I invite you to join the Gorgeously Green Earth Day Challenge 2011. Green living for me is about living a more joyful life. It’s not about guilt-tripping ourselves into living a way that doesn’t feel good – therefore this year I invite you to move into your joy by picking a couple of actions, which will move you towards a more compassionate way of life.
I know you all want to live your deepest values and feel blissful in your own skin – so here goes – take your pick:
You may well be already doing some or even all of the actions below, in which case get creative and pick some new ones – we’d love to hear your tips and 
ideas! The Challenge is to leave a comment here sharing a minimum of two new actions that you want to take this year. THIS IS EARTH DAY WEEK!!!
I will personally choose a winning comment on Earth Day and the winner will receive signed copies of all 3 of my books, 3 Gorgeously Green Tote Bags and an hour’s personal phone consultation with me (where we’ll go over beauty, diet, home etc – just as I did with Julia Roberts).
I would be so grateful if you would share this challenge on your FB page, so we can get as many women involved as possible.
Here are some action ideas to get you started, but please add your own in the comment box below:
Get a bicycle (Craigslist is a good place to look and start a whole new life on wheels)
Purchase a Tea Tiger or a Travel Mug and brew loose leaf green tea at home to take with you everyday
Visit Earth911 to find out where your nearest hazardous waste drop-off is and take yours and your neighbor’s paint thinner, batteries etc there.
Take your own waste-free lunch to work everyday instead of going to the deli
Put up a washing line and commit to air-drying your laundry this summer
Grow all your salad greens, arugula etc If space is a problem, consider an Earth Box or a Vertical Mini Garden
Make your own skin care supplies
Invite your daughters, nieces, god children and girls of friends to use non-toxic skin care products.
Switch to a completely non-toxic nail polish line & gift a pregnant woman with a bottle.
If you’re not vegan/veggie, consider eating meat just once or twice a week.
Start off your day with a Green Smoothie, using a really high quality green’s powder
Start juicing greens, pears, celery etc to get your full quota of enzymes and phytonutrients
Add more virgin coconut oil to your diet
Buy non-toxic skin care products from companies that are ecologically responsible
Adopt a pet
Switch to organic dog food
Make my dog flea Spray
Sign an eco-petition once a week
Install low-flow shower heads
Only use recycled paper for printing
Use 100% recycled Post-it notes
Use 100% post-consumer content paper towels and toilet paper
Buy Fair-trade coffee, tea, sugar, chocolate, rice, and especially accessories & gifts.
Take a walk everyday to connect with nature
Keep your fold-up totes in your purse at all times.
Commit to never using a plastic water bottle again
Brush instead of hose off your driveway
Get involved with Charity Water and help solve one of the planet’s most serious problems.
Get rid of any kind of conventional pesticide in your home, yard and garden
Buy a solar charger for your cell phone and lap top, as you never know when a major natural disaster could strike and turn off all your utilities – what a relief to know you can get powered by the sun!
1 – My 1st goal is to remember to leave the green grocery bags in the car. I’m always forgetting them and walking out with plastic!! UGH!
2 – And 2nd, I would like to make my own suntan lotion for me and my family this summer. =)
There are so many more, but these are the top 2! =)
There are some really great ideas here to test out! I’m definitely switching to the homemade flea spray! I’m also buying as much of my meat, eggs, fruits and veggies from local organic farmers as possible. We are installing new windows and doors in the next year and reinsulating our attic to keep down on energy costs. I plan on purchasing an indoor composter http://www.naturemill.com/ and switching my animals to organic vegetarian dog/cat foods.
My challenge is to
1. get my totes out and put them in the back of the car for groceries
2. plant an earth box
3. line dry my clothes
4. drink more green tea!
So many more….
1. I’m growing my own garden and home preserving with my family and friends.
2. I plan on adding more than one solar charger to my electronics collection.
This year I will:
1: Purchase a compost bin and stop throwing my produce scraps in the garbage
2: Start purchasing free trade and organic tea
My goal is to
1. Put up a clothes line out side once and for all…lol…
2 . Lower my intake of meat.
