permaculture hedonists presents (hands-on workshops)

Mmmm... kimchi [image: Wikipedia]

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Permaculture Hedonists Presents
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Hands-on workshops by Permaculture designers, educators and hedonists Andrew Faust and Adriana Magaña.

Who says you need a homestead to practice Permaculture? We'll show you how to live the good life by putting your hands and kitchen to work! We think our bodies deserve the best and as permaculture hedonists believe that what we create with our hands is far superior to anything you can buy on the shelves of any store.

Last year we ran this series of lactoferment classes along with a Handcrafted Beauty series to great success. Many sold out fast with our cap at 10 students for each class. We checked our busy teaching and parenting schedules and set aside some dates to present these learning opportunities once again. Join us for these three fermented foods classes that will increase your vitality as well as your self-sufficiency. Come learn why they are so incredibly nutritious and how they can fit into your life.

The Handmade Beauty series will take the mystery out of formulating your own safe and cheap beauty necessities. We will explore a host of different ingredients from ones found in your kitchen cupboard to exotic floral waxes found via the internet. This series will now include household cleaners as well. All of these will be great for gift giving!

Start crafting today and share your creations with friends and family!

Lactoferments
Wednesday, November 18
6:30- 8:30-pm $40

This workshop will walk you through making a variety of lactoferments including: kim chee, sauerkraut, ginger-carrots and other root crop lactoferments. Bring 2 wide mouth 1 pint glass mason jars with lids if you would like to take home jars of our finished products. Also bring a good cutting knife a cutting board and the Organic vegatables will be supplied. Handouts of recipes will be provided. IMPORTANT!!! Please register at least one day in advance so we can insure the correct amount of ingredients. This is sure to fill up fast!

Sourdough Bread
Wednesday, December 9th
6:30-8:30pm

In this, our second fermented food workshop, we will harvest Brooklyn’s wild yeasts to make bread rise into a fluffy loaf that is truly delicious! We will show you the ins and outs of making and baking sourdough bread so that you can get started with confidence! We will also cover sourdough pancakes. Delicious! Participants should bring a small jar to take home some sourdough starter.


Handcrafting Home Brews
Thursday, December 17th
6:30- 8:30 pm $40

This third workshop will cover: malting whole grains for superlative home brew beers and will include sources for organic whole grains; preparing herbal tonics and sacred beers with wild dandelion, yarrow, rosemary and others; culturing wild yeasts. Kombucha preparation will also be covered and kombucha “mothers” will be given away to make at home. Handouts of recipes will be provided.


Handmade Beauty Part 1 and 2
Saturday, December 19th
Part 1 - 12am-2pm $40
Sunday, December 20th
Part 2 - 4pm -6pm $40

In this class we will craft a variety of body care products made from ingredients easily found in your kitchen cabinet or local heath food store. You will expand your knowledge of herbs, save money and feel your beautiful best by making and using your own handmade beauty products. Are you spending wads of cash on eco-household cleaners? Well you can stop! We will be providing recipes and samples for some of the most often used cleaners. Bring small containers (washed take out condiment containers work great) if you'd like to take some samples home.

Part 1

For your Face...
*Face Cleanser *Face Scrub
*Herbal Face Toner *Moisturizer *Tinted Lip Balm

Plus Household Cleaners!

Part 2

*Herbal Shampoo *Herbal Hair Rinse
*Body Scrubs *Tooth Powder/Paste
*Mouthwash *Shaving Cream

Plus Household Cleaners!

-------------------

Handcrafting Herbal Tinctures, Salves and Extracts will be offered after the new year. So get ready!

All of these classes will take place in our small apartment so enrollment in limited to 10 people for each class. Allergic to pets? We have two cats and a dog FYI.

Please pre-register so we know how many people to expect dreikycaprice@gmail.com

We can and will offer these classes again so please inquire if the dates don't work out for you.

Be well,

Adriana and Andrew

P.S. We are accepting registration for our Permaculture Design Certification from March 27th through June 5th. Sign up early to get a discount and save your spot!
To register email Andrew@HomeBiome.com

--
The Center for Bioregional Living
Ellenville / Brooklyn, NY
www.homebiome.com

oooh that smell!

[Image: Lexington, Mass. Town website]

Have you ever walked into an elevator, a subway car, or any other crowded confined space and been smacked in the face by a toxic cologne cloud?

