photos & such coming soon from the Roots & Shoots Intl Peace Day festival a few weeks ago...so check back soon!

Conventional Tagless Clothing & Allergic Reactions

I just found this article regarding some baby clothing that has been causing chemical burns on babies. The cause of this horrible reaction is the chemicals used in their tagless labels.

We, at Pooka believe strongly that our first responsibility is to make sure that we're making a product that is safe and healthy for our customers. Obviously, many big companies don't feel the same.

Be sure to pay attention to your children's clothing! If they are getting any rashes--their clothing may be the culprit.

Just so you can feel safe knowing--Pooka NEVER USES PTHALATES OR PVC in our clothing! We are committed to keep things as natural as possible.

Here's the article: http://zrecs.blogspot.com/2008/09/tagless-tees-suddenly-causing-chemical.html#comment-906796084226777817

Keep on protecting those kiddies! :)

It's Official: We're Approved for People & Planet!

Well, after months and months of going through the screening process we were officially approved by Co-op America. It was a very thorough process, which makes all the more proud to have passed with flying colors.

Companies who are Co-op America certified must meet the following criteria (& prove it):

>> Actively use their businesses as tools for positive social change;

>> Run "values-driven" enterprises that operate according to principles of social justice and environmental sustainability;

>> Are socially and environmentally responsible in the way they source, manufacture, and market their products and run their offices and factories; and

>> Are committed to developing and employing extraordinary practices that benefit workers, customers, communities, and the environment.

We are VERY proud to carry this seal of approval & we're thrilled to help make our world a better place!

See our profile on Co-op America's "Green Pages"

Personal Inspiration at a furniture store...

It's not every day that you run into someone who inspires you and fuels your passion. I had the pleasure of just such an experience this week.

On Thursday, Bailey & Mairen & I went to a wonderful little event at environment furniture at South Coast Plaza. This "It's not hard to go green" event was intimate and fun!

No it wasn't the great furniture (which is reclaimed or sustainably built and just darn cool I might add) that inspired me, but the passion and dedication of the women from Healthy Child Healthy World (HCHW). While most of the children were occupied with eco-crafts and organic cookies, the adults listened to Rebecca Foster from Healthy Child Healthy World share her first hand experience with reducing the toxic load on her own children. Her dedication to her own children's health blossomed into a passion to help others. Jenny, who also does the important work of Healthy Child Healthy World was also a wealth of knowledge and sincerity. These women reminded me why we started Pooka and why our contribution to a better environment is so important.

There aren't a lot of options out there for children's organic clothing--especially for my children's age group (6-12yrs) and we are priviledged to be able to offer clothing that we know is safe for our children and yours. :) We'll be getting more involved with HCHW soon so stay tuned.

And in the meantime, if you're not familiar with Healthy Child Healthy World--get familiar! They are a great group of people with a dedicated passion for making all of our children's enviroments safe, healthy places. The non-profit group was founded by the Chuda family of LA. Unfortunately their daughter paid the ultimate price for toxins in her environment and have dedicated their lives to helping parents learn about these hidden dangers and give them hope that they have the power to do something about it.

So the next time you get (or make) a few minutes check out their website. They have so many great resources for parents who want the best for their kids.

As Rebecca said in her presentation, "moms will do anything to protect their children." The HCHW website will help give you the knowledge and tools to make the best decisions for your family.

So go check it out already... :)

Pooka featured on EcoSalon.com

Well things have just been buzzing here at Pooka! I've been so busy I confess I haven't been as up-todate with our blog (or emails). I actually had a customer tell me last week that she wants me to email more! Guess I don't need to worry about crowding your inboxes. :)

I'm glad someone else is writing about us at least! Check out this article about Pooka on EcoSalon.com.

It's a great insight into our passion! http://www.ecosalon.com/title/Pooka_Dots_Its_Clothing_With_Kid_Art
We are so delighted to be featured on this website that highlights the green in fashion, decor, wellness, artisan and lifestyle.

Sick of high gas prices? Protest online!

I know I can't be the only one who DOESN'T want to just go by a hybrid in order to offset gas costs (which, once you factor in the higher sticker price doesn't make sense) and slow global warming. High gas prices are only one piece of the puzzle.
While I do believe strongly in making positive changes in our everyday lives to offset our carbon footprint; I think we need to lend our voice in addition to our actions.

I'm a firm believer in the idea that you shouldn't complain about something if you're not going to do something about it. (so I now freely complain :)) I think it's time to muster some of that free speech and let our elected representatives (and those running for election)that we want policy to change! It's time for big environmental changes on a national and world level.

Luckily, in this technologically advanced time we have it easy. Instead of having to take a lot of time out of our busy lives to protest or write letters, we can just submit our opinions online. This is a godsend for me--being a single mom with two businesses. Sure I'd prefer to have written everything myself, but let's face it, there's only so much time. So I rely on some well-respected organizations to track important events and send me updates on the latest environmental developments. Then I just click their links and in seconds I've sent letters to my elected officials letting them know that I believe environmental change is important.