3. Sign 5 eco- petitions each week.. (pretty much there now but would like to do more)
4. And take a walk each day…
1. Buy a nontoxic nail polish
2. Not to buy anything toxic
3. Make more beauty products
4. Use cloth bags
There is so many more things
I can’t name them all
I’ve been really thinking hard about what to do be greener, especially since I live on a college dorm and have a different daily routine then most, and I’m going to do the following….
1. Since I live in Southern Arizona I want to make the most of the abundant sunshine and buy a solar charger for my electronics.
2. Since I can’t change the shower heads at the dorm, I’m going to cut down on the lengths on my showers, 15-20 minutes tops, to save on water.
3. I’m getting a bike and learning the bus routes for my city so I can get around without a car or getting a ride from someone.
4. Start an herb and salad garden with my mom and plant some strong desert plants that don’t need a lot of water.
5. I’m going to make my own sunscreen and suntan lotion for my family and I, especially since we live in Arizona and go out a lot.
I recently finished reading all three of your books, and have been making oodles of changes!
Seeing as my green to do list is long, and don’t want to bore you with all the details, I will simply let you know the most important thing I am going to do on Earth Day {as far as I’m concerned that is}… I am going to give a copy of Gorgeously Green to 3 important ladies in my life, and 2 copies to total strangers – and encourage all of them to do the same {hopefully I can start a major GG giveaway chain}!
I am delighted that I am now gorgeously green, and I want to spread this feeling and knowledge onto others – it feels wonderful!
Since 1984 I have been eating only organic, using eco-friendly home products (my friends used to make fun of me about using a very expensive ecological dish-washing liquid as I wasn’t rich), riding my bicycle or my electric bike as much as possible instead of our car, using energy-saving lightbulbs, buying environment-friendly & cruelty-free beauty products, sweeping with a broom as much as possible (to save energy instead of using the vacuum cleaner), using paper towels & tissues as little as possible. Now I am trying my utmost to get rid of plastic in my life & encouraging my friends to do so as well. It is by far the most challenging task because I find it everywhere! But I hope that within a year time I will have it reduced to a bare minimum (computer, TV, phone, necessary items).
<3
I will purchase a composter to stop throwing away my produce scraps and I will start making my own cleaning products.
I have been greening my home and family for a while now. I started off small, and tried to sneak the little things in, so my husband wouldn’t notice too much, or at least mind too much. He is pretty good about it all. He pokes fun at me sometimes, but he goes along with it all as long as he can see an upside to it. This is what we have done so far:
1. We use reusable grocery bags – we keep them in our cars and in my purse and if we get a plastic bag we re-use them for our trash bins at home or for cleaning up after our dogs on our walks.
2. We only eat meat 1-2 times per week, and rarely is that beef.
3. We have stopped using paper napkins and I have even started giving linen napkins to family and friends as gifts to get them to stop using them as well!
4. We recycle all paper, plastic, glass, and metal that we can in our area and have reduced our waste to less than 2 bags of trash a week.
5. I have stopped purchasing note pads and I make my own using paper that we would otherwise throw away (or recycle). For example if a letter comes in the mail and its blank on the back side, I cut it into thirds, and now have 3 pieces of note paper for my grocery list. I haven’t had to buy a note pad in over a year!
6.We freecycle items that we would otherwise have to throw into a landfill.
7.I plan to buy a Tea Tiger and I have even shared the link with my best friend who loves to drink tea as much as I do. This looks like an awesome product! I have been meaning to drink more tea and I think this will help.
8. I plan to use coconut oil in my cooking in place of canola oil and vegatable oils.
9. I would like to try your recipe for sunscreen.
10. I plan to use your flea spray on our 3 dogs this year. I am also goin g to give this as a gift to a few friends with pets this Easter!
11. I am slowly changing our health and beauty products over to non-toxic products, but as I said before, I have a family and I am trying to make these changes easy to live with for everyone. So far I have changes our bar soaps, and our shampoo and conditioner. I have changed my toothpaste and my lotion as well. I recently saw your video for your facial scrub and I think I will try this out as well. 🙂
12.We use non toxic cleaning products in our home. I got rid of all chemicals when I had my son 3 years ago. We use Seventh Generation products, simple solution of vinegar and water, and baking soda.
