Sophia’s Naturals Offers Sustainable, Vegan Handmade Soaps, Bath, & Body Care Products

In 2009, Sophia’s Naturals officially launched. The family owned and oriented company has expanded and continues  to offer handcrafted, natural body and beauty products that are non-irritating and free of harmful chemicals. Erin Evans, owner of Sophia’s Naturals, is a mom who began her entrepreneurial journey when her son, Noah,  and daughter, Sophia, developed sensitive skin. Most bath soaps and beauty products irritated their sensitive  skin, and Evans decided to create a brand of skin and body care products that were non-irritating, eco-friendly, and sustainable. After years of dedicated researching and testing, Sophia’s Naturals launched with economically priced yet luxurious handmade, natural bath and body products. Now, the Sophia’s Naturals line offers vegan milk and shea butter vegan soaps, facial soaps and masks, body butters, lotions, scrubs, lip balms, bath indulgences, hair care, products for men, Noah’s Candles, and more. Sophia’s Naturals products can be purchased both online and in the company’s Jonesboro, GA, retail location, where Evans’ children are often spotted talking to customers about their unique line  of products. “We take extreme pride in what we do. This means that each and every product is handmade by us. We do not use product bases or outsource anything to anyone. It also means that we have tested each and every product before customers receive it because we care,” said Evans. More information can be found at http://sophiasnaturals.com. About Sophia’s Naturals The Sophia’s Naturals mission is to create natural, wholesome soap and beauty products that are free and clear of parabens and preservatives. Designed for the whole family in mind, all Sophia’s Naturals products are handmade and economically priced to ensure that people everywhere can enjoy non-irritating, handcrafted skin and beauty products.

Contact Information

Sophia's Naturals Erin Evans 678-304-7846 Contact SophiasNaturals.com

Sailing stars encourage everyone to make Bart’s Bash the World’s largest sailing event

Bart’s Bash, the global sailing event in aid of the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation, has launched participant sign up with the help of some of the world’s best in the sport of sailing.

Sailors including Sir Robin- Knox-Johnston, Sir Ben Ainslie, Tom Slingsby and Shirley Robertson OBE feature in a short film which aims to encourage sailors and non-sailors from across the world to take to the water on 20 September 2015.

This is the second time the remarkable sailing event will take place. Bart’s Bash was conceived in 2014 as a participation event in memory of Andrew “Bart” Simpson. It grew beyond all expectations with over 30700 people taking part in the event across more than 50 countries and raised over £360,000 for the charity started in Bart’s name. In January 2015 Bart’s Bash was named officially the largest sailing race in the world by Guinness World Records.

The aim of the 2015 campaign is to increase participation even further across the world with the ultimate goal of becoming the world’s biggest sporting event. Any sailing clubs, community sailing programmes, sail training centres, yacht clubs, scout groups, sea cadets and even groups of sailors globally can hold a Bart’s Bash race.

With an aim to make Bart’s Bash the biggest sporting event in the World the team have introduced Bart’s Buddies to the event. This is a great opportunity for those who already sail to introduce friends, family and work colleagues to the sport and to give them an unforgettable experience on the water.

Another exciting new concept added by the team is he Bart’s Bash Buoy race. This is possibly the easiest way to get lots of people on the water and involved in the event, without the need of a set start time, start line, complex course and the full racing management ,venues can run a simple 'race' from the shore to a mark (Bart’s Buoy) and back to shore.

ASSF Trustee Iain Percy OBE said “last year was an incredible event so this year we have decided to do it all over again. This time we want to get even more people on the water so we have introduced Bart’s Buddies. We have all promised our friends and family to take them sailing one day so why not this day, a day where we can have fun together and remember Bart whilst doing so. Now that the sign up process is live I urge and encourage everyone to sign up to take part and be a part of this ground breaking event”.

Bart’s Bash is one of the valuable fund raising events for the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation, allowing it to facilitate a range of sustainable projects, using sailing to transform the lives of children and young people globally.

