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Go Green For Spring

Ever wonder what might be considered fashionable in the world of being ‘Green’? Well, first of all, if you are buying all of your clothes from Walmart or Target, chances are that those products were produces overseas in dirty factories by people who receive a penny an hour. So, if you’re wondering whether or not Walmart and other stores of the sort are lined with ‘Green’, or even good, fashion then you are probably searching through the wrong stores.

As spring approaches we look back to the year of 2013, when green was widely used by fashion designers both literally and figuratively. Green on the runway symbolized both a fashion statement and an Eco-statement, teaching the fashionistas of today how to sport organic clothing. Designer Stella McCartney once took home Britain’s Designer of the Year award, and, get this, without the use of leather. This should prove to people all over the world that fashion, even the high class/fur coat/leather belt kind, does not always have to be harmful to be hot. Animal furs and skins do not always need to be used in order to make a great article of clothing, and in this day and age, they shouldn’t be. We are not living in tribes along the coastline, hunting for our own food anymore. It’s time to make a change, no only in fashion but in every department that has not already gone green!

tumblr_m1v419fAKG1qdhvxho1_500 (Here is an example of a great thrift store find, found at mckenzierenae.tumblr.com)

The first place that you can shop for clothing that was not necessarily made with the intent to be ‘Green’ but can still definitely be considered Eco-friendly is the Thrift Store. Because the clothes and other items that are sold in these stores are not technically ‘Green’ many people do not see it as an Eco-friendly store, but the thing about thrift stores is that they recycle old clothing, which reduces landfill waste while also putting the clothing to good use. Also, thrift stores are chock full of trendy clothing, boasting an array of all kinds of fashion-friendly tops, pants, and accessories. Always keep in mind that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, so don’t completely block out the thought of shopping at a thrift store the next time you are looking for cute clothes. Be sure to go through your closet and find old clothes that you do not wear any more and donate them to your local thrift shop too. Not only is it better for the Earth than throwing them away, but also because what goes around comes around and when you put out a pair of jeans that once might have looked good on you, perhaps you’ll find yourself a new pair of jeans.

Also on the rise is an increase of products being produced in the United States. America depends on it’s economy and with American made products we would not thrive. Still, not nearly as many products are being made and sold in America as there are being outsourced and then sold in America. With celebrities endorsing the idea of the American dream, waving flags about in their videos, oh-so patriotically. The sad fact of the matter is that many clothing lines produce flag printed Tees and other ‘patriotic’ items that are made in China. Next time you’re shopping at Urban outfitters check the tags and see for yourself just how many of the overly priced items are actually made in America. Stepping up and finding clothes that are made in the USA can help largely in both the economy and the ecology of our nation, and our Earth as a whole.

Remember to sleep on an Eco-friendly bed from the Organic Comfort Zone when all of the hustle and bustle from the day is said and done. Nothing is better than curling up underneath a warm blanket and letting the soft whisper of sleep call you into it’s clutches, and with an organic CozyPure mattress you’ll wake up more refreshed than ever. Bringing Eco-friendly products into your daily life can not only help the environment, but it could also help with personal issues. Eco clothing and bedding materials have less chemicals in them, which means that they are easier on the skin and other body parts. Using these products can truly change yours, and every one else’ world, for the better. So think ‘Green’, think ‘Organic’!

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Living Actively

Have you ever wondered about what it might be like to actually hit the gym instead of making a million excuses not to? Do you ever wonder about what some of the benefits of exercise might have on the human body? Well – besides the obvious health benefits – exercise can help you out in other ways too.

First of all, you must know that one’s body temperature tends to decline as night falls upon them, therefore, making the person want to fall asleep. When you exercise your body temperature increases as much as two degrees, and it tends to stay at this elevated temperature for a time span of four to five hours. When you work out in the late afternoon your body temperature begins to drop within a few hours, or, around bedtime, making one feel more tired due to physical exhaustion and a lowering body temperature.

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In all of the ways that exercise can improve one’s sleep, sleep can have the same benefits on one’s exercise. For instance, a good night’s sleep can improve a person’s immune function, while also reducing stress and leaving one feeling revitalized and alive. When you enjoy a good night’s sleep your body will be more eager to do healthy activities such as getting exercise and remaining active throughout the day. When combined, the proper amount of sleep and exercise can improve a person’s mood, light a candle in the bedroom, and, contrary to popular belief, exercise can actually be fun!

