Keeping a trunk full of dusty books because one day you will use them to make a boatload of cash to contribute to your retirement??? Why not find out if it REALLY is worth it?? Take the EBay reality check quiz and find out if you are sitting on a potential treasure trove or if you are just harboring a moth-bearing mess that lines the pockets of publishers everywhere.
Ebay Reality Check – The True Value of Your Treasures
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Three way disposables: Trash, Compost, Recycle (Can the general populace handle it?)
Quite recently, I had the pleasure of going to see Cirque Du Soleil with my friend Maria. Their new touring show, oVo, was performing under the Grand Chapiteau on the Plateau at National Harbor, here in the DC Metro Area. It was a fabulous show and I highly recommend that everyone see Cirque at least once in their lifetime; it really is breathtaking.
Aside from the fantastic performance, I learned that the Cirque troop provides all equipment and services for all their shows! Everything you see there-the tents, bathrooms, food stands, fencing, etc.-is all a piece of their traveling show. It also became very apparent to me that the trashcans were even part of their traveling equipment......especially when I noticed the chalkboards overhead. Each trashcan had a sign denoting what it was meant to contain: Recycles, Compost, Trash.
As overjoyed as I was at seeing all this, I quickly became VERY saddened by the response of the general populace. Show attendees were cramming trash of all types into every can available. Food was being discarded on the ground, paper towels were being used in excess at the bathroom stations, candy wrappers were strewn in the tent area, and the list goes on. Even with disposal options CLEARLY lined up and labeled, the attendees of this event couldn't follow the simplest of instructions-could this be the issue with the general public as well???
I challenge you to look around and observe your surroundings this week. When green implementations are outlined for you, are you more likely to use them? Do you NEED a neon sign to begin to get your attention? I would be interested to know. :)
Aside from the fantastic performance, I learned that the Cirque troop provides all equipment and services for all their shows! Everything you see there-the tents, bathrooms, food stands, fencing, etc.-is all a piece of their traveling show. It also became very apparent to me that the trashcans were even part of their traveling equipment......especially when I noticed the chalkboards overhead. Each trashcan had a sign denoting what it was meant to contain: Recycles, Compost, Trash.
As overjoyed as I was at seeing all this, I quickly became VERY saddened by the response of the general populace. Show attendees were cramming trash of all types into every can available. Food was being discarded on the ground, paper towels were being used in excess at the bathroom stations, candy wrappers were strewn in the tent area, and the list goes on. Even with disposal options CLEARLY lined up and labeled, the attendees of this event couldn't follow the simplest of instructions-could this be the issue with the general public as well???
I challenge you to look around and observe your surroundings this week. When green implementations are outlined for you, are you more likely to use them? Do you NEED a neon sign to begin to get your attention? I would be interested to know. :)
Friday, September 24, 2010
My good friend Tina Dean: Going Green with Noah: Plastic Eco-Diaper OOAK Bag - Review and Giveaway
Going Green with Noah: Plastic Eco-Diaper OOAK Bag - Review and Giveaway: "My mom used to crochet. My sister, Sarah, just began crocheting. I know its hard and appreciate greatly those who can! Not only do I k..."
Thursday, September 16, 2010
The power of the words REuse, REpurpose, & REduce
One of the things that I try to do on a daily basis is to challenge myself to think outside of the box. For instance, when I look at an old butter container, I see: a planter, a pencil holder, a bell, a Christmas ornament, a squirrel guard, a dog travel dish, a waterproof sunflower, and many other things. It is thinking like this that has helped me to REuse and REpurpose everyday items that we, as humans, take for granted......thus REducing my environmental impact. :)
Two great sites are helping that happen more often now: Craigslist & Freecycle.
http://www.freecycle.org/
http://www.craigslist.org/about/sites
These two sites offer everything from firewood to french maid costumes, and often for FREE. These measures keep items in use and out of landfills, while keeping families outfitted. I cannot rave enough about how much these sites have helped myself, my family, and my friends.
Families around the globe are now thinking twice before they run out and purchase brand new items, because they want the planet to be around and be healthy for their children and their grandchildren. One such family was in the Reader's Digest in 2008 as buying nothing for a month. That one month changed the Hoch's life forever and showed them exactly what they needed to live, and they were happier and healthier for it. :)
http://www.rd.com/home-garden/hochman-family-cuts-spending/article99718.html
More recently, a family in Okotoks, Canada ventured into the news as a family that bought nothing for the YEAR!!!
http://newswire.freecycle.org/2010/04/16/western-wheel-family-stops-buying-new-stuff-for-one-year/
Personal friends of mine, the Moseleys, have moved across the nation well over four times now, and every time they move, they empty their house via craigslist & freecycle. When they get to their new place, they re-furnish via craigslist & freecycle. Shara Moseley once told me, "It is so rewarding living this way-it makes you value the important things in life, and not possessions." The Moseley family has now been REusing, REpurposing, and REducing for over six years. <3
So the next time you go to throw out that perfectly fine laundry basket that you never use, THINK TWICE. Offering it up to the trash gods might be the quickest thing to do, but is it the best thing to do???
