I was at the mall the other day shopping for my MIL's b-day gift with my friend Jenn and saw Lush. I had ventured into a Lush once with my good friend Leiko and she showed me around a bit. She buys deodorant there that she really likes. I thought to myself, "I am out of deodorant. I could give it a try." So Jenn and I got a true introduction to Lush. We probably spend half an hour in there playing with the products and learning. If you have never heard of Lush, well today is your lucky day. Mucho Verde! EVERYTHING in there is handmade and uses little packaging. One of my favorite items, which I did not purchase because I don't need at this time, was the shower gel. More like shower jelly. It has a consistency tougher than jello and is like a pretty little blob that you use gradually. The saleslady said hers has lasted months! They have bath bombs, face lotion, body lotion, wraps/masks, henna hair dye, etc.. Check them out- LUSH.com
So I ended up getting the Aromaco Deodorant. It has witch hazel and chamomile in it so I smell like a true hippy! It is in the form of a bar, kinda like a bar of soap. Leiko uses the powder version but I wasn't sure if that would be good enough for me, next time maybe. It was a little odd to get used to. They wrap it in paper to cart it home so I keep it wrapped in paper so my hands don't get icky. You have to apply it slowly as to not pull the skin too much but I like it. Seeing as its the middle of summer in Florida, I have needed to reapply some days. But it usually does alright.
Toothy Tabs
At the checkout counter we were curious about this small box of 'toothy tabs' toothpaste. So the lady gave us each 3 to try out. They look like mints. You put one in your mouth and chew it to crumbs then brush with wet toothbrush. My teeth felt cleaner than ever! Love, love love! I will definitely be getting a box next time. At $4 for 40 tabs, not bad a price either.
Lush is becoming my favorite store and I bet it will be yours too ;)
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Fireworks??
SO I got to thinking this morning... What is the environmental impact of fireworks. Before doing research I decided they have to be bad. There is no way they could be good for our health. And now I no longer really care if I see any fireworks ever again. So there is much debate, even from my loving fiance. But one article on Treehugger.com had this comment posted that interested me and its from 2 years ago:
Dear Editors of Treehugger,
I am an environmental scientist with a specialization in hazardous wastes, and I need to inform you this article about fireworks is filled with inaccuracies. This is a political piece designed to stop people from being concerned about firework contamination, yet fireworks contamination is a critical environmental issue, especially here in the US.
For the past six years EPA has researched and funded on the toxicity and dangers of perchlorate contamination, and the findings have found this to be a serious environmental contaminant with possible overwhelming health consequences. The US has twice the cancer rate than anywhere else in the world, and our use of fireworks is by far the highest in the world (much more than China). Perchlorates are toxic at the ppb concentrations and a DIRECT endocrine disruptor (not just thyroid as your author posted). The science speaks for itself. It is believed, among many concerned environmental scientists, that fireworks and munition waste in the US is a main culprit to our outrageously high cancer rates. As you must know, people dictate policy and people like their fireworks. Thus, stressing the importance of this issue has been extremely difficult for scientists and EPA (Sound familiar? It was the same issue with global warming.).
Please, to make your site credible and have a greater impact don't just hire sexy writers, rather stick to the science and facts.
Thanks for letting me share.
Lena H
So, for now I am no longer buying sparklers or any other small items like poppers. Really, is it worth the environmental impact for maybe an hour of fun?? I don't think there is anything I can really do to prevent them from ever happening, but that doesn't mean I won't try. Stay tuned for that!
On a similar note, I have been against balloons and most party decorations for awhile now. I am all about an eco-friendly party!
Have a happy fourth and don't let me make you feel too guilty. After all, not going to watch the fireworks doesn't reduce their impact.
Dear Editors of Treehugger,
I am an environmental scientist with a specialization in hazardous wastes, and I need to inform you this article about fireworks is filled with inaccuracies. This is a political piece designed to stop people from being concerned about firework contamination, yet fireworks contamination is a critical environmental issue, especially here in the US.
For the past six years EPA has researched and funded on the toxicity and dangers of perchlorate contamination, and the findings have found this to be a serious environmental contaminant with possible overwhelming health consequences. The US has twice the cancer rate than anywhere else in the world, and our use of fireworks is by far the highest in the world (much more than China). Perchlorates are toxic at the ppb concentrations and a DIRECT endocrine disruptor (not just thyroid as your author posted). The science speaks for itself. It is believed, among many concerned environmental scientists, that fireworks and munition waste in the US is a main culprit to our outrageously high cancer rates. As you must know, people dictate policy and people like their fireworks. Thus, stressing the importance of this issue has been extremely difficult for scientists and EPA (Sound familiar? It was the same issue with global warming.).
Please, to make your site credible and have a greater impact don't just hire sexy writers, rather stick to the science and facts.
