Her Guide to Green » organic

Smooth Sipping

dfritz — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 12:30:21 +0000

By Dena Fritz

Made from 100% natural products, Celestial Seasonings Green Tea is made of all that is good. Great flavor for good health, this Green Tea is smooth and satisfying. No strings, tags or staples, Celestial Seasonings’ unique pillow-style tea bag is made for the environmentally conscious and is not packaged in individual wrappers saving over 3.5 million pounds of waste from entering our landfills every year.

Serving over 1.6 billion cups of tea every year, Celestial Seasonings has been harvesting all-natural herbal teas since 1969. All ingredients are grown around the world utilizing the philosophy of ethical trade practice, assuring fair market prices which spur local businesses, creating more jobs, empowering farmers and their communities.

Steeped in hot water (not boiling), you will experience the mild, delicately balanced taste and the healthy goodness that Celestial Seasonings aspires to create. For a special cold treat, try the iced tea recipe on the inside flap of the box, it is delicious.

Summer Respite For Your Skin

dfritz — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:30:56 +0000

By Dena Fritz

I tried Origins Sunshine State two weeks ago on vacation. I have to say that I liked it and will be buying more of it. It was an easy rub-in and smelled nice. I spent considerable amounts of time by the pool enjoying the sun and refreshing water. This sun screen did not fade and was not oily on my skin. It doesn’t leave a white-wash look to your face like some of the heavier zinc products. It contains mineral based products, vitamin E and Bisabolol, from Chamomile to soothe your sun exposed derma. With no harsh chemicals to react to, you skin will be soft, smooth and protected. Resistant to water and sweat, Origins is a great product that beckons you to try it out and do your part for our environment and yourself.

Origins’ mission is to create quality natural skincare products using organic ingredients and 100% natural essential oils. It is their commitment to protect the planet.

Dining Green

dfritz — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 13:58:38 +0000

To belong to the Green Restaurant Association, there are certain standards that you have to uphold. There are three rating levels, two star, three stars and four stars. Green Restaurants are located all over the country and you can probably find several in your own state or metro area. The rating that a GRA certified restaurant receives is based on a pointing system, more points, the better rating. Certifying restaurants for the past two decades, the GRA takes its job seriously. The following criteria creates the basis for GRA’s ratings:

The GRA also rates on new builds and renovation projects and events with required minimum points to earn a certificate. The GRA website gives you several ways that you, as a consumer, can green your dining experience. You can also sign up for their newsletter to get updated information on all Green Restaurant Association news.

Green Glossary of Terms

dfritz — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 12:30:25 +0000

This glossary is by no means comprehensive. It is meant to help guide you in your quest of a better understanding. It is made up of simple terms with simple definitions that you may have seen or heard and just didn’t know the meaning.

Biodiesel – fuel for diesel engines made of renewable organic raw materials as opposed to fossil hydrocarbons

Biodynamic – of or relating to a system of farming that uses only organic materials for fertilizing and soil conditioning.

Biomass – 1. the amount of living matter (as in a unit area or volume of habitat)

Biosequestration – is the capture and storage of the atmospheric greenhouse gas carbon dioxide by biological processes

Carbon footprint – A measure of the amount of carbon dioxide produced by a person, organization or state in a given time

Clean Energy – natural energetic processes that can be harnessed with little pollution

Compost – The decayed remains of organic matter that has rotted into a natural fertilizer

Conservation – the preservation and careful management of the environment and of natural resources

Ecocide – the destruction of large areas of the natural environment especially as a result of deliberate human action

Eco-friendly – marked by or showing concern for the environment

Emissions – Something that is emitted, especially the exhaust from a car

Endangered – in danger, at risk, said of something where there is a strong possibility something bad will happen to it (for example, a species in danger of going extinct)

Ethanol – ethyl alcohol: the intoxicating agent in fermented and distilled liquors; used pure or denatured as a solvent or in medicines and colognes and cleaning solutions and rocket fuel; proposed as a renewable clean-burning additive to gasoline\

Global warming – The theory that the world’s average temperature is increasing due to the burning of fossil fuels and other forms of energy resulting in higher atmospheric concentrations of gases such as carbon dioxide.

Green – 1. relating to or being an environmentalist political movement 2. concerned with or supporting environmentalism 3. tending to preserve environmental quality (as by being recyclable, biodegradable, or nonpolluting)

Green house gases – Gases that prevent heat from escaping from the atmosphere. This makes the earth warmer.

Greenhouse effect – Heating of the atmosphere that results from the absorption of solar radiation by certain gases.

Greenhouse effect – The greenhouse effect is caused by an atmosphere containing gases that absorb and emit infrared radiation. Greenhouse gases trap heat within the surface-troposphere system, causing heating at the surface of the planet or moon.

Hemp – is the name of the soft, durable fiber that is cultivated from plants of the Cannabis genus, cultivated for industrial and commercial (non-drug) use.

Hybrid car – An automobile powered by both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor

Hydropower – power that is derived from the force or energy of moving water, which may be harnessed for useful purposes

Industrial Waste – type of waste produced by industrial activity, such as that of factories, mills and mines. It has existed since the outset of the industrial revolution.

LEED Certified – The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), provides a suite of standards for the environmentally sustainable design, construction and operation of buildings and neighborhoods

Low impact – A sustainable landscaping approach that can be used to replicate or restore natural watershed functions and/or address targeted watershed goals and objectives.

