Black says sophistication, red says ready for romance, and yellow says [annoyingly!] cheerful. So what does green say? It says that you care about the planet. It means that you are willing to make some sacrifices so that it’s around for your children and grandchildren. It means that you are aware of the fact that if something doesn’t change, bye-bye breathable air, usable soil, vital plantlife, clean water, and…down the road…ciao healthy human race. Sure, some folks take “going green” to the extreme, and bless them for being so committed to the idea. But since completely changing the lives we’re used to isn’t for everyone, there are more moderate ways we can contribute to keeping the planet healthy. Think “eco-friendly,” “recycling,” “cutting back” rather than full-blown “green;” those words can help make everything a little less overwhelming.Sometimes we don’t even realize that a product we’re using or how we’re using it is actually harmful (I know the first thing that comes to mind when I’m shaving my legs in the morning is NOT whether my disposable razor is going to ruin our planet). And even the word “harmful” can be misleading ~ sometimes what we do or what we buy isn’t immediately harmful, it’s simply wasteful ~ but a lot of “wasteful” can, in the long run, become harmful. Also keep in mind that the whole green movement is about being good to the earth, animals, nature, the atmosphere, and each other ~ and we can’t necessarily do everything all at once, or even ever. Be mindful of not just what a product does, but who made it, what’s it made of, where does it go once you’re done with it, and how important is it really in your life? Pick and choose what you can handle ~ because chances are if you try to turn your life green overnight, you’ll just get frustrated and turned off to doing anything eco-friendly after that.

So the point is, whether you’re ready to trade in your SUV for an electric scooter or not, there are lots of small changes you can make at home, on the road, and at work that will be beneficial not just for the planet as a whole, but for you as an individual as well ~ and you might just be surprised how little effort they take. There are literally tens of thousands of ways we can each start living more eco-friendly, sustainable lifestyles ~ so if there’s one particular area of your life that you’re most interested in “greening,” definitely start doing some on-line research. But also take a look as these ideas and who knows, one or two might just get you started on your way to being green!

Going Green

By Tine Roycroft

A Green Home is a Happy Home

The quest to go green begins at home and ~ although you could do drastic and amazing things to your living space in order to save the planet ~ let’s be realistic. In light of the present economy, not too many of us have the extra dollars to install a bamboo floor or redo our kitchens with gorgeous recycled glass countertops. But just because you can’t leap out onto the roof of your apartment building and secure enormous solar panels doesn’t mean you should refrain from hopping on the green train. There are many ways to help the environment from the comfort of your own home ~ without destroying your home or depleting your bank account in the process.

The bathroom is a great place to begin. Put on your green cap, take a look around, and ease into the process. The faucet in the sink and in the shower should always be turned off completely in order not to waste water. Limit your water use whenever possible ~ don’t linger for hours in the shower. Turn the water off while brushing your teeth. If you find that your faucet drips, call the landlord or a plumbing-savvy friend and get it fixed.

If you are dedicated to going green, direct your attention to the toilet and only flush when absolutely necessary (Oh come on! We’re all adults here, and the old adage is true – If it’s yellow, let it mellow. If it’s…well, you know the rest!). And while we’re concentrating on potty humor, try using recycled tissue paper in the loo. Seventh Generation (www.seventhgeneration.com) has a recycled 1 ply, chlorine-free bathroom tissue paper made from 100% recycled paper.

Tired of other people snooping around in your medicine cabinet? Beat them to the punch and toss out all of the chemical-filled goop and gunk that you’ve collected over the years. Tom’s Of Maine (www.tomsofmaine.com) can supply you with all-natural toothpaste, dental floss, mouthwash and even deodorant and is available at your nearest Whole Foods. Opt for natural make-up products and facial cleansers made from olive or honey. Kiss My Face (www.kissmyfacewebstore.com) has delicious-smelling, all-organic face and body products. Delight in the shampoo that smells of essential oils or splurge on some sexy lipgloss made of all natural ingredients like beeswax and vanilla.