There are times when this overpowering scent actually makes its way up into my nasal passages, down my throat, and onto my tongue. Excuse me, Stinky, I already had breakfast, I don't want to taste your perfume bath!

I lovingly call these offenders Personal Air Polluters (PAPs). To be fair, I'll assume they've dulled their precious olfactory senses so much that they've become "smell blind," and as such just keep adding more and more fragrance as a result of their nasal numbness. After all, our senses can become dulled when they're overexposed to stimuli.

So-called "good" scents like certain beauty products and cleaning solutions set off an alarm in my brain: Danger! Danger! Step away from that stink! And for good reason, these fragrances are actually bad for us.

Whether it's the noxious fumes of cologne or perfume, the petrochemical laundry detergent emanating from clothes, or the synthetic fragrance wafting from just-shampooed hair - the deluge of synthetic fragrances in this world culminates in a harmful chemical cocktail.

get the stink out: antidotes to air pollution
Once I eliminated the culprits in my own home, I became acutely aware of these terrible odors. Here are some simple switches to help reduce your exposure to the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) causing the toxic stench.

beauty regimen

• Read labels. Avoid products containing phthalates, benzyl acetate, hydroquinone, formaldehyde, or the catch-all term "fragrance" (also: parfum). These products have been associated with neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, and cancer
  
• Look out for other ingredients that may induce similar health implications (eg, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, and immunotoxicity) - read more
• Some of my favorite brands:
  - Suki
  - Kiss My Face (Obsessively Organic line)
  - John Masters Organics
  - Dr. Bronner's
  - Simply Divine Botanicals
  

cleaning solutions

• My secret weapon against dirt: The Berkeley Ecology Center. They have an amazing resource for non-toxic cleaning solutions using everyday household items like vinegar and baking soda
• Off-the-shelf products I like:
  - Sal Suds
  - CitraSolv
  - Seventh Generation
  

air fresheners

• Beeswax candles actually purify the air without polluting it like conventional paraffin candles
• Make your own air freshener with essential oils

laundry & dry cleaning

• For laundry: Switch to a less toxic alternative such as Ecos or Seventh Generation. Or try a laundry ball like this one from True Green (I tested it on my sweaty yoga towels - it really works!)
• For softening: Skip the fabric softener and use 1/8 cup vinegar in the wash. The vinegar smell does not stick around, I swear
• For scent: Add a few drops of essential oil to the wash. I use Tea Tree Oil or Eucalyptus - so fresh and so clean! (and also antibacterial)
  
• For dry cleaning: Opt for handwash with a product like The Laundress or visit a dry cleaner using CO2 such as Green Apple Cleaners

paint & furnishings

• No or low-VOC paints like Mythic offer high-quality coverage without the noxious fumes. Or try American Clay, a wall covering that adds beautiful texture while actually filtering the air
• Check for formaldehyde and other off-gassing VOCs in furniture & carpeting. Stick with natural floor coverings made from wool or seagrass. Check the Sustainable Furnishings Council for brands that don't emit VOCs
  

Aah, now let's all take a breath of fresh air!

wink eco beauty bar

I'm a pretty low-maintenance lady. I only wear makeup maybe twice a year, have very few products in my daily beauty regimen, and keep my nails au naturale. So these days, because it's sort of a special occasion for me to get a manicure and pedicure, I'm particular about where I have this service performed.

Luckily for me, I live right near a new eco-friendly beauty salon - Wink. I noticed their sign a few months ago, and had been waiting for an opportunity to check them out. Enter this weekend's wedding.

My friend and I got there for our appointments right when they opened at 11 am, despite the pouring rain (blech!). We picked from the selection of DBP-, touluene-, and formaldehyde-free nail colors on the wall and headed over to the cushy chairs for the pedicure. All of the products used at Wink Beauty Bar are sans parabens, phthalates and other nasty chems.

After the pedicure we enjoyed a manicure at the bar that's covered in AFM Safecoat non-toxic finish. Wink offers other services, like massage, body scrubs, makeup, and waxing, all with earth-friendly ingredients.

I highly recommend Wink for their friendly and professional service, comfortable environs, and of course, green products and practices.