The "Making Dads Cooler Than Moms" Gift for Father's Day

Father’s Day is quickly approaching and that means it’s time to shop for the perfect gift. Sure, you could go with something like a tie or some tools for his grill, but will those gifts speak to how important he is to his family, or create a lasting memory?
When planning for Father’s Day, why not give the dad in your life a gift that really speaks to what Father’s Day is all about?  Cooper & Kid’s The Cooper Kit is the perfect gift for the dad who wants to spend quality time with his kids and make memories that will last forever! A kit that arrives in the mail every three months, The Cooper Kit is the gift that will keep on giving hours of fun and entertainment for dads and kids alike!

Cooper & Kid’s The Cooper Kit makes the perfect Father’s Day Gift:

• Made for today’s dad: an entire box full of projects, including recipes, books, ideas and more!
• Multiple projects means hours of fun! Each box comes with 6-9 activities!
• Gender neutral projects means dads with daughters or sons will have a blast with The Cooper Kit
• Educational component in every box means your kids (and you!) can learn while you have a great time!
• Subscription service means the fun doesn’t stop with just one box! Every quarter receive a new pack of fun in the mail!
• Even the shipping box becomes an activity for maximum fun and zero waste!

This Father’s Day, forget the boring “been there done that” gift, and give the gift of awesomeness with Cooper & Kid’s The Cooper Kit! Open the box for instant “dad is awesome” status and watch dads and kids have a blast making memories together!
visit www.cooperandkid.com 

When Schools Let Out for Summer, 22 Million Kids May Lose Access to Nutrient-Rich Milk

Milk -- A Top Requested Item at Food Banks All Year -- Is Even More in 
 Need in Summer Months, When Many Kids Lose Access to Free and 
Reduced-Price Meal Programs

WASHINGTON, June 1, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- For most kids, June is the
 start of summer break
– a time of fun and excitement where they're free to play all day, every day.
 But for more than 22 million children in communities all across the country,
it also may mean the end of access to nutrient-rich milk
 when in-school free or reduced-price meal programs end.

According to a survey of food banks with Feeding America®, the nation's
 largest domestic hunger-relief organization, milk is one of the most requested
 items by food bank clients year-round, and especially during the summer
 months when more kids rely on local food banks for nutritious
 meals otherwise provided by in-school programs. But on average, food
banks are only able to provide the equivalent of less than one gallon
of milk per person per year. That's because while
Americans are generous with canned and dry goods, many don't think to donate milk because
 it's perishable. That's why, last year, Feeding America partnered with
 America's dairy farmers and milk companies to create The Great American Milk Drive.
The program is designed to deliver highly desired and nutrient-rich gallons
of milk to families and children struggling with hunger and often most in need of milk.
The Great American Milk Drive makes it easy for Americans
 to make a difference in their communities because donations stay local. Since it began,
The Great American Milk Drive has delivered more than 325,000 gallons of milk to
families in need throughout the country.June is National Dairy Month,
and this month – and all summer long – The Great American Milk Drive is
on a mission to bring more fresh, nutritious milk to children and families in
 need in communities from coast to coast.