Simple, and fun activities one might enjoy as exercise will range from strolling around the block to swimming in the lake. Going to the gym every now and then and doing a bit of intense training could never be harmful, but it does not have to be necessary in order to live an active, healthy lifestyle. Keeping yourself on your toes and taking time away from the tube every now and then is what keeps us lively and functioning.

Going out and staying active is cheap and easy. Walking your dog or biking around your neighborhood are both fun and free things to do. Go out and enjoy the sun, or stay in and become withered and pale, its your choice, but in the end, the healthy choice is the active choice. In reality, and in this day and age especially, staying fit is made even easier because with the invention of workout DVDs and video games such as Just Dance people are able to make better use of their time spent indoors. There are so many things to do, and all can help one sleep. After a long day of hustling and bustling, whether it was for work or for your own personal enjoyment, finding your way into a warm, cozy mattress at night is always the cherry on top of the sundae. Make your sleeping experience, and body recovery, more enjoyable with a CozyPure mattress and other bedding materials from the Organic Comfort Zone.

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Have a Green St. Patty’s Day!

As we know, everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s day, and, as we know, St. Patrick’s day is just a week away. While the actual holiday is on a Monday, the parades and such will be held over weekend, which means endless partying for some, and trash, trash, and even more trash to be swallowed up by the sad streets that these parades and parties take place on. Despite being a holiday that thrives off of the drunken minds of those who celebrate it, we can all still find the time to throw away our surplus of empty beer bottles and our cans of confetti and streamers and beads. If we can’t pick up our trash and various other debris for ourselves or for our environment, we should at least do it for St. Patrick on his special day, and for all of the Irish.

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A day to worship Shamrocks and vodka shots, St. Patrick’s day, or should I say the day of its festivities, has much in store for those who celebrate it. The first rule of St. Patty’s day is that one must wear green or they’ll receive a pinch! However, as we dance around the crowded streets of the parades, we must not only try to wear green, but we must also be, we must also think green. What easier way to start being green than by simply placing your trash in the trashcan rather than throwing it aside as the rest of the worlds problem. That’s not very saintly, now is it?

You can also buy your St. Patrick’s day clothes from a thrift store or reuse old outfits. Buying used products reduces the trash that will be sent to a landfill while also saving you money on a great deal. Instead of using plastic bags to carry your goodies in, try using tote, or other multifunctional bags, that way you are saving the environment while also saving you a couple of cents per bag at the grocery store.  Plant something green, drink and eat organic foods, and do whatever else you can to reduce, reuse, and to recycle.

Spruce up the holiday with green beers and other kinds of ale. Have fun in going about your Saint Patrick’s day celebrations and remember that there could be no better way to celebrate the holiday than by going green in everything that you might do, no matter if it is sitting around the house all day or going out and enjoying all of the parades and the parties that come with the holiday in which everyone is celebrated as Irish.

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Be Green: Start in Your Bedroom

If you are looking to live a “Greener’ lifestyle and save the world in the process, what better place is there to start than in your very own bedroom. Here are some Eco-Friendly tips that can help you keep your bedroom Green and save you money in the process. After all, we spend an average of 26 years of our lives sleeping, so make it comfortable.

-First of all, what better way to get in touch with your ‘Greener’ side than by sleeping on it. Change your bedding to organic materials that are natural and are not harmful for the environment. At the Organic Comfort Zone you can find a variety of comfortable bedding that is also natural and safe for Mother Earth. Some of our products include organic cotton sheets, la’noodle and kapok pillows, wool comforters, and latex mattress’.

-By turning off the air conditioner and turning the fan on at night you are not only saving yourself some money but you are also using much less energy. A fan can do the job of an air conditioner without making the air in the room feel uncomfortably cold. Also, if cold a night, use blankets to keep you warm and not heaters.

-In order to clean out your bedroom look to using a damp washcloth with some vinegar thrown into the mix to get the best results. This is an easy, green, and cheap solution to removing those dust balls from your shelf without exposing yourself and others (including the environment) to those harmful chemicals that are in some of the name brand products.

-Shopping at thrift stores for clothing and decorations can reduce landfill waste while also giving you a unique new article of clothing or decor. By the way, did I mention that thrift stores can save you a huge chunk of money, which is all the more reason to shop at them.

-When all that the day has brought has been said and done it might be a good idea to unplug and turn off all things electronic. Not only does this save a whole lot of energy, but it also keeps the user awake by emitting lights that tell the brain not to produce melatonin, and with their loud noises they are prone to make, and a multitude of other pesky things that might keep one awake at night. Just simply unplug or turn them all off and save energy, money, and time that might be spent on these devices.