W!NK eco beauty bar
602 Vanderbilt Avenue
(St. Mark's Ave & Prospect Pl)
Prospect Heights, Brooklyn 11238
718.230.3443

Don't live near Wink? Check out this post about less toxic (no nail polish is really non-toxic) options for painting those toe- and finger-tips, plus a few additions:

• Zoya
• Peacekeeper
• OPI (look for the green label!)
• Dr. Remedy
  

cosmetics consumption and conflict

There was a time in my life when I wasn't a terribly conscious consumer. I would compulsively buy things like inexpensive clothing and makeup without really thinking about where it came from or what it was made of. Those days have long since passed, but I still hold onto some small reminders of that less mindful time. What were these little reminders? A crapload of makeup sitting in bags in my closet.

I don't even really wear makeup. Maybe a little mascara every once in a blue moon. That's about it. So why was I still holding onto these whispers of habits past collecting dust, taking up physical and mental space? Because I simply didn't know what to do with them. I have a really hard time throwing things out that will just end up in a landfill.

Until... I got a tip-off from a fellow twitterer (thanks, Melissa!) about a place I could recycle these wastes of space.

An Origins store.

So inspired was I by this news (and by the book I'm currently reading Throw Out 50 Things - more on that in a later post) that I collected all of this old makeup and brought it to the Origins store on West Broadway and Spring Street. Before I made my way over there, I had to clean out all of the lipstick tubes, eyeshadow palettes, and blush compacts. When I was through, my hands were covered in nasty makeup and the trash can looked like a fairy threw up into it - all pastel and glittery.

When I got to the store, the sales woman was so enthusiastic about my decision to turn in these old conveyances. She rewarded me with the news that this weekend, the store was holding an Earth Day event offering free mini facials to its customers. She also gave me a couple of samples of products from their Perfect World line.

I didn't think much about the exchange, other than feeling good about ridding myself of that old makeup and not having to resort to just tossing it all in the trash.

When I sat back down in front of my computer however, I had to look up the new samples I had acquired to see what their contents really held (ingredients lists don't fit on those tiny tubes of product). Much to my dismay, they're full of all the no-nos in beauty products today: parabens, petroleum, and some other nasty fillers. Check out the full list of what Origins uses at CosmeticsDatabase.com. Not such a Perfect World after all.

So I'm left with mixed feelings. I'm glad that Origins accepted all of my old cosmetics vessels for recycling, but can't really support their products because of the dubious contents. I've even taken down the banner I used to have promoting them (in the right-hand column).

What are your thoughts on this beauty product paradox?

john masters awesome lotion

John Masters Organics Blood Orange & Vanilla Body Milk
Get on it, and get it on you!

Rich and silky with a scrumptious scent of blood orange and vanilla. What else is there to say other than, this lotion is awesome!

I guess I could also tell you that it's made with nothin' but the good stuff. See fo' yo'self:

Ingredients: Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera leaf juice) gel,* aqua (water), helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil,* coco nucifera (coconut) oil,* glyceryl stearate, glycerin, lecithin, allantoin (comfrey-derived), panthenol (vitamin B5), tocopherol, cyamopsis tetragonolobus (guar) gum,* retinyl palmitate (vitamin A), xanthan gum, kelp extract, silybum marianum (milk thistle) extract, symphytum officinale(comfrey) leaf extract,* chamomilla recutica (chamomile) flower extract,* camellia sinensis (white tea) extract,* arnica montana (arnica) extract,* lavandula angustifolia (lavender) flower/leaf/ stem extract,* vanilla planifolia (vanilla) extract,* lonicera caprifolium (honeysuckle) flower extract, citrus sinensis (blood orange) oil,* citrus grandis (grapefruit) peel oil,* bourbon vanilla planifolia (bourbon vanilla) oil*

*Certified Organic by QAI/CCOF
Wild-crafted
Ingredients and products are never tested on animals.

It may be a luxury for some at $18 for 8 oz, but ya gotta pamper yourself once in a while.

cleaning up dirty: a web roundup

From the oxymoronic "clean coal" to green clothing care, here's a little collection of articles and ideas on how to keep the world a little cleaner.

