"underground" part 2

Drink-ware options are expanding, particularly within the concepts of "spill proof" and "travel friendly" choices.  The "sports bottle" is no longer exclusive to the athletic population; it now provides an answer to choosing a reusable option of having your beverage handy regardless of your lifestyle.

Eliminating plastic parts in these travel friendly drink-ware designs is challenging manufacturers as they offer new designs.  The requests for glass over plastic materials have some groundbreaking innovations hitting the store shelves, and more to come.

The new glass Camelbak "Eddy" drink bottle received customer reviews on Amazon including one from a consumer that had replaced the interior plastic straw with a GlassDharma glass straw cut to a specific length of 7 3/8 inches. Since this review was posted, a flood of orders came into the shipping department at GlassDharma. Our shipping manager, Daryl discovered the reason for so many same size custom requests and alerted other staff members of his findings.

Special order straw sizes and dimensions are occasionally requested by customers. These orders are filled by GlassDharma as a customer service policy with an additional fee of $2.00 per straw. Once the item is repeatedly requested by other customers, it becomes a "word of mouth" category item and is placed on a menu we affectionately call "underground". The item is now a stock item so the custom order fee is no longer applied.

The Camelbak "Eddy" quickly made its way into the GlassDharma facility only to disappoint those who prefer to drink from glass.  The silicone mouthpiece requires a "bite" to open the self-sealing hole.  This idea is not so appealing to many glass straw sippers and a glass insert mouthpiece was quickly fashioned from a "coffee straw" cut to a 1 1/2 inch length.

Inserted properly, the mouthpiece will not completely "self-seal" while installed but the lid will still close with the swing-over flip action and the straw insert will stay intact. Removal of the glass insert will allow the mouthpiece to completely reseal.  The insert can be tucked right into the side of the silicone casing for easy transportation.

If the small straw insert is not placed far enough down into the mouthpiece straw opening, the reservoir can fill up with the fluid and burp or spit out the straw insert when you pick it up.  Likewise, if you push it too far down, it can become lodged inside the flexible mouthpiece requiring a pair of tweezers to extract it!


GlassDharma offers two glass inserts:

Camelbak(pak) large insert: 7 3/8inch X 12mm - $9.00
Camelbak(pak) small mouthpiece insert: 1 1/2 inch X 7mm - $4.00
Camelbak(pak) both inserts: - $12.00

From our inbox:
Hi there!!

I just received my small glass straw attachment for my CamelBak glass water bottle and can't say enough about it!! What a difference!!!!

I already use the glass straw attachment for the inside of my bottle,  but did not like using the 'plastic squeeze' no matter how much it prevented water or drinks from spilling. Now I have the very best of both worlds!

You merely squeeze and insert the small straw attachment into the hole of the mouth piece and it fits perfectly, and securely, into the top  leaving you plenty of room to enjoy your favorite drink without touching the plastic tip.


Thank you GlassDharma, I now have the perfect solution for my  CamelBak bottle! I look forward to a long life of your products and will check back regularly for new ones!!!

~ Cynthia, Massachusetts

Until these new options are placed on the "underground" menu, simply call or email customer service with your request for your own Camelbak(pak) inserts.
info {at} glassdharma.com
(707)964-9350

More Than 1000 Free Glass Straws for Earth Day 2013!

May 1st update!  2001 People made the PlanetCare™ Pledge for earth Day 2013!

We have exceeded 1000 PlanetCare™Pledges!  

Our commitment to this project and the excitement of so many willing to grow their own eco-practices by taking the PlanetCare™Pledge has encouraged the PlanetCare™Team to continue to reward the growing number of incoming pledges throughout the month of April!

1256 pledges have been counted and more pledges are pouring in!

GlassDharma will continue to honor the PlanetCare™Packages including a free glass straw and coupons through March 18th. Pledges received on March 19th - April 30 will receive emailed coupons that will include a free glass straw coupon code (but will not include the free shipping, or the physical free glass straw). 

