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Friday, May 31, 2013

Blog Spotlight: Live Hi Up

I'm always on the lookout for fun green living blogs. Today's blog spotlight is of Live Hi Up, an amazing  green lifestyle blog I discovered a couple weeks ago. Though its not Boston-based, Live Hi Up has eco-fashion stories, shopping advice, and green beauty tips that are relevant for ecofashionistas everywhere.


The author, Angela Moorer (pictured above), explains that her blog is about understanding the environmental and societal impact of your actions - a great blog mission if I do say so myself! The blog has many focus areas, including style and beauty, health, exercise, music, art, love and other creative entities that bring people to a conscious state of mind. I love that Angela touches on so many topics and talks about her lifestyle as a whole.

So, why check out Live Hi Up? Well, to read:
Interviews
Natural hair tips
Product reviews
Company & charity spotlights
Eco-fashion events
Thrift store hauls
Outfit posts
Outfit ideas
Inspirational musings
Photography
Art
DIY tutorials
Music
Anything beautiful that will uplift your life.

oh, and the occasional cupcake recipe.

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Pencil It In: Talk with the Author of Cooler Smarter

image courtesy of politics-prose

WHEN: Thursday, June 6, 6:30-8:00 p.m.

WHERE:  Boston Building Resources, 100 Terrace Street, Boston, MA 02120 (near Roxbury Community College)

WHY: Join Boston Building Resources for a book talk with Jeff Deyette, the co-author of the Boston Globe bestseller Cooler Smarter: Practical Steps for Low-Carbon Living from the Union of Concerned Scientists. Based on two years of research and analysis, the book shows the most effective strategies for reducing your global warming emissions, and how to take action at work, in your community, and politically. And Cooler Smarter helps you "sweat the right stuff" with answers to dozens of questions about your personal carbon emissions, such as:

- Do books or e-readers cause more emissions?

- Is it worth washing clothes in cold water?

- Which foods contribute most to global warming?

Click here to RSVP.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Review Wednesday: Umberto Beverly Hills Shampoo & Conditioner


Pros                                                              Cons     
-Effective                                                      -Not rated by EWG or Goodguide
-Widely available                                           -Contains parabens & artificial fragrance
-Provides UV protection                                 -No information regarding animal testing
-Protects against chlorine damage                  -No company policies regarding envi impact
-Good price, $13 each

Conclusion: I recently tried a sample of Umberto Beverly Hills Moisture Shampoo and Conditioners. While the products work well and provide great protection from typical summer damage, they aren't very green. I try to avoid products with parabens and artificial fragrances. I also couldn't find any information regarding animal testing, which is not a good sign. I won't purchase this product. 

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Green Tip Tuesday: Eco Picks by ReForm School Owners

billie-and-tootie-reform-school-333
Owners of ReForm School. Image courtesy of Refinery 29

My girlfriends and I love fashion and lifestyle blogs. Daily Candy, The Everygirl, The Glitter Guide and Refinery 29 are among our favorites, and its always exciting to see these girly-girl blogs posting environmentally-themed articles. One such recent post was a slideshow of eco gift ideas by the owners of ReForm School  - a Cali-based eco-boutique. They had some awesome picks, so I just had to share!

My favorite of their selection is this gorgeous Sunrise Ring from The Golden Smith:

thegoldensmith-thegoldensmith-400
Image courtesy of Refinery 29


Monday, May 27, 2013

New Perspectives: Sustainable Living in Boston


Boston is nothing if not sustainable; historic buildings all around the city provide proof of it. But Sustainable Living, in the modern sense, doesn't just mean how long a structure stands; instead, it's tied to how long we can make the planet last. Modern sustainable homes are built to be sturdier, safer and, when it comes to electricity, stingier. All those things can help reduce the risk of filing a home insurance claim, which will make your newer Boston home cost less to insure.

