Lifestyle

Looks like karma does come around – Thank you random.org for choosing our EcoSmart Bug Killer Giveaway: Congrats to EcoBro2000 & his friend – good luck in Africa! Best, Julie & Beth

When I spotted "Confessions of an Eco-Sinner" at the local library, I was wary of a green-washing book However, I skimmed the brief summary and gave this book a read - I'm quite glad I did! Although my friends & family may be sick of me continuously spouting things I learned, I can't get enough. Fred Pearce is a British author who decided to track down where various items he uses originate, how they're created and what the impact is on both the local inhabits & environment. For example, he follows the birth of his wedding band into the gold mines of Witwatersrand, Africa (by Johannesburg). He checks to see if his 'Fair Trade" Coffee and cotton are actually "fair trade" - (which is quite complex). Here are just a few fascinating takeaways I learned:

Bottled water tastes SO much  better than tap. It’s cleaner, comes from mountains (aka the heavens) and is bottled up by major manufactures (such as Coca-cola, Fiji and many others – even supermarket brands) delivered to you, tasting better than water you...

Guest Blogger Clay‘s Recommendation: Rocky Mountain Institute Founded in the 1980s by brothers Amory and Hunter Lovins, The Rocky Mountain Institute has since become a global thought leader in the efficient and restorative use of resources.  RMI prides itself on...

56% of women use disposable razors, according to Gillette. Don't do it! But just because you're green doesn't mean you have to stop shaving. Here's greener alternatives:

You feel good about carrying reusable bags, drinking out of your SIGG and cleaning with homemade eco-friendly products . Making sustainable, smart choices in your daily habits can go a long way. What about less frequently marketed ‘green’ products? Here’s two daily items you may not have considered – yet :

Who would have guessed she has a "Big Love" for the environment too? "Being eco-friendly makes you feel good about yourself. Who cares if people call you a hippie?" -Chloë Sevigny, of Big Love Fame That's not all - she lists her green habits as...

Stop listening to the old wives tales: Wash your laundry in cold water. A whopping 90% of energy used for washing clothes is heating the water (Planet Green). If you select that cold/cold option for 4 out of 5 cycles, you'll save 72 LBs of carbon dioxide emissions this month alone! (It's also good for your wallet - You'll save $60-100 a year on energy bills too!)

Did you know tea is the second most consumed beverage next to water in the US? If you’re a tea drinker you probably know its health benefits are numerous. Most teas contain high levels of antioxidants. And, tea has been said to help lower bad cholesterol and may even help heart disease. How can you make a good choice even better? Here's 4 ways to green your tea habit: