The Chicago Journal

The Chicago Journal
The Chicago Journal

Good Condition is Chicago’s Must-Try Luxury Skincare Brand

The Chicago Journal Staff on July 30, 2024

By: Michael Richards

As the wellness and beauty industries continue to converge towards sustainability and health-consciousness, one brand making significant waves is Good Condition. Founded by Cherie Baughn in June 2023, this luxury skincare line is catching the attention of Chicagoans with its innovative approach to beauty—offering products that are as good for the environment as they are for your skin.

Good Condition is setting a new standard in skincare with its all-natural, organic ingredients and environmentally friendly packaging. The brand’s signature lotion bars are not just a luxury indulgence but also a commitment to personal health and ecological sustainability.

To delve deeper into what makes Good Condition a standout in the crowded skincare market, we sat down with founder Cherie Baughn for an enlightening Q&A:

Q: What inspired you to start Good Condition?

Cherie Baughn: “I started Good Condition after noticing a gap in the market for truly sustainable yet luxurious skincare products. I wanted to create something that not only cared for the skin but also respected the planet. Our products are designed to deliver exceptional skincare benefits, using only the finest natural and organic ingredients, without the environmental toll that comes from conventional skincare packaging and synthetics.”

Q: Can you elaborate on how Good Condition products are good for the environment?

Cherie Baughn: “Absolutely. We are deeply committed to sustainability. All our lotion bars come in biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable packaging. This significantly reduces waste and environmental impact. Furthermore, our ingredients are sustainably sourced, and our entire production process is designed to minimize energy consumption and carbon footprint.”

Q: What makes your lotion bars a must-try for those who haven’t used them yet?

Cherie Baughn: “Our lotion bars are unique because they are crafted with premium organic ingredients that nourish the skin. For example, we use unrefined cocoa butter and essential oils that hydrate and rejuvenate the skin without any harsh chemicals. They’re perfect for anyone looking to enhance their skincare regime while being mindful of the products’ impact on their body and the environment.”

Q: What are some of the key benefits customers can expect from using your products?

Cherie Baughn: “Customers will notice that our products are not only gentle on the skin but also exceptionally effective in moisturizing and healing. The natural ingredients are selected for their therapeutic properties, offering benefits such as improved skin elasticity, reduced inflammation, and enhanced hydration. Plus, using our eco-friendly products helps customers reduce their carbon footprint, aligning their skincare routine with their environmental values.”

Good Condition is Chicago's Must-Try Luxury Skincare Brand

Photo Courtesy: Good Condition

As Good Condition continues to expand its presence in Chicago, it’s becoming a favorite among those who prioritize health, luxury, and sustainability. This brand not only offers a line of products that elevate daily skincare routines but also contributes positively to the wellness of the planet.

For Chicagoans looking to transform their skincare practices, Good Condition offers an ideal blend of luxury and conscientious living. Experience the difference with Good Condition‘s lotion bars and join a growing community that values beauty, health, and sustainability.

Published by: Nelly Chavez

The Role of Green Shade Nets in Sustainable Urban Farming

The Chicago Journal Staff on July 30, 2024

As urbanization rises, the need for sustainable farming practices within city environments has become increasingly crucial. Urban farming provides fresh produce to city dwellers and contributes to food security and environmental sustainability. One of the essential tools that has emerged in promoting sustainable urban farming is using green shade nets. These nets offer many benefits that support crops’ growth and health in urban settings.

What are Green Shade Nets?

Green shade nets, also known as agro shades, are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) material treated with UV stabilizers to protect against sunlight and heat. These nets are available in different shade percentages, which indicate the amount of sunlight they can block. Agriculture extensively uses them to protect crops from excessive sunlight, wind, and even pests.

Benefits of Green Shade Nets in Urban Farming

1. Temperature Regulation 

Green shade nets help regulate the temperature around plants by reducing the amount of direct sunlight. This is particularly beneficial in urban areas where concrete structures intensify heat. By providing a cooler environment, these nets help minimize heat stress on plants, leading to healthier growth and higher yields.

2. Protection from UV Rays

Excessive exposure to UV rays can be detrimental to plant health, causing leaf burn and reduced photosynthesis. Green shade nets filter out harmful UV rays while allowing sufficient light for photosynthesis, thus enhancing plant productivity.

3. Water Conservation 

Urban farming often faces challenges related to water scarcity. Green shade netting helps reduce water evaporation from the soil, thereby conserving water. This is particularly important in cities where water resources are limited and the cost of water is high.