PlanetCare™Team coupons from Eco Lunch Boxes, Eco Bags, Pura Stainless and bambu will be included in all of the packages and mailers that will ship out of Fort Bragg, CA. throughout the month of April in celebration of Earth Day 2013.

Please do encourage your friends and families to make the PlanetCare™Pledge!

Here are some excerpts from some Face Book conversations during our 1000 Free Glass Straws for Earth Day 2013 event:

Take the GlassDharma pledge and get a free glass straw! I did, and I do this every year!

My daughters LOVE glass straws. And I do mean love. We’ve got about a 1/2 dozen glass straws and they get so excited when company comes over, so they can show their friends how much better glass straws are. It actually cracks me up how serious they are when they tout the benefits of glass straws.

Don’t worry – they hardly break, and when they do GlassDharma guarantees a replacement. ~ Monique

.........

We are VERY excited! I would love to buy a pack to help support you and if you throw in the bonus ones, that would be wonderful too ? Let me know how it works and I invited all my earth loving friends to this great even too!! ~ Mamak G.

.........

This is so awesome! Thank you soooo much, GlassDharma, for spreading this pledge and your amazing glass straws. Friends, please don't forget to use your glass straws in a refreshing glass of Pollen Up and support the local, sustainable bee keepers that are keeping honey bees happy! ~ Kelly D.

.........

Thank you. I have recently been refusing straws while dining out. I have been finding soooo many while cleaning the beaches. I can do without plastic straws!! ~ Sherry S.

.........

I went to eat with 6 people. I told them about the pollution plastic straws contribute to the oceans, and asked them not to use them. 1 agreed. Including myself, that was 2 straws saved from the landfill and our beaches. ~ Kaki F.

.........

My Earth Day 2013 resolution is to recycle more. ~ Dallie D.

.........

To be more mindful of plastic waste. ~ Monica C.

.........

I lead by example. I keep my glass straw in my handbag, and use it when needed. I eat out a lot, and my glass straw becomes a conversation piece at times. I'm hoping that the more people see it, they too will purchase one. Plastic straws are not attractive at all. My glass straw it pretty and glass is better than plastic. The goal: To have food establishments do away with plastic straws, and sell glass straws. Sucking on a glass straw IS cool. Sucking on a plastic straw is NOT cool. ~ Maggy F.

.........

WoooHooo.... Earth Day is Everyday, Thanks Glass Dharma for having an Awesome product to help us reduce and reuse! ~ Donna S.

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I had never considered taking reusable containers to restaurants for leftovers to take home. That's a great idea. I've always disliked bringing home all that styrofoam. ~ Ashley B.

.........

I made the decision to take metal utensils from home with my daily lunch, instead of using the disposable plastic utensils at work. Next step is washable cloth napkins! ~ Jennifer G.

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THESE THINGS ARE AWESOME!  I'm not kidding. Awesome. We fight over who gets to use the glass straw in my house... even though it's mine. Take the PlanetCare pledge and get your own for free! ~ Groovy Green Glass

.........

Glass Dharma has taught me about the waste created from drinking straws! Glass Dharma straws are something I use everyday because in Texas, Ice Tea is NOT ice tea if you don't have a straw! Only now, I have beautiful glass straws from Glass Dharma! ~ Alison R.

.........

Here's a great chance to try out Glass Dharma glass straws if you haven't already. They're giving away 1000 free in honor of Earth Day this year! We LOVE ours! ~ Why Go Organic?

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I just made my pledge to support a green future!! Awesome! ~ Stephanie S.

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You guys are awesome to ask people to pledge to make a difference and reward them!! ~ Donna S.

.........

Thank you to all who participate! Our PlanetCare™Team believes that every step toward PlanetCare™ counts. We honor every place on each person's eco-journey. Active participation and the sharing of ideas is a powerful tool toward PlanetCare™, so please continue to keep this project spiraling through time by your choices, actions and example.

Happy Earth Day 2013 from the PlanetCare™Team!

Sign up for future GlassDharma E-newsletters here: http://www.glassdharma.com/ccMain.htm

1000 Free Glass Straws for Earth Day 2013

Earth Day 2013 is quickly approaching...  