13.We have installed CFLs and low flow shower head(even though we are renters).
14.I am going to attempt to plant a small garden this year. I was going to try last year, but illness got in the way and it didn’t happen. I am at least going to plant herbs inside so I can have them for cooking.
15. I am going to start signing eco-petitions once a week. This is new thing for me. I have never done this, so I am very excited about it.
16. I frequently shop at Goodwill, consignment shops, and thrift stores. I like to shop there for clothing for my son, since he grows out of his clothing so quickly. I am also able to find unique gifts for family and friends at stores like these as well and I feel its another way of recycling. I donate the clothing and toys my son has grown out of to Goodwill, if freecycling it does not find it a new home.
17.We shop at the local farmers market 6 months out of the year for our fresh produce.
18.We only wash our laundry in cold water.
1.IWILL START MAKING MYSELF ALL THE COSMETICS I NEED,AND SINCE I AM A BEAUTICIAN,I WILL ENCOURAGE MY FRIENDS TO DO THE SAME WITH SOPHIES BOOK 2.I WILL COLLECT ALL PLASTIC BOTTLES FROM A BEACH NEARBY AND THROW THEM IN RECYCLE BINS.THANK YOU
Since you published Gorgeously Green in 2008, I have teamed up with some girlfriends in the four corners of the US (one in Maine, one in Virginia, one in Seattle, and myself in San Diego). We strive to be knowledgeable, educational, consistent, and comitted to loving ourselves and the planet by reducing our impact in the endless possible ways. Thank you Sophie for helping us become better advocates for what we love! This year, I am determined to:
1. Keep my veggie garden growing during each season. One just isn’t enough anymore!
2. Add one more rain barrel to my collection. I could have really used another one during last night’s rainstorm.
Thank you Sophie for helping me learn about how to lower my impact and take care of myself and my family in a less harmful way. The moment I began reading Gorgeously Green I fell in love! You awe and inspire me and I am grateful for your constant innovation and support!
My list was long, but here are 2 very important things I’m implementing this year:
1. Growing veggies each season. One just isn’t cutting it anymore!
2. Adding at least one rain barrel to my collection. I could’ve really used it during last night’s rainstorm.
Here are my goals:
*Sign an eco-petition once a week
*Only use recycled paper for printing
*Use 100% recycled Post-it notes
*Use 100% post-consumer content paper towels and toilet paper
*Take a walk everyday to connect with nature
*Commit to never using a plastic water bottle again
I’ve already quit using nail polish all together and I pack a waste-free lunch for work every day. I also wash my clothes in cold water and shop at the farmer’s markets when they are active (which is only in the summertime in ND).
Green goals:
First of all, I would like to give my nieces (age 13 & 15)some safe make-up, and teach them how to make some of their own simple skin care supplies.
Second, I wish to make green gifts for my family and friends (with a following recipe so that they can make their own later).
I will engage myself in redesign projects (currently working on a desk with a 19.century top. I am really looking forward to sit by my desk and study/dream!)
My last goal for earth-day, is to purchase a tea-tiger! I am going to bring this with me to my university (needing something warm to drink up here in the Norwegian winter!).
By the way; it`s good to see all the green goals from the people above my post here! Think about the positive impact we all make! 🙂
I love your blog! I am actually doing an Earth Day Challenge on my blog. The few things I am focusing on adding to my list this month: make my own face scrub, make and start using my own dishwasher soap (I already use my own laundry soap), save my water as it warms up in both my bathroom sink and shower and use it for other things (watering plants, dump in our water filter, etc.).
Hi,
I will be helping my clients looking for “Green” homes that provide the basics for a healthy life at home! My clients would love and benefit from your “GG” books:)
Like everyone else, my list is pretty long. But I am happy that we’ve come so far in greening up our lifestyle in the last year. Some things that are really weighing on my green heart are:
1. Remembering my reusable grocery bags by keeping them in my purse/car.
2. Using more Eco friendly cleaning products (like the envirocloth) and getting rid of our collection of cleaning supplies.
3. Making more of our meals and not stop buying food out (read STARBUCKS!!!!!!).
4. Stop using paper towels. I think this is going to be the hardest.
There are so many more but your Gorgeously Green book has really encouraged me to take baby steps and that these things are do-able. I’m so excited!
