Lifestyle

Love it or hate it: We're about to be in the chaotic holiday season. The 4th 'R' of achieving green-ness is the one not often discussed: Refuse it. (Find out more, after the jump!)

In the wake of the election there's more to discuss than the presidential race and the party's winners and losers. Though it wasn't on my ballot one thing on my mind this past week has been California's decision to veto Prop 37, the labeling of genetically modified food. These results prompt me to ask the ever articulate question ... huh? Proposition 37, dubbed The California Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food Act would have required food companies, grocers and retailers to label products with genetically modified ingredients as such. This means consumers could pick up any item on their grocer's shelves and make a more informed buying decision.

Do you strip off your clothes before bedtime and throw them straight in the laundry basket? There's a better way to be sustainable with your laundry care. Here's a hint:

You know when you stumble across a new term or concept that seems to come completely out of nowwhere...And then all of a sudden this foreign word keeps popping up? Maybe it's all the new-agey e-newsletters I receive but that's what's happening with me and the term "Earthing." My first thought was wow people love adding "ing" to nouns and creating a new verb; My second was I need to know what this is all about. So what the heck is earthing?

I'm taking a brief intermission from our normal "Friday Quick Tip" column to urge you to donate anything, (even a $5 or $10 spot) to the Red Cross for Hurricane Sandy Victims. Donate to the Red Cross Disaster Efforts Give Blood to the Red Cross (They had to cancel blood drives because of the hurricane.) After all, who hasn't enjoyed the outdoors of the Jersey Shore, NYC skylines or PA nature?

Although I have the beloved nicknames of “hippie”, “recycle nazi” and a few others, I tend to be proud with my green choices. But I still keep a few of my green habits on the DL. Why? Mostly because I try to maintain a low profile and not be the 'angry green' girl. Or the weird girl with the green habits. Ready for my reveal of bizarre habits?

People, you know you want to cut down the plastic consumption in your home. Here's a simple tip to head in that direction - nix the plastic hand soap and dish soap bottles! Resuable containers and bottles can be refilled with soap on the reg and they also tend to be more aesthetically pleasing - a bonus if you are into pretty bathroom accessories.

Ladies (and fashion-forward Gents) it's time to treat yourself to something decadent that won't leave you feeling guilty. No I'm not talking about vegan smoothies, today it's all about handbags - specifically Jess Rizzuti's collection.

Tired of flimsy plastic bags of beans, rice & quinoa in your cupboard? But how can you make your trip even greener?