GlassDharma is determined to give away 1000 Free Glass Straws this year for Earth Day!  

Four inspirational ECO companies have joined us to make the PlanetCare™ Team and add valuable coupons for fine Eco Products to our Free Glass Straw packages. Join us all in making the GlassDharma  PlanetCare™ Pledge by clicking on this link and receive your free PlanetCare™ Package.

Participants will be asked to consider their own power of choice with consideration toward PlanetCare™ and to be willing to "make a difference". Our own purchasing power and inspiring others by example are the ripples that resonate into communities far and wide.

Glassdharma will ship PlanetCare™ Packages out of Fort Bragg, California throughout the month of April, 2013.

Free Shipping (USA and Canada) will be included with each PlanetCare™ Package.

To recieve your  PlanetCare™ Package containing your free glass straw + coupons from 4 manufacturers of fine ECO products, simply click here to fill in the form.

Taking this pledge invites to you rethink and consider your choices as you purchase and choose items for your own use, for others to use and to give as gifts!

The PlanetCare™ Pledge

Five ways that I pledge active PlanetCare™ responsibility to
make a difference in 2013 and beyond I, ____________________ pledge:

1. To seek plastic alternatives by researching everyday items and finding manufacturers that supply plastic-free alternatives, like GlassDharma drinking straws, ECOlunchbox stainless food containers, Pura Stainless reusable metal water bottles, ECOBAGS organic cotton bags, bambu kitchen & travel ware, etc...

 2. To rethink each purchase (How long will I use/need this item? Where will it go once I have finished using it?)

 3. To shop locally whenever possible to support my local community and to reduce shipping energy.

 4. To keep reusable bags, reusable water bottles, reusable straws and reusable food containers close at hand for shopping, traveling and eating out at Restaurants.

 5. To use my personal power to "choose what I use" and serve as an example for others in making a difference!

 Make a difference. 

Thank you from the PlanetCare™ Team! 

Who is the PlanetCare™ Team?

"Our dynamic and colorful textiles speak of places and traditions far away yet the design of our lunchbags with napkins is contemporary and well suited for the modern eco-consumer. The cotton lunchbags are machine washable, come with matching napkins and designed to pair with our non-leaching stainless steel lunchboxes."
http://www.ecolunchboxes.com

"At Eco-Bags Products, Inc. our mission is to offer thoughtful, sustainably produced durable-reusable bags that help people reduce, reuse, recycle and re-imagine the world we live in.""We are passionate about living greener, simpler and more abundant lives. We believe that less can be more."
http://www.ecobags.com

GlassDharma Glass Straws offer styles and sizes to fit all beverage-ware.  Cleaning brushes and Hemp Sleeves are available to fit every GlassDharma glass straw. Now you can carry your straw with you when you travel and say, "No thank you" to plastic straws. http://glassdharma.com

"Pura Stainless was created with a simple vision - to make a difference by responsibly manufacturing toxin-free, durable, and cost effective alternatives to bottled water and the petroleum-based (ie plastic) reusable bottles and foodstorage containers."
http://www.purastainless.com

"Our team prides itself on the quality of our products. Our design and assembly processes result in safe and durable products that will last for years and can withstand the toughest use case: real life."  http://www.bambuhome.com

Thank you for choosing to make a difference.  

Thank you for choosing PlanetCare™.

1000 Free Glass Straws For Earth Day 2013

1000 Free Glass Straws!

GlassDharma – The Original Glass Straw

(Ft. Bragg, CA) - Feb. 1st, 2013 – GlassDharma will give away 1000 free Glass Straws during the month of April 2013 in celebration of Earth Day. The GlassDharma mission to get more glass straws to beverage sippers is an annual tradition to increase awareness about single use plastics alternatives. This 5th annual Free Glass Straws for Earth Day event will ask participants to consider their part in PlanetCare™ and to be willing to "make a difference". To qualify for your free glass straw, please subscribe to the GlassDharma e-newsletter where details will be forthcoming.  Once the details are announced through the newsletter on March 4th, follow the instructions to receive your free glass straw!