I just bought my first house, so my goal is to eventually replace existing appliances with energy savers and recycling/repurposing the old ones. I’ve already started with the refrigerator and washer (house did not come with these, lol). I also plan to replace all harmful cleansing supplies with homemade safe ones (wonder where I could get the receipes, hmm). I also want to start a small garden.
I love being in control of my own little environment for the good of the global environment. Thank you, Sophie, for all the great resources!
1. As an attorney, I go through a ridiculous amount of paper on a daily basis. Some of this can not be reduced, but as much as possible, I will use recycled paper and ask clients to allow scanned and copied papers to be sent to them via email rather than sending actual paper copies — bonus is that it saves on postage as well. We have also started saving as much of our work digitally as is possible. Unfortunately, with our line of work, a paper trail is inevitable, and with that in mind, we have purchased special containers (earth friendly) to contain our recyclable paper waste, and have committed to waiting until the bins are full to take them to the recycled goods center down the street from us. If it wasn’t on such a busy street and the bins weren’t so heavy, we could walk!
2.Several of my friends and I have decided to take turns driving to get organic raw milk from a local dairy that is about 15 miles away. In order to offset the pollution caused by driving so far to get the best milk, cream, and butter on the planet, we will send one person every two weeks to pick up the order for approximately 4-5 families. That way, there aren’t 4-5 people driving. Going every two weeks rather than every week will cut down on pollution as well.
My goal is to make the effort to eat locally and buy from farmer’s markets. I have been using my totes for grocery shopping and since my dryer broke about a year ago, I have been hanging all my clothes to dry. It’s a little more work, but I think I prefer them to be line dried-especially in the Spring/Summer.
1. My biggest goal this year is to place a Solar-Breeze in 100,000 swimming pools. That would be the equivalent of taking 50,000 SUVs off the road.
2. I need to put up a clothesline. It’s silly to waste all this sun.
3. Time to take a bag lunch to work and reduce all the wasteful packaging of food prepared by others.
!. This winter we tore out our entire front lawn and started a vegetable garden. We live in a Los Angeles beach community and large lots aren’t available. The grass and watering wasn’t doing anyone any good. This summer we will grocery shop in our front yard. My husband is addicted to a free website, just look up growingyourgreens.com. John Kohler is trying to spread the message on growing your own food.
2. For Easter. I have been looking at the commercial baskets and the new paper grass for sale and have been turned off. I told my daughter that we are going to put out an empty basket for the Easter Bunny with a carrot and let him fill a basket we already have. For the grass my mom shredded the comic section of her paper (since we use the internet for news and no longer get the paper). My daughter is so excited that she is a part of the preparation and really just wants the candy. What I am doing is green and free.
3. For my skincare, the women in my family have all started using organic coconut oil recently. We use it as a moisterizer, makeup remover and body lotion. I have even started using it as an underarm deoderant. There are claims that it removes odor. I use it with the liquid salt rock – so far sucess!
I was already using green cleaning products, so last week I made some of my own and was presently surprised that they worked even better that the ones I had bought at the store- The powers of baking soda! Anyway, while I will continue to make my own, here is what I low to do in this coming year…
1. Recycle more- I admit, I can get very lazy with this.
2. Bring my own shopping bag to Whole Foods from now on. In fact I will leave it by the door so I don’t forget.
3. Switch light bulbs to energy efficient ones.
4. Attach a water filter to my shower and turn water off when conditioning hair/shaving.
5. Put up a clothes line on my balcony- besides the dryer ruins my clothes anyway!
6. Get my Mom interested in “going green” and the first step I’m going to take is making her the DIY vanilla body butter from Gorgeously Green.
Good luck everyone and Happy Earth Day!
OOPS one more! This year we are having an Earth Day Celebration at our house. On Sunday we went to the garden supply store with our six year old daughter. She chose three tubs of ladybugs (1500 per tub). She donated two tubs to her first grade classroom (her school has a vegetable garden). The third tub is just for her. We have refrigerated them and tonight at sundown she is going to release all of them in our front and backyard garden. She is learning that ladybugs are predators to aphids and friends of ours.