Thanks for letting me share.
Lena H
So, for now I am no longer buying sparklers or any other small items like poppers. Really, is it worth the environmental impact for maybe an hour of fun?? I don't think there is anything I can really do to prevent them from ever happening, but that doesn't mean I won't try. Stay tuned for that!
On a similar note, I have been against balloons and most party decorations for awhile now. I am all about an eco-friendly party!
Have a happy fourth and don't let me make you feel too guilty. After all, not going to watch the fireworks doesn't reduce their impact.
Friday, June 24, 2011
The ending to my new Melaleuca obsession..
I have sadly decided to discontinue my Melaleuca membership. Although I love the products and would most definitely recommend them to anyone, they require you to buy more products in a month than Seth and I can consume. If I was really desperate to stay a customer we could take more supplements and such but it would be unnecessary spending just to keep the membership. Do know that if they ever lower their minimum monthly purchase, I will join again. I loaded up on my fave goodies and will still be able to purchase the products but marked up. Not sure it is worth it.
I am thinking about making some of my own products, however. I hear that it is easy and cheap to make lotion and laundry detergent. I might start there and expand once I am out of Melaleuca. Stay tuned for those updates!
I am thinking about making some of my own products, however. I hear that it is easy and cheap to make lotion and laundry detergent. I might start there and expand once I am out of Melaleuca. Stay tuned for those updates!
My guilty non-green pleasures and how I will never be extreme-green...
I know I am much greener than most people. But I don't feel I will ever be extreme green. It just is not possible at this point for some things and other things I just can't give up. My list of things that at this point will never turn green:
Soda - I was doing so good for awhile but I am now back to one a day, shame on me.
Gas - I really wouldn't mind giving up driving for the most part if I could live near pretty much everything I need.
Girl Products - I have heard of the re-usable maxi pads from the same companies that make re-usable diapers but I don't think I will ever have it in me to wash that stuff.
TV - or video games, computers, etc. Really they are not that bad, but use up unnecessary electricity.
Packaged Foods - My consumption of them has declined but I will not be one to live off only fresh foods and bulk grain.
Magazines - I know they can be read on the computer and save trees, but I love having one to hold and they are easier to keep in the bathroom in paper format.
Paper in General - I am anally organized and keep paper copies of most items although I have them on computer, say my calendar. I have about 4 different calendars that I am constantly updating. Although I do get electronic versions of most bills.
If you had to pick one thing you could not give up to be green, what would it be?
Soda - I was doing so good for awhile but I am now back to one a day, shame on me.
Gas - I really wouldn't mind giving up driving for the most part if I could live near pretty much everything I need.
Girl Products - I have heard of the re-usable maxi pads from the same companies that make re-usable diapers but I don't think I will ever have it in me to wash that stuff.
TV - or video games, computers, etc. Really they are not that bad, but use up unnecessary electricity.
Packaged Foods - My consumption of them has declined but I will not be one to live off only fresh foods and bulk grain.
Magazines - I know they can be read on the computer and save trees, but I love having one to hold and they are easier to keep in the bathroom in paper format.
Paper in General - I am anally organized and keep paper copies of most items although I have them on computer, say my calendar. I have about 4 different calendars that I am constantly updating. Although I do get electronic versions of most bills.
If you had to pick one thing you could not give up to be green, what would it be?
Thursday, June 9, 2011
First Products
I received my first shipment of Melaleuca last week and have been trying them out with fervor.
I have 3 handsoaps, dishwasher detergent, laundry detergent, liquid fabric softener, fabric softener sheets, laundry spot stain treatment and some heart healthy vitamins for Seth. I have so far used everything except the spot treatment. I don't get too many stains on my clothes that need to be treated. I so far love everything. The dishwasher detergent is just like regular stuff. I have used a few different 'environmentally friendly' versions and hated them all. Not this one though. It is phosphate, chlorine, bleach and lye free. But you would not know it from running a load. No spots! And it only takes a small amount, about 1/4 of what you would normally use. All of their products are extra concentrated, meaning more loads/uses per bottle = less bottles to the landfill. And the laundry stuff smells great!
At this point I am definitely going to continue using their products and most likely will sell the memberships to those interested :)
Love, love love!
I have 3 handsoaps, dishwasher detergent, laundry detergent, liquid fabric softener, fabric softener sheets, laundry spot stain treatment and some heart healthy vitamins for Seth. I have so far used everything except the spot treatment. I don't get too many stains on my clothes that need to be treated. I so far love everything. The dishwasher detergent is just like regular stuff. I have used a few different 'environmentally friendly' versions and hated them all. Not this one though. It is phosphate, chlorine, bleach and lye free. But you would not know it from running a load. No spots! And it only takes a small amount, about 1/4 of what you would normally use. All of their products are extra concentrated, meaning more loads/uses per bottle = less bottles to the landfill. And the laundry stuff smells great!
