Review: green+glam Shampoo and Conditioner

GreenGlam2It’s no secret that in my mind – when it comes to health and safety - the bath and beauty products we use are just as important as the food we eat and cleaning products we use. Read: No chemicals. So I was excited for this opportunity to review green&glam shampoo and conditioner, made by a company that claims not to sacrifice performance for the sake of being 100% natural.

After trying many all-natural and organic bath products over the years, I can tell you they are not all created equal. Some are greenwashed, while some that aren’t just don’t make me run to buy them again. This shampoo and conditioner however, makes me want more! Continue reading

Giveaway: Ettitude Bamboo Sheet Set (open until 5/14/13)

These days, creating a safe sleeping environment for the family can be a challenge with toxins in nearly all mattresses and bedding. One material that is a great choice for your bedroom is bamboo; it is grown without pesticides and is a rapidly renewable resource. It’s also the perfect solution for adults and kids with sensitive skin as it is naturally antibacterial and hypoallergenic. Continue reading

Green Your Spring Clean

2013_SpringCleaningIf there’s ever a time of year to open your windows and let the fresh air in while de-cluttering closets and cleaning often overlooked places, spring is it! Unfortunately, we can’t read the labels on so-called green cleaners and trust they are eco-friendly. Therefore, similar to our bath and beauty products, we must do one of two things: (1) make our own or (2) do our research. Continue reading

Simple Olive Tapenade

OliveTapenade_2We joined good friends for a fabulous dinner (yes, Ashley, I said fabulous!) last Saturday night. Since I’ve been craving Middle Eastern foods lately, I put together a small mezza plate consisting of roasted eggplant, hummus and this simple olive tapenade. Served with fresh pita, it took only minutes to assemble, was light and delicious and (bonus!) provided us with enough leftovers to make a few killer veggie sandwiches. Continue reading

Using Cloth Napkins and Towels

MoreGreen_5Today, I’m thrilled to be guest-posting over at Life Renewed, where Emily has embarked on a fabulous initiative in 2013 called Green in 365. Each month, she is focusing on a few areas of the house or a special holiday, and every day, there is an eco-friendly post related to one of those areas! I just love each one of her daily short tips which are practical and easy to implement.

I’m joining three other guest contributors for the yearl-long Green in 365 series: Renee at Joyful Mom; Hilary from Accidentally Green; and Sara from Your Thriving Family. Each Wednesday, one of us will join Emily for a guest post with an eco-friendly tip for your home.

Please join me today over at Life Renewed for the Kitchen: Using Cloth Napkins and Towels. Hope to see you there!

I shared this post on The Gathering Spot and Green Sisterhood.

15 Ways to Use Vinegar at Home

Since joining the blogosphere, I have learned more tips and tricks about green and healthy living than I ever hoped for. I’m continuously amazed at what a great source of information my fellow bloggers are!

Some of the best tips, and ones I see over and over on eco-friendly blogs, are the many household uses for vinegar. I’m talking cheap, $3.00 for three gallons at Costco, white vinegar. Continue reading

Understanding Skincare Product Certifications

According to Organic Spa Magazine, there are a growing number of organizations around the world that seek to certify cruelty-free, natural, organic and/or sustainable products and processes. Six of those have labels you will see often here in the U.S., including Demeter, Leaping Bunny, Natural Products Association, NSF, Oregon Tilth and USDA Organic.

As with eggs, these labels can be difficult to understand and keep straight. But better familiarizing yourself with their logos and standards will help you make more informed shopping choices for yourself and your family. Let’s take a closer look.  Continue reading

What’s Your Carbon Footprint?

You hear the words “carbon footprint” tossed around often these days, but what exactly is it and why does it matter? To put it simply, using coal, natural gas or oil for electricity, heat or transportation releases carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere. These daily carbon dioxide emissions make up your carbon footprint.

Too much CO2 from our daily activities hurts the planet’s climate according to many sources, including the Sopris Foundation, a non-profit organization based in Aspen that focuses on preserving ranch land, keeping community intact in the face of changing land-use patterns, and working with Western leaders to develop a region-wide blueprint for livability.

This organization has taken the time to calculate the amount of CO2 used in three basic areas of daily living: (1) Home Energy; (2) Travel and Recreation; and (3) Food, Drink and Work. Comparing the numbers in each of the green, yellow and orange areas illustrates the power of the choices you make every day. Continue reading

Go-Go Green Smoothie

Remember the 1980s’ era cartoon “Inspector Gadget?”  I do because I remember he could say “Go, Go Gadget [insert bionic body part here]” and instantly save the world. Or something like that.

That’s how I feel after this Green Drink. Go-Go Mommy. Go-Go Wife. Go-Go National Marketing Manager. Go-Go BFF. Just Go!

Usually I’m the one to pass along the “healthy” tips but Green Drink is something my friend Steph has been persuading me to make for years. Seriously, I can’t believe it took me so long to succumb to such a healthy, refreshing and cleansing beverage. Now, I’m hooked. I even moved my blender from the cabinet to the countertop to support my new habit!

Continue reading