Photo via flickr.com

“I still need more healthy rest in order to work at my best
My health is the main capital I have and I want to administer it intelligently.”

~ Ernest Hemingway

Okay, it’s time to turn off the computer, unplug the phone and hide that remote! Taking a day to relax now and then is as important for your health as good nutrition and physical exercise.  Since August 15^th is National Relaxation Day, Bigelow Tea wants to remind each and every one of us to just chill out:  put the kettle on, stretch your legs, breathe some fresh air and make the day all about you.

There are times when we find ourselves so busy that we seem to go on “work auto-pilot.” Well, Bigelow Tea would love to share some of our R&R (yes, that’s Rest & Relaxation!) tips with you:

• Sleep. Nap. Close your eyes.  This is a must.
• Meditate ….or just daydream!
• Get outside for a nice, leisurely walk, or take a ride on your bike.
• Go fishing – commune with nature.
• Read. There’s nothing like a good book!
• Write down your thoughts – keep a journal or diary.
• Go to the spa and pamper yourself.
• Relax at the beach.
• Play with your pets. Guaranteed to put a smile on your face (and theirs)!
• Take a long bubble bath.
• Scrapbook or do some arts and crafts.
• Listen to some great music. And dance – yes, even dancing alone is fun, too!

And remember to begin and end your day with a cup (or teapot!) of your favorite Bigelow Tea. It will help you de-stress and you’ll feel rejuvenated.  Cheers to healthy living!

Photo via Serve.uoregon.edu

There’s nothing like a little summer gardening to make you appreciate nature…hikes in the woods, a camping trip, or a canoe ride on the lake. And, if you don’t really like the prospect of some dirt under your fingernails, you may enjoy spending weekends grilling mouthwatering food on the barbecue, surrounded by family and friends. Whatever your pleasure, one thing is for certain: summertime and sustainability go hand in hand. At Bigelow Tea, we are all about SustainabiliTEA. That’s why we’re thrilled to be able to share some tips to help you make the rest of your summer sustainable and fun:

• Everybody loves a summer picnic, but try to avoid packaged foods in favor of produce from the local farmers’ market. Fruits and vegetables abound in the summertime!  And remember your re-usable containers.

• Recycle your water bottles. Better yet, bring your own water container.

• Worship the sun, yes, but please protect your skin by using sunscreen!

• It’s fun to be outdoors, but not so fun to be bitten by bugs! Use a natural insect repellent like lemongrass. You can rub the stalk on your skin, plant it in the yard or dab yourself with lemongrass oil.

• Keep your beaches, campsites, and RVs clean.  Carry a bag to store your garbage.  Be an Eco-Samaritan – if you see litter, take the initiative by picking it up and discarding it appropriately. Why? Because it’s the right thing to do.

• Have a green barbecue. Don’t throw the excess food away, but do give your guests a doggie bag.

Photo via Sustainstl.org

And, as you sit on your favorite patio chair, marveling at the beauty of the summer evening sky, pour yourself a cup of your favorite Bigelow tea. Sip it slowly, relax and savor your summer!

Photo via Natures-Health-Foods.com

SustainabiliTEA is in full swing this month at Bigelow Tea as we celebrate one of Mother Nature’s tastiest and healthiest fruit – blueberries!  Did you know that more than 90% of the world’s blueberries are produced right here in the United States?  Native to North America, blueberries are harvested from mid-April to October, peaking in July.  In recognition of this precious national harvest, the U.S. Department of Agriculture proclaims July as National Blueberry Month.

Not only do these antioxidant-filled berries contain vitamins A, C, E and Beta Carotene, they are also mouthwatering and can be used in all sorts of recipes.  Celebrate the blues with Bigelow Tea and try these two delightful blueberry-inspired culinary concoctions!

Fabulous Melon and Blueberry Fruit Salad

Melon and Blueberry Fruit Salad

Ingredients

6 Blueberry Acai Herb Plus tea bags
1/2 cup water
4 tablespoons lime juice
3 teaspoons sugar

1 pint blueberries
1 cup honeydew melon balls
1 cup cantaloupe melon balls
1 cup watermelon balls
Mint leaves for garnish

Instructions:

Add lime juice, water, sugar and Blueberry Acai Herb Plus Tea Bags to a saucepan, simmer for 10 minutes to infuse flavor. Squeeze to extract as much liquid as possible, and then remove tea bags. Cool.

Add fruit to large attractive bowl, pour syrup over fruit and toss gently. Garnish with mint leaves.

YIELD: Serves 4

Blueberry and Pomegranate Sparkler

Blueberry and Pomegranate Sparkler

Ingredients

10 Bigelow Herb Plus Wild Blueberry Acai tea bags
10 Bigelow Pomegranate Pizzazz Herb tea bags
6 cups boiling water
1/4 cup sugar
2 cups mixed berries, raspberries, blueberries, strawberries and grapes
1 lemon cut into slices and then into four wedges
1 lime cut into slices and then into four wedges
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
2 cups ice cubes
2 cups champagne or
1 cup white rum
2 cups Perrier or San Pellegrino (sparkling water)

Instructions:

Place tea bags into a large jug. Pour boiling water over tea bags and let sit for 5 minutes. Remove tea bags and add sugar; stir to dissolve. Chill.