The no 'poo method: Wash your hair the non-toxic and economical way, with these tried and true baking soda and vinegar recipes
[One Green Generation]

Lighten up in '09: A buyers' guide to the most energy efficient (ie, less carbon-spewing) and least mercury containing CFLs
[Environmental Working Group]

Butts for fashion: Keeping cigarette butts out of the wastestream by creating yarn from it for knitting, crocheting
[Treehugger]

Goody gum drops! Tips for removing chewing gum from clothing, the eco-friendly way
[Planet Green]

Dirty snow: It's an energy-sucking industry -- tips on choosing ski resorts with a smaller carbon footprint
[Care2]

Dirty, dirty coal: It'll never be clean!
[GOOD]

It becomes a game of rhetorical bait-and-switch. Point out that there are exactly zero commercial power plants in the U.S. that sequester any carbon emissions, and “clean coal” advocates talk about how they’ve reduced “emissions” (though not greenhouse gasses). Mention that coal-burning power plants are still the country’s largest source of acid-rain-causing sulfur dioxide pollution and airborne emissions of birth-defect- and brain-damage-causing mercury pollution—or that they’re responsible for roughly 24,000 deaths every year in the United States—and ACCCE will tell you that they’re a mere ten years away from perfecting the art of carbon capture.

your right to be beautiful

The dry air of the winter months saps my already combination skin of all its moisture. So a couple of weeks ago I thought it was time to up the ante on my facial moisturizer. I was all set to get some delicious product from suki-- one of the best earth-friendly beauty care regimens out there. But when I got to the shop (Organic Avenue on the LES) the saleswoman led me astray.

I'd seen this product before on their shelves and didn't even think twice about buying it. When you get a look at the super-kitschy packaging you'll understand why:



Yep, that's it -- Your Right To Be Beautiful. Reminds of those Pearl Cream ads from the early 80s. But she told me to ignore the packaging, the stuff really works. I tested a bit and was sold. Light yet really creamy with the not-too-overwhelming sweet scent of coconut and almond. Even my boyfriend approved (and he hates scented products). And I read the ingredients -- no petroleum, no parabens, none of the bad stuff, just nourishing plant derived oils and extracts.

Turns out the woman who created the stuff, Tonya Zavasta, is the one whose face graces the box. And it also happens that she's built a little raw food empire for herself. I'd say it's working out for her. She's nearly 50 and looks pretty comfortable in camel pose.




Learn more about Tonya's methods for staying healthy and beautiful at any age.


Your Right to Be Beautiful: How to Halt the Train of Aging and Meet the Most Beautiful You by Tonya Zavasta

Or visit her site, Beautiful on Raw.

peacekeeper causemetics discount

Katie from PeaceKeeper just sent me this note about a promotion they're having. Just thought I'd spread the love!

I just wanted to let you and your readers know that right now we’re doing some awesome promotions for the holiday season:
We’re currently offering a 50% discount on our UNIFEM Lip Gloss if you sign your name to UNIFEM’s Petition to End Violence Against Women. Just visit: http://www.iamapeacekeeper.com/justsayno.htm to find out more.

Additionally, 5% of the retail price or $.80 per unit goes to the UNIFEM Trust Fund To Eliminate Violence Against Women (this is not a promotional thing though, this is something that we have always and will always do with our UNIFEM gloss).

We’re also offering 20% off any of our Custom, Diplomat and Visionary Care Packages!

Purchasing a holiday gift from PeaceKeeper means you’re giving a gift of more than just make up - you’re helping to empower and improve the lives of women around the world!!

Thanks again!
The PeaceKeeper Team

protection from the hole in the ozone layer

Writing from Sydney, Australia
(7:38pm Sydney, 3:38pm NYC)

I like to pack lightly when I travel, meaning what I can't carry on stays at home (in most cases). So that means I've got to comply with TSA regulations and carry a clear quart-sized bag with all of my liquid toiletries each under 3 ounces in volume. I went to Whole Foods with the intention of picking up Badger SPF 30, but it only came in a 4 ounce (unlike the one sold here). But then I spotted California Baby SPF 30 (fragrance free). I had read that it was a safe choice according to Environmental Working Group's (EWG) Skin Deep cosmetic safety database.

The ultimate test for a sunscreen's effectiveness has to be under Australia's beaming hot sun. After all, the hole in the ozone layer flirts with the Australian continent.



So here's what I think about Cali Baby.

A little bit goes a long way. If you use too much, you'll be white as a ghost. But if you rub it in good, there's only a subtle whiteness. Zinc oxide is a physical sunblock as opposed to the chemical blocks which have in some instances been shown to be carcinogenic and carry other health risks. (kinda defeats the purpose, no?).