-Use CFL’s vs regular light bulbs. These Compact Fluorescent bulbs can save you money because of their efficiency. Remember to turn off the lights when not in the room, though.

So go ahead and try out some of these tips, save the world and some cash in the process, and sleep tightly!

 

 

 

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Is Too Much Sleep A Bad Thing

Is too much sleep a bad thing? Could it be true? As for me, I’m going to take sleep where ever and whenever I can get it, because sleep is my soul mate, but for those struggling with depression and heart disease sleep can be a dangerous thing when abused.

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For those with insomnia, getting sleep can be a burden, but for those with hypersomnia, staying awake can be a burden. Those diagnosed with the disorder can find themselves with high levels of anxiety and stress, while also struggling to stay awake throughout the course of the day. As a result, these people sleep for long periods of the night, most of the time naps can not help stimulating one’s senses. Sleep Apnea, a disorder which causes people’s heart to stop beating momentarily in the middle of the night, can result in oversleeping in the morning hours due to frequent wake-ups in the middle of the night.

Alcohol and other depressants can result in oversleeping, as well as depression, both of which can be harmful to one’s mental and physical health.  However, if one just wants to spend the day in bed and sleep in past three in the afternoon, don’t wake them, because chances are they’ll wake in a rage and snap your head off ( or perhaps that is just me…)

These problems that come with oversleeping are in part due to previously diagnosed medical conditions, such as heart disease and depression. Sleeping too much can be just as bad as not getting enough sleep, if you are doing it on a daily basis. Remember, everything is good in MODERATION, and that the occasional Saturday or Sunday spent in bed is a good thing, just so long as that habit is not carried into the rest of the week. If you have so much time on your hands that you find yourself excessively sleeping, get a hobbie! If you find yourself sleeping too much for no reason but to sleep consult a physician and assure that you’re not experiencing any other sleep-related or non-sleep-related conditions.

 

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The Problem With Plastic

The problem is that when plastic is not disposed of properly, or disposed of at all, it will ensure harmful environmental consequences. A plastic bag can take anywhere from 100 to 500 years to disintegrate! Plastic is a huge environmental threat, killing animals and clogging up rivers worldwide. The average usage time of a plastic bag is around 25 minutes, which is funny because they can be used for multiple things (i.e. picking up your dog’s waste, trash bags.) When a plastic bag is not disposed of it can harm the life of animals and of the entire ecosystem, making them a serious environmental threat. There are ways to use plastic bags without harming nature in the process.

First of all, a plastic bag does NOT have to be recycled, and in fact, it is preferred in some places to not be thrown in the recycling bin because they screw up the machinery that produces recycled goods. If you are going to use a plastic bag at least have the decency to throw it away in the trash can if you are not going to reuse it! The worst thing that you can do with a plastic bag is to throw it to the wind. Please try and make an effort to dispose of your trash – and I’m not just talking plastic – in proper bins, if not for the environment’s sake, then for the sake of sightliness, because there is nothing worse than going to the beach and stumbling upon the remains of picnics past.

The largest ‘landfill’ in the world is in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. There is such thing as the ‘Great Pacific Garbage Patch‘, a place with high concentrations of chemical sludge and other broken down remnants of waste. The patch is reported to be ‘twice the size of the continental United States,” and if that doesn’t gross you out then I don’t know what could. This implies that our waste production is too high, and if that is true, what is to happen when this ‘Garbage Patch’ grows? We are already swimming in our own litter half of the time, will this make it a natural thing? Will we be forced to swim in a sea of broken down, toxic particles and various other kinds of waste?

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There are efforts going on globally to reduce the incline of plastic waste, one of them being a program run by Trex, which is collecting plastic from local schools in order to create their faux wood panels, the winning school gets a handy prize. In Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Chesapeake, among other districts, there are numerous schools competing in this competition to eliminate plastic waste. The Organic Comfort Zone is doing its part in helping the schools out by donating the plastic waste that we receive everyday to Willoughby Elementary, a local public school that is currently ranked first in this intercity contest. We are proud to be a part of instilling the benefits of  ‘Green’ living into the minds of the youngsters of our nation.