But the sustainable lifestyle isn't just for newly built homes. Using green building techniques to update an old house also can lower risks of damage from fire, water and wind, among other covered perils. Many Boston residents have learned this in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, choosing to rebuild using sustainable materials and methods.

Following are a few features or parts of a home where green building techniques can help reduce risks, whether your house is in Charlestown or Dorchester and whether it was built in the 17th century or the 21st.
Modern electrical wiring

Fire is of the most devastating of all the bad things that can happen to a house. Payouts from blazes average $30,000. Don't think it can happen to you? There are 500,000 structure fires every year in the U.S., according to the National Fire Protection Association. Every 82 seconds, there is a residential fire. Many are caused by homes that fall short of current safety codes, including having outdated fuse boxes and ungrounded power outlets.

The electrical systems in green homes primarily are designed to save energy, regardless of whether they're the original system or a renovated one. That's why they earn Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design points for their homes. But they also minimize the risk of house fires, which could make owners eligible for lower home insurance premiums.

Heating and cooling systems
A heating system is a given in Boston, but you might think you can get away without a cooling system. Wrong. Many providers require them to cut the chance of mold. However, failures of air conditioning systems are responsible at least in part for about 2,500 home fires a year, the NFPA says. Heating system failures lead to frozen and burst pipes, which are responsible each year for about $5 billion in claims.
Modern heated and cooling systems use less energy and can greatly reduce threats caused by severe weather, making homes safer and again lowering the chance of claims.

Plumbing and pipes
Cold weather isn't the only potential problem for pipes and plumbing. Older fixtures and pipes are more prone to failure, which could lead to water damage. Green plumbing systems are designed to use less water, but they also are sturdier, which again means less likelihood of having a problem that would require a claim.

The roof
Sustainable roofs use highly reflective steel and aluminum over at least 75% of their surface area. This helps make them energy efficient. But steel and aluminum also are some of the strongest, most fire-resistant materials around and can help roofs stand up to harsh weather such as wind and hail. Because a roof made from such materials is safer, it also can cost less to insure.

Planning for the future
If you can’t afford to convert your current home into an eco-friendly paradise just yet, you can still plan ahead. Some insurance providers offer green coverage for homes that aren't certified by LEED or other green programs such as ENERGY STAR for New Homes or Enterprise Green communities. This protection will help pay to rebuild or replace your home with green materials and more energy-efficient products if your residence is ever damaged or destroyed by a covered peril.

This article was contributed by Shannon Casey, writer for HomeInsurance.com. With a background in comedy and playwriting, Shannon branched into blogging and marketing in 2011, writing for several national brands. She graduated from Hampshire College in Amherst, MA, in 2010 with a B.A. in Liberal Arts.

Friday, May 24, 2013

Fun Friday: Go Outside!

image courtesy of Crunchy Hippie

Hey you! Its the Friday before the first long weekend of summer...go outside! 

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Pencil it in: Charles River Rummage


BeCause Water invites you to compete in the first official Charles River Rummage: a kayak clean-up competition for river protection and a cash prize! And get this, Boston Green Blog readers can get tickets for  50% off by using the code: canoefortwo

When: June 1, 2013; 1 pm - 3 pm

Where : 500 Broad Canal Way, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142 (Kendall Location)

Why: To protect the river! BeCause Water believes that the local community should celebrate one of the most well-known and coveted bodies of water in Greater Boston. The objective of the River Rummage is to educate participants on ways in which we can protect the river while enjoying it!

Details:
1:00 Kick-off introduction
1:30 – 2:30 Boats out!
Teams of 4 (2 double kayaks per team) will compete to collect as much MAN-MADE debris as possible in 1 hour of “rummaging” through the Charles River.
The team at the end who has the most weight of debris will win a  CASH PRIZE! There will also be prizes for 2nd and 3rd place.
BeCause Water will provide all equipment, including nets and kayaks.

Don't have a full team? Don't worry! E-mail  info@becausewater.com and you'll be matched up with fellow Rummagers!