"Milk is an easy and affordable way to provide much needed nourishment
to children who might otherwise miss out on it during the summer months,"
said Michelle Dudash, registered dietitian and nutritionist.
"Many people don't realize that milk provides nine essential nutrients,
including eight grams of high-quality protein in each eight-ounce glass and is the top food
source of calcium, vitamin D and potassium."   
Dairy Farmers and Milk Companies Unite on June 16In addition to
 the ongoing donation ollection for The Great American Milk Drive, on
June 16, dairy farmers and milk companies
will come together to ask America to join them in helping kids this summer,
doubling donations*
made on that day and distributing them to Feeding America's network
of 200 food banks.
You can join the drive by donating at milklife.com/give and follow
the conversation online
with #MilkDrive.
"The nutrients in milk are so important for all kids," said Julia Kadison,
 CEO of the Milk Processor Education Program.
 "That's why, this summer, we're focused on powering the play of children in
local communities across the country by encouraging much-needed,
 nutrient-rich milk donations.
And, on June 16, The Great American Milk Drive will double those donations.*"
Making a Difference in Your CommunityIt's quick and easy to power
 the play of children in need in your community with a small donation at milklife.com/give.
A gift of as little as $5 will deliver a gallon of milk to a family in need in your
community who does not have regular access to it. By entering your
zip code, you can ensure that milk is deliverey  from the farm to a local Feeding
America food bank in your very own community.
About Feeding America Feeding America is a nationwide network of
 200 food banks that leads the fight against hunger in the United States.
 Together, we provide food to more than 46 million  people through 60,000 food
 pantries and meal programs in communities across America. Feeding
 America also supports programs that improve food security among the
 people we serve; educates  the public about the problem of hunger;
and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry.
 Individuals, charities, businesses and government all have a role in ending hunger.
Donate. Volunteer. Advocate. Educate.  Together we can solve hunger.
Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
About MilkPEPThe Milk Processor Education Program (MilkPEP),
 Washington, D.C., is funded by the nation's milk companies, who are
committed to increasing fluid milk consumption.
The MilkPEP Board runs the Milk Life campaign, a multi-faceted
campaign designed to educate consumers about the powerful nutritional
benefits of milk – with 9 essential nutrients, including high-quality protein,
 in each 8 ounce glass. For more information, go to milklife.com.
Campbell Ewald is creative agency for the Milk Life campaign –
 from America's milk companies.

About National Dairy Council
National Dairy Council® (NDC), the non-profit organization founded by dairy farmers, is
committed to nutrition education and research-based communications. NDC provides
 science-based nutrition information to, and in collaboration with, a variety of stakeholders
 committed to fostering a healthier nation, including health professionals, educators,
school nutrition directors, academia, industry, consumers and media. Established in 1915,
NDC comprises a staff of registered dietitians and nutrition research and communications
experts across the country. NDC is committed to promoting child health and wellness
through programs such as Fuel Up to Play 60. Developed by NDC and
the National Football League (NFL), Fuel Up to Play 60 encourages
 youth to consume nutrient-rich foods and achieve at l
east 60 minutes of physical activity every day. For more information,
isit www.NationalDairyCouncil.org.
*On June 16, The Great American Milk Drive will match all online donations, up 
to a value of $10,000.
CONTACT:
Krissy Zotaley
312.988.2234 

Carin Wester beats a record in crowdfunding for the fashion industry

Carin Wester – a Swedish fashion brand running its crowdfunding campaign on FundedByMe – has raised the first 110 000 euro in the first 7 hours. After 2 days investors committed 200 000 euro on its shares. This is almost half of the crowdfunding goal needed for global expansion of the brand.