Two great sites are helping that happen more often now: Craigslist & Freecycle.
http://www.freecycle.org/
http://www.craigslist.org/about/sites
These two sites offer everything from firewood to french maid costumes, and often for FREE. These measures keep items in use and out of landfills, while keeping families outfitted. I cannot rave enough about how much these sites have helped myself, my family, and my friends.
Families around the globe are now thinking twice before they run out and purchase brand new items, because they want the planet to be around and be healthy for their children and their grandchildren. One such family was in the Reader's Digest in 2008 as buying nothing for a month. That one month changed the Hoch's life forever and showed them exactly what they needed to live, and they were happier and healthier for it. :)
http://www.rd.com/home-garden/hochman-family-cuts-spending/article99718.html
More recently, a family in Okotoks, Canada ventured into the news as a family that bought nothing for the YEAR!!!
http://newswire.freecycle.org/2010/04/16/western-wheel-family-stops-buying-new-stuff-for-one-year/
Personal friends of mine, the Moseleys, have moved across the nation well over four times now, and every time they move, they empty their house via craigslist & freecycle. When they get to their new place, they re-furnish via craigslist & freecycle. Shara Moseley once told me, "It is so rewarding living this way-it makes you value the important things in life, and not possessions." The Moseley family has now been REusing, REpurposing, and REducing for over six years. <3
So the next time you go to throw out that perfectly fine laundry basket that you never use, THINK TWICE. Offering it up to the trash gods might be the quickest thing to do, but is it the best thing to do???
Monday, September 13, 2010
Beauty and the Environment
I guess it would be fitting for me to start this blog with some random Eco-beauty tips; since I am very random. :)
Let's start off with some of the best beauty tips I have found to date, that are environmentally friendly, cost effective, and beautifully beneficial.
1. Wash your face with honey. Simply wet your face with warm water, massage with a tablespoon of honey, and rinse well. Or, apply it as a mask, and let it sit 15-20 minutes before washing it off.
http://www.benefits-of-honey.com/honey-and-skin-care.html
2. Use sugar as a facial scrub. Given that I do a lot of baking at home, I have access to raw and brown sugar on a regular basis. One tablespoon of sugar and some water can go a long way to helping slough those dead skin cells out of your way!
http://www.skincareresourcecenter.com/sugar-scrub.html
3. Use witch hazel as a toner. It’s natural, gentle, and alcohol-free, and won’t dry out skin like chemical-based formulas. Witch hazel refreshes your skin, and removes excess oils and impurities.
http://frugal.families.com/blog/frugal-beauty-witch-hazel-makes-a-great-toner
4. Moisturize with olive oil and those dry patches on your knees and elbows with be gone FOREVER!
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf506644.tip.html
5. Shampoo with baking soda, and rinse with apple cider vinegar. This natural combo is a popular alternative to shampoo, known commonly as NO-POO. First, dilute a tablespoon of baking soda with enough water to make a loose paste, then massage it into your scalp. After rinsing it out, pour an apple cider vinegar and water solution over the ends. (TONS of no-poo recipes are available on the inter webs.)
http://www.naturemoms.com/no-shampoo-alternative.html
6. Make a facial with oatmeal. Mix dry oatmeal and water into a paste and spread it on your face. Let it dry, then rinse with warm water.Oatmeal can also be added to plain bath water to create a soothing soak while your mask dries!~
http://www.pioneerthinking.com/oatmealbeauty.html
7. Use tea tree oil or toothpaste for blemishes.Dab a bit on the inflamed spot morning and night. I personally like to dab on toothpaste on my blemishes after dinner and sleep with it on overnight-by morning the blemish is either gone, or not huge and red anymore.
http://www.myacneremedies.com/remedies/toothpaste-blemishes
http://www.christianet.com/acne/teatreeoilforacne.htm
8. Use a multi-purpose soap like Dr. Bronner's. Bar and Liquid form are both available and the peppermint hemp makes a great shampoo, body wash, and even tooth wash in one! (Plus you will smell DIVINE.)