Part of a bigger group (>4 people)? Bring everyone! We'll be giving shout-outs and prizes to bigger groups as well!

Directions: http://www.PaddleBoston.com/kendall/directions.php

RSVP Here.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Review Wednesday: Own Firming Silk Concentrate

Own Firming Silk Concentrate

Pros                                                         Cons  
-Great moisturizer                                     -Moderate price, $25 
-0 on Skin Deep database                         -Takes a while to absorb
-6.7 on Goodguide                                    -Easy to spill/waste
-Fragrance free                                         -Not easily available (try Whole Foods)
-Paraben free
-No animal testing

Conclusion: I am impressed with Own Firming Silk Concentrate. To be honest, I didn't see major anti-aging results, but I haven't with any product from any brand (suggestions welcome!). But the Own serum provided great moisturizer and scores very well on all of the third party rating tools I checked. In fact, this is the first cosmetic product that has scored a 0 hazard on EWG Skin Deep database! I loved using this product at night and waking up with perfectly glowing skin. I highly recommend this product for those with dry or sensitive skin. 

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Green Tip Tuesday: Join NuRide


I just joined NuRide (associated with MassDOT and MassRIDES) - and I am pretty excited about it! After signing up and activating a NuRide account, members start receiving coupons, discounts, and rewards for every green trip logged. A green trip can include taking public transit, biking, walking, or carpooling. Users can also connect with other NuRide users on the website, which is great for finding commute buddies or putting together a carpool group.

And the rewards are awesome! Logging green trips, users get discounts at awesome retailers like Uncommon Goods, Green Mountain Coffee, ZipCar, National Geographic, Brookstone, and tons more!

Monday, May 20, 2013

New Perspectives: Sustainable Snacking for Spring



With its warmer temperatures, regular rainy days and increased sunshine, spring is one of the best times of year for fresh fruits and vegetables. To take full advantage of all your fresh options this spring, and to keep your body feeling great, try to incorporate seasonal produce into your daily diet and cooking.

The following fruits and veggies come into season in spring, particularly in April and May, and can be utilized in  dozens of delicious ways beyond your basic salad. Here are some yummy ideas for sustainable, natural ways to eat your favorite fresh foods this spring:

Avocados
Slice it on sandwiches, dice it up and mix it with chickpeas and tomatoes for a light salad, or mash it with lime juice, red onion and jalapeno for a spicy guacamole; there are a million ways to enjoy avocado. It’s
full of healthy fats and adds substance and flavor to any dish.

Asparagus
Asparagus makes an absolutely delicious side dish or healthy snack; simply drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper and roast. Alternatively, you can enjoy asparagus mixed up with pasta or added to salads.

Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is most commonly known for topping off pancakes and waffles, but you can do so much  more with this sweet seasonal treat. It’s great for baking, whether you’re making candies, cookies, cakes or donuts, and it can also be used in marinades, dips and sauces.

Peas
Tiny and bright green, peas are the perfect veggie to represent spring freshness. Eat them warm with some butter and salt, add them to orzo and pasta for a pop of color or try making your own wasabi peas for a completely addicting but healthy spring snack.

Spring Onions
Related to green onions, spring onions can be used in a wide variety of ways, from frittatas, tarts and couscous to crepes and even homemade onion rings. They add slightly more flavor to dishes than your
average scallions; try experimenting with them grilled as a side dish or chopped up in a casserole.

Strawberries
Strawberries are delicious eaten on their own; their natural sweetness makes them crave-worthy spring snacks. They also provide a nice contrast to leafy greens when you toss them in a salad, and are great mixed into yogurt, baked into muffins or sliced on top of pound cake for a light dessert.


Maple Yogurt Dip
This recipe for maple yogurt dip is the perfect way to indulge in maple syrup at any time of day. Serve it with fresh fruit, pita chips or baked sweet potato fries for an easy snack or appetizer.