My goal is to bring my family back to being green. We had been doing really well, but sort of stepped off the path. We have started a garden and implemented the once a month we buy no grociers for a week–only use what we have. You ideas above inspired me to maybe try a few more as well.
There’s a lot that we do, but there’s even more that I wish we could do (if we weren’t in an apartment). Here’s some of what we’ve got going on now:
* we use Skoy Cloths for cleaning the counters
* Britta pitcher
* garden at a community plot – including worms & composting
* silicone mat for baking
* make my own oil blend for post-shower softening
* eco-friendly cleaning products (most of the time)
* reusable veggie bags
* cloth bags for groceries (I leave them in the car so they’re always on hand)
* Rume bags for non-grocery shopping (folds up tiny so they’re always on hand)
* recycle like a mad woman (drives the hubs crazy)
* I also keep a reusable coffee cup in the car so I’m ready when I hit up the coffee shops
* I’ve started using more homepathic remedies instead of pharmaceuticals
My goal is to use less over the counter cleaning supplies and to buy less prepared meals. I try, but I often get sucked in to the promise of ease and/or cleaning power.
1. I live in a rural area that offers very little in the way of recycling services; and, the counties surrounding me offer drop off points for residents only. So, my goal is to: Come up with a short-term solution for the immediate moment; then, look into what it would take to inspire our county to participate in more recycling efforts. I’ve already been told by one official that it was cost prohibitive for the county; so, I believe long-term efforts would involve looking for possible ways to underwrite the effort, be it through grants, government subsidies, or maybe if enough citizens’ wanted it, we could get it into the county’s budget; maybe there’s a business in it somehow that might be of interest to a local aspiring entrepreneur!! We’ll see.
2. Ditch the conventional grocery stores and get all my food from the following sources–organic only: 1) What I grow and/or make. 2) Local organic farms. 3) Organic food stores.
3. All gifts I give will have a “green” theme, including not only the gift items but also the packaging and wrappings, and switching to E cards versus conventional greeting cards.
1.) My husband is putting up a clothes line in our little backyard this weekend.
2.) My little garden seeds are already started and growing like crazy! I can’t wait to get my Earth boxes (2) and for warm weather!
3.) We’ve switched from paper towels to using washable rags and cloths.
4.) I’ve made a bunch of non-toxic cleaning supplies for our home and have been using them! Love them!
5.) We’re buying eggs, meat, and when the farmers market opens, veggies locally. (Well, the ones that I can’t grow in my little yard myself)
Well…let me first let you know that your books have been a real eye opener for me. I knew of “bad things” in beauty products, food, and cleaning products…but I didn’t really know all of it! Since reading your books (about a month ago) I have accomplished the following(and I am so proud!)
1. changed all my children’s bath products/toiletries/tooth paste(and most of mine and my husband’s) to chem. free/organic
2. Cut out all(or what I am aware of) persevatives and high fructose corn syrup in our foods. The worst culprit was my kids snacks…OMG!
3. Making my family’s food from scratch…quit buying most convenience/prepackaged food.
4. Buy organic or local fruits and veggies
5. Switched over to free range meat, eggs, and milk
6. Switched laundry detergent and chlorox to chem. free products
7. Made my own body oil and salt body scrub(your reipes…love them)
8. Bought ingredients to make my own cleaning products, once I run out of the ones I already have.
9.Started recycling more, reducing more, and reusing more!…and composting!
10. Bought a trash can that my husband is going to be making into my compost bin
11. Started cooking with more olive oil and also tried grapeseed oil(love it!)
12. Bought all my paper products recycled and chlorine free
13. Already am a tried and true thrift store shopper:)
*Things that I will attempt in the near future:
1. fill compost bin
2. start organic seedlings
3. make above ground vegie and herb garden
4. Use less water and electricity
Thank you so much for your wonderful books!
