What People Want from Wedge Worldwide

Whether or not the items on the list are surprising to others, it can be fascinating to see what people want. Here is a list of items that Wedge Worldwide shoppers seem to be most interested in:

1. Fair Trade Jewelry: Our fair trade jewelry is brought to us from only a few select vendors, but our selection is quite thorough (and always improving). People seem to appreciate our Minneapolis-based artist, Robin Rifé and our jewelry from Far Fetched.

2. Bamboo Disposable Plates & Utensils: They are a wonderful and attractive alternative to standard disposable paper plates made from trees that take many years to grow. These products were made from 100% certified organic bamboo! Bamboo truly is a remarkable renewable resource. Those of us who have used the plates have found that they actually hold up to being used many times. On a related note, we also have biocompostable corn-based utensils available.
   

3. Reusable Bags: Reusable bags are a superior choice to any common plastic (and paper, for that matter) shopping bags because they are an easy way to decrease the amount of waste we create each year. We have a variety of options available. Popular choices include our Hemp Shopping Bag, ChicoBags, and Fair Trade Recycled Market Bag. Check out all of our reusable bags here.

4. Recycled Rugs: Our current rug selection consists mainly of a recycled plastic or cotton rugs. The fair trade recycled rugs are made from post-consumer recycled plastic. They make a stylish eco-friendly addition to any home, but is also durable enough for outdoor use. Our cotton rugs are made with recycled materials, which creates a colorful, soft rug while extending the useful life of the components.

5. Water Bottles: Metal water bottles are becoming a common household option for a safe alternative to plastic (Bisphenol A: BPA) water bottles. With the frenzy of media attention about the safety and health concerns of plastic water bottles, people are now choosing metal options. The two main lines that Wedge Worldwide is carrying are: Klean Kanteen and Sigg water bottles. However, check back soon because we are in the process of adding an additional line to the mix.

6. Alaffia Body Care Products: Alaffia has chosen to empower communities in Africa through promoting indigenous African natural resources that are culturally, spiritually, economically, and ecologically sustainable. Traditionally handcrafted shea butter fits these criteria. It is a renewable resource of African origin; shea trees are wild, requiring no chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Furthermore, it is an integral part of many savanna communities and, consequently, there is a wealth of local and traditional knowledge of making shea butter. This fair trade handcrafted shea butter is also produced by workers who belong to cooperatives, bringing income to and empowering African communities. They are a wonderful company and their products never cease to amaze us at Wedge Worldwide. Check them out!

Along with the top six, there are a few other items/vendors that deserve, at least, an honorable mention. So here they are: our Cookware items, Bambu products, Gusanito® Brand Worm Factory, and our Green Leaf Dinnerware.

New Year's Resolution: Clean Up and Green Up Your Personal Care Products

As we turn the calendar page to 2009, many of us will be setting goals for the upcoming new year. Travel plans, new projects, and thoughts of renewal will be on our minds. During this time of reform, I suggest that we also take a look at the personal care products on our shelves and make a resolution to clean up our acts. After all, the skin is our body's largest organ, absorbing whatever we put on. We pay attention to the ingredients in our food that nourish our internal organs, why not start paying attention to those in our soaps and shampoos as well? By eliminating products containing the ingredients listed below, we can maintain and enrich our body's first line of defense. Make a resolution for good health from the outside in.

The Bad Guys:

The following products are common additives to personal care products that are harmful to our bodies. Next time you pick up a bottle of lotion or deodorant, be sure to check out the label and steer clear from anything that contains the following:

sodium lauryl sulfate: This ingredient is used as a detergent, emulsifier, and foaming agent in thousands of cosmetic products. It is produced synthetically by the sulfation of lauryl alcohol. Sodium lauryl sulfate irritates the skin and dries the skin and hair due to its degreasing abilities.

propylene glycol: This is one of the world's most largely used cosmetic ingredients. It is a derivative of natural gas that is used as a moisture-carrying vehicle in everything from moisturizers and toothpastes to antifreeze and artificial smoke.

parabens: These preservatives are produced from synthetic chemicals and are considered toxic and allergenic to the body. Research done in the European Union has led many to believe that these chemicals alter hormone function and increase the risk of certain cancers and infertility.

synthetic fragrance: These synthetic substances used to impart odor into cosmetic products can trigger allergic reactions in many individuals. Common forms of synthetic fragrance, phthalates, have been shown to be mutagenic, cancer causing, and adversely affect human male sperm.

The Good Guys:

The above list may sound ominous but don't worry, there is hope. Certain companies have been reviewed by our staff and given the "Wedge Award". This award guarantees that none of the products offered by the company contain any of the nasties listed above.

Here are a few top of the line brands to look for just to get you started:

EvanHealy: A revolution in skin care and hands-down Wedge Co-op & Wedge Worldwide staff favorite. These products are worth their weight in gold. Clean as can be, purifying, and nourishing, these skin care products are made to order in small batches and sent directly to us. Discover the radiance that rosehip treatment oils, floral hydrosols and clay masks can bring to your skin.

Sensuous Beauty: These "sensual" botanical formulations are made entirely from fresh food and plant-based ingredients. Formulated by hand in small batches, this company uses organic and ethically wildcrafted herbs in their cosmetic concoctions. Check out items like their line of body pleasure products.

Dr. Hauschka: A complete line of holistic face and body care products, this company has offered us the highest quality of products for over 40 years. Their commitment to sustainable practices is evident in their use of biodynamically grown and harvested herbs in their products. If you haven't indulged yet, now might be the time. Their bath products are dreamy.

Alaffia: Sustainable skin care products made with fair-trade, hand-harvested shea butter - the highest quality available. Aditionally, 10% of the company's profits go back to the African communities that produce their raw materials. Try their luxuriously moisturizing soaps, shampoos, lotions and creams... or my favorite, unrefined shea butter.

Scrub Your Butt: An all natural, locally (Minnesota) based company offering a variety of different body washes made from organic based soap. Great products with whimsical names like our best seller "Stinky Hippie" patchouli body wash.

written by Katie Frerker