• 1 qt plain yogurt
• 2 tsp maple flavor/extract
• T Tbsp honey or maple syrup

Mix well and serve with fruit or sweet potato fries.
Optional: Drain the yogurt in a cheese cloth for a thicker, richer dip.


Author Bio: This is a guest post by Meredith K. on behalf of Alexia Foods. For sweet potato fries and other
frozen appetizers to snack on this spring, visit www.alexiafoods.com.

Friday, May 17, 2013

Fun Friday: Recap of Eva & Paul Trunk Show


On Wednesday night I went over to the iLab at Harvard Business school to check out the Eva & Paul Kickstarter. Founder, Julia Kastner, describes her line of jeans as "sustainable and stylish denim with a thoughtful approach to fit." The jeans are made with organic cotton and processed at a mill in India that uses fewer harsh chemicals and less water than typical denim mills. The denim is then sewn into the three styles (skinny, boot cut, and trouser) in New York City's garment district.


After the tragic garment factory collapse in Bangladesh last month and yesterday's deadly shoe factory collapse in Cambodia, it is more important than ever before to be aware of where your clothing comes from and to pay fairly for it. Eva & Paul is not only committed to selling jeans with a minimal environmental impact, but also to pay workers fairly. A friend of Kastner's from business school has direct ties to the Indian mill where the denim is produced. And since the jeans are sewn in the U.S., it is easy for Kastner to ensure the whole supply chain of Eva & Paul is fair. 

So how'd they fit? I tried on the skinnies and the trousers and they both fit really well around my waist. Girls are itching for jeans with a higher waist because, lets be honest,  super-low-rise is only flattering on a tiny percentage of women. The waist of the Eva & Paul jeans were just perfect: high without being "mom jeans." The fabric is super soft and the pockets have the cutest fabric on the interior (which is also made by Indian artisans). I didn't buy a pair, but .... when I need new jeans, Eva & Paul will definitely be at the top of my list!

Learn more about Eva & Paul.





Thursday, May 16, 2013

Pencil It In: May Boston Green Drinks

Boston Green Drinks  - May Happy Hour

Due to the Memorial Day holiday, Boston Green Drinks will take place on May 21, 2013 rather than the usual last Tuesday of the month.

When: May 21, 2013, 6pm - 8pm

Where: Kingston Station, 25 Kingston St., Boston, MA

Why: Join the conversation with sustainability professionals and hobbyists.  Enjoy a drink and build your connection with the green community!

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Review Wednesday: Shikai Mist & Go Conditioner

image courtesy of Nutricity

Pros                                                                Cons  
Good price (under $10)                                   Not widely available (try Whole Foods)
No animal testing                                             Rated 4 on EWG (medium hazard)
Made in USA                                                  Contains artificial fragrance
Effective                                                          Rated 2.1 on Good Guide


Conclusion: Well, this is a bit disappointing. I really loved the Shikai shampoo product I tried back in March, but the shampoo got a better rating on EWG because it didn't have artificial fragrance whereas mist & go did. Furthermore, according to GoodGuide, Shikai is among the worst 50% of companies rated on their app for commitments to human health and the environment....yikes. Though this product worked really well, I will not be buying it again.

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Green Tip Tuesday: Use Feedly

image courtesy of glass-apps
 
If you've made your way to Boston Green Blog, chances are you've also visited other blogs. The nature of blogs makes them tricky to keep up with - some post every day, some post once a month, some are completely sporadic - so how do you know when to check your favorite blogs? By using a blog reader app that brings the newest posts from your favorite blogs all to one place! My favorite blog reader is Feedly. Feedly is graphically pleasing, easy to use, and super-organized. I use it to keep track of all of my favorite green sources like Ecouterre, Magnifeco, Groovy Green Livin, NGE, Live Hi Up, Coco Eco, and so many more. 


image courtesy of Dashburst

Monday, May 13, 2013

New Perspectives: How Businesses Can Become Energy Star Partners

 
You've likely seen the Energy Star label on products, but did you know that buildings as well as businesses can also become Energy Star certified? Launched in 1992 as an initiative of the EPA, the Energy Star program began with the sole purpose of helping both homes and businesses improve their energy efficiency. Since then it has welcomed more than 18,000 partners and certified 20,000 businesses, as well as 1.2 million homes.
 
