A Green Eyed View - green ideas and advice

Species Finder Android App from the Center for Biological Diversity

My new favorite website (and you know that changes fast) is http://www.biologicaldiversity.org. At the Center for Biological Diversity you’ll find everything you need to know about their work to save threatened species of animals, plants and their habitats.

What started as a discovery of a rare Mexican spotted owl nest in an old-growth tree slated to be harvested by the lumber industry and the subsequent action to save them has grown into an international organization that regularly protects our biological diversity all over the planet.

Go check them out. You’ll be amazed at their accomplishments. Help out where you can also.

Now as a bonus for being such a conscientious citizen they have developed an Android App called “Species Finder”. With this app you can find endangered species wherever you are in a couple of clicks. Did I mention it’s FREE? Download it here and stay up to date no matter where you go. Here’s the link to the FREE Species Finder App - https://market.android.com/details?id=com.cbd. It’s also available through the Center’s website, www.biologicaldiversity.org.

A Sprout Watch I Can Call My Own

About a year ago I wrote about Sprout watches. They have created the coolest collection of inexpensive eco-friendly watches around. And finally, by a lucky fluke, I own one.

My bank has a rewards point system that they will be discontinuing soon. You know the drill – for every dollar spent using your ATM card you earn a point. Once you accumulate a massive number of points you can redeem them for a toaster  or a Wai Lana Pilates/Yoga Figure 8 Kit or a Fascinating Bling Stretch Bracelet, etc. The key to getting anything close to being interesting is to ignore your points and let them grow to a level where the rewards finally are worth looking at.

But they are doing away with the plan and I was forced to redeem my points or lose them. Much to my surprise I came across the Sprout watch I had written about and I had enough points to get it.

I am a watch-aholic. I’ve been forced to control my urges lately due to the economic situation with which we’re all dealing. So you can imagine my joy to be able to become a proud Sprout watch owner, without spending any extra money. 

Sprout embodies the “green” concept in all they do. This is from my post a year ago - Ashley Jones, spokes-person (and fellow watch-aholic) from Sprout explained the green concept behind these little beauties, “The Sprout collection was designed to reduce our environmental impact on the planet. The watch is approximately 86% bio-degradable by weight and constructed from earth friendly, sustainable materials: corn resin (case and buckle), bamboo (dial), mineral crystal (lens), organic cotton (strap) and contains a mercury free battery! Retail price for this affordable eco-collection is only $30! Also, the packaging (created from at least 80% post consumer materials) contains a grass card that can be watered to create your own mini grass garden for your desk or dresser!”

The only problem I can foresee, now that I finally own a Sprout watch, is resisting the urge to buy more. In case you want to check out what Sprout’s up to here is the link to their very swell website.

10 Tips For Test Driving a Mattress

I’ve been selling Savvy Rest mattresses for just about 7 years now. During that time I’ve seen lots of different approaches to testing out the mattress we have in our showroom. I’ve been thinking about the people who have ordered these wonderful mattresses and how they are different from those that don’t.

I think one of the reasons that some people didn’t buy is because they didn’t get totally comfortable during the “Test Drive”.

I’ve got a few suggestions for you when it's time to mattress shop which will help you get comfortable and eliminate some of the challenges involved.

1. First and foremost – dress in comfortable clothes. Now we don’t want to see your jammies but loose fitting clothes will help you get a better idea how the mattress really feels.

2. Empty your pockets, take off the cell phone, take off your belt and kick off your shoes. Pretend you’re about to board a plane and TSA rules apply – but TSA in this situation means Terrific Sleep Assessment.

3. Wear clean socks – remember your sales associate is you usually standing nearby to answer your questions and holey socks might be embarrassing.

4. Ask your sales associate to leave you alone for however long it takes you to relax and enjoy the experience.

5. If there are overhead lights that can be turned off without plunging the whole place into darkness, ask to have them turned off. We automatically turn off the overhead fluorescents because even with your eyes closed they are a pain.

6. If you sleep on your side, then definitely try that position when you’re trying the mattress. Whatever position is your favorite, assume that position as you try the mattress. Lying flat on your back is OK to start to get an idea how the mattress will feel but very few people actually sleep that way.

7. I know it’s difficult to get truly comfortable in the middle of a showroom with other people around but here are some simple relaxation exercises to check out that could be helpful.

8. I know this next one is difficult and it’s only a suggestion – if you can leave your kids with a sitter, you’ll have a better chance of enjoying the test.

9. Take your time. If you have an appointment you need to get to, wait until you are free. A mattress is a big investment in your future. We spend a third of our lives in bed so give yourself enough time to get the most out of your test drive.

10. And last – remember with a Savvy Rest Serenity Mattress you can customize the 3 layers of latex for your comfort so don’t be afraid to ask us to set up the bed with the combination of soft medium and firm that suits you and your partner.

I hope you find these tips helpful. Mattress shopping should be fun and relaxing.
Take your time. Ask questions and get as comfortable as you can.

 

Sleep well!

Tom