Learn about the World of Toxics
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GoogleMindful Living: Healthy Churches, Healthy People, Healthy Planet: Learn about the World of Toxics
October 9-11, 2008
Lake Geneva Christian Center, Alexandria, Minnesota
The National Council of Churches Eco-Justice Division presents this unique opportunity to learn about the world of toxics. From children's toys to water bottles to household cleaning products, the variety and quantity of dangerous toxics in our daily lives is ever increasing.
Dr. Pete Myers, co-author of 'Our Stolen Future', will speak on the topic of “The Science of Environmental Health and Toxics”, Friday, October 10th. The Rev. Dr. Jim Antal will address “Theology and Environmental Health” on Thursday, October 9th.
Workshops will include hands-on activities designed to allow you to identify harmful substances in your home and surrounding as well as replace these harmful toxics with safe, natural alternatives. Did you know that one of the most effective glass cleaners is 50/50 vinegar and water (and its less expensive)
Join this ecumenical gathering of denominational staff, clergy, seminarians, lay leaders, eco-justice coordinators and Christians and educate yourself on the unfolding world of toxics found in everyday items. Learn more about what you can do to remove these chemicals from your home, your church and your life.
For details including the agenda, speakers, registration forms and workshops visit the National Council of Churches Eco-Justice Division Web site - http://www.nccecojustice.org/mnconf.htm
Fate of Eco Toy Co in Public Online Voting Today at Forbes
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For those interested in "green" toys, here is our most recent press release. Given that the public online community plays a HUGE part in this competition, we need to spread the word to others who can take action and vote ASAP. Please contact me for any details.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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CONTACT:
Brenda Kvale
Kvale Good Natured Games, LLC
651.204.6781
FAX 651-204-6966
brenda@kvalegames.com
http://www.KvaleGames.com/?p=VoteHenry08 and http://www.forbes.com/byb
Eco Audit Completed for Green Toy Semifinalist in 2008 Forbes Contest
Saint Paul, Minnesota, August 21, 2008 -- After recent months of researching the production history of all projects since 1996, cumulative environmental savings have been determined for the board game brands of Kvale Good Natured Games. An inventor and publisher of earth-friendly board games in Saint Paul, Kvale Games also distributes the Bioviva Editions brand within the US, another company that has long employed strong positions on sustainable methods and materials.
CEO Tony Kvale stated, “Using 100% recycled paper rather than virgin paper fiber common within other traditional board games has a significant impact. For example, the energy our games have saved is equivalent to the power use of 73 homes for a full year.” Based upon the use of 100% recycled paper in all items at Kvale Games, the savings to the planet are: 1,397 tons trees (9,665 fully grown); 6.7 billion BTUs of total energy; 848,464 lbs of CO2 / greenhouse gases; 452,541 lbs of solid waste; and 3.5 million gallons of water.
According to the toy industry, the volume of sales at Kvale Games is categorized as a ‘small’ board game company. Kvale adds to this assessment, “You can then imagine the affect any of the more recognized games have had on our planet. And yet we’ve not even explored the subject of petroleum used in the plastic parts and pieces within other games, nor the degradation problems when any of those end up in landfills. There is always room for improvement.”
Kvale believes the timing is perfect for a consumer shift to authentic green play alternatives. After 22+ million US toy recalls in 2007, followed by another 6 million halfway into 2008, he thinks people are taking a closer look at purchases of play items.
Other traditional business minds seem to agree there is mass potential for eco games. Several weeks ago, Kvale Good Natured Games was selected as a semi-finalist in the annual Forbes.com "Boost Your Business" contest. An estimated 1,500 entrepreneurs across the nation submitted 500-word business plans this year. Kvale Games is 1 of 20 remaining businesses in an effort to win the $100,000 grand prize. Alongside the business plans posted online, semi-finalists provide a 30-second video serving as an "elevator pitch". The 20 videos can be viewed at www.forbes.com/byb and the public votes for their favorites to determine the Top 5 Finalists.
Kvale Games’ business plan describes a new game concept more accessible to mass markets, yet with even bolder eco materials. Adds Kvale, "People will instantly see the new game as easy and fun, and appreciate the novel use of recycled materials." More game details will be disclosed pending the company’s ability to make it to the Finalist round.
Kvale games are sold to green shops, gift stores, natural markets, museums, zoos, toy shops and book shops across the country. Its eco board games are also available online at www.HeadlineGame.com or by phone at toll- free 866-254-1276.
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post on the follow up too!
Thanks for posting this info, Jennifer! And please do feel free to post after the event happens too. We want to hear all about how it all went-- your attendees, speakers, and the best tips.
Thanks again!
EWG: A terrific resource on env health info
Hi! I am an online parent organizer for the Environmental Working Group (EWG), and so I read this post with great interest. We are working hard to share our research and how-to guidance with folks - like you! - interested in learning about the connection between toxics in everyday products and our health - especially our children who have especially susceptible developing bodies.
We have a web page specifically for parents, too: www.ewg.org/forparents, if you're seeking info and tips on how to make safer product choices in your home. This workshop looks like an excellent tool - very inspiring!
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