If you’ve been putting off your weekly exercise routine, maybe a free Gyrotonic class will inspire you to get back in track.

Try this unique exercising technique, plus get free healthy food samples and enjoy live music at at the “When Health and the Body Unite” open house July 25th at South Beach.

Gyrotonic is a type of exercise program that combines movements found in swimming, yoga, gymnastics and tai chi to improve flexibility, balance and strength. It’s a little similar to pilates, but has a little more emphasis in breathing patterns.

The South Beach Gyrotonic has partnered with other local health-conscious local businesses for an afternoon of health-wonderness.

Stop by at 5:30 for a free class, live music and free food sampling by the SoBe health foods restaurant and juice bar Juice & Java, and the vegan cupcake company BunnieCakes.

Movement Thru Rehab will be doing a presentation on physical therapy at 7p.m.

If you go:
What: When Health and the Body Unite
When: 5:30-9 p.m. . Sunday, July 25
Where: Miami Beach Gyrotonic, 1370 Washington Ave, Suite 307.
Why: Free health event. Gyrotonic class at 5:30p.m., Movement Throu Rehab presentation at 7 p.m. Juice & Java and Bunnie Cakes sampling all evening.
More info: Call 305-397-8070 for more information.

The composting workshop I was so excited about was canceled because of the rain, but I still stopped by Little River Market Garden for the potluck and to tour this urban farm I had heard great things about. I was also interested in the possibility of getting a CSA from them.

Little River Market Garden, right off Biscayne and 82nd Street, is operated by Muriel Olivares, a young farmer who after doing a series of farming internships in Homestead and in New York, took on the challenge of starting her own organic CSA on this small plot next to Little River. So far she has 11 people signed up for the CSA, and hopes to open a few more places next year.

She showed us what she’s been growing so far -mostly beans she plans to chop and leave there to add oxygen and nitrogen to the soil.

She won’t start growing most veggies until the fall, when the growing season begins, but we did see some eggplants, banana trees, peppers and yucca.

I also counted about five different mushroom species, which Muriel says are proof of a complete ecosystem.

The tour and potluck was coordinated by the Urban Oasis Project, a group of edible garden enthusiasts who gather once a month to share seeds, seedlings and recipes, and who have been creating raised beds of edibles for low income families in Little Haiti and Mid-Town.

For more information on Little River Market Farm visit www.LittleRiverCSA.com

First things first: I’m sorry for taking a short hiatus, a few unpredictable things took control of my life for a couple of weeks but nothing to worry about.

Now back to business. Well, you see, although I wasn’t blogging these two weeks, I still kept an eye open to eco-friendlly products and happenings, and will be blogging about them within the next couple of days.

Today I want to focus on composting for two main reasons:

1-Gus and I recently got a composter.

2-Melissa Contreras from the Urban Oasis Project is giving a composting workshop this Saturday.

I had been asking you for recommendations for a short space/ balcony composter for some time (those worms I got last year at the Edible Garden Fest didn’t get too far) and we finally decided for one composter, which is happily recycling food scraps in our terrace.

We opted for the Garden Views E-Composter because it had good reviews and was in the low price range ($49.99). We actually first saw it in Target.com, but they don’t offer free shipping, so we ended up ordering it from Home Depot.

It ended up being a little bigger than we expected, but it was easy to assemble, and we don’t have to worry about it filling up too quickly.

For the last few weeks, we’ve been throwing in there all our food leftovers, as well as weeds and other unwanted plant matter, and there are all kinds of insects in there now. However, it’s been raining a lot lately, and the contents are starting to become sticky, almost like a paste. I’m not sure if this is how it’s supposed to be, so this brings us to the second reason why I’m writing about composting today.

If you’re interested in learning more about composting like I am, don’t miss this amazing workshop this Saturday at the Little River Market Garden. Learn all the basics for $15, plus get an exclusive tour of the Market Garden, an urban farm now offering organic CSAs. You can also stay for the Urban Oasis Project monthly vegetarian potluck following the workshop.

If you go:
What: Composting Workshop
Where: Little River Market Garden (rsvp for direcctions)
When: 5 p.m., Saturday, July 17.
How much: $15
More info: Visit the group’s facebook page or website for more information on how to sign up.

