Most of us like to think of ourselves as smart consumers, especially when it comes to items we purchase regularly like groceries.  But are we really as smart as we think we are?  Fact is, most of us receive our ‘education’ as consumers through marketing channels.  Marketing – an activity with the sole purpose of convincing us to make purchase decisions – is hardly the place to look for real data to drive our consumer choices.

For example, let’s take a look at a food item most of us are familiar with: the ever-popular apple.  How do you choose which apple to buy?  Let’s take a look at five of the factors that contribute to this apparently simple decision.

1. Apparent Quality
You pick up two apples.  One is big and bright red, shining under the fluorescent lights of the store.  The other is small, greenish and has a dimple on it where a caterpillar took a sample before it made its way to the market.  Which one will you choose?  Simply inspecting the outside seems to give an indication of quality, but let’s face it – you don’t really know if the big apple is tastier or more nutritious than the little one - it simply looks like the better apple.

2. Origin
This time, you select two identical looking apples.  One was shipped from the other side of the country and one came from the neighboring state.  The “eat local” rule of eco-conscious shopping dictates that you should buy the apple that came from the orchard closest to your home.  But is it the best apple?

3. Value
Price is a deciding factor as well.  If you have two apples that appear to be of identical quality but one is cheaper than the other, logic dictates you buy the cheaper one.  If your choice is between buying one pound of premium-appearance apples or five pounds of mediocre-looking ones, frugality might persuade you to get what seems like more bang for your buck.

4. Variety / Brand Preference
You may have a personal preference for a specific variety of apple because you like it’s texture and flavor more than others you’ve tried, so you always pick up a couple of Fuji apples when you shop regardless of their apparent quality compared to other varieties.  You may also find you but apples based on the brand name on the sign, bag or sticker attached to the fruit.  Again, you associate this label with certain quality expectations and it makes your purchasing decision that much simpler.

5. Organic vs. Non Organic
This factor could almost be numbered “4b” since it’s so closely associated to brand preference and labeling, but it’s so important for us as eco-conscious shoppers I think it deserves its own number.  One label that might immediately affect your decision on purchasing an apple is whether or not that apple has been designated as ‘organic’ or not.  There are entire stores that only stock organic produce and often large grocery stores will segment organic produce into its own section.  If organic is your primary decision point you may even ignore quality and value to ensure the apple you buy is an organic one.

But there is a sixth factor, one that I haven’t mentioned yet and it should be the primary reason you’re buying an apple in the first place: nutrition.  Let’s face it: you’re standing there in the produce section with an apple in your hand because you think that the apple is good for you, right?
So look at those five factors above again.  Does the fact that your apple is pretty, locally produced, cheap, and labeled appropriately mean that it’s the better apple?  I’m going to say “no” and here’s why.

If you were going to purchase a container of whey protein powder for a post-workout shake and you were ignoring factors such as price and labeling you would grab two containers and look at their ingredients and nutrition labels.  The whey powder with the best nutritional profile (in this case, high protein, low sugar, etc.) would be your best choice.

So if you were going to buy an apple as a post-workout snack wouldn’t the best criteria be to be able to compare nutrition labels?

Now before you say, “an apple is an apple”, consider this: in the last 80 years in the United States the amount of calcium in apples has dropped 48%; phosphorous 84%; iron 96%; and magnesium, has dropped 82%.  In fact, back in 1914 a single apple would provide you with half your day’s requirement for iron.  Today you’d have to eat 26 apples to get the same amount of iron.

Not all apples are created equal and the quality has little or nothing to do with whether any pesticides were sprayed on the apple or not.  Environmental conditions and soil quality play a huge role in the nutritional makeup of fruit such as apples.

Personally, I buy apples not only because they’re tasty but because my expectation is that they are healthy and packed with nutrients.  There isn’t much “value” to an apple if I have to take a mineral supplement pill every time I eat one.  I don’t care if the apple is genetically modified, twice as expensive and is shipped from 600 miles away – if it packs 10 or 20 times the nutrition of every other apple on the shelves it’s worth every penny.

So as a consumer, keep your eyes open and do your Googling.  They don’t make nutrition labels for apples (yet), but don’t take it for granted that all apples are the same.