4. Pest and Disease Control 

Shade nets act as a physical barrier against many pests and insects that can damage crops. Limiting these pests’ entry reduces the need for chemical pesticides, promoting organic farming practices, which are essential for sustainable urban agriculture.

5. Improved Crop Quality 

By providing an optimal growing environment, green shade nets contribute to the production of high-quality fruits and vegetables. The controlled environment ensures that crops are less likely to be affected by external stressors, resulting in better taste and nutritional value.

6. Versatility in Application 

Green shade nets are versatile and can be used in various forms, such as net houses and poly houses. These structures provide an added layer of protection and create a controlled environment for different types of crops, further enhancing the benefits of using shade nets.

How to Use Green Shade Nets in Urban Farming

1. Selecting the Right Shade Percentage

Choosing the right shade percentage is crucial for the success of urban farming. Different crops require different levels of sunlight. For instance, leafy greens may thrive under 30-50% shade, while fruiting vegetables may need only 20-30% shade. Understanding the light requirements of your crops will help in selecting the appropriate green shade netting.

The Role of Green Shade Nets in Sustainable Urban Farming

Photo Courtesy: SRK Metals

2. Installation Tips

  • Secure Framework: Ensure the framework supporting the shade net is strong and stable. This will prevent the net from sagging or tearing.
  • Proper Anchoring: Anchor the nets securely to prevent them from being blown away by strong winds.
  • Regular Maintenance: Regularly check the nets for any damage and repair them promptly to ensure continuous crop protection.

3. Combining with Other Sustainable Practices 

Green shade nets can be combined with other sustainable farming practices such as drip irrigation, organic fertilizers, and companion planting to further enhance crop yield and quality.

Conclusion

Green shade nets play a pivotal role in promoting sustainable urban farming. They offer numerous benefits, including temperature regulation, UV protection, water conservation, pest control, and improved crop quality. By integrating green shade nets into urban farming practices, city dwellers can contribute to a more sustainable and resilient food system.

For high-quality green shade nets and expert advice on sustainable urban farming, contact shade net suppliers in Dubai. Enhance your urban farming setup with durable and efficient green shade nets.

Incorporating green shade nets into your urban farming practices ensures a sustainable and productive environment for your crops, ultimately contributing to a greener and healthier urban landscape.

Published by: Holy Minoza

FunkAway Is Making Illinois Proud and Smelling Better!

The Chicago Journal Staff on July 30, 2024

By: Factfullguys

The FunkAway #31 car isn’t the only thing at the top here in town!

What started as a fun little idea in a conference room of a family-run manufacturing facility, Kyle Bolke and Dan Zbynski have transformed FunkAway into a national brand and top odor eliminator product for all things you can’t just toss into the wash.

From being available in stores like Target and Wal Mart to partnering with people like NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Parker Retzlaff and other athletes and celebrities, this Illinois-created company is giving hope to other entrepreneurs in the region to dream big.

This August marks the 100th Anniversary of Ace Hardware and to celebrate Ace is putting on a massive Fall Market Showcase in Chicago that will highlight brands like FunkAway and more in the region who are making a difference.

FunkAway Is Making Illinois Proud and Smelling Better!_3

Photo Courtesy: FunkAway

Ahead of the show, we spoke exclusively with Kyle and Dan to learn more about how our city and all has inspired FunkAway to take on the most extreme smells!

To start off, you are a global success story! How does that feel?

Growing up in a blue-collar, lower to middle-income community in Chicagoland was an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything. The values and work ethic I developed there have been fundamental to my journey. Alongside Kyle, I balanced a regular job with evenings and weekends dedicated to launching our project. Although the hours were long and the work was tough, we managed to find joy in the process and shared a common dream.

The first time I saw FunkAway on a retail shelf was an overwhelmingly exciting moment, a sense of accomplishment that I still feel every time I spot our product. Despite FunkAway now being available on tens of thousands of shelves around the globe, that initial thrill hasn’t faded. I can’t leave a store without checking for FunkAway, and I am continually amazed at how our creation has blossomed into a global success.

How did living in Illinois (Lake County and the Waukegan city) inspire you each to create these products together? Do we really smell that bad here?

First of all, it’s not that we have particularly bad odors; it’s just that Chicago is a big market with both athletes and hard-working construction workers. The city is full of people who work hard and sweat a lot due to the constant construction and sports activities everywhere. When we started, our focus was on consumers who embody this hardworking and active lifestyle. We initially catered to athletes and those who sweat heavily, but soon realized that our product’s application extended beyond sports gear and was effective on just about anything.