Make a Difference
Free Glass Straws for Earth Day Participants will be asked to consider their own power of choice with consideration toward PlanetCare™ and to be willing to "make a difference". Our own purchasing power and inspiring others by example are the ripples that resonate into the communities far and wide. Free Glass Straws will be shipped out of Fort Bragg, Calif. throughout the month starting on April 1st, 2013.  This offer is good in the USA and Canada only.

GlassDharma Straws are Durable, Sustainable and Elegant
The GlassDharma Quality Control department ensures the quality of each and every straw. Offering an unprecedented lifetime guarantee, GlassDharma stands behind their product, and promises that if it breaks, it will be repaired or replaced. GlassDharma straws are made from borosilicate glass, the safest and strongest glass commercially available; they are even dishwasher and microwave safe!

Garnish your Glass
GlassDharma straws not only replace their plastic and toxic counterparts, but their beauty and style lend to compliments and conversation.
• Great for all hot or cold drinks
• Perfectly stages specialty drinks – bubble teas, iced drinks, shakes and smoothies
• Beautiful in cocktails – great accessory for stemware and martini glasses
• Concerned about staining your teeth? Use for wine, coffee and teas
• Kid friendly and safe
• Elegance at its best

One for Everyone
GlassDharma straws are available in three collections: Simple Elegance, Beautiful Bend, and the color accented Decorative Dots. Offered in many lengths and widths, GlassDharma straws are available individually or in sets.  The accessory line includes cleaning brushes and hemp sleeves for carrying your straws on the go.  Custom etching services and store display packaging options are the newest purchase options.

GlassDharma - sip the world. make a difference.

For more information on GlassDharma, please visit www.glassdharma.com.
Questions about 1000 Free Glass Straws For Earth Day 2013? Contact: Gail or Cheryl

David Leonhardt, Pres.
GlassDharma Head Office
info@glassdharma.com
707.964.9350

Gail Johnson, V-Pres.
Partnerships and Promotions
gail@glassdharma.com
707.964.9350

Cheryl Newcomb,
Community Manager
cn@glassdharma.com
209.406.2881

Happy New Year ~ 2013

Happy New Year from GlassDharma!  

We hope you have had a prosperous and healthy year and certainly wish that for you for 2013!

 It is exciting that so many people are learning alternatives to single use plastic. A couple years ago most people wouldn't have even thought to "Google" Glass Straws and now that is the most common response we get as to "how did you hear about us?" Thank you for your part in spreading the word about greener living. 

GlassDharma has been featured in a range of media this year including Canada's Alive magazine, The Steven and Chris TV show, as well as in the Natural Health Magazine, Retailing Insight and Beth Terry's book, Plastic-Free: How I Kicked the Plastic Habit and How You Can Too, a practical guide to ridding your life-and the planet-of plastic. 

 In 2012, over 100 positive blog reviews have been written about GlassDharma!

We have partnered with a number of kids who are making a difference educating our youth about the environment:

Milo Cress of BeStrawFree
http://ecocycle.org/bestrawfree 

Olivia and Carter from One More Generation
http://onemoregeneration.org

 Algalita's Youth Summit 2012 POPS
(Plastic Oceans Pollution Solutions)
http://2012.algalitayouthsummit.org

GlassDharma introduces distributors for Canada and Australia as we continue to ship glass straws to World Wide locations. GlassDharma straws have been shipped to over 40 countries to date!

In Canada  ~ Koru Distribution

In Australia ~  ReChusable Pty Ltd

Trying to find GlassDharma products in your own area?

Help us reach out by contacting your favorite stores and businesses to let them know about our products.  Please do contact GlassDharma Customer Service Representatives with your suggestions!

Our Public Relations continue to reach out to new communities as more and more people hear about GlassDharma straws. Contact the GassDharma PR department for unified social networking opportunities. Email Cheryl - cn {at} glassdharma.com

New Breakage Replacement Policy Starting Next Week!
You no longer need to send back your broken straw(s).  Go to the Guarantee option on our home page and follow the instructions for completing our new Replacement Form. 
Any questions? Email Gail at gail {at} glassdharma.com

National Drinking Straw Day is January 3rd!  GlassDharma website orders that are received on January 3rd and have the words "Straw Day" written in the comments field of the order form will receive an additional free straw along with their order.

