Safe Skin Stocking Stuffers

Beautiful skin is always a great gift! Just make sure to avoid any "treatment" products, because that might come across as an insult to your recipient. These are a few Boston Green Blog approved, ethical, safe skin products that will make great stocking stuffers this holiday season.

1. Organic Bath Drenched, $29
EWG SkinDeep: Not yet rated.
ThinkDirty: 0 (best rating available)
GoodGuide: Not yet rated.

Made right here in Boston from fairly traded USDA organic ingredients. Drenched has quickly become Boston's favorite body moisturizer. It is rich and luxurious, and totally non-toxic! Bonus: Organic Bath Co. partners with 1% for the Planet and the Global Soap Project - so using their products is both healthy for you, people in need, and the earth.

2. Glossier Balm Dotcom, $12
EWG SkinDeep: Not yet rated.
ThinkDirty:  Not yet rated.
GoodGuide: Not yet rated.

Glossier is a brand new skincare company by Emily Weiss, author of Into the Gloss. Her products are designed for the busy modern girl and use awesome natural ingredients like beeswax, rice bran and rosemary leaf extracts. The balm is free if parabens and fragrances, making it a healthy choice.

3. All Good Organic Coconut Oil Skin Food, $14.99
EWG SkinDeep: Not yet rated.
ThinkDirty: Not yet rated.
GoodGuide: 10, Health (best rating available)

This USDA organic coconut oil balm is super nourishing and is scented with calming lavender essential oil. In fact, coconut oil and lavender essential oil are the only two ingredients - it doesn't get more pure than that! Your skin will love this simple, but highly effective moisture this winter.

4. Belli All Day Moisture, $17.00
EWG SkinDeep: Not yet rated.
ThinkDirty: Not yet rated.
GoodGuide: 5.6 (average)

Belli All Day Moisture cream fully moisturizing, but also refreshing with lemon oil and chamomile. This product is safe for the whole body since it does not contain parabens, phthalates, or artificial fragrances!

5. 100% Pure Body Butter, $22
EWG SkinDeep: Not yet rated.
ThinkDirty: 1 (Excellent rating)
GoodGuide: 6.2 (slightly above average)

This rich body butter is perfect for sensitive skin since it does not contain sulfates, chemical preservatives, or artificial fragrances. The blood orange scent is deliciously revitalizing and great for the winter!

6. Mad Hippie Face Cream, 25.99
EWG SkinDeep: Not yet rated.
ThinkDirty: Not yet rated.
GoodGuide: Not yet rated.

A fun, nontoxic face cream packaged in a BPA-free, recycled bottle. It was recently awarded Best Facial Moisturizer in Natural Solutions Magazine’s Beauty with a Conscience Awards. It is one of the best day creams for winter!

Happy Thanksgiving

source image courtesy of Our World

Happy Arbor Day

source image courtesy of flickr

Boston's Green Events Happening this Week

First and foremost, good luck to all of the Marathon runners today!!! We will be cheering you on!

MONDAY

• Help keep Boston clean during and after this year's marathon by properly disposing of waste and encouraging fellow race viewers to do the same.

TUESDAY

• Earth Day!
• EcoMotion Sustainability UnConference
• Greening Rozzie Spring Potluck
• USGBC MA Earth Day Gala
• Earth Day Meals at Restaurants affiliated with the Chef's Collaborative 

WEDNESDAY

• Remind yourself why spring is green

THURSDAY

• Fashion Revolution Day
• Monthly Planet Southie Meeting
• Project Blue Pride Lecture & Screening at NEAQ

FRIDAY

• April Walk/Ride Day

SATURDAY

• Investing in a Sustainable Future: Economic Growth and Environmental Constraints
• Dorchester Bike Festival

SUNDAY

• Doing yard work? Reduce your impact by gardening smart

Green Goals for 2014

While I've conquered some of my 2013 resolutions, some have made it onto my list of green 2014 goals, and some new ideas fill out the list:

1. Avoid fast fashion.
2. Don't accept plastic shopping bags at any store.
3. Eat less meat and dairy.
4. Weatherize my apartment.
5. Use only aluminum-free deodorant.
6. Listen to every week's Living on Earth.
7. Compost food waste.

Christmas

Avoid Spreading Invasive Insects through Christmas Trees

source image courtesy of Miss 604

This holiday season, The Nature Conservancy in the greater Boston area wants to make sure people know the facts about possible invasive species that threaten our trees. For example, fir trees are very popular Christmas Trees, and several species of fir trees are under attack from the balsam woolly adelgid, a tiny bug that distorts tree growth that can kill the tree. Maple trees, which provide syrup for our pancakes, are under attack from the non-native invasive Asian longhorned beetle. This insect kills maples (and many other species of trees), which could  seriously impact the maple syrup producers in the Northeast.