The first organic Italian restaurant outside Italy, Escopazzo in South Beach has been the place to go for upscale and delicate Italian food since it opened in 1993. But its new weekly organic wine tastings “We do it Thursdays” are making the experience more accessible for those of us in a low budget.

Every Thursday from 7-9 p.m., you can try four wines -and these are full glasses, not small samples – and get a plate of fine cheeses, olives and other appetizers for $20, plus a knowledgeable sommelier will explain a little history of each wine, its geography, grapes, origins and more. (I couldn’t take pictures of my cheese plate because it emptied before I could even take out the camera).

While not everything at the restaurant is certified organic, everything comes from local as well as Italian family-owned farms and wineries that have been using environmentally-friendly practices for generations. Remember that getting certified can sometimes take years and be costly, so many small farmers choose to instead continue doing what they believe is the right thing without stressing about certifications.

The restaurant has a full menu of Italian plates -pastas, risottos, antipasti and more- as well as raw and vegetarian selections that include a vegetable lasagnetta with pinenut ricotta and pesto; and a flaxseed wrap filled with marinated vegetables, lemon cashew sauce and grape chutney.

If you go:
What: “We do it Thursdays” organic wine tasting
When: Every Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m.
Where: Escopazzo, 1311 Washington Ave
More info: www.escopazzo.com

By Lourdes from Vice Beauty

I’ve been a fan of the ShiKai shower gels for quite some time now. ShiKai’s organic Moisturizing Shower Gels are great for sensitive and even baby skin. With no animal testing or animal ingredients, animal lovers will enjoy the product’s moisturizing lather and amazing scent selection. Created by chemist Dr. Dennis Sepp over 40 years ago, ShiKai provides over 50 natural products to get you fresh and clean.

Considering we’re in South Florida, you can enjoy the line’s tropical and natural fragrances. If you’re into florals, check out their amazing gardenia scent. Coconut is my favorite, providing the sweet and signature tropical scent you’ll find on the beach. Pomegranate and yuzu, a Japanese citrus fruit, are great for those of you that favor fruit scents. With eight natural fragrances and a formula full of skin-friendly aloe vera and colloidal oatmeal, your skin will feel cleansed and soft.

You can find ShiKai at any Whole Foods or health foods store here in South Florida at $8.99 for a generous 12 oz bottle. A little bit goes a long way, and if you have finicky skin or are on a tight budget you’ll enjoy the luxurious but affordable ShiKai Moisturizing Shower Gel.

Green & Glamorous’ eco-beauty reviews are written by guest blogger Lourdes from the local beauty blog Vice Beauty. Follow her on Twitter at @vicebeautyblog to receive alerts on local beauty events, reviews and more.

Enjoy your weekly calendar of eco-fun!

THURSDAY, JUNE 3

>Green Drinks West Palm BeachCome network with all your friends at a great location near the new waterfront off of Clematis Street. 6-8 p.m. at Pistache Bistro, 101 North Clematis Street, West Palm Beach.

>Organic Thursdays at Escopazzo: Weekly food and wine tastings at the SoBe organic Italian restaurant. Stop by between 7-9 p.m. for “We Do It Thursdays” and try 4 wines and appetizers for $20. 1311 Washington Ave.

>Tees for Trees at CAFEINA: Help the Bakehouse Art Complex get the landscape it deserves. $10 donation gets you a free cocktail. All proceeds go to BAC, a non-profit providing affordable studios, exhibition galleries, and professional development opportunities to local artists. A silent auction will feature tees created by resident BAC artists. 8 p.m. at Cafeina, 297 NE 32 St., Wynwood.

SATURDAY, JUNE 5

>Green House Tour:Lovers of good design and architecture shouldn’t miss this tour one of the first completely green houses in Dade County. Albert Harum-Alvarez -who’s running for Commissioner in District 8- and his family, will offer a tour of their energy efficient, solar-powered and environmentally-friendly home. The tour starts at 4 p.m. for design aficionados and at 5 p.m. for the curious yet less technical. Visit their site for more info and to RSVP.

>Volunteer at a local farm, then learn about permaculture: The urban farm Earth-N-Us will offer a free permaculture introduction class this Saturday in exchange of a few hours of volunteer services (note that this workshop is sometimes offered at the farm for a few hundred dollars, so the deal isn’t bad at all). Earth-N-Us is located at 7630 NE 1st Ave. Get there by 1 p.m. to complete enough volunteer hours. Email healthymarcus@gmail.com for details.