Boston is no stranger to the Energy Star program. In fact, it boasts one of the first buildings in the country to receive an Energy Star label. Two Twenty Two Berkeley in Boston's Back Bay area received its certification on June 9, 1999, and more than 10 years later it still uses close to the same amount of energy, despite a 40 percent occupancy increase.
 
Hines, the international real estate development firm that built Two Twenty Two, stated in their Energy Star success story that one of the greatest benefits of the Energy Star program is its benchmark tool, which allows them to track multiple properties. According to Hines' Vice President of Operations Greg Brown, "The Energy Star Building Label makes a clear statement about the property's ability to deliver value. It's starting to show up on more and more requests for proposals. As more owners become aware of it, the Energy Star designation will become a competitive advantage."
 
While Energy Star offers a wide range of services to help companies use their energy more efficiently, businesses looking to partner with Energy Star aren't required to utilize all of them. In fact, Energy Star only asks that their members:
 
- Develop and implement a plan to improve energy performance
 
- Measure, track and benchmark energy performance
 
- Educate their staff and the public about their partnership and achievements
 
The application process takes about five minutes online and after that, members have access to all of the Energy Star programs, services and publications, and are eligible for the annual Energy Star Small Business Award.
 
The Energy Star Small Business Award is awarded each year to four businesses from across the United States that "...represent excellence in energy efficiency and are great examples of financial and environmental stewardship." The winners are chosen from the success stories submitted by members and the winners are not only acknowledged on the website and promoted in the Energy Star newsletter, but a press release about their achievement is also sent to their regional media outlets. It's also a great way to show customers how committed the company is to saving energy and promoting eco-friendly efforts.
 
While the Energy Star label can apply to corporations with multiple franchises, it can also apply to home businesses. Because of this, energy-saving plans don't need to involve the complete construction of new buildings (though Energy Star does provide a list of Energy Star certified architects and construction companies) or the purchasing of all new energy-saving equipment
(though there are loans available for just that purpose). In fact, they can begin with something as
simple as changing a light bulb.
When deciding what changes your business can make to become more energy efficient, consider some of the following simple improvements:
 
- Utilize daylight more efficiently in your office for lighting, from using reflective surfaces such as mirrors to installing skylights.
 
- Where the sunlight is too intense, install sunshades and/or plant trees before cranking up the air conditioner to combat the heat.
 
- Replace standard light bulbs with CFLs or LED lights, which can cost about 75 percent less to run.
 
- Spring clean around your outdoor HVAC system and make sure the intakes aren't blocked with debris and/or overgrowth.
 
- Install weather stripping, plug holes and leaks and use fans where possible to improve your heating and cooling system's performance.
 
- Encourage employees to use less hot water and bring reusable containers to work for meals and beverages.
 
- Stay on top of air filter replacements to keep the HVAC running efficiently.
 
- Install a programmable and/or wireless thermostat so temperatures can be adjusted when the office is closed.
 
- Install motion detectors that turn off the lights when no one is around.
 
No matter how you choose to approach your energy-saving business plan, even changing a light bulb at your home office and using natural light a little more often can make a big difference in the long run. For more information on the Energy Star program and how you can sign up to become an Energy Star partner.
 
What efforts is your company making to save energy and go green? Would you consider becoming an Energy Star partner? Why or why not?
 
Today's guest post was graciously submitted by Brent Hardy. Brent Hardy manages facilities and sustainability programs for Extra Space Storage. Their Worcester self storage facility has undergone both solar and lighting retrofits to become more sustainable.