» XCap News

Whether you love them or loathe them, there is no denying that Uggs are one of the most popular footwear trends out there.  I have seen them on 18 month old babies, and I have also seen them on 50 year old women.  I must admit that this is one article that almost brings me to tears to write.  I am the owner of a pair of mid calf, grey Uggs, and they have been my go-to winter boot of choice for the last year and a half.  They are warm, very comfortable, and can be worn with many different outfits.  I have to admit that other than that, I never did put much thought into exactly how my Uggs were produced.

1.  Uggs are made from sheepskin.  Yes, most people, myself included, do realize this however most also do not look into exactly where this sheepskin comes from.  Uggs are made from Australian merino sheep, which happen to be animals that are treated very inhumanely.  Merino sheep were bread to have an excessive amount of fleece, which also causes them to have very wrinkly skin.  Most are sheared through a painful process called mulesing, where strips of flesh are also cut off of the animals hindquarters.  As with all procedures sheep endure, including castration, no anesthetic is used.  Very little care is also put into how these animals are treated during shearing and slaughter, and because of that the conditions are very inhumane.  In fact, many celebrities and clothing companies,like H&M are now boycotting Australian merino wool for these reasons.

2.  Made in Australia?  I shamefully admit that when I bought my Uggs instead of checking the label I automatically believed that they were made in Australia.  After all that is how they are marketed.  Their website is www.uggaustralia.com, for goodness sakes.  However, when I looked at the tag inside my Uggs boots, I was very surprised to  see “made in China” written on the label.  As uncovered by Blonde By Nature, Uggs Australia boots are made in China, albeit with Australian merino sheepskin.
 
3.   Uggs was a generic name for this style of Australian sheepskin boots which has been around for decades.  There is talk of them originating in World War II.  The name was sold to Deckers Outdoor Coropration.  So, while UGG boots are a brand name boot, they are not the only sheepskin boot on the market.  There are many quality sheepskin boots that are actually made in Australia.  While this doesn’t do anything to help with the merino sheep issue, at least they are made in Australia.  And guess what?  They are usually cheaper too!

So, according to these important tidbits of information, I own a pair of boots that come from the most abused and mistreated sheep in the world, and are manufactured my some of the most mistreated, underpaid workers in the world.  Not only that, but they are also the incredibly over-priced product of a company being able to buy and market the brand name to their advantage without actually producing an original, made in Australia product.   And all for a whopping price of $250!  The only question really left to ask is why then exactly are the Uggs Australia boots worth so much more that all of the cheaper sheepskin brands?  The only reason I can think of is because of fantastic marketing and brand recognition.  It just goes to show that paying for a name brand nowadays doesn’t always pay off.

Are their humane Ugg alternatives available?

Yes!  Luckily, as awareness about the issues surrounding animal skins grow, many companies now offer cruelty free Ugg style boots.  There are some fabulous faux sheep skin boots available....and for a much more reasonable price than the brand name Uggs.

I have learned some important lessons from writing this article.  First, always check the label.  Second, don’t automatically fall for slick marketing, and finally read beyond the hype and learn about the product you are interested in buying.

» Save the Sheep

Valentines day is coming up quickly.  For many of us that means spending time with our sweetheart, having a romantic dinner.....and consuming copious amounts of chocolate!  It is no wonder that chocolate is such a popular gift to give our loved ones.  It tastes fantastic, most people love it, it is decadent, and dark chocolate even contains healthy antioxidents.  Unfortunately much of the chocolate available on the market has some dirty little secrets.

1.  Cocoa plants are very suseptable to pests and diseases, and because of that are one of the most heavily sprayed crops around.
2.   Cocoa producers are paid very poorly for their product.  Because of this many of them live in poverty.  Child labor is also common because of this.
3.   In order to produce more yield, new varieties that can be grown in full sun have been introduced.  Instead of the natural cocoa plants that grow in the shade of the forest, these increase the destruction of the forest.

So what can be done to ensure that the chocolate you buy does not contribute to these problems?  There are many certifications that you can look for when buying chocolate, and nowadays many brands that meet these certifications are appearing in local grocery stores.  So, what exactly should be on your chocolate wrapper?