The bedroom is a sanctuary where one should find health, happiness and relaxation. If there’s one room in your apartment or house that should be earth-friendly and toxin-free, it should be the place in which you sleep. For temperature control and to maximize energy efficiency, make certain your windows are properly insulated. No one likes to try to sleep in a room that is sweltering hot or viciously cold and ultimately you end up tossing and turning, wishing you were somewhere else. At night, turn down the heat or open the windows to try to keep bedroom temps to a cool sixty degrees. During the day, keep shades open so that natural sunlight may filter in and naturally heat the space.

Try getting rid of synthetic fabrics and go with organic, 100% cotton bedding. Www.Gaiam.com has a great selection of sheets, comforters, pillow cases, even mattress toppers that use all organic cotton to help soothe you to sleep. As you ready yourself for bed, soften the mood by lighting some beautifully-scented and eco-tastic soy candles or try a warming mask that smells of lavender to help you have pleasant dreams.

Quick house-keeping note: although you would love your entire house or apartment to be neat and clutter-free, really try to achieve this in the bedroom. Shove the clutter in the closet if you must, but keep your bedroom as free from annoying and distracting stimulants as possible to further guarantee a good night’s sleep. Consider making the room a no media zone and find other places to keep the little television and radio.

The living room is a great place to display not only your penchant for energy efficient options but your eclectic tastes in design. It’s the place where one typically entertains or just kicks in it privacy, so comfort levels should be high. Two of your main concerns should be temperature and lighting. Use LED lights to save energy and cut down on electricity bill. LED lights may take a few seconds longer to come to full light, so do not worry if your living area starts out mellow and dim and eventually lights up completely. They can be purchased at any home goods store and will not break your bank account.

For temperature control in summer, instead of running right to the AC, try electrically powered fans to begin with in order to save on electricity. But for those especially hot “summer in the city” days, feel free to turn on the air conditioner, as long as it’s an Energy Star unit, as those conserve the most energy.

As we all know, gas prices are pretty much through the roof these days, but your heating bill might not be such a kick to the groin if you follow a few rules. If you feel drafts coming from your windows, try to replace them with better insulating models to keep the heat in and the winter temps out. If drafts are drifting from beneath doors, pick up some handy-dandy draft dodgers – nope, nothing un-Patriotic about these little creations. They are inexpensive “snakes” of fabric that are filled with sand. Stuff them right where your door meets the floor to block out the blasts of cold air. And always keep fuzzy blankets on hand for extra warmth an excuse to snuggle.

When it comes to furnishing your living room, reduce and reuse. Shopping at a second hand store or consignment shoppes is a fun way to find great pieces of furniture at bargain prices. One man’s trash may be another man’s treasure, but you needn’t worry that the items found in these stores are subpar. Some are perfectly good while others may need a little sanding and a coat of paint. Whatever your preference, you can find it.

If you have a few extra dollars to spend on furniture, go for furniture made of real wood, but from fallen trees. Wooden furniture can be gorgeous, but if trees are felled in the process, that defeats the green point. Make certain your coffee table is made from wood that has naturally fallen to the ground on its own, or that it’s made of reclaimed wood.

And don’t forget that you and your guests were meant to lounge in an all-natural manner! Check out www.EcoSak.com to find eco-friendly beanbags made of organic cotton and filled with dried buckwheat hulls. They’re perfect for having around when company drops by for a movie night.

The kitchen can be the most productive “going green” room of the house. It is often the most convenient place (especially for those who live the apartment life) to store recycling bins. Be certain to separate your paper products from your glass and separate those from the plastics. Take a few extra moments to wash out the empty hummus containers or empty jars of marinated artichoke hearts so that the recyclables don’t cause less than pleasant odors in your living area or start attracting bugs and critters.

Beneath the kitchen sink is where people typically keep their cleaning products. Buying green and organic cleaners is an eco-conscious and safe way to improve your life. Visit the Seventh Generation website for everything from dishwasher detergents to all-purpose cleaners to toilet bowl cleaners. The site informs you of the nearby locations where you can buy Seventh Generation products and provides you with coupons when you become a member. Save the earth, save a buck!