Friday, May 10, 2013

Fun Fact Friday: Brown Students Protest for Responsible Investments


Wonderful inspiring story this morning on WBUR about the power of activism. Brown University students are protesting in hopes that the President and the Trustees will agree to divest coal burning power plants. 
Universities typically invest millions of dollars in all types of companies, but students don't want their university giving monetary power to big coal and oil. Read or hear the full story here. 

To get more info. on how your college's endowment ranks in transparency and sustainability issues, check out the College Sustainability Report Card.

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Pencil It In: The Future of Energy

image courtesy of cognoscenti.wbur.org


When: Monday, May 13, 2013, 6:30 pm

Where: BSA Space, Atlantic Wharf, 290 Congress Street, Suite 200, Boston

What: The Future of Energy Panel hosted by The Nature Conservancy and WBUR

image courtesy of nature.org


How can we meet and manage growing energy demands while protecting the planet’s health—and ours? What role can renewable energy—which, in 2011, accounted for only about 9 percent of all energy used in the United States—play in meeting that demand? What is the future of energy?

Join moderator Anthony Brooks, co-host of WBUR’s Radio Boston, and renewable-energy thought leaders for this important community conversation at The Future of Energy, the second event in the Future of Nature lecture series that The Nature Conservancy is co-sponsoring with WBUR, Boston’s NPR news station, this spring.

Panelists:

Daniel Kammen, professor and director, Renewable and Appropriate Energy Laboratory, UC Berkeley

Jigar Shah, partner, Inerjys clean-energy investment firm, founder SunEdison solar services company

Joe Farigone, science director, The Nature Conservancy

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

BGB Gets a Content Makeover

Design the Life You Want to Live - a blog of new beginnings
image courtesy of lynneknowlton.com

So, up until recently there has been no real rhyme or reason to the content of my posts - but now, to make Boston Green Blog more manageable for all you readers, I am going to post certain types of content on specific days of the week. Hopefully this will make BGB more navigable. I am very excited about this new format, and would love to hear your thoughts!

Mondays - New Perspectives. Each Monday I will feature a post from a guest author.

Tuesdays - Green Tip Tuesdays. Fresh green living ideas coming at ya every Tues.

Wednesdays - Review Wednesdays. Product reviews, business reviews, event reviews and more.

Thursdays - Pencil It In. Notable events happening in greater Boston.

Fridays - Fun Fact Fridays. A mixed bag of informative green topics.

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

5 Green Living Apps for iPhone

1.
image courtesy of CBSnews.com

LevelUp - This may not be officially as "green" as the other apps on my list, but LevelUp is at the top because I use it the most. Save paper by paying electronically (no receipt needed - it gets e-mailed to you instantly). LOVE this app, and bonus, the company is based in Boston!


2.
One Small Act iPhone
image courtesy of Pin App

One Small Act - Make green living goals, follow through, and get points!


3.
image courtesy of Inhabitat

Good Guide - this app is my new obsession. Scan the bar code of a product (or search by name) and Good Guide will give you an environmental rating and a health rating of the given product. Amazing!


4.
Seafood Watch Application Shopping for Seafood
image courtesy of FishNavy.com

Seafood Watch - remember those cards that people used to carry around in their wallets that explained which seafood was safe to order? How old fashioned! Get the app -  it is both easier to read and harder to lose.


5.
image courtesy of itunes

Do It Gorgeously - Yes, Gorgeously Green has its own app with tips, videos, shopping lists and more. This one is great for when you're bored and ready to get some new green living ideas.

For more green living apps, check out Groovy Green Livin's top 6 green apps.

Monday, May 6, 2013

Guest Post: Intro to New Generation Energy


Our Mission

First things first - thanks for having us on Boston Green Blog! Here at New Generation Energy, we love the Boston Green Blog and are very excited to be even a small part of it.

For those of you who don’t know us, New Generation Energy (NGE) is a Boston nonprofit aiming to help local nonprofits become more sustainable. Basically, by helping nonprofits go green, we get to help our environment and our community at the same time. A nonprofit can focus on their own mission and put the money they save through every green initiative back into their own projects.

