At Lifekind, we know we don’t go about things the easiest way possible.  It would be easy to send you a mass-produced mattress that had been sprayed down with chemicals to meet flamibility requirements.  It would be easy to use the cheapest raw materials we can find. It would be easy to use a latex blend, and just say we use “natural” materials. It would be easy to have a machine do all the hard work.

Of course, if it were easy, it wouldn’t be a Lifekind mattress.  We took the time to figure out a way to meet flamibility requirements without compromising our mission to provide the purest product available. We use 100%-natural rubber latex, because it’s what we believe in.  Our mattresses are hand-sewn and assembled by actual people. It’s not the easiest, it’s the best.  And when you get your new Lifekind mattress, it’s sure to make you smile, too.

“If you happen to be at work right now and you’re feeling tired, you’ve got a lot of company. A new CDC study finds more than 40 million workers get fewer than six hours of sleep per night – that’s about 30 percent of the country’s civilian workforce.”  Read the full article >>

I happily assured her that our packing material is 100% biodegradable, derived from an annually renewable raw-cornstarch material that meets the most stringent environmental requirements for packaging. When I suggested she place a few pieces of the packing material into a dish of water she was happy to give it a try, and while still on the phone, I could hear the excitement in her voice as she watched the material dissolve in the water.  (View the entire process in this video.)

Michelle, loading up the giant "peanut" dispenser

Our Warehouse Manager, Michelle, who has worked at Lifekind for over 10 years, explains that all the packing materials we use are biodegradable and contain no harmful chemicals. This leaves me hopeful that other companies are also choosing to make a difference by using alternative, environmentally-friendly packaging. Making an effort to change the way we package things, and being mindful of the products we purchase and how they are packaged, over time will make a difference in providing greener solutions for our environment.

So the next time you receive a package in the mail, take a moment to see if the company you ordered from is being environmentally mindful. Simply place the “peanut” packing material into a dish of water in the hope you will watch it magically dissolve!

“When are you having your next sale?”

The truth is, we find out about our discounts at the same time our customers do. Except for our biggest sale of the year — our annual White Sale, which begins at the end of each December and goes through the end of January — we don’t have advance notice of what’s coming up. Walt, the president of our company, makes those decisions based on the materials we have in stock, how long it’s been since a particular item went on sale, and other factors, and we try to have fun with it and keep it creative throughout the year.

If you’d like to know about our next sale, go to lifekind.com or give us a call to sign up for email notification. Or just keep an eye on our website. Either way, something interesting will be coming along before you know it.

“I’m buying this mattress for my two-year-old child. Do I need to put a plastic cover on it?”

To protect your new organic mattress from life’s little disruptions such as nighttime accidents, the best choice is to use our organic cotton Flannel Mattress Pad and Wool Moisture Protector pad together. Position the flannel pad directly below the fitted sheet and on top of the moisture pad, so in case of most accidents you’ll be washing the flannel pad rather than the wool. (The wool pad requires rinsing in warm water with no soap and line drying, so you’ll want to be doing that only in case of really major event.)

Using all-organic mattress pads involves a little more work than a plastic cover. The rewards are worth it, however: protecting your family’s health and making the planet a better place for all of us.

“What’s your best pillow?”

While we don’t think of our products as having a “best” or “less than best” distinction, our most popular is undoubtedly the Wool-Wrapped Shredded Rubber. It’s got the cozy, soft-yet-supportive feel of a high-end down pillow yet is cruelty-free, and can be customized to any height preference by unzipping the center chamber and taking out a lot or a little of the shredded rubber inside. It makes almost every sleeper happy, and if it doesn’t, just give us a call and we’ll take it back unopened within 30 days for an exchange or refund. Your choice!

“What if I have a latex allergy?”

Customers sometimes ask about the possibility of having an allergic latex reaction to our 100%-natural-rubber latex. We’re happy to answer that unlike rubber gloves, latex balloons or other “dipped latex” products, the 100%-natural rubber we use does not pose the possibility of a reaction. The proteins that cause a latex allergy are completely removed during processing, and according to the manufacturer of our natural rubber, there’s NEVER been a reported allergic reaction. That’s good news!

We’re always glad to send a sample of our natural rubber along with our Allergy Test Sheet though, to provide extra peace of mind, so don’t hesitate to ask.

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Do you have a question for one of our friendly Product Specialists? Send us an email at sales@lifekind.com.

Love is in the air… and the pressure for the perfect Valentine’s Day date is high.  Add the desire to keep your celebrations eco-friendly and keep the costs within budget while “wowing” your sweetie and you may just be tempted to crawl under the covers and skip the whole thing altogether.

