Sunday, August 31, 2008

Front-Load Washer & Dryer and High Efficiency Detergent



Maytag Front-Load Washer and Dryer; Tide HE (high efficiency) Detergent for Front-Loaders:
OK, so front-load washers and dryers tend to be a bit more pricey than those of the top-load variety, but using these high efficiency models will save you bucks in the long run. Why? Front-load washers use up to 60% less water and 75% less detergent (more on this in a bit) than top-loaders; the washers and dryers spin faster, resulting in quicker drying times (and therefore less energy used); and they accommodate larger loads of laundry (who wouldn't want to do laundry less often?).

Our Maytag brand washer and dryer are awesome! They both offer many different settings and are extremely quiet as they run. If you are interested in purchasing a front-load washer and dryer, look for the "HE" symbol, indicating a high efficiency machine.

This brings me to the next portion of this post: high efficiency detergent. HE detergents are more expensive than those for top-load washers, but each container lasts a LONG time (again, saving you money in the long run). We've been using this Tide brand dye- and perfume-free detergent for a few months now! You only need a little amount to successfully clean a load of laundry. This container is made from 25% post-consumer recycled plastic, and is recyclable with #2 plastics.

*Notice our overflowing plastic bag collection? I really need to get to the grocery store to recycle this hodgepodge. Most large grocery store chains have bins for recycling plastic bags. Since I'm starting to use canvas bags for more than just grocery shopping, we will be reducing our collection of plastic bags!

Saturday, August 30, 2008

Ecopod


Ecopod: This contraption "is the world's first home recycling center with valuable functionality and outstanding design in mind for everyday use in the home and office." You put aluminum cans and plastic bottles (one at a time) into the circular opening on top of the pod, then step on the pedal (aka the "easy-step compaction system") to squash your recyclable containers. The Ecopod can store approximately 50 cans/bottles! So what to do with your glass and other recyclables? Just place 'em into the separate bins up top for easy storage until your next run to the recycling center. I've only checked this product out online (http://www.ecopod.org/home.html), but after saving up for one of our own, I'll post a more comprehensive review.


Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Burt's Bees Deep Cleansing Cream Facewash

Burt's Bees Soap Bark & Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cream facewash: This creamy facewash turns into a lovely cooling lather when rubbed into your skin (the cooling effect is especially nice during the dog days of summer!). Made of 97% natural ingredients, this facewash is pH balanced, sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate free, devoid of parabens, not tested on animals, and won't clog pores. I love that it doesn't make my skin tight and dry like most other facewashes I've used in the past. The "Chamomile and Aloe gently soothe and soften skin. Rosemary and Echinacea extracts reduce inflammation, tighten pores, and increase cell renewal." The one caveat? The directions state that you should avoid contact with the eye area while using this facewash; so if you wear eye make-up, you should use a separate product in addition to this one.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Kiss My Face lip balm

Kiss My Face brand Lip Action balm in "Coconut Crisis" and "Glacial Mint" : A lipstick gal I am not, but I do have a serious addiction to lip balm. This brand's slogan is "obsessively natural", thus the initial draw. I've been using these balms for a while now, and I really like them! Both of these varieties have SPF 15 (I think all of the flavors do) and lack potentially harmful parabens. They smell awesome, and keep lips moisturized without the goopy/sticky lipgloss effect.

There is a blurb on the tubes which states the following: "The bearer of this Balm has helped us contribute $1 to The Alliance For Climate Protection", so you can feel extra good about purchasing one (or five).

Most Whole Foods stores I've been to have a big tub of these balms at the checkout line.


Saturday, August 23, 2008

Earthship Homes


"Earthship Biotecture, based in Taos, NM, USA is a global company offering proven, totally sustainable designs, construction drawings & details, products, educational materials, lectures / presentations, consultation & guidance toward getting people in sustainable housing."

What exactly is an Earthship? "Earthship n. 1. passive solar home made of natural and recycled materials 2. thermal mass construction for temperature stabilization. 3. renewable energy & integrated water systems make the Earthship an off-grid home with little to no utility bills."

We toured an Earthship home during our visit to Taos, and boy was it a trip (pun intended)! Aluminum cans and tires combined with earth constituted the walls, fruit-and vegetable- producing plants adorned much of the floor space, and huge windows let in the warm sunshine. Although it was a lot of fun to check out the home and to learn about Biotecture, I'm pretty sure an Earthship is not in my future of dwelling places.

