Jolly Green Girl » Susie

Hey Facebook, Breastfeeding is Not Obscene, Sexually Explicit, or Pornographic

Susie — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 03:36:39 +0000

Although I try not to blog about motherhood here on Jolly Green Girl; (I usually reserve that for Green Options) this one hit close to my heart. I am a breastfeeding mother and darn proud of it. In a time when many new mothers get discouraged and give up on breastfeeding; we should create a more conducive and supportive environment for mothers to continue on this honorable endeavor. However, mankind have taken a step back by Facebook policies involving photos of breastfeeding mothers. Facebook’s policy is to remove photos where the nipple or areola is visible INCLUDING breastfeeding mothers due to the fact that breast are suppose to be considered Obscene, Sexually Explicit or Pornographic. I am sorry but since when does breastfeeding equal that?

I tweeted on Twitter, “It’s sad that we as a society deem breasts only to be sexual playthings instead of life giving nourisher it really is.” Breastfeeding is a natural phenomenon that mankind have engaged for centuries. Breastfeeding is the basis of survival of mankind before the invention of baby formula; It’s not unnatural and should not be made feel so. Only in Modern times have breasts become unnecessary and crude. Before my daughter was born, I had my reservations about breastfeeding. I had been brainwashed by our overtly sexual society that breasts were meant for sex and sex only. Only when my daughter latched on after her birth, did I have the “Ah Ha” moment. I knew that my breasts were more than that. It was finally fulfilled to do what it was suppose to do. It gives me tremendous pride knowing that I am the provider of my child’s nourishment. That her bones, muscles, and everything else was growing due to the milk I was able to provide for her. I hope that other mothers can and will enjoy the incredible accomplishment of breastfeeding despite the Society that shuns it.

So Facebook, let me say this again. Breastfeeding is NOT Obscene, Sexually Explicit, or Pornographic. In an article by Eco Childs Play:

A group of moms staged a protest outside Facebook’s Palo Alto offices yesterday over the site’s policy to remove photos of bare breasts. While Facebook’s policy is to remove photos where the nipple or areola is visible, attendees of the MILC (Mothers International Lactation Campaign) “nurse in” want an exception for breastfeeding moms.

You can support this endeavor by signing a petition, Facebook Group with the official petition. So far 73,000 have signed.

On their Facebook group site, which also serves as an open petition to the company, nursing advocates by Saturday evening had posted more than 10,000 wall comments, two dozen videos and nearly 3,000 photos of breast-feeding, while starting more than 1,500 discussion threads. Facebook, it seemed, was not removing them.

Let’s keep the ball moving and get Facebook out of the dark ages.

Image Source: stockxchng

Random Posts

ShareThis

Fashion & Earth Online Store Launches Which Merges Eco-fashion and Affordability

Susie — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 12:30:13 +0000

Organic and Fair Trade clothing store is now only a click away with Fashion & Earth. An online boutique that specializes in Eco-friendly textiles like Organic Cotton, Bamboo, Soy, and Hemp; it’s good for the Eco-conscious as well as the budget conscious. With tops starting at $30 a pop and bottoms starting at $60 a pop; Jolly Green Girl is already a huge fan. In a Press release by Fashion & Earth, Adrian Desbarats, the president of company, states:

Our eco-friendly clothing is made extremely well, for a flattering fit, easy care and durability. With a variety of high-quality styles at affordable prices, shoppers can easily put together complete outfits that are not only healthier for them but also for the environment.

I am really loving the Complete look sets which pairs up Eco duds for a complete dress up from head to toe. Totally digging the Crescent beach set (pictured above) which is fresh and paired well like cheese and wine. In honor of their web launch, Fashion & Earth is offering free shipping within the United States. So click away for the holiday gift-giving or treat yourself to some new duds. Your wallet will barely miss it.

Starbucks Serena Organic Blend is Robust, Green, and Caffeinated

ShareThis

Eco-fashion Score! Organic Cotton Turtleneck Dress for Under $50

Susie — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 07:51:44 +0000

Jolly Green Girl does it again. I have found the perfect dress to go with a chunky sweater and leggings. It’s fashionable, classic, and Eco-conscious because it’s made from Organic cotton. The best part? It’s under Fifty dollars. Unheard of in the Eco-fashion world. Although I applaud many Green minded designers for their talent as well as their conscienscious effort; We really do not want to spend $300 on a dress. Unless it’s a Chanel. And even then it’s a stretch.