The Trex Plastic Film Recycling Program is helping students throughout Virginia learn of the harm that litter can bring and also of what they might be able to do about it all, which is, to begin with, throwing it away properly! People can get involved by donating to local stores, such as a grocery store, that takes in plastic bags specifically and can send them to places where they can be recycled. If you do not have the time for that, or can not find anywhere around you that is affiliated with recycling, than the easiest step you can take is to throw them out! Another alternative to plastic bags is tote shopping bags that can be reused over and over again, paper bags are not ideal, seeing that they kill trees and are more expensive.

Not only schools, but associations all over the country are giving way to a plastic bag disposal. Wisconsin’s Department of Natural Resources had partnered with multiple other business’ to form the Wrap Recycling Action Project, or W.R.A.P., which aims to increase the recycling of plastic film in “nearly every business and household.” Much of these bags with the Resin Identification code of #2 and #4 can be disposed of in retail store bins.

The best motto is Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, because it truly is the best thing that you can do with everything that you find in your possession. You can reduce the use of plastic film by stuffing more things into one bag, because the capacity of the bag is usually more than one might expect. Or, instead of doubling your bags for one liter of soda, ask the cashier to only use one bag. Reuse your bags for as long as you can and then when everything is said and done, find a place to recycle them, or throw them away. Save yourself, save some money, save the planet, and enjoy every day as it comes. Enjoy the world without the clutter of plastic bags and filthy waste lying about and do your part in protecting the environment that you live in so that the grass can grow greener everyday and everywhere.

 

 

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Coloring Your Bedroom

Did you know that the color of your bedroom can impact the quality of your sleep. For many, a blue room will do justice to your eyes because it promotes sleepiness while purple rooms stimulate the brain too much and can making sleeping a difficult task. Apparently yellow and green are also good sleep stimulants. Those with grey or brown rooms get less sleep because the colors are too dreary without making one sleepy. The color of your room can impact your mood and so it is important to decorate your bedroom with colors that work for you. Drab colors might not do the job in perking you up in the morning, while colors that are too bright can either counteract drowsiness at night or shock you when you awake from your slumber.

Purple stimulate the creative mind which can either lead to vivid dreams or vivid nightmares. If you are will to take the chance on that, kudos to you, but as for me I think I’ll stick to my blue bedroom and my dream-catcher. Because creativity is being prompted in purple rooms it can stop the brain from relaxing, and thus making the process of falling asleep harder. Soothing colors, such as yellow (but not neon, think dandelion or amber) and blue (like the sky) have a calming effect on the mind and can help one fall asleep faster and keep them asleep longer. The color green is associated with seasons like spring and summer, warm months of new life and growth that can promote deep, sweet dreams.

Orange might not be ideal because it brings energy to a room, and energy is something that is not always needed when falling into the arms of a warm slumber. Although red might be a good choice for the bedroom, seeing as it sparks passion and romance, so long as the color isn’t too jolting and prominent – crimson vs. FIRE ENGINE – because, like orange, it sometimes has too much flare, like the burning bush. However, when decorating other rooms in your house, colors like grey (maybe in the bathroom) or purple (perhaps in the dining hall) can give your home that warmth and royalty that you are looking for.

Don’t forget to cuddle up on a comfortable CozyPure mattress and beneath organic blankets and comforters for extra sleep promotion. White or cream sateen sheets can match any color on the walls without taking too much away from the rest of the room. It’s YOUR bedroom, and you should feel comfortable in it, so decorate it how you please, and stimulate your mind however you want.

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Sleeping Outlets

Falling asleep is the constant struggle when you are too preoccupied with worrying thoughts. Staring at the clock only to find out that you still haven’t fallen asleep by one in the morning can be the twisting of the knife in your heart when you know that you will have a long and busy day when the morning comes. Falling asleep on a CozyPure mattress can surely help with falling asleep and comfort. But sometimes, when comfort isn’t enough and you have too many thoughts racing through your mind, try some other ways to relax and fall asleep.

Reading before bed can be very therapeutic because it can help get your mind off of the constant stress that plagues you. Reading, and focusing on the words on the page, and lying in bed or curled up on the couch, can easily make one sleep. With eyes concentrating on the tiny words in front of you it is sure to make your lids droopy and calm your mind – depending on what book you are reading.

Celebrate Book Lovers Day!

Reading is a good way to set one’s mind up for a good dream. I know that when I read a good book before bed, such as Harry Potter or other books of the sort, my mind travels to a different world, a world where anything is possible. I like to visit these worlds before I enter sleep because I like to fall asleep with a positive outlook on things. Reading before bed is entertaining and soothing, its the best of both worlds.

