.

Holiday tips courtesy of EcoFabulous:

When it comes to decorating for the holidays, green decor means more than hanging a pine wreath outside. This season, be inspired by all of the eco-friendly options available (including the DIY route!) and commit to creating a healthy home for your family and the planet. From lights to ornaments, to modern menorahs and sustainable stockings - we've got you covered!

To Tree or Not to Tree, the Evergreen Question: Whether you prefer the fresh smell of pine or prefer the ease of a fake tree, each option has an eco angle. For the live route, research organic Christmas tree farms in your area. Check outGreenPromise.com or LocalHarvest.com - both feature farm directories by zip code. Buying a live tree that can be replanted in your backyard is the best choice, but if you choose a cut tree be sure to recycle it responsibly - check out earth911.com to find a recycling location near you.  If you prefer the ease and reusability of a fake tree, try to purchase a vintage or used one locally, and reuse year after year. Or check out the new modern tannenboing tree made in the USA with recycled aluminum.

Go Ornamental: Adorn the tree with vintage mementos and baubles made from renewable resources like rubberwood and felt or recycled materials like misprinted cans. Check out eBay's World of Good for tons of "eco-positive" ornaments made by fair trade workers around the world - we're long time fans of One World Projects' classic recycled glass balls, but our favorite new find for this season is adorablefelted acorn tree decorations made from real acorn caps!

Light it Up Efficiently: LED lights illuminate beautifully and mean you won't have to change any bulbs for a very long time. You can order them onholidayleds.com in a variety of bulb shapes and sizes.  If you are of the mind that nothing sparks the spirit like a fire, try ecosmart's denatured alcohol indoor/outdoor flickering options (much healthier than wood for all).

Fir Sure: Making a wreath from foliage (especially if you have some in your garden) is a fantastic family project! You can even set it out to dry and then save it for next year. Or if you want the easy way out, order an organic herb wreath from Eco Express. The beautiful arrangement of rosemary, thyme and bay leaves accented with red chili peppers can be saved and enjoyed all through the coming year.

Modern Menorah: We love the eco-friendly modern menorah from Amenity. Made of FSC-certified walnut, the candle blocks can be used year round throughout the house and then joined together at Hanukah! To top it off the candles are made of hand-poured soy.

For Stockings that Truly Stack Up: Chances are you've been using the same stocking year after year. If this is the case, then give yourself a green pat on the back and just keep on keepin' on. If you're in the market for a new stocking, consider buying vintage or make sure to purchase one made from natural, renewable fibers - like wool, hemp, or organic cotton. Check out this modern take on the time old tradition, these classy handmade felt stockings found on etsy, and these hand-knit stylesmade from pure merino wool. Or get inspired to make your own!

Open Door Policy: Welcome guests with a holiday-themed door mat made of thickly woven, naturally durable, coir - a fiber that comes from the outer husk of coconut shells. Pottery Barn offers a few different seasonal designs.
Star Light, Star Bright:These delicate little treasures are made from reclaimed milk containers! From felt birds to cardboard wreaths, Branch Home has a great selection of modern picks for holiday decor that are as sustainable as they are stylish.

Deck the Halls: Whether you're placing holly, mistletoe, or other floral arrangements of choice throughout your winter wonderland, make sure you're choosing the organic variety and sourcing locally, where possible. Pairing any selection with these red hot and recycled Soho Vases from Bambeco will guarantee a smokin' holiday soiree no matter how cold it is outside. 

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EWG - or the Environmental Working Group (ewg.org) is a DC-based organization whose mission is to use the power of public information to protect public health and the environment.

This non-profit is a powerhouse of information in addition to advocating on our behalf! When it come to Children's Health the have done extensive research on Bisphenol A and why we should avoid it, Kid-Safe Chemicals, the dangers of fluoride and mercury in products, as well as arsenic in treated wood. Here are just a few of the great resources they make available so you can know how to keep your children healthy inside and living in a safe environment: 

2011 Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce

Skin Deep: Cosmetic Safety Database

Skin Deep: Sunscreens 2011 - best and worst

National Drinking Water Database

Cell Phone Radiation Report

Some of their recent advocacy investigations include:

National Food Day EWG participated in Food Day to help build support for healthy, affordable food produced in a sustainable, humane way. The Congressional Super Committee is making decisions about food and farm policy.

Just Label It! 60 to 70 percent of processed foods available in America likely contain some genetically engineered ingredients. There's no requirement to label them. EWG joined the Just Label It! Campaign to change that.

