Here are some helpful tips for going green.

Find your cookware in the second-hand store or flea market.

They need to be cleaned and shined up but they work wonderfully, they save you money, you are recycling, and they don't have the harmful chemicals and materials that can end up in your food - as can happen with the cheap, new cookware. 

Buying clothes - think green.

Some companies make clothing out of lower impact materials such as organic cotton and recycled plastics. Patagonia's Common Thread Recycling Program transforms worn-out garments into new ones. Also, hit the outdoor flea markets and find the bargains in second hand outfits. You can go funky and stay green. 

Celebrate Sustainably. 

If you’re attending a party or headed to a beach or park to celebrate, gather your friends to carpool there. If you’re the host, use paperless invites, recycle materials into decorations, and challenge your guests to recycle while in your home.

Think Green - think about packaging.

Packaging plays a big role in our impact on the planet, from the emissions related to producing the packaging, to the transport of them to the dump as they become garbage. You already know to stop buying water in plastic bottles, but you have a lot of other choices in packaging every day. Styrofoam vs paper, buying in bulk, avoiding cellophane wrap. Look for reusable or recyclable packaging....and, think about doing without a product if the waste produced is high. 

Turn out the lights when not using a room.

Even low-energy use bulbs can't do as much as just going dark. And, what about lowering the wattage everywhere. Do you really need 100 watts to read?

When using the dishwasher: don't pre-rinse dishes, just scrape excess food off.

Limit your use of air-fresheners

They are bad for the earth and studies have shown they are bad for you as well. Instead, use 100% beeswax candles with 100% cotton wicks- they purify and clean the air.