NGE works to educate nonprofits about the importance of energy efficiency, fundraise for sustainability projects and build communities with interest environmental causes. NGE is currently working on the foundation of two initiatives; Young & Green and Local & Green.

Young & Green

If you are a young professional between 21 and 45 with an interest in sustainability, Young & Green would be a perfect group for you. This Young Professional group aims to bring together like-minded environmentally conscious individuals in the Boston area. Young & Green is a group for focused individuals who have an interest in their community, sustainability and helping non-profits thrive. A great social outlet for Boston professionals, Young & Green hosts monthly events for all members and interested parties. These may include private events, related speaking programs, networking opportunities and many others. Our events partner with local Boston businesses to provide members with a fun and unique experience as well as provide the benefit of discounted tickets on all NGE events outside of the group.

Young & Green’s most recent event was a mixer at Mass Ave Tavern in Back Bay. About fifty young professionals were in attendance from around the greater Boston area. The night was spent enjoying food and new company while discussing mutual interests in sustainability around Boston. Right now, we are in talks about our summer event, so make sure to keep an eye out here: http://newgenerationenergy.org/youngandgreen

Local & Green - Helping nonprofits raise impact by reducing their carbon footprint.

NGE’s largest program is Local & Green, an initiative that provides hands-on support for energy efficiency projects in the local community. For one year, NGE helps selected regional nonprofits become more sustainable, designing and implementing projects to help nonprofits save money and increase their impact. From project design to 100% funding, Local & Green is NGE’s 360° approach to powering sustainable communities. NGE and Local & Green have worked with the Asian Task Force Against Domestic
Violence, Cambridge Community Center, Community Servings and the Elizabeth Peabody House.

And that wraps it up! Thanks again Boston Green Blog and if you have any further questions regarding NGE, Young & Green or Local & Green feel free to contact Dylan Joffe at joffe@newgenerationenergy.org for details. Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook and check out our own blog!

Friday, May 3, 2013

Save the Date: EarthFest May 18, 2013

image courtesy of design-impact.org

In two weeks, music lovers and green living enthusiasts will unite on the Esplanade for EarthFest hosted by Radio 92.9! This event is always a blast - it is all the fun of an outdoor concert with free samples from all of your favorite green companies. Mark your calendars! 

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Interactive Green Living with Motley Green

image courtesy of  hmodeofaide.files.wordpress.com

I am a huge fan of the online tool Practically Green. PG is a great way to track your progress to a healthier and more environmentally friendly lifestyle, so I am not surprised to find similar tools popping up all over the web. One such tool I recently discovered is Motley Green. Like Practically Green, Motley Green prompts users to take a brief lifestyle quiz to gauge your level of greenness. Unfortunately, the Motley Green quiz is not geared for apartment renters - there are a lot of questions regarding lawn care and building insulation that is not usually something that urban apartment dwellers deal with.

However, I love the interactive aspect of Motley Green. It is like the content sharing that occurs on Ozoshare. I'm excited to start using Motley Green more often and get to know how it works a little bit better. I'll report back in a few months with my thoughts!


Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Green Substitution: Swap Vaseline for Waxelene

image courtesy of thesimplemoms.com

I have very sensitive skin and am constantly battling eczema outbreaks (sorry if that is an overshare hah!). Last year, my doctor suggested that I protect the eczema-prone areas of my skin with Vaseline. My heart  dropped when she said this because I've been working for years to rid my cosmetic shelf of petroleum-based products! But, I have to agree with my doctor, that petroleum jelly was an effective skin protector. Luckily, a representative from Waxelene recently contacted me about their organic beeswax alternative to petroleum jelly. I received a sample in the mail and have been testing it out for a couple weeks - and despite a different consistency, Waxelene works just as well as traditional petroleum jelly.

Waxelene is a great product and is an alternative to petroleum jelly that provides all of the same benefits, but is safe for consumer health and the environment. If you're interested, check it out at the bath and body section of Whole Foods.