Both Kyle and I had firsthand experience with extreme athletic odors—pure funk. I spent around 20 years as a youth football coach, while Kyle was an athlete himself. I remember carpooling with kids carrying their football equipment and having to hang my head out the window because of the overwhelming odor. We were both frustrated by products that claimed to eliminate odors but only masked them instead. Recognizing a genuine need for a more effective solution, we tapped into our connection with a blending and filling contract manufacturer to start developing and testing formulas for extreme odor elimination.

Our initial tests in the lab were promising. We began by using the spray on hockey gear and football equipment and were impressed with the results. We then collaborated with experienced professionals in Marketing and Sales, such as Scott Wood, who played a crucial role in helping us establish a market strategy and drive growth. To further validate our product, we conducted consumer testing and distributed FunkAway to youth football teams, receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback. Once we moved to professional packaging and added the FunkAway branding, the product truly began to take off.

FunkAway Is Making Illinois Proud and Smelling Better!_4

Photo Courtesy: FunkAway

What can consumers of your products look forward to that will be on display at the upcoming Ace Fall Market in Chicago in August, that will also celebrate the 100 Anniversary of Ace Hardware?

We are very excited to be part of Ace Hardware’s 100 year celebration. FunkAway has been working with Ace Hardware for a number of years on a Dropship basis. This summer we received placement of our Odor Eliminating Beads and Smoke aerosol into the Ace National RSC’s and are part of the Household Cleaning/Aircare Discovery Planogram. This will allow Ace Members the ability to order directly from the Ace Distribution Centers. We are very excited to be part of Ace Hardware’s 100 year celebration. If you are attending the show please stop by Booth 3387 to see the full line of FunkAway products.

Your families are also involved heavily in the communities here and your company is all about giving back. Kyle, your wife is a big part of Reading Power. Tell us more!

Reading Power’s one-to-one tutoring intervention was initially inspired by Reading Recovery over twenty years ago. Our program has evolved to incorporate current research that supports direct phonics instruction. Our program focuses on oral language development and building vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency skills for all students. Because we are an individualized tutoring program, we can differentiate our lessons for our students to provide instruction in their learning styles.

As an avid reader and book lover, one of my biggest passions is child literacy. A friend of mine introduced me to Reading Power and after hearing about her experience, I knew I needed to volunteer and become a tutor.I started tutoring for Reading Power at Learn 6 Charter School in September of 2021. I tutor one day a week for 3 hours and work with 3 scholars that are in first and second grades. The Reading Power program is really special in that tutors provide 1:1 support for reading and writing. I love watching the progress my scholars make throughout the school year. Seeing the look on their faces when they jump a reading level, or can write a sentence about a book we’ve read with a smile on their face makes my heart happy. The Chairman of the Board for Reading Power started a quote “tutor one child, change two lives” and it’s true. I’m beyond grateful for my experience with Reading Power. Being able to use my passion for child literacy and building relationships with my scholars and making friends in the process has been an incredible opportunity.

FunkAway Is Making Illinois Proud and Smelling Better!_2

Photo Courtesy: FunkAway

When not working, what do you each like to do and where are some of your favorite, best-smelling spots to go to in Chicago?

When not working, I love fishing and have recently taken up snowmobiling, which I find incredibly relaxing and a great way to experience the winter landscape in all its glory. My past passion included singing in a band that performed around the Chicagoland area for 20 years, where we even played some Funk. I also enjoy sports, so some of my favorite spots in Chicago are attending sporting events like a Bears game at Soldier Field or a Bulls or Blackhawks game at the United Center. However, I must admit that these events aren’t exactly known for their pleasant smells, which is where FunkAway comes in handy.

Where does Chicago rate in terms of your company’s overall sales market?

Illinois is a Top 10 Market for FunkAway. We have invested heavily into the Chicago Cubs over the past 5 years sponsoring the Funkiest Play of the Game. In addition we have great local retail support through Jewel. We love giving back to Chicago as it is where our home roots are!

Where can residents here go to buy your products today?

Locally in the Chicago Market FunkAway is sold in Jewel (in Laundry Aisle), Target (in Automotive Aircare Section), Walmart (in Home Organization, Shoe, Sporting Goods, and Automotive Aircare Departments), you also can find our full assortment on Amazon

Do you have additional expansion plans in Illinois and across the United States coming up?

FunkAway is having another great year in sales growth; distribution during 2024 we will add products into a number of Major Retail chains Including Ace Hardware, Walmart, Target, Tractor Supply, Bass Pro and more. FunkAway also is entering into the Commercial / Institutional Space with FunkAway Extreme. FunkAway Extreme will continue to eliminate the Nastiest Odors but also we will be helping entering into the All Purpose Cleaner & Degreaser Market.

Published by: Martin De Juan