>Replenishing the kitchen: Get your weekly raw, vegan or healthy food supplies, plus buy fresh produce at the Coconut Grove Farmers Market, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., 3300 Grand Ave.

Image via mysza

Green living is about making better choices, including about what we wear – but if the tree hugging lifestyle is not particularly your call, maybe it’s time for a little eco-chic indulgence, like the 2nd Annual Go Green Fashionista Fashion Show & Shoe Drive June 18.

This eco-fashion show, benefiting the non-profit Barefoot 4 Haiti, will feature styles ranging from vintage clothing to original eco-friendly accessories and wardrobe vamping.

Some of the interesting designers will include Blooming by Inta, who specializes in creating Avant Garde pieces with newspaper, magazines and other recycled materials; and Jewelry by Catalina Mora, who uses orange peels, tagua, and coffee beans to create her accessories while having an amazing aroma to it.

You’ll be able to also sample the new Sheba Cloth Collection made from natural jute fiber grown in Bangladesh known to be rich in antioxidants and vitamin E, and 100% biodegradable.

If you go:
What: 2nd Annual Go Green Fashionista: Fashion Show & Shoe Drive for Barefoot 4 Haiti
When: 7 p.m. June 18
Where: MIA at Biscayne Ultra Lounge & Restaurant, 20 Biscayne Blvd. Miami.
More info: $10 admission. Bring gently worn or new shoes to provide footwear to the people of Haiti. Half off special drinks from 7-8 p.m. Fashion show starts at 8 p.m. More info at Soul of Miami.

Image courtesy of Fabienne Claude from Go Green Fashionista 2009

The list of fun eco-friendly weekend events has been getting longer and longer. Email me at editor@theecozine.com if you don’t see your event. Have a great weekend!

Thursday, May 27
>Green Drinks Boca/Delray: Mingle with eco professionals and locals in this green happy hour. Taste organic wines and foods while you learn how you start your company’s green team. 6:30 p.m. at 4th Generation Organic Market, 75 SE 3rd Street
Boca Raton.
>Organic Thursdays at Escopazzo: Weekly food and wine tastings at the SoBe organic Italian restaurant. Stop by between 7-9 p.m. for “We Do It Thursdays” and try 4 wines and appetizers for $20. 1311 Washington Ave.

Friday, May 28
>Free medication class: To celebrate Meditation Month, Ayama Yoga Center is offering free meditation classes and discounted packages to newbies every Friday in May. Stop by at 6 p.m. for your free class at the Ayama Yoga Center, 2624 NE 118th St., North Miami Beach.

Saturday, May 29
>Replenishing the kitchen: Get your weekly raw, vegan or healthy food supplies, plus buy fresh produce at the Coconut Grove Farmers Market, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., 3300 Grand Ave.

>Learn all about sprouting at the monthly SaveEarth potluck: The pro-vegan organization SaveEarth presents “Sprouting For Health,” a lecture to get you started on sprouting these rich, living and high-enzyme foods. Bring a vegan dish for 8 people and your own utensils. Free for members, $5 non-members. 6:15 p.m. at the Coral Gables Congregational Church, Fellowship Hall at 3010 DeSoto Blvd. Coral Gables

Sunday, May 30
>Tea ’n Sanity Health Fair: Celebrate the new address with organic food vendors, jewelry, aromatherapy, astrology, crystals, oils, and teas, plus yoga demos, Reiki, tai chi, karate, and chair massages. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Tea n’ Sanity, 12011 SW 131st Ave. 786-462-4341.

Tuesday, June 1
>Vegan Drinks Night: Bring your business cards and leave your worries for this fun, apres-work networking event! Meets 1st Tuesday of every month from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Sublime Restaurant & Bar 1431 N. Federal Hwy., Ft. Lauderdale, 954-615-1431

Image via audiinsperation

Tons of cool green events going on this weekend, starting today -cuz we know your weekend starts this early:

Wednesday, May 19
>Get fresh produce at the Roots in the City market: We’ve been alerted the market is still running despite rumors that it had closed for the season. Stop by 4-6 p.m. on the corner of NW 10th Street & 2nd Avenue.

>Join cyclists in a Ride of Silence: Show support for those killed or injured while biking during Bike Safety Month. The group will meet 6:30 p.m. at the Miami Seaquarium.