Bottom line: The stuff works. Yesterday I put it on my face and arms and walked around all day. Today I spent a couple of hours at the beach and it's pretty safe to say my skin was unscathed by the powerful Aussie sun. I definitely didn't burn and I'm not sure I got much color really. It is a bit greasy, so I wouldn't recommend it for everyday use, but it's great for a day at the beach or poolside.

Read more about EWG's recommendations for safe sunscreens.

green brooklyn event recap part 1: exhibitors

Some of the exhibitors (and some innocent bystanders) at Green Brooklyn 2008

Held at Brooklyn Borough Hall and in Cadman Plaza fittingly among the greenmarket, Green Brooklyn 2008 was packed with great exhibitors and informative sustainability events -- all free to the public. Here's a recap of some of the things I saw (part 1):

Exhibitors

Blacksmith Institute
This non-profit group helps communities in developing nations overcome pollution and its effects. Jen, a representative of the Institute, told me about their list of the top 10 worst polluted places in the world, which is continually being reassessed. According to their site:

The World Heath Organization, in conjunction with the World Bank, estimates that 20 percent of deaths in the developing world are directly attributed to environmental factors from pollution.

Here's their list of the top 10 worse polluted places:

• Sumgayit, Azerbaijan
• Linfen, China (pictured right)
• Tianying, China
• Sukinda, India
• Vapi, India
• La Oroya, Peru
• Dzerzinsk, Russia
• Norilsk, Russia
• Chernobyl, Ukraine
• Kabwe, Zambia

You can support the Blacksmith Institute by donating here.

CeleBritAy
Brooklyn-based vegan skin care line CeleBritAy is the creation of Liz Santiago, whom I had the pleasure of speaking with. She had some products on hand to sample, sell, and smell -- and the scents were naturally delicious. Sesame oil- and cocoa butter- or almond-based body creams are enhanced with bergamot, raspberry, lavendar, rose/peppermint, or arabian musk (or unscented if you prefer). They contain only natural emollients and essential oils -- no petroleum, synthetic fragrance, or chemical stabilizers. You can treat yourself to these creams or her other bath and spa products at celebritayny.com.

GreenHome NYC
According to their site, GreenHome NYC's mission is "to facilitate the adoption of sustainable building methods and materials by owners of small residential and commercial buildings in New York City." They had a wide array of products for green building and renovation on hand for participants to look at, including recycled denim insulation, PaperStone, and sorghum plywood. GreenHome holds a green building forum on the third Wednesday of each month. Learn more here.

Wearable Collections
386 million pounds of textiles end up in the NYC waste stream every year, reports Wearable Collections on their site. And they seem to have a sensible solution: clothing recycling pick up at residential buildings throughout the city. So far, they've kept 350,000 pounds of textiles out of landfills. You can request a bin for your building here.

Sims Metal Management
Sims is the world's largest recycling company with recycling operations all over the globe, and several facilities in the NY Metro area. They're opening a new metal recycling facility in an industrial part of Sunset Park, Brooklyn at the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal. A representative from Sims told me that this waterfront location would reduce truck traffic by limiting the distance needed for Department of Sanitation trucks to travel from collection to drop-off. It also allows for easier access to carrier barges. Read their environmental policy statement here.

Eat Well Guide
With this non-profit program, you can find Good Food near you -- food that's local, sustainable, and organic. There are thousands of listings of farms, markets, restaurants, and other good food producers.

The Eat Well Guide was developed by Sustainable Table to educate consumers about the problems of factory farming and to provide them with access to sustainable food options. Watch The Meatrix and learn the truth about where food comes from.

Kiwi Magazine
This family-oriented publication provides parents with information on how to raise children in the healthiest way possible. Their magazine shows parents how to practice a healthy and sustainable lifestyle in light of their busy schedules. I was happy to learn they have a free online version of their magazine.

RePlayGround
I spoke with Stephanie of Garbage of Eden Designs at the RePlayGround table about her cool plastic bag jewelry. She's got great earrings and bangles for sale on Etsy -- 10% of their sale goes to various non-profit organizations (including Added Value Farm). You can read an interview with her at Indie Fixx.

Read about my earlier post about RePlayGround here.