Together we "Make the Difference"!
Cheers to how we will collectively make a difference in 2013!  We'll sip to that!

GlassDharma Packaging Policy

Refuse
Reduce
Reuse
Recycle

These are the 4 R’s of eco-consciousness. GlassDharma practices take the 4 R’s to heart. And they are prioritized for a reason.

Set of 4 glass straws
with cleaning brush.

Solving the plastics problem takes more than just using your “blue bin” or the “blue barrel” that gets picked up weekly. Recycling should be the last resort at all costs. Why? There is a mindset that has developed through the years. For most folks, if they use their blue barrel to recycle, they consider themselves “eco-conscious”. But if we do not look at the products we buy and how they are packaged, and make our choices accordingly, we run the risk of “feel good” recycling that has very little impact on our environment. First of all, most people do not realize that almost all plastics are not truly recyclable – they are actually down-cycled. The plastic that is “recycled” is not the same plastic that was put into the system. It is a degraded plastic and sooner or later will end up in our landfills and/or oceans. It also lulls us into thinking that all is well as long as we recycle. No thought is given to the other 3 R’s and the end result is that there is no reduction in the demand of plastic. We will still pump oil out of the ground with no end in sight to produce our plastics. There are companies that make money doing this and they will not stop until the demand decreases or is eliminated. They will not stop because it is bad for the environment.

I know of one wholesaler that ships their products with packing peanuts and bubble wrap and they put a sticker on the outside of the box that says something to the effect of “We shamelessly recycle our packaging materials” and they encourage their customers to do the same. This, in my mind, would be an acceptable step if everyone is in agreement with it AND steps are taken to mitigate the amount of packing material received (the other 3 R’s). This looked rather attractive at first and I considered changing our policy of “no plastic in our packaging”. I finally realized that for all its good intentions, it essentially passes the recycling burden to those we would be shipping to whether they wanted that responsibility or not. After talking to our suppliers and getting them to reduce or eliminate plastic in their shipping, we find local business that use these materials (as a last resort.)

The entire GlassDharma staff knows we are on the right track because of the number of emails we receive thanking us for not using plastic in our packaging. Periodically we also receive requests when folks are ordering to not use plastic when shipping to them.

Ready to ship glass straws!

We carry boxes in sizes designed to reduce the amount of filler needed (if any.) We use old newspaper and cardboard for filler when needed. We make larger and less frequent purchases of glass which has a smaller carbon footprint as well as eliminating the packing peanut issue as the glass arrives on a palette as opposed to boxes filled with peanuts. A minimal amount of stretch wrap is used with this process; however there is far less plastic involved that if we brought our glass in through UPS or FedEx.

New packaging options
for store display.

A great deal of time and effort went into our packaging designs, primarily because of the plastics issue. All of our packaging consists of 1) chipboard (100% recycled, 95% post consumer), 2) corrugated (40% recycled, 15% post consumer) cardboard, 3) our cello bags (for hemp sleeves) are wood based and 100% compostable and 4) paper-based tape. Even the glue we use is water based and non-toxic with no VOC’s. We use continuous ink systems in our inkjet printers. We use solar powered hosting for our website. We live fairly close to the shop so our commute is minimal.

I would encourage not just green business, but all business to be more mindful of what can be accomplished environmentally with periodic reviews of different areas of their business. Sometimes the solutions that present themselves also save money!

Separately purchased cleaning brushes are packaged in
 the same box along with the straw, reducing the need for additional boxes.

Mermaid Tales

In the glass straw business, one never knows what the day might bring...

Recently, a Mermaid contacted GlassDharma!  As it turns out, this Mermaid is not only a "real" mermaid, but works professionally, appearing in events and photo-shoots.  Her opportunity to connect with GlassDharma was spurred by her passion for healthy oceans and her need for a perfect drinking straw.  Glass Straws are her natural choice, she explained, to teach ocean-care while starring at parties and themed events.