This was the fastest raised 110 000 euro via crowdfunding in the history of clothing brands in Europe. Only 7 hours were needed to achieve this milestone. The next hours were comparably successful – after 2 days investors declared to spend double as much for the company’s shares.
Carin Wester, one of the so called Swedish fashion wonders, known for unique forms and silhouettes combined with premium materials - needs capital for its international expansion. A year ago Global Retail came in as an investor and management of the company with the aim of creating growth and profitability. Very shortly the company is opening its brand stores, mainly in Scandinavia, Germany, Japan and Bennelux, as these markets already perform well.
However, the company did not choose to go the traditional route, by trying to get the attention of major investors or venture capital companies. The more natural choice for them, turned out to be a crowdfunding – a way of raising funds that’s increasing in popularity, allowing a group regular people to individually invest small amounts in exchange for shares of a company. This method is very well suited for companies that already have a finished consumer product - something that anyone can relate to, see and feel. 
“We want to partner with people who love our brand, like our existing customers who are good ambassadors and want to make this trip with us and also highlight our brand to possible new customers,” says Carin Wester, the founder and creator of the brand. She believes that this is the future way to seek investment and that more will follow their example.
“The secret of the success of the crowdfunding campaign by Carin Wester lies in their perfect preparation. They treat crowdfunding as their next marketing campaign, which it is. Building tension in social media, catching attention of journalists, refreshing information on their website – all these elements pay their dividends now. Crowdfunding allowed the brand to reach new customers and achieve the snowball effect” explains Daniel Daboczy, CEO and co-founder of the FundedByMe platform, on which the Carin Wester crowdfunding campaign is listed.
In the 10 years since the Carin Wester brand was founded, it has won numerous prestigious awards in its home market. Recently the company experienced a number of changes: the company structure was optimized, more focus was put into sales and services, products are more balanced between commercial and high fashion and all costs has been reviewed.
“Now we can see, we are facing the right direction and are ready for the next step in making Carin Wester more accessible to a wider market. This sales season is becoming a huge success with an increase of at least 200% compared to the previous year, which is proof that the changes made have had a positive effect. Long-term a turnover of 25 million EUR within 10 years is expected” says Anton Granlund, CEO of Global Retail and a major shareholder of Carin Wester.
Global Retail Group was founded in 2007 and has since then mainly successfully introduced and expanded a retail business together with G-Star Raw. Global Retail has focused on building the strongest sales force in Sweden and has for three consecutive years (2013-2015) been ranked the number one service provider in fashion retail. Alongside operating stores, Global retail has also successfully performed several consulting assignments, for example for Björn Borg.

Living Walls....With Help from Plastics

If you have an interest in home gardening or landscape design, you’ve likely heard of “living walls”—indoor or outdoor vertical gardens filled with plants, flowers, and even edible herbs and vegetables. Grown in containers and fastened to the walls of buildings or other structures, these walls bring living and breathing greenery into areas where horizontal space for traditional gardening is limited.

While they are trendy today, vertical gardening on walls has been around for centuries and was more recently popularized in the 1930s, partly as a way to reconnect city dwellers with nature. 

Living walls have evolved since then, and today plastics make it easier than ever to create beautiful walls of foliage in and around our homes.


A living wall typically begins with multiple planters that must fasten securely to walls while holding plants, soil, and water. Because plastics are both lightweight and strong, they’re often the material of choice for planters used in living walls of all sizes. These benefits of plastics don’t merely create aesthetically pleasing design features—living walls made with plastics can help us lighten our environmental footprint.
Here are some examples: 

• Water Conservation: Plastics enable planter design features that can make it easier to water living walls with less—helping plants thrive with minimal water use. This is because some plastic planters use built-in reservoirs that conserve water by enabling precise watering while others use easy-to-install plastic drip irrigation systems to help make sure plants receive only the amount of water they need.
• Energy Efficiency: Living walls can help reduce the surrounding air temperature in urban environments—and this same principle may help improve energy efficiency in a home. One major living wall design company says that installing a large living wall in the interior of a home can help decrease air temperature, potentially reducing electricity use by 20 percent.
• Recycling: Some companies that manufacture vertical gardening equipment now use recycled plastics to make their products. It’s easier than ever to find rigid planters made with recycled polypropylene plastic (the type used for yogurt and margarine containers), as well as fabric planters made with recycled PET plastic from beverage bottles. Seeking out these and other recycled plastic products helps divert used plastics from landfills.

Due to these environmental benefits, many designers now incorporate living walls into the interior or exterior plans for new buildings. In fact, living walls potentially can help earn credits in LEED® Canada for Homes certification categories—such as Water Efficiency and Energy & Atmosphere—while beautifying the spaces in which we live and work.
Today's intelligent plastics are vital to the modern world. These materials enhance our lifestyles, our economy and the environment.  For more information visit www.intelligentplastics.ca.