The process of going green encourages people to look at every aspect of their lives ~ including the food they put in their bodies. This might be a good time to take a look at what’s in your fridge and pantry and make some changes. Opt for fresh fruits and vegetables instead of red meat or dishes that are dairy-heavy. Try whole wheat instead of munching on the white carbs. Cut back on sugars and unpronounceable added ingredients and substitute the sucrose-filled soft drinks with flavored seltzer water. Want to go the extra mile? Growing your own herbs in a windowsill is fun, easy and handy when you want to make a mean pasta sauce. Really ready to take the food plunge? Check out the Eat Your Greens ~ Community Supported Agriculture section further on in the cover story.

Green Means Go ~

Turning your Commute Green

Transportation situations are one of the things that people typically change on Day One of the Green Journey. Modes of public transportation, when they are available, cut down on the exhaust fumes, minimize the number of vehicles on the road and sometimes even lessen the stress of your daily commute. So hop on a train or a bus, enjoy the fact that you don’t need to sell your kidneys in order to afford gas, and help save the planet as you head to work. If you enjoy solitary rides to the job, wait for the warmer weather and try riding your bike to work or on errands. And wear a helmet ~ going green means reducing waste, not reducing safety or brainpower!

If you must take the car, try to drive with more green in your wheels. When driving along your favorite thoroughfare, avoid abrupt starting and stopping when at all possible. Jerky driving, pun intended, actually increases fuel consumption ~ which means paying more at the pump. Try dropping your speed by ten miles per hour to reduce your fuel consumption by as much as 20%. Not only will these tips increase your eco-friendliness, but you may receive fewer speeding tickets.

Idling is a no-no. Sure, we all love to double-park and keep the engine running whilst hopping in to pick up a pizza, but take the few extra minutes and find a parking space in order to reduce exhaust fumes.

Maintaining your car is key to staying green. Keep your tires at the appropriate air pressure as suggested in your owner’s manual will reduce fuel consumption. Make certain you change your vehicle’s air filter. And empty that junk from your trunk! When you ride around with all of those trophies from college in the back of your ride, or items you meant to return to the mall but never got around to, you’re actually making your vehicle heavier and more likely to consume more fuel.

If you need a car, but not as part of your day-to-day life, check into Zipcar, www.zipcar.com. They are literally “wheels when you need them.” You pay a small membership fee to join, and from there, life is a highway. If you need to use a car for a brief two hour shopping trip, get online and reserve a car for that time slot. Cars range from about $8 – $13 per hour in rental fees and can also be reserved for full days. Zipcar reminds you to keep cars clean and always return them to the designated Zipcar parking spaces on time and with at least one fourth a tank of gas. The best part of this community car sharing effort is that at the end of the day, you return these vehicles and never have to worry about insurance or upkeep. It’s also fun to try so many different makes and models on for size.

Work That Green

Going green at work is just as important as going green at home. Granted, it can be a little trickier ~ you make the rules at your apartment while your boss makes the rules at your nine-to-five. So make certain to check in with your employer or building manager before making any sweeping green changes or you may find yourself with a pink slip. However, more and more companies are interested in conserving energy and resources these days, so chances are that the big boss man or woman will be more than happy to listen to some of your green suggestions.

Start with the simple stuff: shut off lights when leaving the kitchen, your own office, or the bathroom. When permitted, shut down your computers, printers and air conditioners to save on energy. If you have your own small business, or are helping a larger company go green, try replacing clunky and energy-sucking desktops with laptops which use less juice. Laptops also enable employees to telecommute to work ~ an option that certainly cuts down on waste caused by vehicles.

Many offices have recycling programs already in place, but if your office does not, get the wheels turning to create one. Recycling is a great way to get an office greener, but don’t forget about reducing and reusing. Instead of printing out several copies of the same meeting agenda or inner office memo, save a tree and send an email. When meeting time comes, there can be one person who actually brings a paper copy to keep everyone else on track should the need arise. Or, if it’s necessary for everyone to get a hard copy, use recycled paper or encourage employees to reuse the backs of papers they have already printed on.