Fret not, your Lifekind Cupids (that’s us) have come up with a few ideas to make your Valentine’s Day memorable and earth-friendly. There is no need to go out and buy expensive jewelry or electronics, or have roses shipped halfway across the globe with these tips that are sure to impress:

5.  Make Memories Together
Skip the standard “dinner & a movie” date and take your valentine out for a night on the town– get dressed up and go Salsa dancing (many places even host lessons on Valentine’s Day) or wander around a local museum holding hands and enjoying each other’s company.  Don’t feel like getting dressed up?  Stay in and have a game night with your favorite take-out.  Be sure to keep score, with the winner earning coupons for something fun like kisses or a back rub.

4. Give Flowers That Will Last
A dozen cut roses isn’t the only way to say “I love you”.  Remind your valentine you love them all year with a potted plant or flower.  A beautiful orchid from a local nursery is sure to make her heart flutter.  Feel like roses is the only way to go?  Get a pot (or three) of mini roses that can be planted out in the garden for years of enjoyment.

3. Chocolate, Chocolate, Sweet Organic Chocolate

Some traditionalists will insist on a heart-shaped box of chocolates.  In that case, get some delicious organic chocolates to woo your sweetie.  I love Smith Organic Chocolates, especially their amazing Organic Fresh Raspberry Truffles.

2.  Make Your Valentines by Hand

No need to depend on Hallmark for your heartfelt sentiments.  Recycle pretty cardstock, paper doilies and fabric scraps you already have on hand to make your cards.  Cut out hearts, glue on candies or buttons, and add a favorite poem.  Seal the envelope with a kiss (use bright red lipstick!) and hand-deliver your one-of-a-kind message.

1. Go Treasure Hunting
Surprise your wife with a piece of vintage jewelry or a cut glass vase from an antique store.  If your man already has everything, scour the shops for antique fishing lures, a unique pocket watch or something to hang in his man cave. Sometimes it just takes a little digging to find the perfect gift.  Art, jewelry and clothing created by community artisans are often carried in locally-owned stores – and  feel more special than a mass-produced bauble picked up at a chain store.

We all have a favorite pillow on our bed that we love and gravitate toward. Mine has a special pillow cover, so I know exactly which one it is. It started out so nice and tall, and slowly, over time, became as flat as a pancake without my even realizing how much it was changing.

It got me thinking: How do we really know whether a pillow is right for us or when it’s time to replace it?

Here are some questions that can help you determine when it’s time to replace that beloved pillow. A “Yes” answer to any question is a good indicator it may be time to move on:

Is your pillow misshapen or lumpy?

Place it on a flat surface. Rather than laying flat,  do you notice lumps or a misshapen surface?

Does your pillow fail the “force test”?

For latex pillows, place your hand in the center of the pillow and push down. Is there sufficient resistance, or does your hand go all the way down to the surface underneath?

For down pillows, fold them in half and then let them go. Natural-down pillows should slowly regain their shape, while synthetic down should spring back quickly. If they don’t, it may be time to move on.

Do you ache when you wake up in the morning?

Did you buy your pillow more than 24 months ago?

Do you wake frequently to readjust your pillow or change your head’s position?

Having an inadequate or uncomfortable pillow can cause pain and prevent a restful night’s sleep. If your neck or back hurt, it may mean your pillow isn’t properly supporting your neck throughout the night.  If you wake up periodically to readjust your head, it’s also reducing the amount of rest you’re getting. Without good, deep sleep, it can be harder to function throughout the day.

Discovery News posted an article explaining why pillows become heavier as they age: “With just two years of use, one-third of a pillow’s weight is comprised of dead skin cells, bugs, and dust mites and their droppings.”  (For more information on what may be inside your pillow, visit Discovery News at http://news.discovery.com/human/pillow-insides-110627.html.)

I found that my pillow was in need of replacement, so I made sure to get a healthful and comfortable one from Lifekind. I chose the Wool-Wrapped Shredded Rubber Pillow, along with an Organic Cotton Pillow Barrier Cover.  Now I sleep peacefully through the night, and I love my new favorite pillow. I’m also glad to have the barrier cover so I don’t have to worry about it getting dingy or being full of things I’d rather not mention or even think about.

If you’ve determined that you need to replace your favorite pillow, give us a call or visit  www.lifekind.com so we can help you find a new one!

Next Week: How to select your perfect pillow

In the past, we employees have done a “Secret Santa” gift exchange, but this is the second year that we are going to be donating gifts to our local homeless shelter, Hospitality House. Each of us chose a paper ornament from our office Christmas tree, and purchased the gift listed on the back.  We will be collecting all of the gifts and dropping them off at the shelter before Christmas.