For more information, and to see more pictures and a slideshow, visit:
http://www.earthship.net/

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Photospiration


Here's another photospiration folks - this one was taken in the Berkshire mountains of western Massachusetts. I find water to be inherently soothing - I feel calm just looking at this photo.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Burt's Bees Bug Bite Relief


Burt's Bees Outdoor Bug Bite Relief: Wow, this chapstick-like tube of 100% natural ingredients REALLY works! After walking Shelby last night, I noticed a nice big mosquito bite on my arm; the perfect opportunity to test my new purchase. The product needs a little warming up to soften before it become "spreadable" - I just ran my finger over the top a few times, and it was ready to be swiped on. The blend of essential oils started to soothe the bitten area in just a few minutes, and the swelling that accompanies any bug bite actually went down! The small size of the tube also makes it easily transportable - ideal for hiking, camping, and any other outdoor activity. I am truly impressed with this product, and will put it to good use down here in mosquito heaven (hell?!).

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

J/A/S/O/N Shampoo and Conditioner

J/A/S/O/N/ Pure, Natural & Organic Aloe Vera Shampoo and Conditioner: I picked these guys up at Whole Foods the other day - there was a nice selection of natural hair care products, but this line caught my eye since both products claim to "leave hair silky, with less frizz", which is a must during the summertime in Houston! Both the shampoo and the conditioner are bio-degradable, not tested on animals, contain no parabens or animal products, and are packaged in #2 recyclable plastic containers (which are comprised of 25% recycled plastic). The shampoo and conditioner smell lovely, and are less expensive than salon brand products. My hair got a little tangled after scrunching the shampoo through it, but the conditioner did a great job of untangling. As for the frizz-fighting power, these products worked neither better nor worse than all of the other frizz-fighting products I've tried over the years. I think I just have to come to terms with my frizzy waves in this humidity :)

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Method Spray Cleaner and Wipes


Method brand Go Naked surface cleaner and all-purpose wipes: I picked up both of these products at Target - so glad to see a big chain store selling environmentally-friendly cleaning products! The all-surface spray surface cleaner has no dyes or perfumes, is non-toxic and biodegradable, and is never tested on animals. I've used it on our mirrors, wood tables, and granite counter tops - all with great, "streakless" results! (Note: the plastic bottle is recyclable with other #1 plastics).
The non-toxic, all-purpose wipes are also void of dyes and perfumes, and are comprised of "100% compostable and renewable bamboo fibers". I bought the wipes for use at work - where they will be put to good use cleaning up after the kiddos - and I feel much more comfortable using these than other brands which contain scary chemicals.
I am very impressed with these products, (plus, the name "Go Naked" is fun), they are affordable and easy to find, and I will definitely be checking out some other Method products in the near future!

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Canvas Bags

Here's a bandwagon worth jumping on: use canvas bags for shopping trips. Sure, Whole Foods doesn't use plastic bags anymore, but why not take the initiative and skip the paper bags too?! Not only do reusable bags save the environment, they also make lugging your groceries around easier (plus, they're inexpensive!) A tip: leave a couple in your car so you won't forget. I admittedly do a bad job of using these guys for other types of shopping - one of my goals is to bring 'em on other errands as well.

Gorgeously Green by Sophie Uliano

I have to say, this book was the catalyst for me to make some environmentally-friendly changes to my lifestyle. I was initially turned off by the "girly" title and verbiage, but after about 5 pages, I knew that it was an extremely important book to read! I'm about 3/4 of the way through the book, and about 50% of the pages are dog-eared due to fantastic tips. Uliano includes an abundance of chemical-free products ranging from household cleaners to cosmetics. BUY THIS BOOK!

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Photospiration (that's photograph + inspiration)

Every now and then I will be posting a photograph that inspires me (and hopefully you!) to take better care of our gorgeous planet. I took this photo while on a family vacation in Taos, NM.

Save Room in a Landfill!


I picked up a great tip from one of my new co-workers: if there is no recycling bin around and you MUST get rid of an aluminum can/plastic bottle, squash the sucker so it takes up less space in the landfill it's headed into! Takes 5 seconds, helps the environment, and it actually kind of cathartic :) Of course, recycling is always the optimal choice, but use this technique in a pinch.

Monday, August 11, 2008

Houston's Recycling Problem

This NY Times article is a few weeks old, but I thought that posting it might generate some conversation (any readers out there yet?). How efficient is your city with its recycling effort? For anyone living in Houston or other "non-green" cities, what measures do you take to live green?