It is known that the Glass Straw business will often present surprises during the busy weeks of glass straw production and world-wide communications. The Dharmanian community has come to expect the unexpected while performing the routines tasks and duties of each department.  David Leonhardt founded GlassDharma on the principal that there is much for each of us to learn as we diligently distribute glass straws far and wide! So, the Public Relations Department did a little research once presented with this idea that Mermaids love Glass Straws!

Raina the Halifax Mermaid

There is an active and lively "Mer-community" online and in many locations around the globe.  One thing mermaids (and mermen) seem to have in common is how important their tail is to them.  The function of their tail dictates their swimming abilities and swimming is their favorite pastime.  There are reputable Mer-tail manufacturers that stay very busy creating these beautiful and functional fins.

You may think that a "Professional Mermaid" is limited to looking beautiful and modeling for photo shoots.  It may surprise you to know how their presence teaches an important philosophy as they bring old legends to life for their audiences.

Meet Raina, "the Halifax Mermaid" from Nova Scotia! Her passion is children and children's events and she holds degrees in Child Development  and Elementary Education. "Every time I speak to children be it a birthday party or festival we talk about plastic pollution and what they can do to avoid single use plastics", explains Raina. "I also celebrate World Ocean's Day where we talk a lot about the pacific garbage patch. Now that I have my glass straws I'll be taking them to all of my events and using them as a demonstration."

Mermaids are health conscious, caring for their bodies in appearance and performance.  They take great care in choices of what to eat and drink as a means of nourishment.  The same great care and respect for their environment is a huge issue as they work tirelessly to show and promote making good choices about ocean and planet care.  After all, Mermaids do not like to get tangled up in plastic in the ocean!

Raina explains, " In the mermaid community the majority of professional mermaids affiliate with a charity of choice, they range from animal and habitat protection to beach cleanups, protests and more. My charity of choice it the David Susuzki Foundation. He puts out excellent information about living sustainably.  Also, the Captain Planet Foundation is another organization that supports environmental education.

Raina founded and works closely with Mermaid Sirena (from Michigan) as editor of the E-magazine, Tail Flip. The free magazine is run by volunteers and will feature different products like Glass Dharma on a routine basis. The intent for these features is the goal of spreading more awareness and showing readers enjoying sustainable products. Raina informs us that most recreational and performing "mers" are very eco-aware, make huge efforts to be sustainable including making tails out of recycled fabrics, wetsuits, and rubber materials.

Ocean's Entourage

"I team up with other organizations such as my local Ecology Action Center, so I can always be informed, and I'm partnering with Fan-Plastic a local company that recycles plastic into jewelry" writes Raina during a back and forth email interview.  "Artist David Ayala created cartoon characters featuring me as "Raina the Mermaid, Fan-Plastic Girl (the owner of "Fan Plastic") and Sola (A lady who makes eco filtered water bottles) into a super hero group named "Ocean's Entourage" and there will be a monthly comic strip of our antics to save the ocean from plastic pollution!"

"And, know this, you don’t have to change EVERYTHING to make a difference. Doing just ONE thing helps. After all, it all happens by your powers combined…." ~ Ocean's Entourage

Mermaids love glass straws

The topic of Raina's straw use was discussed as well.  She let us know, " In Canada, BPA (Bisphenol A) is still allowed in most products and a lot of toxins are absorbed through plastic here. However, due to my many illnesses I have very sensitive teeth and mouth (beyond sensitive toothpaste) so I always used straws. I always felt guilty, rewashed them out when I could, but worried about the effects of plastic straws on my health. Then someone introduced me to GlassDharma straws, and I haven't looked back!"

Epilogue:
Since our interview with Raina the Halifax Mermaid, we have been close in touch with Linden from "Mermaids in Motion", based in the Los Angeles, California area.  She speaks fondly of Raina and her work to improve the environment and is delighted to find GlassDharma glass straws as well. 

The Dharmanians are hopeful that they might get to meet these lovely mermaids in time.  Fort Bragg might be a long way for them to swim - but one never know what might happen in the "Land of Dharma"....