Kimberly Bass

In addition to the gift I put under the tree, I will also be participating in an evening of conscious music where local performers come together to to raise funds for Hospitality House. Each year I have had the honor to sing for this wonderful event, which always leaves me feeling uplifted!

The fact that this year Lifekind employees are giving to Hospitality House instead of our annual Secret Santa event — one of my favorites –makes my heart sing. And this year, when I take the stage on December 17th for the “Night of Giving” benefit concert, I will hold dear to my heart that my Lifekind family has contributed as well!

Here’s wishing you all a peaceful holiday season filled with kindness and compassion.

Kimberly

In addition to working at Lifekind as a product specialist, Kimberly Bass is also an accomplished singer/songwriter and musician.

After four years of assisting Lifekind customers, there’s a story that always touches my heart: Ava, who received her first Organic Cotton Mocha Stuffed Bunny as a newborn. The other day Ava’s mother called explaining that Ava still takes “Bunny” everywhere. When the family goes on vacation, Bunny goes too. But after five years, Bunny was a little worn out. It had been stitched & patched so many times that mending just wouldn’t do anymore, and it was time for a replacement. Ava’s mother was hoping that if Ava were to think it was the same bunny, switching the old bunny for a new one would be a smooth transition. She was relieved to learn we still made our bunny, although we no longer made the mocha-colored version – only vanilla.

A few days later I received a call from Ava and her mom to discuss the situation. I must have said the right thing, because Ava approved the new bunny idea, even in a new color, and they placed the order. I was reminded of one of my most comforting stories, The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams. For children, comfort objects may take the form of a blanket, a stuffed animal, or a favorite toy, and like Ava’s, mine was a bunny.

A few months later, out of the blue I received a call from Ava’s mom, who said everything was great. Ava loved her new Bunny. Instead of replacing the original, she kept them both, and now they’re included in all her activities.

If you know someone who could use some comforting, get him or her a new bunny at http://www.lifekind.com/index.php/site_category_product/139/?from=28.

In the past few weeks, we have all seen network footage that seems intent on ridiculing and marginalizing these people, and we listened to a variety of elected and nonelected voices question the purposes and importance of the protesters. But I believe that the focus of these communicators should be on the fact that these people have been left with few choices, and they are tired of being victims.

Which begs the question, victims of whom?

If you ask them, they will point to the banks and other financial institutions, Congress, past and present Presidents, the Federal Reserve, and large corporations, but I think the answer is far broader.

While most of us are not protesting, I think we are all victims.

We live in a society that has been borne of a culture in which greed has been permitted, and often encouraged, with little concern for overall social accountability – the consequences of one’s behavior. This was not the intent of our founders.

John Locke (1632-1704) greatly influenced our Constitution, as well as much of our Western political philosophy. Dr. Locke was fascinated with how the rules of human nature influence the rules of moral behavior and how they interacted.

Locke was an important thinker on individual liberty and personal rights, and was respected by the likes of Thomas Jefferson and Thomas Paine. Dr. Locke balanced the individual’s actions against the consequences of those actions using a moral compass that he called THE NATURAL LAW: “No one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty or possessions.” To paraphrase, don’t pursue a goal whereby you make a victim of someone else.

Locke made the point that for an economic system to work it must protect individual rights, but it cannot work if that system exercises those rights without respect for the rights of others.

I believe that our system is failing because the majority of our institutions have no regard for, or feel any social responsibility for, the country as a whole. America’s corporations have lost their moral compass, and if you suggest this they cry socialism. Corporations – and those who run them – simply have all the money and power to influence anything they want, and the Supreme Court’s Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission decision put the icing on the cake. Our representatives have permitted it, and our Supreme Court has enshrined it.

In her book Atlas Shrugged, Ayn Rand said that there is nothing wrong with greed, and I agree. Greed is the energy that motivates us to get out of bed in the morning. But where is the counter balance to greed? What is it that prevents those seeking their own agendas from trespassing on the rights of other individuals, to make them victims for their own benefit?

In her book, Rand described a Western society in which government over-restricted the rights of entrepreneurs, and  the entrepreneurs  walked away to prove that without them the engines of production would stop. I wonder what she would say today if she were to see a nation in which the entrepreneurial class has become the bureaucrats – albeit indirectly through influence and election. What would Rand think if she were to see a nation in which one entrepreneurial class had the ability to pass, or greatly influence, whatever legislation facilitated their corporate goals simply by throwing more lobbyists and money at the issue, with no social considerations applied to their desires?

Where in our current culture are the social goals that ensure that pursuing greed does not mean making victims out of Americans?

Who is protecting us? Who insures that there is balance?