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/29/us/29recycle.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=houston%20recycling&st=cse&oref=slogin

Tom's of Maine Deodorant


Tom's of Maine unscented Long-Lasting Care Deodorant Stick: This aluminum-free deodorant passed the test. Believe me, the test was a good one: an August day in Houston and an hour long workout at the gym! Even without any added fragrance, I smelled nice and clean all day long. If you sweat more than the average gal (or guy) does, this product may not be for you because it is not an antiperspirant (those require aluminum to be added - and this is what you want to avoid). I like this company even more after reading about how Tom's of Maine runs their facility on wind power, and in the process cuts carbon dioxide emissions by 1.5 million pounds per year - "the equivalent of planting 214 acres of trees or removing 138 cars from the road"!

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Seventh Generation Kitchen Cleaner



Seventh Generation brand Kitchen Cleaner - Natural Citrus Scent: I don't know why I didn't try this brand earlier... there is no discernable difference in cleaning power between this non-toxic, biodegradable, and chlorine-free kitchen cleaner and others I've used. The company discloses all of the ingredients on their recyclable containers, instead of just the active or inactive ingredients like other brands. It smells nice, and leaves no residue on our granite countertops!

An Addition...

An addition to the previous post... these Burt's Bees products are packaged in bottles containing "80% post-consumer recycled material" and is fully recyclable with #1 plastics. The products are not tested on animals.

Burt's Bees Milk & Shea Butter Products


Burt's Bees brand Naturally Nourishing Milk & Shea Butter Hand Soap and Body Wash: I love, love, LOVE the smell of these products! They really do smell good enough to eat. Although neither product lathers up as "foamy" as other brands do, you will definitely feel clean after using them. A bonus: your skin doesn't feel dry or tight after washing with these products, thanks to the moisturizing effects of the added milk!

Whole Foods 365 Cat Litter



Whole Foods brand 365 All Natural Scoopable Cat Litter (and Roxie!): I am so impressed with this brand of cat litter - I just have to sing its praises! The all natural fragrance has a light lemon scent which covers up cat smells effectively without being overwhelming, the 100% natural clay clumps very well for easy scooping, and the price is on par with other chemical-laced brands. All of us benefit from this litter!

BioBag 100% Biodegradable Dog Bags



BioBag 100% Biodegradable Dog Bags (and introducing, Shelby!): I keep 2 of these guys tied to Shelby's leash at all times, so we're always prepared to scoop the poop - the green way! I've only seen the bags for dog use, but the website (http://www.biobagusa.com/biobag_dog.htm) has more products (kitchen bags, etc.) that I will have to order online. I've also started to use these bags for scooping out Roxie's (our cat) litter box. I shutter to think about all of the newspaper bags I've sent into the trash, rather than to the recycling bin; but no longer, thanks to this product!

Whole Foods 365 100% Recycled Paper Napkins


Whole Foods 365 brand 100% Recycled Paper Napkins: Ok, I know that cloth napkins are even more green, (and I have plans to get some once we use up these napkins), but if you MUST have paper napkins, you might as well use the 100% recycled ones, right?! These napkins might feel a little rough and thin to those of you used to more luxurious paper napkins, but they get the job done.

Tom's of Maine Mouthwash

Tom's of Maine spearmint natural anticavity flouride mouthwash: An alcohol- and coal tar-free mouthwash that prevents cavities and leaves you with fresh-tasting breath. I have to say, the taste isn't quite as good as the toothpaste, but I'm still a fan of this mouthwash. It definitely has the tear-inducing power of Listerine, just without the chemicals! I'd recommend giving it a try - and a second try if it at first comes across as too strong.

Product Review: Tom's of Maine Toothpaste


Ok - first product review! Tom's of Maine spearmint natural antiplaque plus whitening gel toothpaste: I need a toothpaste that (1) I like the taste and consistency of and (2) doesn't have an ingredient list laden with chemicals that might cause me more harm than health. Many toothpastes and mouthwashes contain FD&C Blue 1 and FD&C Green 3, respectively, which are coal tar-based dyes. These chemicals are known carcinogens, and thus should be avoided at all costs. Tom's of Maine products do NOT contain these chemicals, so (2) is covered. In terms of (1), the taste and consistency were both surprisingly palatable. The gel foams up to a nice lather; that combined with the refreshing spearmint flavor = a clean and happy mouth! Although the taste isn't quite as sweet as other brands, I'd consider myself a full convert to this brand for toothpaste.

Welcome

Hello blogworld! As this is my first post, I ought to commence with a brief introduction. My name is Lauren, and though I hail from PA and MA, I currently live in Houston. Having been raised by environmentally-conscious parents in fairly environmentally-conscious areas, I have always been cognizant of the importance of keeping our planet clean. However, I have recently become interested in leading a more "green" life by using earth-friendly products on a day-to-day basis. I invite you to join me in my exploration and reviews of such products, and to give me feedback as well; I'm sure we can all learn something from each other!