http://www.drbronner.com/
9. DIY. Search the Internet, and you’ll find plenty of recipes for making your own soap, lotions, shampoos, facials, and cosmetics from natural (and edible) ingredients.
http://www.thedailygreen.com/green-homes/latest/diy-natural-beauty-products-recipes-461108
10. Use facial cloths made from scrap materials. My favorite washcloth is actually a piece of old flannel and it's the softest thing ever!
http://frugalfamilylife.com/frugal/frugal-green-make-your-own-reusable-washclothes/
11. Drink water. Water helps eliminate toxins from your body and gives you that healthy glow that everyone is desperately searching for.
http://www.healthy-skincare.com/benefit-of-drinking-water.html
12. Get adequate sleep! If you are sleeping well, you won't even need to THINK about concealer! (I gave mine up over 2 years ago.)
http://www.darkcirclespuffyeyes.com/sleep-fatigue-related-dark-under-eye-circles/
So, there are 12 simple suggestions to get you started! I challenge every person to try at least ONE of these in the next six months. :)
Let me know how it has changed your lifestyle!
Let's start off with some of the best beauty tips I have found to date, that are environmentally friendly, cost effective, and beautifully beneficial.
1. Wash your face with honey. Simply wet your face with warm water, massage with a tablespoon of honey, and rinse well. Or, apply it as a mask, and let it sit 15-20 minutes before washing it off.
http://www.benefits-of-honey.com/honey-and-skin-care.html
2. Use sugar as a facial scrub. Given that I do a lot of baking at home, I have access to raw and brown sugar on a regular basis. One tablespoon of sugar and some water can go a long way to helping slough those dead skin cells out of your way!
http://www.skincareresourcecenter.com/sugar-scrub.html
3. Use witch hazel as a toner. It’s natural, gentle, and alcohol-free, and won’t dry out skin like chemical-based formulas. Witch hazel refreshes your skin, and removes excess oils and impurities.
http://frugal.families.com/blog/frugal-beauty-witch-hazel-makes-a-great-toner
4. Moisturize with olive oil and those dry patches on your knees and elbows with be gone FOREVER!
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf506644.tip.html
5. Shampoo with baking soda, and rinse with apple cider vinegar. This natural combo is a popular alternative to shampoo, known commonly as NO-POO. First, dilute a tablespoon of baking soda with enough water to make a loose paste, then massage it into your scalp. After rinsing it out, pour an apple cider vinegar and water solution over the ends. (TONS of no-poo recipes are available on the inter webs.)
http://www.naturemoms.com/no-shampoo-alternative.html
6. Make a facial with oatmeal. Mix dry oatmeal and water into a paste and spread it on your face. Let it dry, then rinse with warm water.Oatmeal can also be added to plain bath water to create a soothing soak while your mask dries!~
http://www.pioneerthinking.com/oatmealbeauty.html
7. Use tea tree oil or toothpaste for blemishes.Dab a bit on the inflamed spot morning and night. I personally like to dab on toothpaste on my blemishes after dinner and sleep with it on overnight-by morning the blemish is either gone, or not huge and red anymore.
http://www.myacneremedies.com/remedies/toothpaste-blemishes
http://www.christianet.com/acne/teatreeoilforacne.htm
8. Use a multi-purpose soap like Dr. Bronner's. Bar and Liquid form are both available and the peppermint hemp makes a great shampoo, body wash, and even tooth wash in one! (Plus you will smell DIVINE.)
http://www.drbronner.com/
9. DIY. Search the Internet, and you’ll find plenty of recipes for making your own soap, lotions, shampoos, facials, and cosmetics from natural (and edible) ingredients.
http://www.thedailygreen.com/green-homes/latest/diy-natural-beauty-products-recipes-461108
10. Use facial cloths made from scrap materials. My favorite washcloth is actually a piece of old flannel and it's the softest thing ever!
http://frugalfamilylife.com/frugal/frugal-green-make-your-own-reusable-washclothes/
11. Drink water. Water helps eliminate toxins from your body and gives you that healthy glow that everyone is desperately searching for.
http://www.healthy-skincare.com/benefit-of-drinking-water.html
12. Get adequate sleep! If you are sleeping well, you won't even need to THINK about concealer! (I gave mine up over 2 years ago.)
http://www.darkcirclespuffyeyes.com/sleep-fatigue-related-dark-under-eye-circles/
So, there are 12 simple suggestions to get you started! I challenge every person to try at least ONE of these in the next six months. :)
Let me know how it has changed your lifestyle!
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