Natural – existing in nature, not caused by people, existing in nature and not produced or caused by people

Organic – 1. using only few artificial chemicals. used for describing methods of farming and food production that use only a small number of artificial chemicals 2. relating to living things. Biology connected with, produced by, or obtained from living things 3. having parts that fit together well. Consisting of different parts that all fit together well 4. happening or developing naturally and continuously. Happening or developing in a natural and continuous process

Ozone – oxygen existing high in Earth’s atmosphere.

Petrochemical – any compound obtained from petroleum or natural gas

Recycle – to reuse or make (a substance) available for reuse for biological activities through natural processes of biochemical degradation or modification

Sustainable – 1. capable of being sustained 2. (of economic development, energy sources, etc) capable of being maintained at a steady level without exhausting natural resources 3. (of economic growth) non-inflationary

Toxic waste - Toxic waste is waste material that can cause death or injury to living creatures. It can be spread quite easily and can contaminate lakes and rivers. The term is often used interchangeably with “hazardous waste”, or discarded material that can pose a long-term risk to health or environment.

Tree hugger – An environmentalist; someone who shows excessive concern for the environment

VOC – (Volatile Organic Compounds) are chemicals which emit vapors while evaporating. The VOCs in paint come from the substances added to the paint to encourage proper drying. A high VOC paint will give off a strong odor when wet and a lesser odor while it dries.

Eco-Friendly Skin Toner – You Can Make Your Own.

dfritz — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 15:12:34 +0000

By Dena Fritz

When it comes to being eco-friendly green and all-natural, it’s always best to make your own, whatever it is. Then you know exactly what the ingredients are and if you don’t like it, you can start new without spending a ton of money. I did some research on a product that I use every day and feel I couldn’t live without. Skin toner is a must have, at least in my bathroom and I look forward to the effects that it has on my face every day. I was just wondering…. Is there a recipe out there that I could make my own toner, save money, be green and have a natural product that is still good for my skin? Well, the answer is YES, I can! Below are some recipes that I found and some I put together myself after experimenting. Try it, you may like it.

Green Tea Toner – 1 Cup of lemon and green tea, steep for an hour, cool completely. Put in a small recycled spray bottle and spritz your face. You can use it refrigerated for extra coolness! Gets rid of unwanted oils and keeps your face balanced. There are other variations for this recipe out there like adding vinegar or thyme. Will last a week in the refrigerator.
Floral Water Toner – Add 1-3 drops of essential oil(s) to 8 oz. of floral water in a clean, sterile bottle. Shake to thoroughly blend the ingredients. Mist or splash it on your face after cleaning skin.
Aloe Vera Toner – One tsp. of Aloe Vera gel, a tsp. of lemon juice, and a cup of water. Add 3 tsp. of rubbing alcohol if you have oily skin.
Herbal Toner – 1 tsp. horsetail herb, 1 tsp. lavender flowers, 1 tsp. lemongrass leaves. Add herbs to ½ cup of water and stir in 4 tsp. witch hazel, 4 tsp. Aloe Vera gel and 2 tbsp. orange blossom water. Shake together and mist, pat or sponge on clean face.
Green Tea and Chamomile Toner - 1 green tea bag, 1 chamomile tea bag. Steep tea for an hour in 1 cup of boiling water. Let cool, add 1 tsp. Aloe Vera gel and shake or stir. Use as a mist in a small spray bottle.

Shower Me Green

dfritz — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 13:40:32 +0000

Tips for Throwing a Green Bridal or Baby Shower

By Dena Fritz

Choose a setting that is environmentally-friendly, a park, garden or an Eco-oriented day spa
Use reusable/washable dinnerware and utensils
Use reusable/washable linens
Ask that all gifts come unwrapped or wrapped in reusable items, like dish towels, etc..
Decorated with potted plants instead of cut flowers
Save trees – use e-vite instead
Decorate with fabric that can be reused
Select a central location to minimize travel time
Use local grown, organic and seasonal foods
Local or Organic Wine, beer and natural juices
Favors – Give flower seeds or seedlings to plant in honor of the couple’s new life
Create ambiance with soy candles

13 Green Gifts At Huffington Post

ealexandrakos — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 01:15:18 +0000

‘Tis the season for giving gifts to those special people in our lives. Why not make it a green holiday season with eco-friendly gifts? Huffington Post has a great green gift giving guide, Christmas Gifts 2009: 13 Great Gifts. The author of this post, Thien Vinh Nguyen, lays out 13 of the best green gifts available to you and your loved ones.

This helpful compilation includes a solar powered portable electronic charger, an organic counter garden, coffee from Community Agroecology, green sneakers, and more. Before you venture out to do your holiday shopping, you must take a look at these great green gifts. Have a guilt free holiday to one and all!

The Green Mama: Great Family Resource

ealexandrakos — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:55:52 +0000

Green women everywhere are constantly looking for ways to make their families more eco-friendly. When you start searching online, there are a lot of tips and tidbits that you can collect from a ton of places. As a mother, we would assume, that you would want to go to a site that is going to give you accurate information on greening your family.

Green Mama is a website dedicated to women and mothers who have an interest in decreasing their carbon footprints, and living a healthier lifestyle. The site was founded by Manda Aufochs Gillespie, the Green Mama herself, in an attempt to broaden women’s knowledge of what resources they have available to them. You can easily guide your way around the site, and find relevant information on a plethora of eco topics.

Check out The Green Mama now.