Thursday, May 20
>Get in the summer mood with this free Raw Picnic Class presented by Whole Foods. Learn how to make delicious and easy to pack raw vegan dishes. 2-3 p.m. at Whole Foods Miami Beach, 1020 Alton Rd.

>Organic Thursdays at Escopazzo: Weekly food and wine tastings at the SoBe organic Italian restaurant. Stop by between 7-9 p.m. for “We Do It Thursdays” and try 4 wines and appetizers for $20. 1311 Washington Ave.

Friday, May 21
>Free medication class: To celebrate Meditation Month, Ayama Yoga Center is offering free meditation classes and discounted packages to newbies every Friday in May. Stop by at 6 p.m. for your free class at the Ayama Yoga Center, 2624 NE 118th St., North Miami Beach.

Saturday, May 22
>Learn about local graffiti art while pedaling around town Emerge Miami brings us another Graffiti Bike Tour of Wynwood. Learn who are the artists behind the street art that has become distinctive of midtown. Meet 10 a.m. at 3501 NW 12th Ave. continue

I received my first iPhone bill today (sorry, BB) and there was also information on AT&T’s commitment to plant a tree for every customer that switches to paperless billing.

Between now and Dec. 31, the company will donate $1 to the Arbor Day Foundation to plant a tree for every customer that goes paperless -up to one million trees. Not only that, but you can choose among different reforestation projects, including one in Florida to replant trees in areas hurt by storms and hurricanes.

Yes, I know what you are thinking: greenwashing. The company saves a lot more than $1 by having you go paperless: no postage, no printing, no billing clerks.

But I think this is a win-win situation. Like it’s the case with many environmental issues, going paperless is the right thing to do no matter from which perspective you look at it, and how many companies are actually doing something extra to promote it?

>Check the facts: 1 million customers that switch to paperless billing means: continue

Last week I blogged about BunnieCakes, the yummy vegan and organic cupcakes created by Miami vegetarian Mariana Cortez, who substitutes butter, eggs and refined sugar for natural, dairy-free ingredients. Did I mention they come in endless flavors including key lime and dark chocolate?

Now BunnieCakes is giving away a dozen cupcakes to a lucky Ecozine reader! All you have to do is comment on this post by May 24 at midnight. June 4 at midnight. The winner will receive 12 cupcakes in the two flavors of his/her choice delivered at his/her doorstep. continue

Afraid of parenthood? No worries, try taking care of a tree first.

Miami’s Adopt-A-Tree summer program kicks-off this Saturday to help residents plant a tree for the future. Dade residents of a single-family or duplex home will be eligible to receive up to two free trees during the length of the program -even if they already received free trees in past years.

The program claims to be “better than ever” this year, and looking at the tree species that will be offered, there’s no question about it -part of the beauty of the program is that they are all native species. Check the dates continue

Can you name things you couldn’t find on Google? Your closest community garden is not one of them.

Thank Scott Lewis, who has taken the job to organize local gardens in an interactive Google map, which now boasts almost 50 gardens.

They are neatly organized by ownership: community gardens in blue, school gardens in green, and Miami-Dade College gardens in yellow. And note that school gardens are leading the count, which is great news.
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May is National Bike Month, the time of the year when cyclists speak up about the need for more bike-friendly roads.

During the recent years, Miami cyclists have been gaining a powerful voice behind groups such as Emerge Miami, a network of bike enthusiasts who advocate for more road safety. One of their most famous events is the monthly Miami Critical Mass, in which cyclists orderly bike around town to raise awareness about the lack of biker rights in the city.

But don’t be intimidated. You don’t have to be a professional cyclist to join the group. Many of their members are just looking for more environmentally-friendly transportation options. Increasingly, Emerge Miami has also put together hip outings, including a bike prom a few months back, and regular graffiti tours (see event list below for the next one).
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Remember when I planted my edible garden a few months ago? My first home-grown tomatoes are now ready to eat, so I decided to also pick some fresh basil from the garden and make a delicious Caprese salad.

Many people wonder what’s the difference between a regular and organic or homegrown tomato, and they are surprised to hear that regular tomatoes are picked green and ripen artificially with a gas called ethylene when they are closer to their point of sale location. Not only is that gas unnecessary in your food, but when tomatoes ripe naturally, they get to develop much more flavors thanks continue