Those communal eating areas offer a bevy of green possibilities. Suggest that the people who bring lunch do so in reusable containers. Have a microwave and a fridge in the kitchen area to promote this practice and have some earth friendly dish soap on hand so that employees don’t have to deal with the pungent scent of balsamic vinaigrette permeating from their back packs for the rest of the day. Remind people to bring in their own dishware, utensils and mugs instead of using numerous plastic cups or paper plates and stock up with delicious free trade organic coffee or soothing white or green teas to help everyone through the day.

Finally, although the plastic plants are easy to take care of and “oh so lifelike,” skip them and go for the true green plants. You don’t need a green thumb to have a few plants lying around the office and your new flora buddies will improve both office air quality and the general mood of the office.

Green by Degree

The average school tosses out 38 tons of paper ~ the equivalent of 644 trees ~ each year. Instead of reading, writing and doing ‘rithmetic on pure white paper, opt for using recycled paper. The quality is just as good and the effort will literally save entire forests. After using the paper, make certain it is recycled.

Most classrooms recycle these days. But if you find that yours or your child’s does not have a recycling program, propose a zero waste classroom. Teach others to separate their trash- plastic, paper, etc. At the end of each week, ask volunteers to take turns delivering the goods to the local recycling center. You can start the same kind of thing in your dorm, too, since so much of our printing is done from printers right in our dorm rooms.

When it comes to food, there are few things more economical than “brown baggin’ it.” But instead of packing that soy yogurt and tofurkey sandwich in a regular brown bag, cut down on waste and carry your lunch to the cafeteria in an insulated lunch bag. Not only can an insulated bag keep your cold foods colder, but, if taken care of properly, the bag can last for a few years. The initial purchase will, of course, be pricier than buying a package of brown bags, but you’ll save money in the long run by wiping down the insulated bag with a wet towel after every use and packing it for the next day.

Whether you’re a student, returning student, or have a little student of your own at home, before you embark on a back-to-school shopping spree, take a few moments to thoroughly review what you already have. Check to see if there are any leftover notebooks from the year before. Grab pens and pencils that can still be used and see if your book covers can be used again.

Once you have compiled a list of “must-haves” for your upcoming year, feel free to hit the stores, but do so in an earth-friendly way. Buy notebooks made from recycled papers, biodegradable pencils and refillable pens. Invest in stretchy book covers, as they can be used again and again, regardless of the size or shape of the book.

If you’re a teacher, keep in mind that you can truly shape a young mind to be greener. Try engaging students in fun projects such as calculating their own carbon footprints ~ try www.nature.org for a free calculator ~ and open up the floor for discussions on how each child could possibly work to reducing his or her footprint.

Come up with plans for both home and school and encourage kids to follow the time-tested rules; shutting off lights when leaving a room, making certain the water in the restroom sink is completely turned off after washing hands, using both the back and front of a piece of paper when drawing or writing. Keep a pile of partially used paper in the back of the classroom and call it the Scrap Pile. Direct a budding artist there should he want to doodle.

If you’re in college, you may think that your eco-friendly habits are limited to your school’s policies, but think again. Take it upon yourself to begin recycling programs when needed and make certain you start with your very own dorm room. Reuse and refill plastic water bottles when you can, recycle those algebra notes, start buying organic snacks to have on hand when friends drop by.

If a roommate’s “not so fresh” sneakers have you panting for fresh air, skip the air freshener plug-ins and go for the air fresheners that use essential oils. Grab a spray bottle, fill it with water and mix in some orange essential oil for a delicious citrus scent. Finally, if going home and doing laundry for free is not an option, try laundry detergent and fabric softener from Seventh Generation, (www..seventhgeneration.com.) These products are toxin-free and the company is dedicated to being socially responsible and eliminating pollution during production.

