Lifestyle

Well helloooo 2013! As a new year is upon us and we're bombarded with ideas on how to be our best, thinnest, richest, smartest self ever we have some ideas to throw in the mix. Of course these resolutions are good for the planet, but the bonus is there also good for your wallet (and don't involve a gym membership or chalky protein shakes.) After all, who isn't looking to save a few bucks as those holiday credit card bills roll in? Click through for green resolutions!

Ever see those commercials for 'microbeads', created to massage and exfoliate your body or face? They're typically purple or a color in a clear cosmetic gel and advertised to be AMAZING? (Find out more, after the jump!)

Avoiding more of those climate change movies because you already recycle and bring your own coffee cup to Wawa? Sick of those eco propaganda "art forms" guilting you for how much "we" Americans waste each year? Good news: Chasing Ice is a different type of Climate Change movie. It never talks about what you're doing wrong, what's really in your food or what you're not recycling. Instead, Chasing Ice shows you the result. Last week, (Find out more, after the jump!)

Stores and marketers want to sell you crap. I know, because I'm a marketer. Don't buy into the gimmicks of "iPhone holders", solar-powered waving queens and a banana whip maker. (Um, we gave you a Banana Whip recipe. Just use your existing food processor or blender.) Single-use (or single purpose) products often times end up (Find out more, after the jump!)

Ever get frustrated when you see a water bottle (the horror!) in your friends trash can? This is pretty much my nightmare. (Find out how to help your friends without preaching, after the jump.)

The bad news: Philadelphia was named the most stressed city for women in Self magazine's December issue. The good news: we have eco-friendly ways to relax and de-stress! Self cites an average 32 minute one-way commute and a 12% unemployment rate as some of the reasons for Philly topping the list. Ladies, you deserve better!Stress is a fact of life and some of the factors that contribute to the feeling can't be helped; But that doesn't mean we shouldn't be taking steps to relax. Of course it's also the holiday season - a time that lends itself to feeling frazzled and fried. Whether you can get your R & R in now or in January these tips will help. Click through for 5 ways to de-stress (and help get Philly off that downer list):

Burt's Bees just found their #1 Lip Balm Fan right here in Philadelphia - and we're giving 10 of our lucky readers a free lip balm to celebrate! It's easy to love this brand's story. Burt's Bees started in the 1991 by a beekeeper (Burt Shavitz) and Roxanne Quimby with the classic Beeswax Lip Balm 'recipe' originating from a farmer's almanac. Worried about hidden chemicals? (Find out more about Burt's Bees and how to enter to win a FREE lip balm, after the jump!)

Let's face it - America is a disposable society. But there's one mantra I have when shopping - whether it's key pieces in my wardrobe, shoes, kitchenware or a suitcase:

With twenty days left til Christmas it’s time to get your green gift shopping on! Don’t stress, friends, we have your guide to affordable, eco-friendly items for everyone on your list. Fashionistas: For the fashionable lady who likes to be sustainable while looking cute gift the Jous Jous Eco Friendly Handmade Earring. I love all the colors, but especially the red and green. (See these beauties on the right.) Kids : The tots in your life will have fun with this Green Toys Recycling Truck. And, their parents will be grateful you didn’t gift them something toxic or noisy. Click through for more recommendations!