Exhibitors I missed:

• Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture
  I'd love to visit their farm in Pocantico Hills, about 30 miles north of NYC. Their restaurant in the city, Blue Hill, has incredible farm-fresh food and at the farm they have tours, a farmer's market, and a restaurant. I think Autumn would be a great time to visit (harvest, fall foliage, &c.)
• Added Value Farm
  This Red Hook, Brooklyn-based farm has a harvest festival coming up on Saturday, October 18 -- and with food from local restaurants, live music and performances, a pumpkin patch, and farm tours, I plan on being there

Exhibitor I meant to give a piece of my mind:
Bettencourt Green Building Supplies -- when we were renovating our kitchen last year, they didn't show up for an appointment we made and didn't answer my numerous calls when I tried to reschedule. (Grrr! Okay, enough griping.)

world of good (shopping)

When I spend my hard-earned dough I'd like to know where it's going. Who is it benefiting (or harming)? What kinds of resources were used? Is it really worth the price (in terms of labor, effort, materials, etc)?

So in recent years, I've become really selective about where I shop. As I've said before, I avoid the big box and big name retailers (whenever possible) in favor of local, indie biz. Think Etsy vs Banana Republic, eBay vs Crate and Barrel. Of course there are times when it's really difficult to completely ignore the big boys, like when you need a paper towel holder or new toilet seat.

Thankfully it's getting easier and easier to find alternative sources for goods. Like the new responsible marketplace by eBay, World of Good. They've got a pretty big range of fair trade and/or eco-friendly stuff, from clothing and jewelry to furniture and toys. What's really great is that they break it down in terms of the impact your purchase has. They call this a Goodprint and these are the categories: people positive, eco positive, animal friendly, and supports a cause.

It's feel-good shopping, certified by third parties with their Trustology verification system. Many of their verifiers and sellers have been in the fair trade game for years, including Co-op America and Ten Thousand Villages.

Here's a random selection of fun things you can get from World of Good:

PeaceKeeper Nail Polish
Proceeds go to people positive charities


Telephone Wire Bracelet
Eco-friendly repurposed wire, benefits South African artisans

Baby Llama Toy
Benefits Peruvian artisans, made with energy conservation in mind


Where does your hard-earned dough go?

you don't need green to be green

The other day, a friend of mine brought up the common misconception that in order to be eco-friendly, one needs money. There's really just one thing that I practice to live a sustainable lifestyle: mindfulness. And I think mindfulness in this case can be broken down into 3 actions: a) plan ahead, b) consume less, and c) do your research. Here are a few guidelines that I live by...


Plan ahead
(or, be prepared)

1. BYOE: Bring your own everything, everywhere

• This includes, but isn't limited to: reusable utensils, reusable drinking containers, shopping bags, and lunch
  
• You don't have to go out and buy special portable utensils, just borrow some from home
• Buying a $20 reusable water bottle and filling it at home or at a water fountain is a heck of a lot cheaper than buying a $1 bottle everyday (or even every week if you're one of those people who refill disposable bottles).
  
• Same goes for coffee and tea -- brew it at home or at the office and drink it in a mug
  
• Your shopping bags don't have to be anything fancy, most of our bags were giveaway totes. Even just reusing plastic grocery bags will keep the garbage out of the waste stream for a little longer

2. Plan meals

• If you know what you're going to eat ahead of time, you'll buy only what you need
• If you go to the supermarket on a full stomach, you'll be less likely to buy stuff you don't need
  
• Plus you'll keep food out of the landfill where it produces methane, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change (according to the EPA, methane is 20 times more damaging to the environment than carbon dioxide)
  

3. If you can grow it yourself, do

• You'll save money, fuel, and carbon output
• Plus, you'll know where your food is coming from
• If you don't have your own garden, try a community garden

4. Compost if you can

• You'll keep food out of the landfill (see item number 2) and create rich food for your vegetable garden
• Learn how here
  

5. Keep your car maintained, and hypermile

• If you have a car, keep it clean and the tires full -- both of these simple things can help save gas
• Hypermiling is a tactic people use to save fuel. Find out more here
  

Consume less, live more

1. Buy less stuff

• Especially new stuff, or stuff made overseas
• I promise, life will be just as fulfilling without that 5th pair of sneakers or giant flatscreen TV or beauty product, or whatever it is you're thinking of buying. I know, I'm a recovering shoe addict and impulse buyer myself
• Of course there are times when you need stuff, or maybe you like collecting stuff as a hobby. Just use your judgment and buy used whenever you can. Shop at eBay, craigslist, or FreeCycle (this one's free!)
  

