Observations: Recycling on the MBTA

I love that there are paper recycling receptacles all over the mbta, and I love that they are placed next to trash cans so they are easy to find. BUT, what about plastic recycling? Hmmmmm

Keep Cool!

I'm back in Providence for a few days - so I don't have much Boston greenness to report. I'll be back later this week with lots of new content. Until then here are some Eco-tips for this weather:

1. Stay hydrated
2. Sunscreen (try coola natural brand)
3. Check on elderly neighbors
4. Hit public pools and beaches
5. Pull down the shades during the day and open them at night
6. Turn off electronics
7. Water plants in the early morning or late evening only

Yum yum alert: Green Mountain Gringo

Delicious, natural & organic ingredients, packaged in mason jars (super easy to reuse)!

Review: BeadforLife Lip Balm

image courtesy of beadforlifestore.org

Pros                                                                                  Cons                              

-All purchases benefit families in Northern Uganda              -Not rated on EWG skindeep database

-Good/unique shape and size                                              -Not widely available. (purchase here)

-No artificial fragrances, dyes, petrochemicals, parabens

-Smooth feel

Conclusion: One of my favorite aspects of being a green living blogger is discovering products that are both environmentally and socioeconomically sustainable. I love my Tom's shoes, my Humps sunglasses, and all of my fair trade jewelry, so it is no surprise that I LOVE BeadforLife lip balm. BeadforLife is a nonprofit organization that sells handmade products like jewelry, loose beads, soaps, and lip balm in order to benefit 750 impoverished families in Uganda. The program gives women jobs creating these items and aims to have families able to make a good living independent from the program within 18 months. Not only that, but the shea butter lip balms are actually good for you! The ingredients are simple, natural, and effective, and though the product is not yet rated on the skin deep database, there are no intimidating items on the ingredient list so I'm sure the lip balm will be ranked well. 

Quick Trash Tips

1. Know your town's recycling system (single stream? What numbers do they accept? Etc.)

2. Rinse recyclables.

3. Give composting a try!

4. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

5. Consider packaging while shopping.

6. Use trash bags made with post consumer content. (These are pretty common... Check CVS)

RRR: Vases of Jars + Lightbulbs

On Prince St. in Boston's North End, the window front of a stationary shop features these creative terraniums and vases:

Roadtrippin'

Nice to know that even the rest stops along the Mass Pike are thinking green!