Ever wondering what that leaping bunny is on your cosmetic packages? Well, it’s a cruelty-free standard developed by the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics’ (CCIC). If you find the leaping bunny you can be rest assured that there was no animal testing used in any phase of product development by the company, labs, or suppliers.

What’s so wrong about animal testing?

You hear the media bashing the idea and cosmetic companies like Avon and Body Shop refusing to take part — but what is animal testing?

There are two kinds of testing primarily done on animals: product testing and lethal dosage testing. Product testing is used to measure skin irritants, eye tissue damage and toxicity caused by the various chemicals and substances in the cosmetics you use every day. If that isn’t gross sounding enough — imagine the draize test, a test where caustic substances are placed in the eyes of conscious rabbits to evaluate the damage on sensitive eyes. These tests can sometimes cause the rabbit so much pain they die from neck or back breaks trying to struggle free.

The Lethal Dosage test isn’t much better. It’s tests used to determine the amount of substances that can be used before killing an animal. Some tests, the LD50 test in particular entail giving poisonous substances to animals until half of them die. The sad thing about this, is in no way can this really be used to evaluate the actual lethal dosage of a human being.

The International Humane Cosmetics Standard symbol or Leaping Bunny will let you know that the company no longer tests its cosmetics or other products on Animals.

Should you Beware of “Not Tested on animals” label?

Yes! Sometimes products claim to be “cruelty-free” or “not tested on animals,” but that may only mean to the finished product. Most of the testing, (and perhaps the worst kind) occurs at the ingredient level.  Also, a company may say they don’t test on aniamls but actually contract another company to do so.  So still with the Leaping Bunny, and you are safe!

For more information and to find a list of cosemtic companies that are participating in the program check out: www.leapingbunny.org

Until next time.. Happy Planning!

Tiffany & Amalia

So it is almost time to make that pesky New Year’s Resolution, some may decide to play it safe with a familiar “lose weight; eat better; spend more time with family” mantra… but not you! You’ve decided to make a resolution to join the environmental revolution (errr.. okay maybe not necessarily join but go to a few meetings?) Either way, even thought it is cold outside there are still a few things that you can do to help reduce waste in 2009.

1. Reduce the Brrrr…

Take the necessary steps to use caulking in any cracks you may see and insulate your windows and reduce the drafts in your house. If your home is airtight you will stay warm this winter.

2. Using your appliances efficiently

Instead of washing your clothes in hot water why not try washing your clothes in cold-water. Also, you can make sure your dishwasher is full before running it and try running it at night.

3. Reduce your waste

Simply bring a resuable shopping bag whenever you shop be it clothing or groceries. Replace your plastic wrap with an air tight container and try to find products with reduced packaging.

You can also learn more from our previous blogs:

• Top Product/Ideas for 2008
• The Good Life

If you need more information check out these websites:

• www.futurefriendlybrands.ca
• www.rco.on.ca
• www.energyefficiency.ca
• www.canuhome.com

Cheers for 2009!

Amalia & Tiffany

Looking to do something other than lie on a beach on your honeymoon?  Why not restore citrus groves at the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge or Help protect one of the Southwest’s sole grassland animal habitats?

If that sounds like fun for you why not a volunteer vacation?

Trips usually entail teaming up with rangers, leaders of non-profit organizations or park service personnel and vacations can range from restoring wilderness areas, maintaining trails, working in hospitals, whale watching or research projects.

How much does it cost?

Air-fare is usually covered by you but trips range from $200-$1500 depending on the type of work being done. Meals and Accommodations are usually included as well.

Where can I get more information?

You can look up volunteer vacations on Google or check out the following links for more information.

Sierra Club Volunteer Vacations
Gap Adventures Volunteer

Have you ever volunteered on your vacation?

We’d love to hear about it! Send us your stories at info@talenevents.ca Subject: Volunteer Vacations and we’ll be sure to let everyone know about it.

As Always, Happy Planning!

Amalia & Tiffany

Are you having the wedding registry woes? Wish that you can use your wedding to give back in some way?

Changing the Present is a perfect opportunity to do just that. It’s an organization with over 1,000 charitable gift opportunities from many of the world’s leading non-profits.

Couples can use their wedding registry to:
- Protect an an acre of the wilderness
- Provide a child with her 1st book
- or even sponsor an infant chimpanzee

If you’re feeling weird about giving away wedding favors, Charitable Wedding favors are also an option. You can help to supply PB & J sandwiches at a drop in center or healthy treats for rescued animals as well. Whatever you decide, Changing the Present will provide printed favors certified by the Forest Stewardship Council for your guests.

Please check out this amazing website and tell us what you think!
www.changingthepresent.org

Until then… Happy Planning!

Amalia & Tiffany

It is a great day to be alive, the sun is shining, the birds are singing and the temperature is just right. As I was picking trash today in a park nearby I got to thinking that today is a great day to take your first steps to make the Earth a better place. We have made enormous strides this year in trying to understand how our everyday activities impact the earth, and how little changes in our behaviour can change things better for the future.From celebrities to the local news everyone is providing tips on how you can start to make your life green and for those of us who are living a green life amp; how to sustain that lifestyle.

The key to get everyone involved is to engage people on some level. As we at Talen Events move along in this journey of trying to find our way to a sustainable lifestyle we are getting involved in our community and learning through others. This past weekend, we had the honor of participating in WWF’s CN Tower Climb and helped to register 5000 climbers who believe in the need to help the environment. While it is absolutely necessary to celebrate the Earth today, I think the time has come to make everyday Earth Day.

If you’re looking for some Earth Day Reads, why not start here?

Oprah’s Tips for going Green

The Good Life

18th Annual WWF Stair Climb – Saturday April 18, 2008

Cheers,

Amalia & Tiffany

Who is David Suzuki?

David Suzuki is a Canadian environmental activist and science broadcaster. Known for his long-running, “The Nature of Things” he has dedicated his life to bringing awareness to environmental issues and doing his part to protecting our world as we know it.

What is the David Suzuki Foundation?

Started in 1990, the David Suzuki Foundation is an environmental non‐profit organization based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Using science and education to promote solutions that conserve nature, the David Suzuki Foundation is driven to achieve sustainability within a generation. Since 1990, the David Suzuki Foundation has worked to find ways for society to live in balance with the natural world that sustains us.

The Foundation focuses on four program areas – oceans and sustainable fishing, climate change and clean energy, sustainability and the Nature Challenge.

What is The Nature Challenge?

1. Reduce home energy use by 10%.
2. Choose energy‐efficient homes & appliances.
3. Don’t use pesticides.
4. Eat meat‐free meals one day a week.
5. Buy locally grown and produced food.
6. Choose a fuel‐efficient vehicle.
7. Walk, Bike, carpool or take transit.
8. Choose a home close to work or schoo.
9. Support Alternative transportation.
10. Learn more and Share with Others.

Aligning yourself with the David Suzuki Foundation and taking little steps to become environmentally friendly is HUGE! Even if you do one or two of the steps above, you should be extremely proud of yourself. Small steps like incorporating eco-friendly products in your daily life, taking the Nature Challenge, and focusing your attention on environmental issues can bring about change one small step at a time.

As a nation, we have all the ingredients to successfully push onwards toward sustainability and a greener planet, but the most important part of the recipe is you.

Keep reading our blog, work with companies like Talen Events or others you see here and check out David Suzuki nature challenge to do your part!

Cheers!
Tiffany