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
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