Murs végétaux... Avec l’aide des plastiques 

Si le jardinage domestique ou l’aménagement paysager vous intéresse, vous avez probablement entendu parler des « murs végétaux », c’est-à-dire des jardins verticaux intérieurs ou extérieurs remplis de plantes, de fleurs, et même d’herbes et légumes comestibles. Cultivés dans des contenants et fixés aux murs des bâtiments ou autres structures, ces murs créent un jardin vert vivant et vital dans des zones où l’espace horizontal pour le jardinage traditionnel est limité.

Bien qu’il soit à la mode aujourd’hui, le jardinage vertical sur mur existe depuis des siècles et a été popularisé plus récemment dans les années 1930, en partie comme une manière de connecter de nouveau les citadins à la nature. Les murs végétaux ont évolué depuis et, aujourd’hui, les plastiques facilitent plus que jamais la création de magnifiques murs de feuillages dans et autour de nos résidences.

Un mur végétal commence habituellement avec de multiples jardinières suspendues qui doivent être fixées solidement aux murs pour soutenir des plantes, du sol et de l’eau. Parce que les plastiques sont à la fois légers et solides, ils représentent souvent le matériau de choix pour les jardinières suspendues utilisées dans les murs végétaux de toutes dimensions. Ces avantages des plastiques ne créent pas uniquement des éléments d’aménagement qui plaisent sur le plan esthétique. Les murs végétaux fabriqués à partir de plastiques peuvent nous aider à alléger notre empreinte environnementale.
En voici quelques exemples : 

• Conservation de l’eau : Les plastiques permettent la conception d’éléments d’aménagement de jardinières qui peuvent faciliter l’arrosage des murs végétaux avec moins d’eau, aidant les plantes à pousser avec une utilisation minimale d’eau. En effet, certaines jardinières en plastique utilisent des réservoirs intégrés qui conservent l’eau en permettant un arrosage précis alors que d’autres utilisent des systèmes d’irrigation goutte à goutte en plastique faciles à installer pour aider à s’assurer que les plantes reçoivent seulement la quantité d’eau dont elles ont besoin.
• Efficacité énergétique : Les murs végétaux peuvent aider à réduire la température ambiante environnante dans des environnements urbains et ce même principe peut aider à améliorer l’efficacité énergétique dans une maison. Une des principales entreprises d’aménagement de murs végétaux affirme que l’installation d’un grand mur végétal à l’intérieur d’une maison peut aider à réduire la température ambiante, réduisant potentiellement la consommation d’électricité de 20 %.
• Recyclage : Certaines entreprises qui fabriquent du matériel de jardinage vertical font maintenant appel à des plastiques recyclés pour fabriquer leurs produits. Il est plus facile que jamais de trouver des jardinières rigides fabriquées à partir de plastiques en polypropylène recyclé (le type utilisé pour les contenants de yogourt et de margarine), ainsi que des jardinières en tissu fabriquées à partir de plastique en PET recyclé qui provient de bouteilles de boisson. Rechercher ces produits en plastique recyclé et autres produits similaires aide à détourner les plastiques usagés des sites d’enfouissement.

En raison de ces avantages environnementaux, de nombreux concepteurs intègrent des murs végétaux dans les plans intérieurs ou extérieurs de nouveaux bâtiments. En fait, les murs végétaux peuvent éventuellement aider à gagner des crédits dans des catégories de certification LEED^® Canada pour les habitations telles que la Gestion efficace de l’eau ainsi que Énergie et atmosphère tout en embellissant les espaces dans lesquels nous vivons et travaillons.
Les plastiques intelligents d’aujourd’hui sont essentiels au monde moderne. Ces matériaux améliorent nos modes de vie, notre économie et l’environnement. Pour plus de renseignements, visitez le site Web www.intelligentplastics.ca.

GoodLife Fitness and ParticipACTION team up to get Canadians moving

GoodLife to host ParticipACTION Open House Day on June 6^th to celebrate National Health & Fitness Day

[London and Toronto, ON]— Two national leaders in physical activity have joined forces to get Canadians moving and active just in time for National Health & Fitness Day on June 6^th. In a unique public/private collaboration, ParticipACTION and GoodLife Fitness, Canada’s largest fitness company, aim to get Canadians started on the path to active, healthy lives using evidence-based recommendations on how to get started and keep moving.