When ready to serve, place tea in an attractive glass pitcher, add fruit, mint, ice cubes, top up with champagne or add the white rum and Perrier. Stir well and serve in tall glasses.

Enjoy, and Happy Blueberry Month!

(Image via Bing.com)

Every known form of life on earth, from mammal to microbe, requires water to survive.  In a world where drought has become a serious problem, clean water is a precious resource which must be conserved, otherwise it will eventually run out. In order for this not to happen, each of us can do our part to reduce our household water footprint. As part of our Sustainabili -TEA program, Bigelow Tea is committed to preserving the environment – everything from energy conservation to waste reduction. We’d like to also share some simple water-saving tips that everyone in your family can use:

• Don’t keep the water running while brushing your teeth or shaving
• Install water-saving shower heads and low-flow faucet aerators
• Insulate your pipes
• Take shorter showers
• Don’t flush the toilet unnecessarily
• Minimize the use of your sinks/sink garbage disposal unit
• Use the dishwasher /clothes washer only when you have a full load
• If you wash dishes by hand, don’t keep the water running
• When washing vegetables/fruit, don’t keep the water running
• Water your lawn only when it needs it
• Check faucets, pipes, toilets  and water meter for leaks
• Layer some mulch around your trees and plants (it slows the evaporation of the moisture)
• Don’t keep the hose running when washing your car
• Invest in a tankless water heater

Image via h2oconserve.org

A great way to get started is by checking your household water footprint, using this online H²O Calculator. It will give you an idea as to where and how you and your family can conserve water.  Good luck and have fun with it!

Bigelow Tea is proud and excited to be named “Business Leader for Energy Efficiency” by Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP) at its 2010 Energy Efficiency Summit. NEEP created this recognition program in order to highlight the important achievements of businesses, like Bigelow Tea, that participate in energy efficiency programs across the region.

Bigelow Tea was nominated for the honor by both The United Illuminating Company and the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund. According to Roger Parisi of United Illuminating, his company “chose Bigelow Tea because they’re an outstanding company that has a top down dedication to conservation, continuous improvement, the environment and the community.”  As an example of this pledge, Bigelow Tea installed 880 photovoltaic solar panels on the roof of its Fairfield, Connecticut headquarters. As Jeff Gaudiosi, Chairman of the Energy Conservation Management Board put it: “RC Bigelow Tea is a great example of what every business in Connecticut should strive for.”

Bigelow Tea’s commitment to the environment is truly an integral part of our business. From using recycled materials in packaging to installing automatic motion sensor lighting in our facilities, Bigelow Tea continually strives to reduce waste and conserve energy. It’s all about our promise to be a good corporate citizen by protecting both our community and environment!

Photo via Unep.org

On June 5^th, people from every corner of the globe will be united in one common goal: the conservation and celebration of our planet and all its inhabitants.  Organized annually by the United Nations Environment Programme the 2010   World Environment Day will celebrate the theme “Many Species. One Planet. One Future.” It’s all part of the International Year of Biodiversity. This year’s global host is Rwanda, a country that, because of its incredible biodiversity, has made environmental protection a proud national priority.

As dedicated custodians of the environment, Bigelow Tea is deeply conscious of the need to sustain our planet and the five million plus species inhabiting it. We practice a full spectrum of what we callSustainabiliTEA – from energy conservation and material reduction efforts to community involvement.

Incidentally, June also happens to be Great Outdoors Month, a national celebration initiated in 1997. It’s the perfect summer month to appreciate and celebrate America’s Great Outdoors!  We live in a beautiful country, with each state home to its own unique natural wonders.  So take some time to go outside and smell the roses. By the way, it’s been said that nature walks help stimulate the brain!

Photo via Campearth.org

Photo Courtesy of Agnewsarchive.tamu.edu, by Keith Hansen

“May the wings of the butterfly kiss the sun
And find your shoulder to light on,
To bring you luck, happiness and riches
Today, tomorrow and beyond.”
~Irish Blessing

Mother Nature never disappoints us in the springtime! Just look around: trees are budding, lilacs are blooming, and caterpillars have transformed into butterflies. The spirit of rebirth and renewal abounds amidst the breathtaking palate of nature. Bigelow Tea, a company comprised of avid nature lovers and ardent practitioners of Sustainabili-TEA, wants to share a few gardening ideas and tips that you can use as you embark on your very own celebration of spring and soil. So, get those gardening gloves on and let’s begin:

• Fertilize. Fertilize, Fertilize!
• Get rid of those weeds before they take over your garden.
• Prune and deadhead those flowering shrubs and plants, to extend their bloom.
• Revitalize your lawn!
• Water deeply and well.
• Plant your flower beds, according to your region and zone.
• Start planting those vegetables!
• Design a butterfly garden. Be prepared to be mesmerized and enchanted as you watch these delicate creatures as they flit from flower to flower.
• Create a water garden in a barrel! It’s an easy way for the gardening novice to explore the world of Water Lillies.