2. Eat less meat

• It's pricey, has a huge impact on the planet, and isn't all that healthy in large quantities
• Greens and grains are healthier and generally cost a lot less (they also taste good once you get used to them -- especially the fresh ones)
  

3. Eat and drink less junk

• Junk food is highly processed, so a lot of energy and resources go into making it
  
• And it's full of bad stuff
  
• Trust me, you'll feel better in the morning if you don't reach for that jumbo bag of Doritos and 32 oz Gatorade. It may seem cheap and tasty now, but just wait 'til you get those medical bills in 20 years

4. Think before you...

• Print or copy: Can you read it on the computer? Can you copy double-sided?
  
• Purchase: See number 1
  
• Toss: Can that thing you're about to throw away be reused or recycled? Maybe somebody else could use it if you don't want it anymore. If it's toxic, dispose of it properly (find out how at Earth 911)
  
• Drive: Can you walk, bike, or take public transportation instead?

5. Use less water and energy

• You'll end up saving money if you conserve
• Find 100 ways to save water, specific to your region, here
• See my tips for summer energy saving
  

Do your research
(Find out where stuff comes from and what it's made of. Here are a few things I've learned...)

1. Health and hygiene

• Ingredients to avoid: parabens (methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, butyl-), synthetic fragrance, petrolatum, diethanolamine (DEA), triethanolamine (TEA), sodium laurel sulfate (read more about ingredients to avoid)
• Not sure if your products are harmful? Check the Cosmetics Database

2. Cleaning products

• You can make your own non-toxic cleaning supplies with inexpensive household products, like white vinegar, washing soda, hydrogen peroxide, lemon, and oil (learn more at The Green Guide)
• Use rags (old t-shirts and towels work well) instead of paper towels

3. Food

• Eat whole, minimally processed foods
• Read the label -- avoid ingredients that you can't pronounce or that have many qualifiers, like high-fructose corn syrup or enriched bleached white flour

4. Furniture and homegoods

• Avoid furniture and paint made with off-gassing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), chemicals like formaldehyde
• Skip products made with PVC, like shower curtain liners -- opt for cloth instead
• Choose napkins, paper towels, toilet paper, and tissues made from paper, not from trees. Go with these brands that are both high quality and environmentally friendly (Marcal, Seventh Generation, Green Forest). AVOID: Bounty, Scott, Viva, Kleenex, Puffs, Charmin, Cottonelle (they're all made from trees!)
• Buy in bulk to save money and packaging
  

Keep it simple...
Another simple way to live green is to heed the 3 Rs: reduce consumption, reuse what you can, and recycle what you can't.

Find more eco on a budget tips at The Budget Ecoist

Why bother?

put on a happy face

Recently I got a request from a reader to write about makeup. While I usually go au naturale, I want to spread the word about makeup that isn't harmful. So here's a rundown of some of the safest face paint around (BTW, it's all cruelty free, too).

For the face

• Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin Blush by Physicians Formula
  Free of synthetic ingredients, harsh chemicals, and synthetic fragrances, and includes some organic ingredients (16%); available in 6 colors
• Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin Bronzer by Physicians Formula
  See blush description above
• Naked Minerals Pressed Mineral Foundation Duo
  Natural mineral-based makeup made without synthetic stuff; contains SPF 15 in a non-chemical form
• Logona Liquid Foundation
  Paraben-, phthalate-, and petroleum free, and no synthetic fragrances, colors, or preservatives

For the eyes

• Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin Eye Shadow Duo by Physicians Formula
  This little beautifying duo is tailored to your eye color, available in 4 color sets
• Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin Eyeliner by Physicians Formula
  All natural just like the other Organic Wear products, and safe for contact wearers and sensitive eyes
• Honeybee Gardens Truly Natural Mascara
  No petroleum or parabens, water-resistant, clump proof, and safe for sensitive eyes
• Honeybee Gardens Passage to India Mineral Eye Shadow
  Mineral-based, none of the artificial junk, comes in a plethora of pretty colors
  

For the lips

• Primitive Makeup Company Lipstick
  Makers of this product claim that, unlike other natural lipsticks, this one goes on smooth and creamy; available in a multitude of colors
  