In our busy lives, EWG makes it easier to live healthy and sustainably by putting the information at our finger-tips. I have learned so much from them. I hope you will too! 

healthy and green wishes to your families!

 Addie 

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The kids are back in school, work is getting busy again...and most likely the weather will start to change soon (although you wouldn't think we are nearly in October given the recent wet and humid conditions). Assuming Fall is soon on its way and we are in store for some cooler weather, making it a great time to weatherize your home before that cold hits us. Here are 4 green tips to help you transition into Fall:

1. Weatherize Your Home for Winter

When it comes to energy efficiency, one of the easiest and least expensive green practices you can do is to plug and seal leaks air leaks - called weatherization. Fall is a great time to prepare your home for the winter months before it gets too cold. According to the Department of Energy, heating accounts for the biggest chunk of our utility bill, accounting for more than 40% if you include heating the space in our home as well as our water. Weatherization can save you 25 to 40 percent on your heating and cooling bills.  The average unweatherized house in the United States leaks air at a rate equivalent to a four-foot-square hole in the wall.

You can weatherize your home yourself, usually for under $20, with a couple easy steps:

• Identify areas in your home where you may have leaks. Looks for gaps in your doorways where you can see visible light filtering in. Hold a match or incense near windows or areas where you have large cracks (possibly from foundation settling) - if the fire flickers or the incense is drawn to the outdoors, you have a leak!
• Buy weather stripping for your doors and windows at your local hardware store.
• Use caulking to seal up areas where you have cracks.

2. Manage Your Indoor Air Quality

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates indoor air to be 2-5 times more polluted than outdoors. Now I know I just told you to seal up your home to avoid loss of heating and cooling and reduce your energy bills, but you also have to be careful you don't trap in pollution that could harm your health. Most of us don't think about the toxins in our home from our furniture, carpets and rugs, and cleaning products. Wood often is treated with formaldehyde, paints used to decorate your walls may contain phenols; carpets, paints, and upholstery can contain VOCs - all of these are toxins which can adversely affect our respiratory systems and cause other health problems.

Here are a few ways to manage your indoor air quality:

• Make sure you have changed your air filters and continue to do that every 3 months or as directed by your HVAC or furnace system recommendations;
• When weather permits, open your windows to allow fresh air in your home;
• If you have ceiling fans, turn them on and keep air circulating. You can use floor fans and place them in front of windows to move air flow through your home and flush out stagnant air or use the "fan" on your thermostat that keeps air flowing through your ducts, even if the heat or cooling is not being used;
• Consider adding air filters to rooms you sleep in or spend a lot of time, and/or add air purifying plants to naturally clean your air. The best air-purifying plants include the peace lily, bamboo palm, English ivy, mums, and gerbera daisies, all of which are both easy to find and easy to care for - so even if you don't have a green thumb, you can still have a green home or office.
• Buying household products that don't have harmful chemicals is another important practice. Start with your cleaning products. Look for products that are 100% natural and chemical free, have no dyes, no detergents, no surfactants, no preservatives, no SLS, SLES, ALS, no synthetic fragrances, and no preservatives.

3. Make Healthy and Sustainable Water Choices

We've all been lectured about the environmental impact of purchasing bottled water - estimates still show that over 2 million plastic bottles are thrown away in the U.S. every HOUR! Well, it's not just about reducing our consumption of plastic water bottles to reduce the number going to landfills every day, there are health reasons to having the proper reusable bottle and ensuring your water comes from a trusted source. Many people get allergies in the Fall and cold and flu season begins with the changing temperatures. Clean, sustainable water helps keep you healthy and reduces your environmental impact.

• Get a good reusable water bottle. Look for Stainless Steel bottles like Kleen Kanteen, although there are many to choose from these days. If you prefer a lighter weight bottle made of plastic, be sure it is BPA-free. Check out Time magazine's Top 5 Eco-Friendly Water Bottles (rated in 2008).
• Get your water from a trusted source - preferably water you have filtered at home through our faucet or from your fridge. Since you may drink your one bottle sooner than you can return home to refill, especially since the point is to NOT buy water bottles when you are on-the-go, you can also get water bottles with built-in filters. Check out the BOBBLE and also the Camel Back Reusables with built-in filters.

4. Enjoy the Final Fall Harvest with Eco-eating

Fall is a great time to take advantage of the end of year harvests by visiting local farmers markets. While some farmers markets are year round, many end for the season in October or November until starting up again in April or May. It's important to choose the right fruits and vegetables by season as well as those that are lower in pesticides.