Photo Courtesy of Examiner.com

As spring gently rolls into summer, you can develop a month-to-month gardening plan and watch as nature takes its course – with a little help from your green thumb!  As you survey your labor of love, take a break and sip a refreshing cup of Bigelow Jasmine Green Tea – a very apropos choice, given the season. You’ll soon notice that the tea’s fragrant aroma will mirror the scent of your jasmine tree!  Happy planting!

Image Courtesy of Epa.gov

“Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect.”

~ Chief Seattle, 1855

This year is the 40^th Anniversary of Earth Day and communities all over the world have made great strides in the ongoing effort to protect our planet. We’ve come far, but there’s still much work to be done. This is a phenomenal time in our history when each of us can effect change through sustainable initiatives like energy efficiency, recycling, reducing air and water pollution, and forest preservation. Challenges like Climate change are often opportunities in disguise. Annual events like Earth Day and Arbor Day (on April 30^th), are valuable resources whose goal is to re-energize people in their efforts to live sustainably.

At Bigelow Tea, our respect for the environment is reflected in everything we say and do, which is why we established a Sustainabili-TEA program. We are definitely Green advocates – of Green Tea and Green Power! One of the ways that we, as a company, have reduced our impact on the environment is through the installation of solar panels on the rooftops of our corporate headquarters and manufacturing plant. Also, 85% of our teabags are wrapped in biodegradable or recyclable packaging because waste reduction has become a way of life for us.

There’s an old Native American proverb which says “We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.” So please join Bigelow Tea in their unwavering commitment to create a global green economy so that future generations may thrive. After all, it’s the right thing to do.

Yes, ladies and gents, urbanization is constantly on the rise and here to stay. What this means for us city dwellers is that now, more than ever, we need to focus on making our city environment healthier.

Image Courtesy of Who.int

That’s why this year’s World Health Day, sponsored annually by the World Health Organization (WHO) will focus on the relationship between urbanization and our health.

As the public health arm of the United Nations, the WHO has launched a worldwide campaign “1000 Cities, 1000 Lives” in an effort to raise awareness of a global initiative to open up the streets to healthy activity.

As the urban landscape spreads, so do the health challenges associated with it: violence, compromised water/sewage, car pollution, second hand smoke, alcohol/drug use, and physical inactivity. On World Health Day 2010, urban communities around the world will organize events to promote healthy living in the city.

Bigelow Tea says hooray to that! Not only do we value our community – local and global – we are also ardent advocates of healthy living and preserving the environment. Our wonderfully flavorful teas, with their biodegradable or recyclable packaging, are bursting with anti-oxidants!  And, in an effort to get everybody outside and exercising, we also host and sponsor urban events like our annual Bigelow Tea Community Challenge, where the proceeds go to local charities.

So for World Health Day 2010–from New York to Down Under–people will be cycling, walking, dancing and breathing easier in car-free streets.  And they will all be sharing their ideas about how their community is working towards making their city more health-friendly. Watch this inspiring video on World Health Day 2010 here:

Please join us in the global effort to make our cities healthier… today, and every day.

“And Spring arose on the garden fair,
Like the Spirit of Love felt everywhere;
And each flower and herb on Earth’s dark breast
rose from the dreams of its wintry rest.”

~ Percy Bysshe Shelley, The Sensitive Plant

At long last, spring is in the air! It’s a season of rebirth, energy, romance and color. The tulips, hyacinths, lilacs and daffodils begin to sprout everywhere, making spring gardens look like something you’d see in a painting by Monet. Layers of winter clothing are shed and children run outside to play with a renewed sense of energy.

Springtime inspires teachers to come up with all sorts of spring-related activities and lessons and also reminds parents that it’s time to tackle spring cleaning at home.

In the United States and throughout the northern hemisphere, spring commences on the 20^th or 21^st of each March, when the sun rests above the equator, an event called the Vernal Equinox.

Secret Garden Cup and Saucer from Bigelow tea

As the earth moves around the sun,the northern hemisphere tilts towards the sun, as winter turns to spring. The southern hemisphere tilts away from the sun therefore,  in places like Australia and Argentina, summer turns to autumn.

Spring is a glorious time to connect with nature.  At Bigelow Tea, nature is synonymous with tea. We bring out the delightful floral tea sets and spend considerable time deliberating about which spring tea from our endless assortment that we want to sip and savor…since we seem to have such a serious case of spring fever, we may decide to try ‘em all….and we encourage you to do the same.  Happy spring!