No surprise here but it bears repeating. From the February issue of O Magazine: “A 2012 study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, which looked at chemicals found in more than 200 common household products ranging from laundry detergent to hand sanitizers, found that air fresheners were among the highest in levels of synthetic fragrances. You’re better off filling your house with natural scents, like real rosemary.”
For my suggestions on natural cleaning products click here and for my tips on using orange essential oil in your home click here. As always, thanks for your efforts in keeping life clear!
sustainable
A Clear Deal for Skin
Clearly the BEST deal for a body, hands and face lotion on the market! Better Life’s “Work It, Own It” Clary Sage and Citrus Natural Lotion. I am super fussy when it comes to what I apply to our largest organ of the body and this passes with flying colors. The put-it-wherever-you-want-it lotion is pH balanced with no mineral oil, parabens or synthetic anything. Light, pleasing aroma (no artificial stink here) from lemons, oranges, cucumber and a touch of earthy sage. Shea butter adds richness as do the avocado and coconut oils. Best part? You can get it for $4.99 a POUND in the bulk section of Food Front. Bring in a jug or buy a 2 oz travel tube for $1.49 and fill it up for less than 85 cents. Now that’s a clear deal. Click here for ingredients or to order in a 12 oz pump bottle online from iHerb.
Save by Going Cold
“90% of the energy consumed by your washing machine is used simply to heat water.” That’s a statement that stops me cold. Given the savings options, why would anyone choose NOT to use the cold water setting? Maybe it’s because we translate hotter into cleaner. While it’s true that hot water may dissolve certain things like grease more easily, studies on killing germs show that cold is just as effective in getting rid of dirt and bacteria as warm or hot water. And with today’s detergents that offer cold water cleaning agents, there is no reason to hit the hot button anymore. So GO COLD when doing your laundry and start seeing the savings. Quote is from ASE’s Top 10 Tips for Energy-Efficient Laundry. NOTE: Be sure to use eco friendly detergents and cleaning products. Click here for suggestions on green cleaning.
Ditch the Plastic on Turkey Day
Throw out the plastic wrap this holiday season and do your family and the planet a big favor. If you don’t know by now, plastic wrap is a single-use petroleum product and contains PVC, a dangerous toxic substance which 
can leach into your food during use and into the air when incinerated. In addition, plastics on their own are fairly rigid, so manufacturers generally add in softening chemicals called phthalates, which are known to cause hormonal disruption and developmental problems, and have been found to drift into food. Nothing like a little toxin-enhanced cranberry sauce! Instead, put leftovers into reusable containers (glass preferred). Even foil is a healthier, greener choice than plastic as it can be rinsed, reused and recycled. Note: Remember that even the wraps that are marketed as PVC free are still not accepted for recycling. Click here for for tips on enjoying a green Thanksgiving. Wishing you and your loved ones a day of green and gratitude!
Need a Ride? Try Ridejoy and Save!
Here’s a great way to save money, reduce stress and do the planet a favor. Ridejoy. Next time you’re planning a trip, just go to the website’s “Request a Ride” page and punch in the “to and from” to get a list of who is going your way. If you are the one behind the wheel and could use some gas money, list yourself in the “Offer A Ride” section so folks can contact you. There are over 940 cities currently in the network so chances are pretty good that you’ll find a lift. Price is determined by the driver and is usually just to cover gas expense. What a smart way to connect with others and conserve natural resources. The friendly folks at Ridejoy make it all very easy. Visit the Ridejoy site now and get ready to hit the highway. Happy trails!
Tiny House Movement
The tiny house movement has been underway for many years. For many of us fans, however, it doesn’t seem to be making much headway. Here’s a new article from TreeHugger that suggests 5 of the BIG obstacles that stand in the way of this concept getting huge. Read Why Hasn’t The Tiny House Movement Become a Big Thing? And if you haven’t yet seen the documentary “We The Tiny House People” – today might be just the right day to watch it and be inspired. Kirsten Dirksen takes us around the world for an inside peek at creative small spaces and downsizing dreams come true. Be sure to catch the amazing wall-divider-bed in Manhattan and the wall of pop-out living in Barcelona! View the documentary now.
Trading in City Lights for A Country Dream
From Kate Hudson to Hudson, Ohio is quite a leap. Find out how this man turned a Disney layoff into his dream come true. It’s a heartwarming, inspiring example of getting clear about the life you truly desire and following your heart. And when you have the courage to do that – the world is a better place. You don’t have to live in Ohio to take a cue from this sustainable lifestyle. Plant your seeds right where you are. Congratulations, Dan Soulsby and thanks for your efforts … here’s wishing you and your family continued success with the farm and with Project Garden Share!
A Clear Place 