1.  Fair Trade - Fair trade aims to ensure that farmers receive a fair price for their product and good labor conditions to work in.  Under fair trade these farmers are able to live and support their families properly.
2.   Certified Organic - There are many different organizations that certify organic products.  Certified organic guarantees that the crops are not sprayed with dangerous chemicals. 
3.   Rainforest Alliance - The rainforest alliance covers many areas that are important in cocoa farming.  They work with farmers to ensure sustainability by promoting the original shade grown cocoa plants.  Because these are grown in the shelter of the forests they are much more environmentally friendly and help promote wildlife conservation.  They also work with farmers to ensure that they are making at least the country minimum wage, and provide training on how to get the best yields from their crops.

Luckily for us chocolate lovers, there are many fantastic brands of “ethical chocolate”

Green & Blacks - Green & Blacks makes a variety of chocolate products including chocolate bars, ice cream, baking chocolate and hot chocolate mix.  I can say from experience that the quality and taste of their chocolate is fantastic.  With it’s popularity gaining it is appearing not only in specialty stores but also in local supermarkets and drug stores as well.

Lake Champlain Chocolates - Lake Champlain makes a variety of certified organic, fair trade chocolate products including bars, assortments, gift baskets and hot chocolate.

» Organic Chocolate on Ecollo

Who would have ever thought the humble bee would serve as inspiration for one of the most widely recognized natural body care lines available today? Burt's Bees originally started out selling beeswax candles in 1984, using the by-product from beekeeper Burt Shavitz's business. The company became successful quickly, but it wasn't until 1989 that Roxanne Quimby, Burt's partner, found a nineteenth century book containing recipes for homemade personal care products, which inspired the company to branch out use beeswax to make natural soaps and perfumes, in addition to candles. Lip balm was added soon after and remains one of the company's most successful products to date.

The company prides itself on creating over 150 items that are 99 per cent natural. Every product contains a "natural bar" that indicates the percentage of natural ingredients contained in it. There are no artificial colors or preservatives found in the products; instead beta-carotene, chlorophyll are used to provide color and natural preservatives such as the ones found in sugar enzymes are used. Burt's Bees also tries to use as little in the way of fragrance components as possible, and all of the fragrances sold by the company as phthalate-free.

The packaging has been designed to reflect the company's commitment to natural products; all of the packaging is made from recycled materials that are also fully recyclable.

Finally, the company takes care to follow the natural production cycles of bees, so that the bees' environment is never harmed when the beeswax is harvested.

...read the rest...

Previously on Ecollo, we offered gift suggestions that will keep your child active. As it turns out, kids aren’t the only ones who will benefit from this type of present. The latest trend in Christmas gifts are those that reduce stress, or increase exercise and nutrition.

Some of the suggestions in the CNN article are great ideas; others may require tip-toeing around to ensure you won’t offend or send the wrong message. For example, if you send a woman to a dietician or give a weight loss cookbook to someone who hasn’t requested it, expect to be frozen out (no matter how much you reassure her you don’t think she’s fat). Instead try sessions with a “nutritional consultant” if one has expressed the interest in healthy eating or a healthy living cookbook rather than one focused on weight loss.

Additional gift suggestions to promote a healthy lifestyle:

☆ Yoga DVD with yoga mat, water bottle and a headband

☆ Any other type of fitness equipment or clothing for an activity that an individual has shown interest in. In-line skates, athletic shoes, a new swimsuit, fitness clothing, etc.

☆ Nike + iPod Sport Kit – A device for runners that can slipped in Nike shoes and works with your iPod to keep real-time spoken feedback, track running distance, calories burned, time and pace.

☆ Enrolment in an activity or class an individual has expressed a desire to learn

☆ Hot stone facial

☆ Couples massage. Not only do you de-stress, you give a person the gift of time with someone they love.

Note that if you aren’t completely sure, a fitness-related gift may sit in a closet, unused if the person on the receiving end has never expressed the interest in participating in the related activity. Fitness requires effort and therefore, an interest in the activity in question. Gifts such as spa treatments may be more well-received in some cases because they invite luxury and relaxation.

Things you never give your significant other unless she asks for it

I don’t care how much she whines about feeling fat, wanting to get in shape or start eating better. No man should ever assume he’s being helpful and give his wife/girlfriend/life partner the following unless specifically directed to:

☆ Membership to a gym

☆ Exercise equipment (An exercise ball for “stretching” is fine. A treadmill is not.)