And as each school day passes, going green gets easier. Six of Worcester’s Consortium Institutions are officially on the “green path” as of October, 2008. Anna Maria College, Assumption College, Clark University, Quinsigamond Community College, Worcester Polytechnic Institute and Worcester State College have taken initiatives to become greener; some striving to meet LEED standards, upgrade recycling and compost programs, install energy efficient insulated windows and even offer Zipcars to students and teachers in order to keep fewer cars on the road.

Green Garb

We all know the meaning of organic clothing and most likely a few images come to mind ~ the neutral toned, expensive item with the earthy crunchy aura that has you wondering if you should have skipped dressing in the light and just left the house in a potato sack. You might have not only reused a potato sack, but you might have looked better.

Although there are still stores and sites where all natural clothing comes in the form of free-flowing (and there’s nothing wrong with that for Flower Power children of the 1960s!) skirts and tops, more and more stores and chains are hopping on the green train and providing chic clothing made from organic cotton or recycled fabrics.

Spring 2009’s line at H&M, for example, will be much “greener.” The stores intend to use over 50% more organic cotton in their clothes this year and that’s good news for both trendy men and women who are interested in earth-fabulous tees, sweatshirts, dresses, hoodies, skirts, etc. By using organically grown cotton instead of conventionally grown, the company is helping cut back on the amount of pesticides and herbicides used to grow the plant; those pesticides eventually end up in the earth’s water supply. H&M will also be making clothes out of recycled fabrics ~ you always wondered where bad clothes went to die? Run to H&M, buy a fabulous dress or suit made of recycled fabrics and then hold a séance to discover what it was in a past life!

Need a good pair of sexy jeans or a denim jacket for the spring? Levi Strauss and Co. has a line called Levi’s Eco which includes yummy organic cotton jeans. These denim darlings do cost more than a pretty penny, but are worth every cent.

If you’re a gal who enjoys high-end fashion and is interested in saving the earth, but not interested in saving a buck, green boutique shopping will satisfy all your cravings. Try www.burningtorchinc.com and be dazzled with their chic green collection, made completely from recycled fabrics. The pieces have classic lines with a respect for the feminine form and will have people asking, “Who are you wearing, Sweetie?!”

Kelly B. Couture (www.kellybcouture.com) is another excellent place to shop for green must-haves. This isn’t your mother’s all-organic cotton line. Instead of neutral tones ~ that weren’t arguably tones at all ~ Kelly B. brings bold purples and blues into the foreground and strays from using simply cotton and silk. (FYI, on March 17th, The View showcased the smokin’ hot Kelly B Valentina Bikini for their green fashion show.) What about a gorgeous black cocktail dress made completely out of bamboo? The only thing unnatural will be your friends’ reactions when they attempt to mask their jealously at your perfect purchase.

Finally, one of the hippest green outlets for men and women that we could find was www.thegreenloop.com. This site has compiled numerous earth friendly designs and products and put it at your finger tips. Purses, skinny jeans, tees, hoodies, dresses, shoes, the list goes on. They even have sunglasses made of wood! Shop designers such as Green Label Organic, Fuze Organics and Lovethislife. The prices are decent and best of all, they have carbon neutral shipping to help lessen your eco footprint and theirs.

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Green

Even on your special day, your dedication to the “Going Green” mission can be present. First and foremost, so that you are both on the same page, check in with your partner about how deeply the two of you would like to go in terms of keeping your ceremony and reception eco-friendly page. Express your desire for a green day and give your partner suggestions on how to make it happen. Don’t be surprised if you are met with a little adversity from your family and other guests when they first hear about your plans ~ some people still believe that going green on your wedding day equals a wedding dress made of brown recycled paper or skipping the gown in favor of a burlap sack. Just be patient and stick to your green beliefs.

Traditionally, you send a “save the date” announcement, followed by a formal invitation. That’s a lot of paper used for items that only a few people will actually keep. Try using recycled paper and printing with earth-friendly ink when sending out your marriage mail. www.sendandseal.net has very affordable wedding invites made of recycled paper. Another earth perk to these invites is that they are sheets of heavy paper which are then folded into mailers, cutting out the need for envelopes.