• Check out the Environmental Working Group's Shopper's Guide to Pesticides for a very useful guide of the Dirty Dozen (fruits and vegetables found to have higher pesticide use/content, making it worth the extra buck or two for organic) vs. the Clean Fifteen (those with lower pesticide use/content so you run less risk if you don't buy organic);
• Fruits and vegetables in season in October and November include apples, spinach, and broccoli. Grapes, pumpkins, squash, raspberries, and tomatoes may also be in season and available at your local farmer's market.

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It's been way too long since I connected with the Brooksfield community and so today I want to share some personal and professional thoughts on green living.

When I started my business in 2008, I wanted to provide a service that helped people make better decisions for their own personal health and the health of our planet. I also wanted to help businesses build a culture of green so that they could implement green practices that made sense, reduced their environmental impact, and boosted employee morale and retention. After a couple years of providing those services, with great success in some areas, and not so great in others - I have just this weekend had what I think is an insightful revelation on where I may have gone wrong, and where I need to go from here. 

The revelation: Most people just want things to be simple. Most people buy products because they want something tangible. Selling green services is often a bit...convoluted. I developed checklists and assessments and resource guides thinking that people would continue to use them over and over. But if any of you are like me, I have plenty of guides and useful resources that are sitting on a shelf collecting dust, or tucked away in a folder on my computer eating up memory that I don't even know I am using. Four months ago, something else happened in my life that has led me to this current revelation - I had a baby! And since you are likely a parent if you are reading this, you know that when that little being enters your world, everything changes and all your priorities shift. 

Cloth diapers, organic baby formula - out the window! Yep - me. The green consultant. Now I do still use the eco-friendly disposable diapers and only organic creams, etc. - but in my new day-to-day reality I need green practices that are easy, and that work for my lifestyle and busy schedule. For working parents, finding a balance between healthy living, green living - heck just regular living - can be hard enough. 

So if you are like me and always trying to do everything "right" - do yourself a favor and just do what is easy enough for today. Does that mean throw everything in the trash instead of recycle, crank up the heat, or leave the faucet running when you are not using water? Of course not. But live green where it is tangible for you whether it means buying recycled content products that you like, using eco-friendly cleaners that are affordable and at your grocery store, or being conscious of your energy consumption. We all define what green means to us. Find your green thing - and stick with it! You and the planet will feel more balanced! 

As for where this revelation is taking me, stay tuned! (A little re-organization on my end may result in a lot of re-organization for others.) 

 

 

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 Gearing Up for McLean Green Day!

I keep hearing about visits to the pumpkin patch and discussions about Halloween costumes - it must be October! In fact, it's mid-October and we are just days away from the McLean Green Day hosted by Brooskfield School. 

 

 Here is why I am excited about McClean Green Day this Saturday, October 23 (9am - 12pm):

• Brooksfield has been working hard for over a year now to integrate green practices into their school operations and classrooms. Organizing an event like this for the community shows their commitment to environmental stewardship beyond their front doors. It will also give people a chance to learn more about what makes their school green.
• With over 30 vendors focused on sustainable and nutritious living - this will not only be a fun event for the whole family, you will leave with valuable information about green and healthy living. 

Green Living Consulting will be giving you important tips for creating a toxin-free home and workplace!

 Green Halloween 

 As you and your little ones gear up for that very exciting evening of trick-or-treating, here are some resources to help ensure you are keeping your child safe and reducing negative impacts to the environment that can arise from this unique holiday: 

1) The Environmental Working Group is a great resource for Green Halloween tips, from safe cosmetics and paints as well as create-your-own Halloween costume ideas.

2) Dr. Weil has some great ideas for treat giveaways that are a little less fat-filled but don't take all the fun out of collecting sweet goodies.  Info here.

3) Planet Green also has Green Halloween Tips - some similar to EWG but worth the read nonetheless.

4) Don't know what to give your child as a trick-or-treat bag? Any resuable grocery bag is the perfect eco-friendly option. If you want to give your child a themed bag that also goes to a good cause, consider a FEED bag. The FEED Project sells feed bags to help feed hungry children. Bag sells for $13.20, but can support a child with micronutrient powders for about one year. Available at HSN. 

