Every week since the New Year, PrettyWellness.com has been top-lining soft news stories about health and wellness in our Health & Wellness News & Info Recap. Armed with a passionate for following trends in wellness circles, I have really enjoyed providing summaries and insights on eating clean, being active, living without toxins and inspirational stories. Since I attended the Green Festival Expo in New York City a few days ago it seemed appropriate for this week’s “News & Info Recap” to cover this event about sustainability and green living.
The Javits Center in New York City hosted the 4th annual Green Festival Expo from April 24-26. More than 200 exhibitors–largely organic, non-GMO and local–featured their products and services, ranging from food to fashion, as well as solar energy to green transportation. And unlike most festivals typically that offer fried cheese and tons of sugary sweets, this one featured a largely vegan offering, making it possible for me to snack throughout the day. I also came across plenty of organic skin care products, chemical-free home goods and eco-friendly services. Below were my favorites finds from this year’s NYC Green Festival Expo. Visit GreenFestivals.org for future expo dates in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco and Portland.
Clean Eating
SuperSeedz: Gourmet Pumpkin Seeds
I’ve always loved pumpkins seeds. They’re rich in protein, zinc and iron. So, when I saw SuperSeedz flavored pumpkin seeds in my local health food market, I grabbed a bag because their unique flavors like Tomato Italiano and Curious Curry intrigued me. Sprinkled on salads or grabbed as a snack, they are delicious. I was thrilled to meet the owners at our local Whole Foods, then at the Green Festival Expo. Not only is their product healthy and hearty, the owners (a vibrant married couple) exude happiness. It made me an even bigger fan or as they call it, a “seedling.”
I’ve been drinking ConoSur’s organic Cabernet Sauvignon/Carmenere blend for more than a year. I love the fruity taste and chocolatey finish. Plus, there’s no additional sugar added. Though the price point is under $20, ConoSur wines have been highly acclaimed by Wine Spectator. Their vineyards are also committed to natural agriculture and a decreased carbon footprint on the environment, which is admirable.
Active Living
The e-bikes from Stromer caught my eye several times. I kept walking by hoping to demo one for YouTube, but then got all shy. Stylish and eco-friendly, these battery-powered bicycles provide speed and power designed to fit an active lifestyle. Some of the models also provide connectivity to a portal and smartphone.
Non-Toxic Living
I’ve been using Yarok hairspray for months after I saw a complimentary write-up in a popular magazine. The product works well and is organic, 100% vegan, free of alcohol, paragon and sulfates. So when I saw the signage at the expo, I dashed over to meet owner, Mordecai Alvow. I felt like a kid in a candy store grinning ear-to-ear listening to his story. An allergic reaction to chemical products led him to create a line of organic hair products that work beautifully and promote wellness, while also helping sustain the beauty of the planet.
Every week there’s a new story in a beauty magazine about the benefits of coconut oil. But until now, it’s either used straight from the jar or as a part of a long, list of ingredients in a beauty item. CocoMe Body bar is virgin organic coconut oil in a stick made with only a few ingredients. The founder spoke about how her children called it their body crayon, a non-oily and easy way to moisturize.
Inspiration
New York Coalition for Healthy School Food
I spoke to the program director at the New York Coalition for Healthy School Food and was amazed at their organization. Many of us know of the startling statistics on childhood obesity. She also shared that 50 percent of children have fatty aide streaks in their arteries, literally early stage heart disease. Knowing this epidemic is real, the NYCHSF, a statewide 501 (c) (3) nonprofit’s mission is to introduce plant-based foods and nutrition education in schools to educate the whole school community about wellness. Many of their programs and resources are free. For those educators or parents who want to take small steps and add a few “learning lessons” into morning announcements, centers or other bits of the curriculum, check out their “wellness wakeup” section.
What’s your favorite festivals? Do you go for the food, to sight-see or make purchases?