Of course we do feature the creme de la creme of Eco-fashion designers here, but we like to mix and match high style with everyday wear. This turquoise turtleneck dress is the perfect staple for Winter and Spring. We found this gem at one of my favorite online boutiques, Ruche. I am delighted to find that they are starting to offer affordable, organic, vintage-modern clothing. Vegans can also find non-leather shoes and purses that are hip yet doesn’t break the bank.

ShareThis

The Perfect Accompaniment to a Night Out: Vegan Clutch from Matt & Nat

Susie — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:30:17 +0000

It’s been quite awhile since I have been able to have a night out with the girls. As a mother of a seven month old; it has been tough to tear myself away from mothering duties to get away for awhile. However, as my daughter gets older, I am starting to look for a night out again and sadly lacking in the evening bag department. I have been looking for a stylish (meaning not made out of hemp or other suspiciously hippyish fabric) clutch that wasn’t made out of leather or other animal skin. I am pleasantly surprised by this ultra sophisticated and vegan clutch from Matt & Nat.

MATT & NAT: a collection of design-centric, fashion-forward accessories that is also vegan. Armed with this vision, creative director Inder Bedi created a brand that goes beyond fashion, invoking our own human experiences and the environments that surround us

I am delighted with this cruelty free and Eco-conscious gem. The Sade clutch is the perfect evening accompaniment to paint the town red… erm green also. Be fashion forwards without compromising style or your conscience. Molly will thank you.

Fashion Gets Cruelty Free Make-Over with Eco-fashion Designers

ShareThis

How to Go Green in Times of Recession

Susie — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 09:11:16 +0000

Green Living Doesn’t Always Mean Expensive

Going green doesn’t necessary mean buying into all the latest Eco-friendly gadgets and off-setting your carbon input with credits. Going green can be simple, inexpensive and starts right from home. You can start by evaluating what is most important to you, what you hold value in this world, and spend according to your values. If you do this; then I think you will find wealth regardless of how much or how little you have in monetary value. Going green boils down to this. Conservation. And we can conserve by reducing, reusing, and recycling. It’s really that simple.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Reuse what you have. Trade with others what you don’t have. Reduce your consumption by buying only what you need. Of course, splurge from time to time, but try not to live in excess. Recyling is the perfect example of something that’s free to do, just takes a little planning and action on your part. Turn off the energy you don’t use. Better yet, unplug the appliance you don’t use. Teach your children to have compassion and respect for the world they live in. If you leave them that legacy, you are doing your part, and one of the best gifts you can give to Mother Earth.

Support Green Businesses as much as you can

Of course, we do need things… and invest in the future by spending what you have on things that are kinder to the Earth. We can’t buy ALL Organic, but buy some that are. Whatever fits in your budget. If not Organic, then try non-toxic cleaners. Companies like Method Non-toxic cleaners allows you to have a natural home without breaking the bank. Or use baking soda, vinegar, and Castille soap to make your own cleaning supplies. If you have the means, invest with companies that are making a difference. Let your wallet speak for the causes you are passionate but do not think that this is the ONLY way we can make a difference. An act of kindness or protecting those who are fragile and vulnerable can be just as powerful. Perhaps even more so.

Utilize the resources available to you. The Public library is the perfect green example. So is the public transportation.

Jolly Green Girl is about stylish green living and we do take a light hearted approach to Eco-conscious living. But we are serious about Mother Earth and A recession shouldn’t deter anyone from making a difference.

ShareThis

Eco-fashion Score! Sample Sale Offering Stylish Green Duds from Clothes Pin

Susie — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 10:43:32 +0000

Recession got you down? Jolly Green Girl can relate. Well here’s something to brighten up your day. Get up to 55% off on Hip and Stylish Eco-fashion worthy clothes from Clothes Pin. I am totally admiring their use of bamboo and Organic Cotton which if gentler to the planet without sacrificing their aesthetic sensibilities. The Susie skirt is calling my name, literally and figuratively.

I am quite curious about the use of seaweed. I am a huge seaweed lover but not something I would consider wearing. Perhaps Mia Seaweed Dressmight change my mind. There’s couple of scores for under $100 which is virtually unheard of in the Eco-fashion world. The only caveat with Eco-friendly fibers and textiles is that it does cost much more because the sustainable practices and even fair wage to indigenous countries. Sublet has some affordable options that doesn’t skimp on style. Anais Cardigan made from Organic Cotton and Bamboo (shown above) is a total steal at $55! So go shop without a guilty conscious because not only are you being kinder to the planet but also good to your wallet.