Also, if you happen to find that you and your fiancé(é) are surrounded by friends and loved ones who are “plugged in,” then a wedding website can also cut down on the wasted paper. By sending people small, earth-friendly invites that direct them to the website, you can inform everyone of directions, gift registries and other details that might have been written on separate cards within a traditional invite.

When planning a wedding, cost is usually the biggest issue. The good news is, going green on your wedding day can save you money while providing you and your guests with a breathtaking environment. Research local nature preserves and beaches in your area. At a number of preserves or reservations, you’ll find that the rental costs are low compared to those of hotels ~ sometimes they’re even waivede with the purchase of a permit or a donation.

Favors are fun ways to help remember such a lovely day. But instead of passing out the small photo frames or miniature novelty Adirondack chairs with your names scribbled on them, remember Mother Earth and give your guests some green. How about donating to your favorite charity on behalf of your guests? Many charities will typically print out small acknowledgements for each guest, stating that a donation had been made on his or her behalf. Or perhaps give each guest a jar or organic honey from a nearby farm or a tiny sapling that can be planted when the guests return home.

Flowers are another important aspect of your special day. They’re representative of you and your taste, but they can also cost an arm and a leg. Instead of missing four months of Sallie Mae payments for one day of flowers, purchase your flowers at a nearby farm. The cost will most likely be lower and they will be beautiful, fresh and organic. When the day is done, instead of pitching the glorious bouquets, give them away as prizes or favors to your guests or make certain that they are delivered to a senior center or a homeless shelter. (Note: although it would be a wonderful idea to donate the floral arrangements to a hospital, many hospitals have policies regarding flowers and do not accept them due to the concern that patients may be allergic. If your offering of flowers is politely declined, don’t be offended. Hospital administration is just looking out for their patients.)

Eat Your Greens ~

Community Supported Agriculture

Buying organic meats, dairy products and produce is a wonderful way to help the planet. Studies show that organic food is healthier for you due to the lack in pesticides, and it is widely believed that organically grown goodies offer more nutrients. Great food stores that offer organic bounty, such as Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Deborah’s Natural Gourmet of Concord, and Worcester’s The Living Earth are wonderful resources where you can buy food and learn about nutrition. But for those who would like to go the extra mile, take a look at Community Supported Agriculture opportunities, or CSAs.

When you become involved with a CSA, you prepay your “subscription” to a local farm which entitles you to delicious organic veggies, herbs, fruits, and possibly eggs and meat on a weekly basis. Not only are you given access to amazing food, but you help support the financial future of local farms and you are able to come face-to-face with the fine folks who grow your dinner during pick up days. Depending on the farm, you may even get to do some work in the field as well. Check out www.farmfresh.org to find participating farms in your area ~ and always remember to bring an eco-friendly, reusable bag to carry your bounty (you should do this even if you shop at the grocery store ~ “Paper or plastic?” “Nope, canvas!”) Apartment dwellers – no more do you need to feel as if your lack of yard should prevent you from having an amazing garden… it just might be twenty minutes down the road from your humble abode.

So, now you see that Going Green isn’t a four letter word, so to speak. It doesn’t mean sacrificing all the fun in your life or completing turning your world upside down. What it does mean is making some small changes where we can, giving a little thought to our everyday routines, and simply remembering that our planet, our fellow humans, and our bodies are worth a little care and consideration.

Green Love

Everything is easier when you have someone supporting your efforts. A weight loss challenge doesn’t seem as daunting when you have a loving partner behind you and the same theory applies when you go green. It’s tricky (and maddening!) when you are separating your plastics from your papers while your temporary significant other is throwing wrappers out the window of her Hummer. Nothing’s quite worse than meeting some really promising guy or girl and then realizing that he or she is an Escalade-driving, non-recycling, Earth messer-upper. What are you going to do? Try to reform him or her? Sleep with him anyway and try to ignore his unconscious ways? Forget it. Hold out for a green lover.
If you’re into online dating, try www.earthwisesingles.com. It’s a safe and terrific service that connects eco-conscious people with other earth–loving singles. They offer a free one week trial period and after that, you establish a membership for $14.95 for a three month block. If you believe that “money can’t buy me love” then try www.green-passions.com. It’s a free online dating service for green singles who are passionate about animal rights, saving the planet, organic farming and more. The site offers free “green chat rooms” and eco-friendly forums for its members. Here are some other green and vegetarian sites to try out:

GreenFriends.com
GreenSingles.com
LovesOrganic.com
VeggieConnection.com
VeggieDate.org
Vegan Passions.com

If you already have a person in your sights and would like to impress with your green ways, try impressing this beau or babe with a perfectly green date. Start out with presenting your new love with the gift of life. Sure, tradition says that guys are typically the ones who provide the flowers, but it’s a new age and girls should feel comfortable doing the same. If you want to bring flowers, go for organically grown flowers from a local farm or flowers you have grown yourself. If you’d like to skip the flowers, try a plant, such as cacti (careful!), or herbs like oregano or mint. Cacti are easy to take care, oregano can be used in delicious sauces and mint can be chewed as is. Whenever your date makes a spaghetti sauce, he or she will think of you!

An earth friendly date is one that treats both the earth and your body as nicely as possible. Suggest that you and your friend go bike riding through a nature preserve or take a peaceful walk around a lake. If it’s summer, grab a blanket and a bottle of organic wine and head to an outdoor concert. If it’s fall, leaf peep with vanilla soy lattes. Wintertime activities can include cross country skiing or building a snow man and in the spring, it’s always fun to go berry picking and then make delicious organic pastries afterward. A sexy first date (and one that can really tell you a lot about a person’s character) might also include volunteering in a soup kitchen or a homeless shelter.

After rigorous activity, continue with the green theme and head to a restaurant that serves organic food or vegan fare. Sip mineral water, soy milk, fair trade coffee or green tea and discuss the day’s events.

If you’ve been dating your sweetheart for a longer period of time, there are many ways to keep the romance vibrant and green. In order to save energy, how about a romantic night at home with the lights off and the soy candles burning brightly? In order to cut down on wasting water, shower together. There’s nothing wrong with getting frisky as you save the planet!

Man’s Best Friend Goes Green

Going green with a pet may seem like a lot of work with little return. Fido will never look at you and thank you for making the world a better place for his puppies. But being eco-sensitive when it comes to pets is easy and rewarding.

For starters, consider if you really want a pet and if your lifestyle would allow for one. Many celebs parade around their latest pooch one week, and then we never see that dog again. Pets aren’t trends ~ they’re living creatures and should be respected as such. So take a moment to decide whether or not you wouldn’t mind skipping a dinner out with friends to go home and feed and walk your dog.

If you feel a pet is a good fit for you, head to a nearby shelter instead of a pet store. So many of those animals are looking for a good friend to love them and although a brand new puppy may seem cuter than a 5 year old dog, chances are the more mature dog is already trained and would simply need to adjust to his new home. No finding poop in weird places or dealing with a puppy who thinks the world is his chew toy.

Spaying or neutering your four-legged friends is the way to go, especially if you intend for your pet to spend time in the great outdoors without your supervision. Each day, it’s estimated that 70,000 puppies and kittens are born and the world does not need any more homeless pets. Avoid the surprise of an unexpected litter and help keep the existing population controlled and well-cared for.

Organic pet shampoos are now available in some supermarkets, veterinarian offices and specialty stores, but if you cannot find these products on your usual shopping route, don’t fall back into the habit of scrubbing your buddy with harsh chemicals. Check out www.pristineplanet.com where you can find Mango Tango Pet Shampoo or head over to www.olivegreendog.com to find Olive Flea-Repellent soap made from goat’s milk, cedarwood, lemongrass and lavendar. These products are inexpensive (ranging from $5-$8) and your pup will smell great and feel great without the bane of fleas or the residue of chemicals.