 Fall Green Living Tips

A couple weeks ago I had the pleasure of appearing on TBD.com's Let's Talk Live show to give Green Living Tips for the Fall.  I discussed weatherizing your home for winter, strategies for maintaining good indoor air quality, tips for staying healthy through the Fall weather transition with safe drinking water, and ways to enjoy the Fall harvest with seasonal fruit and vegetable options. Check out the details of my Fall green living tips HERE.

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After a busy summer of interns and putting together new green living resources, I am back to Brooksfield blogging and sharing green living tips good for people and the planet. If you ever have specific green living questions, please send a message to info AT greenlivingconsulting.com. 

This month's blog is from a recent post I did on greendailygrind.com before a presentation at a local festival in DC. 

Making Your Own Green Cleaning Products

Many natural ingredients found in your kitchen can double as safe and effective cleaning products. These cleaners are inexpensive and non-toxic to use, creating healthier homes in the cleaning process.

Why Should We Be Concerned with Our Cleaning Products?

Well, here are a few facts that got my attention:

There are an estimated 80,000 different chemical compounds in use, of which 4000-8000 are estimated to trigger cancer.

The average household contains anywhere from 3 to 25 gallons of toxic materials.

Of the roughly 17,000 chemicals used in household products, only about 30% have been adequately tested for their effects on human health.

According to The International Agency for Research on Cancer, 80% of all cancers are attributable to environmental influences.

Cleaning products are often defined as Hazardous Waste: Any material (gas, liquid or solid) discarded from the home that may, due to its chemical nature, pose a health threat to people, animals and the environment if handled or disposed of improperly. When you dispose of your cleaning products in landfills or down the drain, you negatively affect: fish, birds, soil, air, the water supply, and human health.

Toxic substances has become such a concern that it is currently in the National Spotlight. Currently there are two reform bills in Congress which would improve on the 1976 Toxic Substances Control Act:

• Require industries to prove safety of chemicals
• Require basic information about all chemicals
• Suggest a program for the EPA to identify and clean up hot spots in the country where chemical exposure is particularly high

The House bill requires the EPA to take action on the 40 worst chemicals within the next year. One of the other reasons for public concern is that the current Act excludes cosmetics, food, drugs, and pesticides, and the EPA has only tested about 200 of the 60,000 - 80,000 chemicals in production in the marketplace. (Get more information on the proposed reform through various organizations: Healthy Child, Healthy World, Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families and Occupational Health and Safety)

With so much unknown and needed reform still in the legislative process, we are better off at the moment taking matters into our hands. One way to do that is to make your own cleaning products with ingredients you can trust, and probably have in your kitchen right now.

Clean from your Cupboard: Green Cleaning Recipes and Tips

Vinegar

Vinegar naturally cleans like an all-purpose cleaner. Mix a solution of 1 part water to 1 part vinegar in a new store bought spray bottle and you have a solution that will clean most areas of your home. Vinegar is a great natural cleaning product as well as a disinfectant and deodorizer. Always test on an inconspicuous area. It is safe to use on most surfaces and has the added bonus of being incredibly cheap. Improperly diluted vinegar is acidic and can eat away at tile grout. Never use vinegar on marble surfaces. Don't worry about your home smelling like vinegar. The smell disappears when it dries. Here are some uses for vinegar in the rooms of your house:

• Bathroom - Clean the bathtub, toilet, sink, and countertops. Use pure vinegar in the toilet bowl to get rid of rings. Flush the toilet to allow the water level to go down. Pour the undiluted vinegar around the inside of the rim. Scrub down the bowl. Mop the floor in the bathroom with a vinegar/water solution. The substance will also eat away the soap scum and hard water stains on your fixtures and tile. Make sure it is safe to use with your tile.
• Kitchen- Clean the stovetop, appliances, countertops, and floor.
• Laundry Room- Use vinegar as a natural fabric softener. This can be especially helpful for families who have sensitive skin. Add ½ cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle in place of store bought fabric softener. Vinegar has the added benefit of breaking down laundry detergent more effectively. (A plus when you have a family member whose skin detects every trace of detergent.)

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice can be used to dissolve soap scum and hard water deposits, as well as to clean and shine brass and copper. It can be mixed with vinegar and or baking soda to make cleaning pastes. Cut a lemon in half and sprinkle baking soda on the cut section. Use the lemon to scrub dishes, surfaces, and stains. You can also put a whole lemon peel through the garbage disposal to freshen the drain.

Baking Soda

Baking soda can be used to scrub surfaces in much the same way as commercial abrasive cleansers. Baking soda is great as a deodorizer. Place a box in the refrigerator and freezer to absorb odors. Put it anywhere you need deodorizing action.

3% Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen Peroxide is yet another fabulous wonder in the non-toxic world. It can be used for numerous things in the home and can even get rid of mold! Its properties are anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and it can get rid of viruses. You can even use a capful daily as mouthwash. No more canker sores and your teeth will be whiter without expensive pastes! Pour 1 cup in your rinse cycle for some great white action as well.

Jojoba/Olive Oil

Mix together 1 cup jojoba/olive oil and 1/2 cup lemon juice to create a homemade furniture polish. Mix together in a clean new spray bottle. To use, remember to shake before each application. Apply a small portion to your cleaning cloth. Spread the polish over the furniture, trying to polish evenly. Use another clean cloth to polish the surface dry.

Here are a few more useful ingredients to have in your house, along with their uses:

• Carnauba/Beeswax - floor and furniture wax
• Borax-deodorizer - all-purpose cleaner, rust-stain removal
• Toothpaste - metal polisher
• Washing soda (sodium carbonate) - grease and grime cutter, wax remover and deodorizer
• Citrus Fruits - disinfectant, grease cutter, deodorizer, flea repellent
• Eucalyptus/Neem Tree Oils - insect repellent
• Lavender Oil - disinfectant, deodorizer
• Tea Tree Oil - anti-bacterial, -fungal, and -viral, deodorizer
• Natural Vegetable-based Liquid Soap - grease and grime cutter, wax remover and deodorizer

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April 22, 2010 marks the 40th Anniversary of the first Earth Day. On April 22, 1970, more than 20 million people participated in activities that brought environmental awareness to the political forefront. More than 1 billion people today are expected to participate in Earth Day activities and issues of climate change, diminishing natural resources, air quality, and many other environmental issues are increasingly becoming a focus of public policy as well as daily life for many Americans.

So what can you do this Earth Day? There is lots to choose from and more events that may not have made the list. Whether you decide to join the masses,  plant a tree in your yard, or simply remember to bring your own bag to the grocery store- it's all of our small acts that make a difference.

be well. live green. 

 Get Involved in Local Activities: Earth Day Event Calendar
 
Green in the Circle Festival?  Saturday, April 17, 11am - 4pm  Dupont Circle, DC

• A 40th Anniversary of Earth Day event aimed at strengthening and developing our community and informing both businesses and individuals alike of how they can not only "be greener," but also what green businesses, organizations, and resources are already a part of the Dupont community.  The National Zoo helped coordinate this event and volunteers will host a table at the event providing information on the Zoo's green efforts. During the event there will be live music, food, dancing, a scavenger hunt organized by Live Green and other entertainment, so grab your friends and come on down to Dupont Circle between 11am and 4pm on April 17th.

 Earthday week tree and milkweed planting at Potomac Overlook Regional Park, Saturday, April 17, 11am - 4pm  Potomac Overlook, Arlington, VA

• An Earthday planting project at Potomac Overlook Regional Park in Arlington, VA. They will be planting trees, hundreds of milkweeds and also removing invasive plants that have been killing trees at the park. The number of volunteers will be limited to approximately 50-60, so call park staff at 703-528-5406 to sign up.  Volunteers should wear comfortable clothes that they do not mind getting dirty and bring work gloves if they have them (a limited number of gloves will be available). The park will provide tools, direction / training and refreshments. Potomac Overlook is located at the end of Marcey Road, off of Military Road in North Arlington. Staff and volunteers have planted about 350 trees over the past 5 years.

 "No Impact Man" Presented by Washington Film Institute & AED Thursday April 22, screenings: 6:30pm and 8:15pm, reception: 6:45pm - 10:00pm?  AED Globe Theater (Formerly Visions)           ?1927 Florida Avenue, NW, WDC 20009?    Tickets (includes film & reception) $16

• "No Impact Man" follows author Colin Beavan, who could no longer claim to be an environmentalist without changing his lifestyle. He ditches complacency for a vow to make as little environmental impact as possible for one year - giving up electricity, transportation, non-local food and material consumption.  Come see how the year changed his life, his family, and captured the attention of the nation. 

Big Green Purse & Whole Foods events

• Join green consumer expert and best-selling author Diane MacEachern at your local Whole Foods store for lively workshops, store tours, and Q&A sessions that will help you go green and save money!  No purchase necessary, but if you buy a copy of Diane's popular book, Big Green Purse, you'll get a free green purse key ring and, in some stores, a free reusable bag!  Check out all the details on the Big Green Purse Facebook page!