At this point I am definitely going to continue using their products and most likely will sell the memberships to those interested :)
Love, love love!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Tomato :)
I have my first tomatoes on my tomato plant! And the cucumbers and lettuce are thriving.
For my birthday, which is in July, Seth will be making my raised garden bed. So I will officially be rocking.
I just finished a book last week and have been recommending it to everyone... 'The Conscious Kitchen' (http://www.amazon.com/Conscious-Kitchen-Protect-Improve-Deliciously/dp/0307461408). As with every book I read on how to be more green, you have to pick and choose what you want to actually follow from it. The writer is a bit of an extremist in my eyes. Although the inside lining of a metal can is not the best thing for you, it is impractical to avoid cans for most households. And picking the best fish to eat? You have to have a big wallet to buy what you should actually eat. Unless you have the income and time to stay home and prepare your family's meals from scratch from your own yard, I don't see it possible to follow it to a T. But... it does have some wonderful advice and I felt more informed after reading it. It is a small book and you can browse thru it skipping what you already know. It does have some recipes including one from Michael Pollan (writer of Omnivore's Dilemma and Food Matters). So I would suggest it to anyone. I am personally trying to reduce the amount of plastics in my house and probably will take their advice on where to get dishes, utensils, and bibs for my children when I have some. Happy reading ;)
I just finished a book last week and have been recommending it to everyone... 'The Conscious Kitchen' (http://www.amazon.com/Conscious-Kitchen-Protect-Improve-Deliciously/dp/0307461408). As with every book I read on how to be more green, you have to pick and choose what you want to actually follow from it. The writer is a bit of an extremist in my eyes. Although the inside lining of a metal can is not the best thing for you, it is impractical to avoid cans for most households. And picking the best fish to eat? You have to have a big wallet to buy what you should actually eat. Unless you have the income and time to stay home and prepare your family's meals from scratch from your own yard, I don't see it possible to follow it to a T. But... it does have some wonderful advice and I felt more informed after reading it. It is a small book and you can browse thru it skipping what you already know. It does have some recipes including one from Michael Pollan (writer of Omnivore's Dilemma and Food Matters). So I would suggest it to anyone. I am personally trying to reduce the amount of plastics in my house and probably will take their advice on where to get dishes, utensils, and bibs for my children when I have some. Happy reading ;)
Melaleuca
So one day I was looking up natural fabric softener ideas to avoid the conventional caustic ones. I read to add baking soda to your laundry or white vinegar and if you want a little sent, some essential oil. I really, really like fabric softener and was not quite sure I am ready to give it up for baking soda which seemed to be the most popular choice. In one forum I read mentioned a few times the company Melaleuca, so I did some research. Now, when going onto the website you can still be a little confused so I clicked on 'send me more information' which led to a representative calling me... I think I will be in love.
Melaleuca is a membership based company. Think of it like Sam's Club. You have to be a member to shop there. It's only $29 to join for the first year and $12 a year after that. The downside is that you have to buy a certain amount of product from them every year. So if you don't think your household would need that much product every month, then it is not for you. But here is the best part my friend! All of the products are environmentally friendly :) Melaleuca is the scientific name for Tea Tree Oil. When the company first started, they started with cleaning products that contain Melaleuca since it is the world's natural disinfectant. All of the products are concentrated so you get a spray bottle and dilute it into usable format which cuts down on the amount of plastic bottles that are produced. They are all biodegradable and made with natural ingredients. And use by use cheaper than conventional!
Melaleuca also sells makeup, body care items, nutritional supplements, and first aid items. You can join as a representative in which you sell memberships but not the actual products. I may become a representative if I love the products which I think I will. My first shipment (ordered yesterday) will probably be here tomorrow or the next day so I will keep you informed!
Melaleuca is a membership based company. Think of it like Sam's Club. You have to be a member to shop there. It's only $29 to join for the first year and $12 a year after that. The downside is that you have to buy a certain amount of product from them every year. So if you don't think your household would need that much product every month, then it is not for you. But here is the best part my friend! All of the products are environmentally friendly :) Melaleuca is the scientific name for Tea Tree Oil. When the company first started, they started with cleaning products that contain Melaleuca since it is the world's natural disinfectant. All of the products are concentrated so you get a spray bottle and dilute it into usable format which cuts down on the amount of plastic bottles that are produced. They are all biodegradable and made with natural ingredients. And use by use cheaper than conventional!
Melaleuca also sells makeup, body care items, nutritional supplements, and first aid items. You can join as a representative in which you sell memberships but not the actual products. I may become a representative if I love the products which I think I will. My first shipment (ordered yesterday) will probably be here tomorrow or the next day so I will keep you informed!
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