In the first phase of the collaboration, Canadians are invited to the ParticipACTION Open House Day on June 6^th at GoodLife Fitness clubs across the country, including at GoodLife’s banner in Quebec, Énergie Cardio. It will be the first of several opportunities for Canadians to try the gym for free as part of the collaboration and offers an incredible opportunity in a caring and supportive environment for those who are ready to make a lifestyle change.

“This is a joint effort between the non-profit and business sector to promote fitness among inactive Canadians,” says David ‘Patch’ Patchell-Evans, Founder & CEO of GoodLife Fitness. “ParticipACTION has made a strong case for why Canadians should get moving and active and we will show Canadians how to take that first step. We are proud to work with ParticipACTION toward a common goal of giving Canadians the opportunity to live healthier lives.”

“Canadians aren’t moving their bodies enough to reap all the good things that come from being active, such as reduced risk of chronic disease, better fitness, more fun, healthy body weight, self-confidence, new skills and better mental health,” says Elio Antunes, President & CEO of ParticipACTION, a national non-profit organization that helps Canadians sit less and move more.  “The great news is that even small increases in physical activity can produce measurable health benefits—and GoodLife and ParticipACTION are here to help you get started.”

The collaboration also creates opportunities for Canadians to learn about physical activity and to put learning into practice. It will give Canadians access to fitness and lifestyle tips, provide research about the value of physical activity to overall health, reinforce what the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines are, and give advice for beginners. Those wanting to get started can access videos on Instagram and YouTube, tips posted on Facebook and Twitter using the hashtag #FitCanadian, infographics, and advice-filled blog articles available on each organization’s website: goodlifefitness.com and participaction.com.

“This is a great opportunity for all Canadians who have been thinking about getting healthier and more active to take the first step towards moving more,” says Hayley Wickenheiser, five-time Olympian and Member of ParticipACTION’s Board of Directors.  “Congratulations to GoodLife and ParticipACTION for their leadership.” 

The entire network of 350 GoodLife Fitness and Énergie Cardio clubs across Canada will welcome Canadians on June 6^th for ParticipACTION Open House Day. Visit goodlifefitness.com or energiecardio.com to find a location near you.

About GoodLife Fitness

Proudly Canadian since 1979, GoodLife Fitness is the largest fitness company in Canada and the fourth largest in the world. With over 350 clubs from coast-to-coast, including 70 Énergie Cardio and ÉconoFitness Clubs in Quebec, approximately 13,000 employees and more than 1 million Members, GoodLife is helping to transform the health and wellness of one in 34 Canadians every day. www.goodlifefitness.com

About ParticipACTION

ParticipACTION is a national non-profit organization that helps Canadians sit less and move more.  Originally established in 1971, ParticipACTION works with its partners, which include sport, physical activity, recreation organizations, government and corporate sponsors, to make physical activity a vital part of everyday life.  ParticipACTION is generously supported by the Government of Canada.  For more information, please visit www.participaction.com.

Media Contacts:

Natalie Little-Rowe

Public Relations Manager, GoodLife Fitness

1-800-790-9269

mediarelations@goodlifefitness.com      

Katherine Janson

Director of Communications & Public Affairs, ParticipACTION

416-913-1471

kjanson@participaction.com

Renaud Beaudry

Director of Marketing and Communications, Énergie Cardio

450-979-3623 ext. 2305

renaud.beaudry@energiecardio.com

Tara McLain

Public Relations Specialist

tmclain@goodlifefitness.com

__________________________________________________

GoodLife FITNESS

Purpose: To give every Canadian the opportunity to live a fit and healthy good life.

www.goodlifefitness.com

GoodLife Fitness
201 King St, London, ON, N6A 1C9
compliance@goodlifefitness.com
1-800-387-2524goodlifefitness.com