Other Earth Day Events to choose from:

• April 13 - 17: DC Restaurants host Earth Hour events with eco-cocktails and food!?
• April 18: WeatherizeDC's Earth Day Block Party
• ?April 22: Green Square at Georgetown University
• April 22: Earth Hour extended happy hour at Busboys & Poets, 5pm - midnight. 
• April 24: National Zoo Clean-Up
• April 24: Fairfax County's Earth Day / Arbor Day Celebration
• April 24: City of Alexandria's Annual Earth Day Celebration
• April 25: Climate Rally on the National Mall!

 
 

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"Our children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way." I'll never forget these lyrics, and the more work I do in the green sector, the more powerful they become to me. Many of us are making changes as adults to have less impact on the earth and live healthier lives. But it is not always easy, especially when it requires making changes in our daily behavior when we are already used to do things a certain way. 

What if you grew up being conscious of how your daily actions impact the earth? What if recycling and unplugging your electronics every day was as much a ritual as brushing your teeth? Most of us did not grow up living green because our parents didn't know the impact our daily lives have on the quality of our air and water and how many resources are consumed to support our lives. We didn't know that using bleach and other cleaning products were harmful to our health and the environment. We weren't taught to think about the life cycle of a product - what something is made from, how it is made, how it is used, and how it is disposed. 

But things are different today. Living green is not just a trend or luxury. Living green is living smart, for people and the planet. It saves money, keeps us healthy, improves quality of life, and helps preserve resources for current and future generations. The future generations - our children - are learning about living green as early as preschool now. Educators all over the country are embracing eco-education, including Brooksfield. But we can't put all the responsibility on our teachers.

The Zero Footprint Kids website has some great ideas for eco-educating your children. Many of the footprint calculators are based on practices that your younger children may not by engaged in yet (cell phones and video games for example), but the more you know, the more you can educate your children as their own lifestyles and behaviors change.

Areas they focus on include:

• What you eat
• What you throw away
• What you use

Educating your children about green living will ensure healthier a healthier people and planet for their children, and children's children.

be well. live green. 

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While there are many green practices worth adopting, switching to green cleaning products is one of those actions I advocate for both as a way of helping the environment but also of protecting our own health.

Why Switch to Green Cleaning Products?

A Safer Home

Each day, families are put to risk by household cleaning products found throughout their homes, most of which are unregulated and untested, and many whose toxic ingredients are not disclosed on labels. According to National Geographic, only about 30% of the roughly 17,000 chemicals found in household products, including those used for cleaning, have been sufficiently tested for their effects on human health. Healthier and safer cleaning products offer natural, non-toxic, and biodegradable alternatives that are just as effective as synthetic chemical cleaners.

A Safer Environment

The use of synthetic cleaners has adverse effects on air and water quality, as well as land-based environmental concerns. Many of the chemicals in household cleaners are harmful not only in their use, but also in their manufacturing process. For example, the first step in bleach production produces dioxin as a byproduct—a chemical that has been identified as a carcinogen and has been linked to birth defects and genetic changes. Natural cleaners are manufactured in a way to leave the smallest impact possible on the environment and the healthiest atmosphere in our homes.

How to be Green and Clean

Don’t Be Green-Washed

The search for truly green products may not be as easy as reading “organic” on a label.  Many companies engage in greenwashing practices, including words such as “organic,” “eco-friendly,” “biodegradable,” and “non-toxic” on their labels to make products more appealing to consumers. Unfortunately, these claims are often unverifiable and meaningless.  Look for products with full ingredient disclosure or third party certifications to ensure that product claims are substantiated.  Independent groups such as Green Seal, Cradle To Cradle, the Leaping Bunny and the EPA’s Design for the Environment program analyze product ingredients and certify that those chemicals don’t pose harm to your health or to the environment. My rule of thumb is to buy products with less than 5 ingredients and with names that I can pronounce and recognize. I also look for products packaged in post-consumer recycled materials or that offer refills to  further reduce environmental impact.

The Bleach Debate

It has been argued that because bleach breaks down into salt and water, it can be considered biodegradable and does not necessarily pose an environmental hazard. Bleach is a popular cleaning product because it is effective on a wide range of bacteria and viruses and has the added benefit of being cheap. However, despite the fact that bleach breaks down when released into the environment, it is an eye and lung irritant and mixing bleach with other acids (such as vinegar) can produce dangerous and potentially lethal fumes. Furthermore, the manufacturing process of bleach creates the known carcinogen dioxin as a toxic byproduct. It is best to find alternatives to bleach to ensure both a healthier planet and home.