I encourage you to check out these organizations (it's free):

www.wecansolveit.org
www.nrdc.org
www.conservefish.org

If you want to "protest" gas prices, click here: http://www.wecansolveit.org/page/s/gasprices

A Bad Grade for Orange County

It seems that Orange County (where we live) is one of the worst polluted in the nation. It's not surprising, but nonetheless it really begs the question, "What can we do about this?" Obviously, if we all drive less it would help, but lets face it we need bigger change to really counteract the level of pollution we've reached. So what's the answer?

As a mother of two school age kids I'm concerned about the affects of pollution on their growing bodies. I know from first hand experience how air quality has affected my own health. When I moved down to Orange County (from Northern California) about six years ago I had my usual allergies to everything except dogs and most other furry creatures and my asthma was very mild. After living here for six years I am now allergic to anything with fur--including most dogs and I have to take a steroid inhaler in order to stay on top of my asthma. I guess it could just be age, but since I haven't cracked 30 yet, I'm doubtful.

The bottom line for me is that I'm not moving any time soon and I also care about the other children and families in my community. So I've decided to do a little research on some things we can do to help improve the air quality in Orange County. So far I did find one website that offers some local resources, you can even send free faxes to Orange County's top polluting companies (Kraft Foods being one of them) to express your opinion on their contribution to the problem. I keep you posted as I find more resources. In the meantime, check out these websites:

1. OC Register: O.C. fails smog tests (again)
American Lung Association says county's ozone and particle pollution among worst.

2. Orange County Pollution Scorecard www.scorecard.org

Together We Can Stop Global Warming

This is a message of hope for our earth and our children.
I just found out about this website. Yay! Just in time for Earth Day!

The WE Campaign is a project of The Alliance for Climate Protection (a non-profit, nonpartisan effort founded by Al Gore). It already has over one million members.

With all the negative information permeating our psyches it's important to remember that positive action leads to positive results!

So join up and spread the word about your commitment to help solve global warming and save the earth for our wonderful children!!

www.wecansolveit.org

Earth Day Tips

I got to thinking the other day about how we’ve changed our habits in order to be more eco-responsible. It dawned on me that every little change is worthwhile and so I thought I’d give you a few tips that have helped us to be more "green."

So here’s our top five eco-tips for 2008:

• Re-Use: Reuse grocery and shopping bags when you go shopping. Also many stores have great recycled bags that you can re-use over and over. Just don’t forget to grab them from your trunk when you go shopping. (gee I’ve never done that) BTW, did you know that Trader Joe’s rewards your “reuse” by giving you a raffle ticket for $50 in free groceries raffle—every time you bring in your new bags.

• Un-plug: It’s amazing how much little things can add up. Don’t forget to turn off your computer (& monitor) if you’re not using it (I’m really trying on this one). Also, unplug cell phone chargers and other small electronics when they’re not in use—they still tap a little energy while plugged in.

• Save the Water: Turn off the tap if you’re not using it (i.e. brushing your teeth while staring in the mirror), install underground sprinklers that work more efficiently, and take showers instead of baths. Here’s a fave—reuse the water from cooking—you know all the water you’d normally dump in the sink after cooking pasta? Why not let it cool and then water your plants with it?

• Earn Some Coin: If you’re kids are looking to pad their piggy banks a little, why not let them collect the bottles and cans and turn them in for some dough?

• Get Creative: reuse glass, plastic, even cardboard containers for craft projects or to store items or food. For instance, clean out that pasta sauce jar, sanitize it and then you can use it to store leftovers, soups, sauces, etc. Saves money on buying Tupperware too! Or you can make some cool crafts—like a birdhouse out of a milk carton.

All right that’s it for now, happy recycling/reusing and know that you’re helping make this world a better—healthier place. Nice job!

Do you have some cool tips? Let us know. Email andrea@pookabrand.com

Earth Day Poster Contest!

We're excited to announce that we are sponsoring an Earth Day Poster Contest at two Southern California schools. The theme is: "What Can Kids Do to Make This World a Better Place?"

Not only is this a great opportunity to foster artistic growth in these children, but it has the added benefit of inspiring them to think about what they can do to clean up the earth.

There will be one winner in each grade who will win a free t-shirt!

WELCOME!

Thanks for visiting! Get ready for the new generation in fashion--sustainable/eco-friendly apparel that actually looks good!
We are so excited to offer our stylish and sustainable children's apparel. Take a look around our new site! Here are some of the fun features:

• Buy Pooka Children's organic clothing online!
• Join Club Pooka & get the latest info & sale news!
• Check out our About Us & Be True sections for more on why we started Pooka!
• Check out our featured charity: CHOC
• Learn more about how you can help save the earth!
  

Thanks for comin' by.