• Eternal Equity Lip Gloss by PeaceKeeper Cause-Metics
  Not only is this gloss free from nasty chems, $1 of each tube sold goes to help women who earn less than $1 a day
• Paint Me Content Lip Paint by PeaceKeeper Cause-Metics
  Another one from PeaceKeeper, proceeds go to women's causes
• Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin Lip Veil by Physicians Formula
  Like the name suggests, this 3-in-1 lip balm/gloss/stick has no synthetic ingredients and it's all organic with a minty, lemony zing
• Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer (Guava flavor)
  Petroleum free, all natural, sweet tastin' goodness for your lips

To take it all off

• Eyebright Eye Makeup Remover by Farmaesthetics
  It doesn't just take off makeup without chemicals, it helps reduce puffiness and inflammation around the eye with chamomile and sweet almond oil
• MakeUp-BreakUp Cool Cleansing Oil by Boscia
  Peppermint and eucalyptus refreshing, while green tea, rose hip, and golden palm oils help remove dirt and makeup
• Organic Essentials Cotton Balls
  Wipe it off with organic cotton balls

Not sure if your makeup is harmful?
Check out b-cause's list of ingredients to avoid.

less toxic nail polish

I used to be a regular at the local nail salon, until I started thinking about the chemicals I was exposing myself to. Many popular nail polish brands include formaldehyde, petrochemicals, and other nasty ingredients. So for the last couple of years, my digits have usually been unadorned, except for a few special occasions. Fortunately, a few months ago during a spa day (a Christmas gift from my sweetheart) I came across a less toxic nail polish brand: SpaRitual.

It's free of dibutyl phthalate (DBP), formaldehyde, and toluene and after wearing it for a month on my toes, there was no yellowing -- something that commonly occurs with more chemically laden brands like OPI and Essie.

Acquarella is another brand of nail polish that is said to be the least toxic of them all. It's water based, and contains no phthalates, toluene, formaldehyde, or petrochemical solvents. It's also cruelty free and vegan. There is a bit of a learning curve though, as the application method varies slightly from traditional nail polish. Plus it's a little pricier than mainstream polish at $18 a bottle.

If you want to skip the 3 toxic ingredients (and support cruelty-free products), go with these brands:

• Acquarella
• No Miss
• Orly
• Peacekeeper
• Sante
• SpaRitual

And for polish removal:

• Acquarella (though it gets mixed reviews)
• HoneyBee Gardens
• No Miss
• Suncoat (this one gets mixed reviews as well)

Don't forget the organic cotton balls!

water-saving shampoo

Maybe you've heard of dry shampoos, a way to clean hair or at least fake it in between washings. In the past, women might throw some cornstarch-based product in their hair, comb it out, and call it day. While this method worked for some, it was more like masking the appearance of dirty hair rather than actually cleaning it. Apparently there's a more effective way to wash hair without water. One such product is Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo -- and they've just come out with a non-aerosol version. Great for travel, going out after the gym, or when you're just in a rush, this dry shampoo is one of those secret weapons of stylists at fashion shows or film sets.

Since I'm always looking for ways to save water and wash my hair sans toxins, I'm just going to have to try it. Get yours here.

Eco bonus: Pierre Fabre, creator of the Klorane Institute, has long been a supporter of plant biodiversity, through research of botanicals for cosmetic and therapeutic applications.

little things add up

I try not to use disposable things, but sometimes you need a toothpick or cotton swab. For those times, try these products:

Preserve Toothpicks, Mint tea tree flavor

• Made from sustainably harvested wood
• Natural flavoring, also available in Cinnamint
• Packaged in a pocket-size 100% recycled canister

Organic Essentials Cotton Swabs

• Made from organic cotton, the sticks are biodegradable and compostable
• Packaging is recycled and recyclable

Organic Essentials Cotton Balls

• Made from certified organic cotton

Preserve Triple Blade Razor, with refillable
blades

• Made with 100% plastic recycled from yogurt cups
• Titanium coated triple blades with Vitamin E and aloe lubricating strip
• Replacement blades available in packs of 4
• Handle also works with Personna® Acti-Flexx® and Gillette® Sensor® blades

Preserve Toothbrush

• Handle made from 100% recycled plastic
• Packaging is recyclable and doubles as a travel case
  
• Send your toothbrush back to Recycline to spare it from the trash heap
• Preserve Jr. also available for kids