If a pet is being bathed organically, it makes sense for him to eat organically. The sad truth is that the majority of pet foods that you find in your local supermarket are made from reconstituted animal byproducts ~ or the stuff that barely passes as meat. You would not touch this grossness with a ten foot pole, so why would you feed it to your pet? Try natural and organic food ~ like Newman’s Own Organics Premium Pet Food ~ that uses meats raised in a sustainable and humane way. Organic treats are also available for when your dog or cat deserves that extra pat on the back.

Finally, the real scoop about poop. Firstly, please always pick up after Fido when the two of you are out on the town and if you’re going green, do so with a biodegradable bag instead of a plastic one. Not only will this prevent the poop from hanging out in a Ziploc bag in a landfill for decades, but your neighbors will come to love you for your poop scooping ways.

If you have a cat who uses a litter box, stay away from clay litter. Clay litter is actually produced through strip-mining, which is heinous for the planet, and the clumping agent can have negative affects on your cat’s digestive tract. Kitty will want to clean himself but when he does so, he’ll ingest the sodium bentonite (clumping agent), which acts like an expanding cement and it can actually swell inside of him. Opt for litter made from wheat or even recycled paper.

Recycling Quick Facts

Why Recycle?

1. Recycling conserves our valuable natural resources.
2. Recycling saves energy.
3. Recycling saves clean air and clean water.
4. Recycling saves landfill space.

Each ton of recycled paper can save 17 trees, 380 gallons of oil, three cubic yards of landfill space, 4,000 kilowatts of energy and 7,000 gallons of water!

Making recycled paper instead of new paper uses 64 percent less energy and uses 58 percent less water.

One tree can filter up to 60 pounds of pollutants from the air each year. More than 1/3 of all fiber used to make paper comes from recycled paper. Only 1 percent of the world’s water supply is usable; 97 percent is in the ocean and 2 percent is frozen. It takes a 15-year-old tree to produce 700 grocery bags.

Where does the trash go? When you throw something “away”, it doesn’t go away! Trash is either burned, buried, recycled or dumped into rivers and oceans.

Disposable diapers last centuries in landfills. An average baby will go through 8,000 of them!

Recycling a stack of newspapers just 3 feet high can save one tree.

For more on recycling and how you can start turning green, check out these sites ~ they’ve got some great suggestion and lots of programs that’ll help you get involved locally and globally.

Home

www.dosomething.org/recycling

www.recycleapc.com

www.ourearth.org/recycling

Welcome!

www.myspace.com/frankensteinrecycling

www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/srpclist.htm

Ecorazzi ~ Green Gossip

Addicted to celebrity gossip? Ecorazzi is the place to get your daily serving of gab with a green twist. Whether you just have to keep track of rock hotties Maroon 5’s vegan parties, are dying to hear about which Olympic superstar is designing a fab new line of green athletic wear, or want to know the eco-friendly items on Ms. Pam Anderson’s X-mas list, Ecorazzi’s got your back.

The posts at this Planet Green Site of the Week cover breaking-edge eco-centric bulletins about everyone from Leo DiCaprio to Prince Charles. Browse for updates from the worlds of movies, TV, fashion and music, see what the green trends are in celeb homes and rides, check out where Hollyhooders are eco-shopping, stay current on which famous faces are crusading for the more humane treatment of animals, and read about star-studded green events.

And it’s more than just the must-know gossip that makes Ecorazzi so hot ~ The active community of fellow green gossip-heads is a big part of the appeal, and the comment threads are just as much fun as the celeb dish (well, almost).

Eco-Search ~ Help the Planet One Web Search at a Time

Which search engine do you use? Google? Yahoo? Well, it’s time to switch to Eco-Search, the all green search engine that harnesses the same results as Google Search, but donates all the profit it makes from advertisements straight to environmental charities (so basically, it’s a non-profit search engine). Their focus is on “reducing pollution, helping to protect our natural resources and educating our future generations about the importance of protecting the environment.” All they ask from users is to use their search engine, spread the word about it, and try to live as green a life as possible!

Charities they fund:
Sierra Club
TreePeople
National Resource Defense Council
Heal the Bay
Rainforest Alliance
Healthy Child, Healthy World
The Remedee Foundation

www.EcoSearch.org