Some Good Green Cleaners

• Better Life. This company was started by two dads, one a chemist, the other a greenie. This is the most effective green cleaning line I have used to-date and one that I use in my home for every surface.  Buy in DC: ACE Hardware locations, Green Living Consulting. Online: Walgreens.com, Drugstore.com. Delight.com.
• BioKleen. Family-owned, with all products receiving a third party review. Order through Greenshops.com
• Ecover. Belgian company that started making eco-friendly products in 1980. In DC: Whole Foods, Yes Organic Market, Nora, Java Green, Brookville Supermarket. Online: HerbTrader.com
• Mrs. Meyers. Biodegradbale, phosphate free and made with essential oils. In DC: Ace Hardware, Bed Bath & Beyond, Container Store, Dean and Deluca, Greater Goods, Whole Foods, Frager’s Hardware.

National Geographic’s Green Guide also reviews and sells products that meet their environmental criteria.

Green Cleaning Recipes and Tips

The greenest way to clean is to make your own cleaning agents. This can save money and ensure that you know what is in your cleaning products. The following recipes can be made from things that are typically found in your kitchen cupboard.

Vinegar

Vinegar naturally cleans like an all-purpose cleaner. Mix a solution of 1 part water to 1 part vinegar in a new spray bottle and you have a solution that will clean most areas of your home. Vinegar is a great natural cleaning product as well as a disinfectant and deodorizer. Always test on an inconspicuous area. It is safe to use on most surfaces and has the added bonus of being incredibly cheap. Improperly diluted vinegar is acidic and can eat away at tile grout. Never use vinegar on marble surfaces. Don’t worry about your home smelling like vinegar. The smell disappears when it dries.

Here are some uses for vinegar in the rooms of your house:

Bathroom – Clean the bathtub, toilet, sink, and countertops. Use pure vinegar in the toilet bowl to get rid of rings. Flush the toilet to allow the water level to go down. Pour the undiluted vinegar around the inside of the rim. Scrub down the bowl. Mop the floor in the bathroom with a vinegar/water solution. The substance will also eat away the soap scum and hard water stains on your fixtures and tile. Make sure it is safe to use with your tile.

Kitchen- Clean the stovetop, appliances, countertops, and floor.

Laundry Room- Use vinegar as a natural fabric softener. This can be especially helpful for families who have sensitive skin. Add ½ cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle in place of store bought fabric softener. Vinegar has the added benefit of breaking down laundry detergent more effectively. (A plus when you have a family member whose skin detects every trace of detergent.)

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is another natural substance that can be used to clean your home. Lemon juice can be used to dissolve soap scum and hard water deposits. Lemon is a great substance to clean and shine brass and copper. Lemon juice can be mixed with vinegar and or baking soda to make cleaning pastes. Cut a lemon in half and sprinkle baking soda on the cut section. Use the lemon to scrub dishes, surfaces, and stains. You can also put a whole lemon peel through the garbage disposal. It freshens the drain and the kitchen. Orange peels can be used with the same results.

Baking Soda

Baking soda can be used to scrub surfaces in much the same way as commercial abrasive cleansers. Baking soda is great as a deodorizer. Place a box in the refrigerator and freezer to absorb odors. Put it anywhere you need deodorizing action.

Olive Oil/Lemon Juice

Mix together 1 cup olive oil and 1/2 cup lemon juice to create a homemade furniture polish. Mix together in a clean new spray bottle. To use, remember to shake before each application. Apply a small portion to your cleaning cloth. Spread the polish over the furniture, trying to polish evenly. Use another clean cloth to polish the surface dry.

be well. live green.

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It’s estimated that between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, Americans generate one million tons of waste a week. Holiday gift giving and decorating doesn’t have to sacrifice the environment – with some creative green thinking and action, you can have a festive holiday that is good for the planet, and maybe even your pocketbook!


Here are Green Living Consulting’s tips for a Green Holiday:

 
Keep up the 3 R’s Through the Holidays

More than 8,000 tons of wrapping paper are used for presents - the equivalent of 50,000 trees. Try these eco-practices to reduce waste:

• Wrap gifts with paper that is made from recycled content or recyclable. I often use the off-white paper included in shipments and decorate using colored ribbon or stamps. Comic strips from the newspaper also make great wrapping paper.
• Buy gifts with minimal packaging and wrap in a reusable bag.
• Recycle wrapping and tissue paper, bags, and boxes after the gift unveiling is over.
• Send e-cards instead of buying and mailing holiday cards or buy cards made from recycled paper. Around 744 million holiday cards are sent each holiday season. If all these were made from recycled paper, it would help to save the equivalent of 248,000 trees!