I’ve been working on a number of things this year; I got a bike, I exercise every day, and every week I go hiking, rafting, or riding to connect with nature, I’ve also cut down on my meat intake. At the moment I have four (2 personal, 2 local) goals that I feel are really important for me:
Next week I’m going on a 12 day trip to Yakushima (the Island from Princess Mononoke)I’m going to hike across the island. When I get back I’m going to start my own garden. I’m actually perusing the “Green Girls Grow” chapter at work (*’u’*)
I’d also like to make more of my own products. It’s an easy excuse to say that I’m too busy but because this is important to me I’m going to make time. (It was the same with cooking not so long ago. I felt that I was too busy to cook for myself, but since making time I’ve found that it’s so satisfying).
I work at 4 Elementary Schools in Japan. There is a Sustainable Living Eco farm in my prefecture that are looking to create an eco program for schools & I’d like to have at least one, if not all, of my schools take it on. I’ve already gotten some of my co workers into the idea by taking my Gorgeously Green books to school and talking about what’s in them in Japanese.
A lot of beaches and rivers in Japan have a lot of pollution. I live on the Fuji river & we have barbecues in summer and go swimming & rafting. This year my friends and I have been talking about planning some eco events where we go to an area and clean it up, even if it is just as simple as spending a hour picking up rubbish before or after a barbeque.
I have found that if I make small changes they quickly become habit, so I can then add more small changes.
1. I’m working hard to get rid of the parabens in my life. I’m finding wonderful shampoos, skin cleansers, and lotions that are better for me and my children.
2. I’ve switched over to all non-toxic, self-made cleansers except one–toilet bowl cleaner. I’m looking forward to eliminating all the toxic cleansers in my house!
3. I’m clumping my errands. Rather than going RIGHT when I think I need something, I’m trying to plan out trips so I can target several places in the same area. It saves gas, time, and the environment!
4. I’m starting a veggie garden and getting my kids involved. We’re thrilled to grow organic vegetables and fruits. And, most importantly, it will help my children (ages 4 and 6) recognize that it’s important to be good to yourself and the earth.
5. I’m investing in the Diva Cup. No more toxic tampons with dioxin and no more tampons and plastic wrappers in landfills!
6. And, most importantly, I’m teaching my students and children how important it is to reduce, reuse, recycle. One person can make a difference–especially when she can model eco-consciousness and spread knowledge and awareness to others!
I must say that while I was pregnant last year I watched “Food, Inc” and read your book and that my life changed dramatically as a result.
I now support organic food companies as much as I can, and, in particular, try to support local organic produce.
I only use my re-usable Chico bags. (I even buy them as presents so that other people can understand how easy it is to pop them in their purse.)
All of my make-up and beauty products are non-toxic, and I have even made some of my own products. (I have also used your Orange Honey Lip balm receipes and packaged them as presents. – Thank you so much for introducing me to Mountain Rose. Such a fabulous company!)
I only buy Fair Trade coffee and tea.
I use my re-usable water bottle faithfully.
I have gone vegetarian.
I make my lunch every day and bring it to work.
I have ALWAYS recycled faithfully, but now I find myself even re-using the scaps of paper and then recycling.
I have started adding greens to my (almost) daily smoothies.
I am so happy with my green lifestyle and truly feel as though I am making a difference in the world that my children will inherit. I do have a few more changes that I would like to make.
1) I just got a bike and would like to use it a lot more.
2) I would like to get a little clothes rack for my apartment so that I can air dry my clothes.
3) I would like to make more beauty products. I love giving them out as gifts because it allows me to talk to others about how easy it is to make healthy choices for our bodies. (Without sounding (too) preachy. :))
4) Although it is very rare that I stop at a coffee shop for coffee, I would like to be better about using my travel mug when I do.
5) I would like to go on more walks.
6) I would like to meditate more so that I can approach stressful moments with clarity and guidance.
I am brand new to the green movement and am ready to take some steps towards a healthier more natural me.
I have always been intrigued by a green/DIY lifestyle and am now inspired to give it a try. I am currently in a MS Counseling program through which I found mindfulness meditation that I do 3 times a week. I have chosen my top five steps that I will incorporate into my life this year.
1)I will buy the Tea Tiger so I can brew and consume loose leaf green tea. because I don’t drink any tea I will begin with 3 times a week and by the end of the year increase to daily.
2)I recently purchased a fold-up tote for the grocery store and will keep it in my car, and remember to take it in, for my shopping excursions.
3) I will make my own skin care products and am already excited to make all of my girlfriends their own kit as Christmas and Birthday presents.
4) Instead of working out on my roommate’s treadmill, I will take my walks in our surrounding area. We have lots of hills so this will also increase the intensity of my workouts.
5) I will add virgin coconut oil to my diet. I have not tried this before so I’m excited to try it.
These are the cheaper things that I can do more immediately. I eventually want to get a bicycle so I can go on rides to the beach 🙂
This yr I am determined to do more for my family, friends, and the earth. If I am not helping then I am hurting is how I see it.
I will bike more as it is not just good for the earth but is good for my health and the kids get to learn that staying fit and healthy is a part of life and you don’t always have to be in a car to get somewhere.
We are growing our own garden and learning all of the wonderful things about how to grow organically. Sharing this with the kids and all of our friends not only shows them that they can do it but just how good it is for our enviroment.
I have started making more things naturally at home, currently making a batch of yougart. LOl :0) But all of your tips from hand sanitizers to sunscreen are just incredible! It’s amazing how everything we need is there in nature and that we in our advances in technology have become so far removed from nature! We are doing all that we can to doing thing Gorgously Green. I so enjoy every part of it and love sharing it with my childen and all of my friends. They do think I am a bit strange but I know I am training the next generation to be mindeful of all that they give and take from the earth.
REMEMBER: Everything we do is Teaching and Training, if we do it good or bad it is always training. So be that good example to those around you and live GREEN!!!
1) I need to actually remember to bring my grocery bags IN with me when I go to the store…uuughhh. LOL I even have those amazing Chico bags but I always forget them.
2) No more toxic nail polish/manicures! I have been looking into non toxic spas in my area and will NOT go anywhere else or use regular polish again :o)
3) I am a diet soda addict….I know, I know….Have been pretty good about just buying natural, just carbonated water and making my own soda with fresh fruit juices and agave. So far so good!
Yay!!! :o)
I am already doing many of the things on this list, but you can’t do too many. I even started growing organic vegetables and herbs on my apartment balcony in recycled planters and organic potting soil. This year my top two priorities are: 1) Start a club with my friends to share green ideas online and meet once a month or more to plant trees, pick up trash at the beach, etc… 2) Switch more of my beauty products and cleaning products to greener products or make my own. That goes for my dogs flea spray too. No more disgusting harsh chemicals on my sensitive skin or on my beloved dogs.Thanks for all the great ideas.
1. We are going to compost lawn clipping
2. We are going to take our bags to the store
3. We are going to use our reusable water bottle
Thanks for all your great tips, Sophie! I love getting the recommendations from you and your site – you make going green so much easier!
I’ve recently had a number of health issues relating to my digestive system that are causing a number of food and skin allergies, and my doctors are recommending moving toward clean, green, organic living to combat some of the symptoms. Thank goodness for your website! While I want to be greener in general, my specific goals for this year are:
1. I’ve been really focused on clean, green beauty products, but I want to start making strides toward greenness in other areas – biking to work is my first step!
2. I’m just about to move into a new apartment (and out of my parents’ house, finally!) and instead of stocking up on store-bought cleaning supplies, I’m going to make my own.
3. Make and give home-made, clean beauty products as gifts. I’ve jumped on the clean, green beauty bandwagon in the last few months, and I’ve spent too much money trying out expensive green brands when I could be dedicating time to making my own – and in turn, have really unique presents for friends and family.
4. I just found you Green Smoothie recipe – and I love it! I want to make sure I get enough greens by starting my day with this!
Thanks again for all your great resources!
I would like to implement so many things but I realize one thing at a time. My goals are 1. A compost 2. A whole house water filter.
Other important things are phasing out water bottles completely, changing out bulbs since our house is large and has so many, ridding our home of all this junk mail & paper, making my own cleaning products, making my own skincare, oh and a garden…we have a large yard and lots of sun! My patents grew up on a farm and we have as a society moved so far from simple living. It’s nice to get back to basics.
Thank you so much for your amazing comments everyone. I really appreciate you taking the time to list all the inspiring actions that you plan to take. Just by virtue of you writing down your intentions, you inspire me and others. CATILIN RIPLEY has been chosen as the winner!