I also like to write before I go to sleep. Sometimes I stay up late at night writing stories on my laptop of scrawling poems into my notebooks while my favorite music plays. It helps me drift into another universe, one where I am in control. Writing can be a good thing before bedtime, no matter what you write about. You can make journal entries or work on that novel you keep telling yourself that your going to write one day. It is a good way to explore your deeper consciousness. It can be used as a way to heal the things inside of you, just like the best break up songs can help to heal the pain of the worst heartbreaks.

Finding an outlet is important for a lot of people. For me those outlets are reading, writing, and going to the gym. These activities just also happen to be beneficial in helping me fall asleep easily. I’m probably a disappointment to teens all over the globe, seeing as I go to bed before ten-o-clock, but it’s a good thing that I do because sleeping is also a very important outlet for me. It helps my mind recover from stressful things that linger inside of it, and it keeps me from digging my fingers into the eyes of dozens of people who make me angry throughout the coarse of a day. Enjoying the comfort of my own CozyPure bed and other bedding materials, and the comfort of my own bedroom (which, by the way, I am always decorating differently as yet another stress reliever) is surely something that keeps me sane.

So try out your own outlets and see what they might do for you. Try reading or writing before bed and listening to soothing music in the warm glow of a small lamp or a candle. It can only be for the best, so give it a try.

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Sleep vs. The Common Cold

I’ve posted before about how sleep can take a toll on our eating habits (those who get less sleep will more likely to overeat or make unhealthy food choices), but in doing some more research, I’ve discovered that how well one sleeps can affect our immune system too. During sleep the immune system creates protein molecules that fight bacteria.

This can affect our bodies abilities to fight colds and other infections, and after the bacteria has invaded us it can affect our bodies ability to recover as quickly as those who get an adequate amount of sleep. In order to get a full nights rest you should take steps such as exerting more energy during the day (because exercise can help boost the immune system, also) and choosing healthier foods (which, by the way, can also help strengthen the immune system.)

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I have plenty of friends who come down sick all of the time, and these friends choose to stay up late on weekdays when they know that they have to get up early in the AM. I try to keep my sleep schedule consistent and get at least 7 and a half hours of sleep a night. I also hit the gym regularly and eat healthy when I can. In turn my immune system rewards me with the ability to only let me come down with a cold about once a year.

While you are sick, try and rest lots, and don’t forget to cover yourself up with a warm wool comforter or an organic cotton blanket. Drink lots of fluids and think positively because you would be surprised by the power of the mind and what it can do for you in the long run so long as you don’t let the power of negativity weigh you down.

So there you have it, try and get as much sleep as you can and your immune system will boost in return.

Stay healthy! Sleep healthy! Be healthy!

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Which Pillow Is Right For You?

Waking up with a stiff neck can be a pain; it can set your hole day up to be a struggle. It is very unpleasant to sit at a desk massaging your neck and shoulders to no avail. You wake up feeling worse than when you fell asleep all because your neck and shoulders have become stiff overnight. This can all be fixed with the right pillow, though.

While choosing the right pillow for you there are many factors that should go into your decision, and at the Organic Comfort Zone, there is a bundle of options for you to choose from.

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First of all, you should consider the fill of your pillow. Here there are a few different fill choices for you to choose from. For someone with a neck that should be elevated during sleep (snoring or apnea problems), perhaps an extra fill would do you justice to help open the airways – keeping the head and neck elevated can help with one’s breathing.  If you are a stomach sleeper, like myself, you might want to try using a pillow with a lite fill so that your body isn’t being stretched backwards.  And for those who are ambivalent to either choice, perhaps you might enjoy the regular fill which suits most side and back sleepers. Choosing the wrong fill can be uncomfortable and, of course, it can make one’s neck very stiff by the time that the morning hours roll around.

Next you should consider the softness of a pillow. In a lot of downy-feather pillows the fluff begins to fade within a year or two and usually the feathers disperse every night so the pillow goes flat (we don’t offer down pillows).

With a wool pillow the fluff is batting that provides a slight softness with support. The wool compresses and will become flatter with use so if you like that type of pillow, choose wool.  However, if you prefer a pillow that sinks and forms to your head, you might enjoy the La’Noodle pillow, because while it conforms to your head and neck, its fluff factor does not fade for ten or more years. You can sleep on the pillow every night and it will bounce right back to natural plumpness once fluffed. It offers both contouring support that is soft and squishy. Other pillow options at the Organic Comfort Zone include organic pure Kapok, Cotton, and Buckwheat.

LaNoodle Pillow