Green Decorating

Greener Tree Options

• The majority of Christmas trees are dumped in landfills every year, yet there are many uses for discarded trees. Old Christmas trees can be ground up and used for mulch. Some can be replanted and used for increased stabilization near waterways, preventing beach erosion, or fishing reefs. You can also plant your tree in your winter garden as decoration or as a bird feeder.
• You can buy plastic trees that you can reuse every year, but these trees often end up discarded after about 6 years, ending up in landfills. They also contain polyvinyl chloride (PVC) which produces cancer-causing dioxins during its manufacture and incineration.
• The ideal choice for a truly green tree is to buy a potted Christmas tree, available at farmer’s markets, garden centers, and some tree farms. After you’ve enjoyed it, you can celebrate the New Year by planting it outdoors or donate it to your local parks department. Visit earth911.org to find out where to recycle your tree.

Energy Efficient Holiday Lights

Indoor LED (light emitting diode) holiday lights run on about 1/10th of the energy of conventional lights. Since they produce no heat, they don’t present a fire risk, making them green and safe!

• Decorating your home with LED lights could reduce holiday lighting energy use by up to 95%. A typical 50-bulb incandescent strand of lights uses 250 watts and an equivalent 70-bulb LED strand uses only three watts. For a house that operates holiday lights for six hours a day through the month of December, with an energy price of 8.27 cents per kilowatt hour, six strands of incandescent holiday lights would cost over $23 to power versus a mere 28 cents for LEDs. By replacing the incandescent strands with LEDs, it would save you $22.79 in energy costs for the month.
• For outdoor decorating, you can buy Solar LED lights that charge by daylight and automatically turn on from dusk until dawn.
• Don’t forget to always turn your lights off before going to bed at night!

Eco-friendly Ornament Options

• Buy Fair Trade Federation-certified ornaments that are lead-free and made from materials such as silk, wood, or gourds.
• Make your own ornaments out of gingerbread cookies, prior year’s Christmas cards, origami patterns, ribbons, and the old-time favorites like popcorn-and-cranberry garland.

Electronics and Batteries

If you receive electronic goods this season, don’t throw your old ones away. Dispose of them properly by:

• Returning old cell phones to your cell phone provide (many take them back and donate them to community organizations, battered women’s shelters, etc)
• Sell them at YouRenew.com and make money if they are still working or mail it to them anyway and they will recycle or dispose of properly.
• If you are buying toys or electrical goods that need batteries, buy rechargeable ones, then add a battery charger to your shopping list. Make sure to recycle those old batteries instead of tossing them in the trash (libraries often take old batteries or go to earth911.org for disposal locations near you!).

Shopping and Gift-Buying

Around 125,000 tons of plastic packaging are thrown away over the holiday season.

• Take your own reusable shopping bags when you do your shopping.

Get Green Gifts for Your Family and Friends

• www.greenshops.com
• www.treehugger.com/giftguide
• www.greenamericatoday.org/guides/holidaygifts/index.cfm
• www.greengiftguide.com
• www.inhabitat.com/2009/11/27/announcing-the-2009-inhabitat-green-gift-guide/
• www.goinggreendc.net

for some gifts that give back…

• Alternative Gifts International – support global humanitarian causes that will gladly accept a holiday donation in the name of a loved one. www.altgifts.org
• Tom’s Shoes – for every pair purchased Tom gives a pair of shoes to a child in need. www.tomsshoes.com
• Better World Books – Collects and sells books online to fund literacy initiatives worldwide. www.betterworld.com

Post-Holiday Clean-Out

New sweaters, scarves, jeans – all the items on your fashion wishlist were delivered by Santa and now you need room in your closet. If you do a clean-out, be sure to donate your old clothes to someone in need through your local church, Goodwill, or shelter. You might even check with a second-hand shop to see if they’ll consign or buy you used clothing. It would be new to someone else and give you a little extra $green$ in your pocket for your good green acts!

 
Don’t forget to make your New Year’s resolution to live greener in 2010!


Author: Adrienne Spahr, Founder of Green Living Consulting – eco-practices for businesses, organizations, and households. Contact:

www.greenlivingconsulting.com
info@greenlivingconsulting.com

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