ShareThis

Eco Bag’s Quote With Totes

Susie — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 12:30:08 +0000

We love to feature alternatives to plastic bags here at Jolly Green Girl. We believe that each tote, bag, or what have you will help keep plastic bags out of landfills and hopefully in the near future; we can eliminate those unsightly plastics altogether. Before reusable bags were even heard of; Eco Bags have been creating these alternatives to plastic bags for a very long time. I featured Eco Bags before and LOVE LOVE LOVE their classic string bag. Perfect to tote your fruits and veggies in.

Now Eco Bags have joined in the fashionable bid with their new line of graphic totes. With kitschy quotes, their dedication to sustainable materials as well as fair wage; You really can’t go wrong with their Totes with Quotes. Eco bag uses sustainable materials like hemp, organic cotton, and recycled cotton. Eco bags have solidly built their reputation on their sustainable brand, and it’s a company that definitely has the Environment’s back. Even Oprah is a fan. And so is Jolly Green Girl

In Partnership with Eco Bags. Three lucky readers will win these Totes with Quotes. Just Sign up for Jolly Green Girl via RSS or Email; leave a comment if you choose the RSS method, and you can enter to win.

ShareThis

Project Runway Winner Uses Sustainable Materials to Create Her Winning Look

Susie — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 02:55:07 +0000

I am a bit of a closet Project Runway addict. I have deep love of fashion even though it can be cruel at times (Fur and Leather, anyone?). However, the winner of this year took on a more environmental approach by using sustainable fabrics that’s also very modern chic. According to Chicage Tribune, “The judges on the Bravo show appreciated the Portland resident’s modern, clean look and her use of sustainable fabrics”

Designer Leanne Marshall, a native of Portland, OR, must have found her inspiration from the ever green city of that’s touted as the most environmentally forward city in America. Not only the design sustainable, it’s very innovative as well.

Image Source: Imaxtree

ShareThis

Check Out Ecologue to Get Energy Saving Tips for Your Home

Susie — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 12:30:06 +0000

Crafy Recycling At Ecologue

I admit I do this too.. keep your cell phone charger in the plug. Did you know that this is one way you are using needless energy? Appliances on stand-by can consume up to 20% of your electricity. In a study by Environmental Energy Technologies Division of the Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory:

Miscellaneous electricity use now accounts for about one-fifth of all electricity used in U.S. homes, and it’s growing quickly,” says Marla Sanchez, lead author of the study. Miscellaneous uses are becoming relatively more important because some of the conventional uses of energy have become much more efficient (due to EPA and DOE’s voluntary ENERGY STAR Programs, efficiency standards, and other policies) and because people are buying more energy-using appliances that fall into the miscellaneous category.

Ecologue is a site that’s very concerned about these miscellaneous energy uses and wants to do something about it. “Ecologue is dedicated to enabling and inspiring healthy, practical, eco-friendly changes to homes, gardens and everyday life. With hundreds of videos, articles and practical tips, Ecologue.com helps the new-to-green consumer make easy, everyday changes. Visitors to the site can learn to save money with home efficiency upgrades, keep a greener lawn, shop for healthier foods, select stylish eco-friendly home designs and more”.

It’s the sister site of HGTV which addresses the concerns its viewers had. I really like the site’s design and seems to have a wealth of information for the concerned consumer. Check them out and tell them that Jolly Green Girl sent you there.

ShareThis

Eco-fashion: ReFind Original Offers Stylish Handmade Purses from Recycled Leather

Susie — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 12:00:15 +0000

There are those who will not buy any kind of leather because they feel its cruel to buy one. Then there are those who can not give up their leather obsession. Well here’s a compromise. How about recycled leather purses? These are stylish, hip, and yet are gentler to the planet by reusing what’s already here. ReFind Originals are all handmade and crafted by one talented woman.. and I have to say they are in par with top fashion designer purses that goes for much much more.

You can score one of a kind design that’s also Eco-conscious by reducing waste by reusing what’s already there. I am not a big fan of leather bags and shoes in general, but I do own a couple (with an extremely guilty conscious) so its nice that you are not furthering the exploitation of leather in the name of Fashion. It’s hard to give up leather though, so if you must have one… then try ReFind. The handmade bags are simply to die for. No pun intended.

At ReFind Originals, we deconstruct, clean and restore discarded leather apparel and upholstery, transforming it into stunning, one-of-a-kind leather handbags. Each purse is totally unique, buttery-soft and super easy on the environment. Through our craftsmanship, we hope to demonstrate that greener choices in our everyday lives can be beautiful.

I had the pleasure of personally speaking to Anita and not only is she talented; but very gracious as well. Her craftmanship and design abilities are incredible. Purses go for about $250 a pop. These stylish yet classic bags are something you will treasure forever; not only for a season.

ShareThis