Q. Dear Umbra,<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n I prefer to <\/p>\n Laine A. Dearest Laine,<\/p>\n <\/p>\n You know one <\/p>\n So back to <\/p>\n Many <\/p>\n Here are a <\/p>\n And you can <\/p>\n Footloosely, <\/p>\n Q. Dear Umbra,<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Do you know <\/p>\n Neosapiens<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n A. Dearest Neosapiens,<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Thumbs up on wanting to make sure your nest egg is residing <\/p>\n Your employer may actually have an SRI fund alternative as <\/p>\n Otherwise, you can opt for an investment strategy outside <\/p>\n You can also look into companies like Calvert Investments<\/a> and Green Century Funds<\/a>, which offer SRI <\/p>\n As with any investment strategy, SRI doesn’t guarantee any <\/p>\n Capitally, <\/p>\n Q. Dear Umbra,<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Do you have <\/p>\n Sharon R.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n A. Dearest <\/p>\n Man, is it <\/p>\n Indeed I do have a Facebook presence and would <\/p>\n Pokily, Related Links:<\/strong><\/p>\n Ask Umbra visits the Fixers’ Collective [VIDEO]<\/a><\/p>\n Ask Umbra on Annie Leonard and The Story of Stuff<\/a><\/p>\n
\nbuy shoes that will last me a long time rather than buy lots of cheap ones that
\nconsume many resources. Is there an environmentally friendly shoe polish that I
\ncan use to keep my feet looking spiffy for the long haul?<\/strong><\/p>\n
Washington, D.C.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nof the things that thrills me most about warmer weather? The footwear—or, I
\nshould say, the lack thereof. All winter long my poor little tootsies feel so
\nstifled. Even now, they are wiggling giddily at the very thought of being free.
\nBut, alas, we’re not quite there yet.<\/p>\n
\nthe shoes<\/a> that do in fact cover your feet
\nand how to care for said shoes (and I take it we’re talking about leather, no?).
\nFirst off, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of shoe polish: Essentially,
\nbe kind to your shoes and try to avoid scuffs, wear, and tear.<\/p>\n
\nconventional, commercial shoe polishes contain toxic suspected carcinogens like
\ntrichloroethylene (irritant to eyes and nose), methylene chloride (can cause
\nmemory loss and liver and kidney damage), or nitrobenzene (affects the central
\nnervous system and particularly harmful to pregnant women). I have some
\nthoughts for you on the less-toxic polishing front. And remember, whatever ooze
\nyou choose to use, an old toothbrush<\/a> makes a great tool for cleaning.<\/p>\n
\nfew options; let me know how these methods work out for you. Got a
\nbanana? Eat up and then rub the inside of the peel on your shoe—the oils and
\npotassium are supposed to polish and preserve your shoes. Then buff them with a
\nsoft cloth and compost the peel. Or try rubbing a little olive or vegetable oil
\non your shoes and then buffing. Then there are products like Po-Zu’s<\/a> Soil
\nAssociation-certified edible shoe cream made from 100% organic virgin coconut
\noil—apparently, it can be used to shine your shoes, condition your hair,
\nmoisturize your lips, and even provide a little snack (let me know how that
\nworks out).<\/p>\n
\nalways just embrace a shabby chic look when it comes to your shoes, and let
\nthem show off what old soles they are—scuffs, dull spots, scratches, and
\nall.<\/p>\n
Umbra<\/p>\n
\nof any sources of guidance (web or otherwise) on how individuals can invest in
\nways that will help the fight against global warming and not reward polluting
\nindustries? What little savings I have is invested in a 401(k) that goes who
\nknows where. I’d rather be putting my couple of hundred a month into something
\nthat will make a difference and not just a profit.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\ncomfortably in a sustainably feathered nest. The phrase that pays when you’re
\nlooking to green your investments is socially responsible investing, or SRI. Before
\nyou take the plunge, read up on sites like Social Investment Forum<\/a> and Investopedia<\/a>,
\namong dozens of others.<\/p>\n
\npart of its 401(k) options. A 2007 Social Investment Forum survey revealed that
\n60 percent of benefit plan sponsors intended to include SRI options for retirement
\nfunds by 2010. Wait! This year is
\n2010. So check in with your HR peeps or whomever handles your 401(k), and if
\nyour employer doesn’t offer an SRI selection, ask about adding one.<\/p>\n
\nthe confines of your employer-offered plan. You may choose to hit up a green
\nfinancial advisor for some sage wisdom—KLD Research<\/a> is one source for investor screening.<\/p>\n
\nmutual fund options. Green Your<\/a> also has a section with
\ngreat advice on choosing eco-friendly mutual funds.<\/p>\n
\nsort of return on investment, but at least you’ll be able to hold your dollars
\naccountable for their contribution to the greater good.<\/p>\n
Umbra<\/p>\n
\na Facebook presence?<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nSharon,<\/p>\n
\never stuffy down here in the Grist stacks. Seriously, is it hot in here or is
\nit just me? Just me, you say? Well, I guess I could use a few more fans—on my Ask Umbra Facebook fan page<\/a>, that is!<\/p>\n
\nlove to see your smiling face there. You can become a fan to follow my comings
\nand goings—and hopefully cool things off a bit here at HQ.<\/p>\n
Umbra<\/p>\n
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