☆ Bathroom scale

☆ Weight Watchers or any other diet cookbook

☆ While we’re on the topic, membership to Weight Watchers or any other weight loss program

» CNN Health

Made in China.  Oh, how those three words break my heart sometimes.  If you're a tool lover they might put a little dent in yours too.  Cheap knockoff tools having been slowly taking over the displays of (manly) toy stores from coast to coast.  Chinese knockoff tools might be easy on your pocketbook, but they're not so great for the planet.  They're shipped from halfway around the world, they're often made of second-rate materials, and in many cases they simply don't last very long.

So if you're planning a home improvement or renovation project, don't fill your tool box with shoddy no-name tools.  Here are a few alternatives:

1. Borrow tools from a handy friend!  I've done this before and a one-time payment of beer and pizza seems to be a standard fee.

2. Rent!  You can search for "tool rental" in your local yellow pages or just go to Home Depot!  They rent all sorts of excellent quality tools suitable for fancy home improvement jobs.

3. Look for estate sales.  There are a lot of old dudes out there with great tool collections and they croak every day!  (Too morbid?  Sorry, sorry...)  Seriously though, estate sales are a great way to kit yourself out with a full set of tools for a fraction of their retail cost.

4. Buy used online.  Good ol' eBay is a great place to hunt for previously loved tools but beware: tools are heavy and the shipping can be a nightmare.

5. Buy used from friends.  If you have any friends involved with trades or who just have a jam-packed garage, put the word out that you're looking to buy some used tools.  It's a win-win situation: you'll likely get a good deal from your friend and your friend has an excuse to buy new tools without his wife getting angry and taking his credit card away! (hehe)  Another bonus is that if your pal does construction work or is really into carpentry then chances are that his castoffs are of a much better quality than you would've bought yourself.

6. Be a tool MacGuyver and improvise!  Not having ther perfect tool on hand shouldn't prevent you from getting the job done.  With a little ingenuity you might be surprised at how few tools you need. 

7. Make your own equipment.  Do you really need four shiny plastic and aluminum folding sawhorses to complete your project?  A few two-by-fours and a handful of nails are all you need to throw together a simple workbench.

8. Remember that elbow grease is a renewable resource.  Hand tools are reliable.  They last.  They require skills.  It might be more fun (and dangerous!) to cut wood on a table saw, but for small home improvement jobs you really only need a hand saw in most cases.  Besides, if you can't swing a hammer you might as well get out of the toolshed.

9. Read the ingredients and test it out before buying.  Is it made of steel or titanium?  Does the plastic and rubber handle feel cheap?  Are the mechanisms solid or delicate?  Where were they made?  Don't let fancy metal finishes and gimmicky features distract you.  Read the fine print and see what you're really buying.  That way you'll know if it was build to last.

10. Wearing gloves does not make you a sissy.  If your handyman (or handygirl) duties consiste largely of unclogging toilets and changin lightbulbs then chances are the palms of your hands are like delicate rose petals and you'll be tempted to buy hand tools is big, chunky, soft rubbery grips to protect your delicate palms.  Don't!  All of the extra plastic junk on your tools will be the first thing to wear out.  Just buy regular tools with solid handles and pick up a good dpair of workgloves to protect your hands.  Replacing one pair of gloves is better than replacing a whole set of hand tools with ridiculous grips!

I know "ten" is the golden number when it comes to giving tips, but I have one more:

11. The common screwdriver is the best friend in your toolbox... and the most abused.  The common or "flat head" screwdriver can do so much more than turn screws.  They can serve as chisels, pry-bars, scrapers, knives... you name it.  They can be used for so many things that they tend to get damaged, beaten-up and lost more than any other tool you'll ever own.  So if you have a screwdriver set, put aside you best common screwdrivers on reserve for, you know, when you actually need them to turn a screw.  Keep a collection of old, rusty, battered, twisted common screwdrivers aside for your miscellaneous uses.  You'll get use out of otherwise useless tools, plus you'll be extending the life of your good tools.

Alright!  All this talk about tools makes me want to finish that project I started last week.  Now where is my screwdriver?

» Search for Craftsman on eBay