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GreenDesic Guide to Going Green

We want to help make going green easy and comfortable, so we've come up with a guide to help you make the smooth transition into green living.

Going Green does not mean you have to become a tree hugger and live in a hut. There are small steps we can all take to make a change and see a difference.

Green Tips on Beauty >>

Green Tips on Business >>

Green Tips on Entertainment >>

Green Tips on Food >>

Green Tips on Holidays >>

Green Tips on Home >>

Green Tips on Travel >>

Green Tips on Weddings >>

Going Green Guide to: Beauty

Almost 90 percent of the 10,500 cosmetics and skin care ingredients known to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have not been evaluated for safety by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review, the FDA, or any other publicly accountable institution, according to the EWG.

Use aluminum-free deodorant
Brush your teeth with a natural toothpaste
Choose petroleum-free products
Avoid animal tested products – look for the Humane Cosmetics Standard (HCS) label
Make your own beauty products, they are just as luxurious without the chemicals – look online for recipes

Going Green Guide to: Business

Bike to work or take public transportation
Set computers to energy-saving setting and turn them off at the end of the day
Look for recycled printer paper
Work from home if you can – telecommuting saves time, money and the environment
Think before you print – most things can now be done electronically so make use of this option
Unless a personal meeting is necessary opt for Skype or GoToMeeting
Look into E-marketing rather than Direct Mail

Going Green Guide to: Entertaining

Invite guests with E-vites or recycled invitations
Source local flowers for your events
If possible use reusable plates, cups and utensils – if this is not realistic, consider disposable tableware that is biodegradable
Rent whatever you can instead of buying
If you have a caterer, supply them with serving dishes so they don’t use disposable trays
Use local seasonal food
Shop for supplies with reusable bags
Ensure your guests recycle by clearly labeling designated bins near the trash

Going Green Guide to: Food

Eat organic – it’s good for you and everyone involved
Look for Fair Trade certified foods
Buy seasonal and local
Look for items with minimal packaging, bulk is always a good way to go
Compost your leftovers
Grow your own garden – even cities dwellers can do this with a window box or on balcony
Eat less meat – this is the single most resource-intensive item we devour
Stay away from Chilean sea bass which scientists have warned are on the way to extinction
Take your own refillable mug to your favorite coffee shop

Going Green Guide to: Holidays

Buy fewer gifts
Source recycled cards and wrapping or even make your own
Do dinners with local, organic ingredients
Use LED string lights
Give back to green charities
Search for vintage ornaments from thrift stores
Consider email cards
Think about carbon offsets when traveling
Recycle your holiday waste

Going Green Guide to: Home

Baking soda and vinegar can be used to clean almost anything – try it
Seal leaks in home to prevent heat loss in the winter and keep things cool in the summer
Insulate your water heater and turn it down
Sit by the fire instead of cranking the heat
Use green laundry detergent
Hang dry your clothes in the summer to reduce dryer energy
Microwave in glass rather than plastic – heating increases the likelihood of chemicals being released from the plastic
Install a low-flow showerhead
Take used CFL bulbs to your community’s hazardous waste collection – they contain small amounts of mercury and should not be sent to the trash

Going Green Guide to: Travel

When you leave the room, turn off the air conditioning, heat, television, lights or any other electric devices
Reuse your sheets and towels instead of having them changed every day
For shorter trips, take the train instead of flying
Rent a hybrid car
Whenever possible, use public transportation instead of a taxis or rental car - better yet, walk or bike
Take only photographs - do not take "souvenirs" from natural areas, historical areas or hotels
Take photos with a digital camera - disposable cameras are very wasteful and expensive

Going Green Guide to: Weddings

Keeping guest list small equals less impact in every area including environmental impact, waste and carbon use (this is the main factor in an eco-conscious wedding)
Send announcements on recycled paper or an even greener electronic announcement
Choose a ring with eco-friendly materials
Add green items to your registry
Consider looking online for ideas on planning instead of piling magazines and clippings
Search for LEED-certified or low impact reception locations
Think vintage with rings, dresses and suits
Source locally for food, drinks and flowers
Consider a donation to your favorite cause as part of your registry
Spread the word – if your goal is to have a green wedding, tell people about it so they are conscious about their choices for the event