By now, most of you have already purchased your Christmas Trees, so the important thing is to dispose of them properly:

• Dispose of your tree safely. When Christmas is over, don’t just toss it in the backyard to sit around. If there are any invasive bugs on the tree, - they may spread to trees in your yard or
neighborhood. Search for local municipal tree collectors who will properly chip and dispose of
the tree.

• Don’t move firewood! Remember that warm toasty fire? Make sure those logs came from a
nearby area. Transporting firewood for long distances can spread invasive pests and start a new
infestation in your neighborhood. Instead, buy your firewood from a local, reputable seller or
burn it on the property where it was cut. (This also applies to camping. When you go camping,
don’t bring your firewood with you. Buy it at or near the campsite.)

Green Events Needed for 2014

source image courtesy of Phoebe Wahl

2013 is wrapping up - which means its time to start figuring out our calendars for the new year! What green events are going on in 2014? We hope to fill the Boston Green Blog event calendar with some great happenings! 

Send all upcoming event info. to bostongreenblog@gmail.com

Avoid Wrapping Paper this Month

1 / 2 / 3 / 4

THE FACT: Approximately 8,000 tons of wrapping paper are used each year (the equivalent of 50,000 trees).

THE GOAL: Not to purchase any wrapping paper or gift bags this holiday season.

THE SOLUTION: Getting crafty with newspapers, ribbon, and some found pine branches!

Eco Monday Shopping Rules

source image courtesy of iphonehacks

1. Buy only what you need. Impulse buying often ends up being wasteful.
2. Find out where the item will be shipped from. You might be able to buy an option from a closer location.
3. Look for quality. Items should last a long time. Think about the end-of-life of each product you buy. 
4. Consider experiential gifts (which can usually be purchased online). 
5. Ask your loved ones for wish lists - this will reduce the likelihood of returns after the holidays. 
6. Look for green/environmentally themed gifts to spread the message of climate change awareness.  

Gobble, gobble!

image source

Green Tip Tuesday: How to Be an Eco-Savvy Party Guest

source image courtesy of JessicaBellMadeThis

It is cookout season! Lots of fun outdoor parties going on, especially with the Fourth of July holiday on Thursday. Here are some tips to keep in mind while attending BBQ's (if you're the host, read  how to throw a green party for the 4th)

1. Mind your drink. Recycle all bottles and plastic cups. If you don't see a recycling bin, ask the host if there is a bag or container that is for recyclable items. If you plan to have more than one drink, reuse the same cup. 

2. Choose your meal wisely. Skip the burgers and dogs, and stick to the vegetarian options. After all, summer parties are known for some mean potato salad!

3. Bring an ethical hostess gift. Organic wine, fair trade coffee, local fruit are all great eco-aware gifts that your host will love. 

4. Wear something eco/ethical as a conversation starter. Just got some sweet Warby Parker sunglasses? Tell your friends about WP's one-for-one program. Or when someone compliments your bracelets from Ten Thousand Villages, tell them about the product's origin.

5. Be a tidy guest. If you are walking around, grab stray bottles and trash and dispose of them properly. Not only will your host appreciate this, but plastic/glass is more likely to end up in the recycling rather than the trash. 

6. Carpool or take public transit to the party. 

And of course, have fun! 

Happy Earth Day!

1970 Earth Day Poster 

image courtesy of oecotextiles.wordpress.com

After what felt like the longest week of all time, Bostonians let out a deep sigh of relief when the remaining perpetrator of the tragic marathon day bombing was caught. Now, as we try to heal as a city, we are closer and more compassionate than ever before. This strong urge to give back to the community combined with the recent dose sunshine, makes for a truly inspiring Earth Day here in Boston.  

I am looking forward to celebrating this evening with The Nature Conservancy at the Future of Food Panel Discussion in South Boston. (Tickets still available!) 

The Details:

Monday, April 22, 5:30-9:30 pm
Artists for Humanity EpiCenter
100 West 2nd. Street
South Boston, MA

Speakers:

• Michael Leviton, chef, Lumière and Area Four, Chefs Collaborative
• Oran Hesterman, founder, Fair Food Network
• Paul Greenberg, author of Four Fish: The Future of the Last Wild Food
• David Cleary, strategy director, agriculture, The Nature Conservancy
• Moderator: Sacha Pfeiffer, WBUR, host of All Things Considered

Hope to see you there!

5 Ways to have a Green Easter

1. Serve vegetarian options

2. Avoid using plastic grass in Easter baskets

3. Fill baskets with locally-made or home-baked treats instead of candy that has been shipped around the country

4. Set the table with soy-based or beeswax candles

5. If your attending instead of hosting, bring a green-themed hostess gift (like organic wine instead of traditional)

Show the earth your love with green valentines

Valentines Day is a potentially wasteful holiday - individually wrapped candies, cards, envelopes, etc. But Valentines Day is such a fun time to celebrate your loved ones, so this year, lets explore some green ways to show our love and appreciation!

One such option is Delightfully Valentines. For $3, Delightfully provides an awesome "present opening" experience that uses absolutely no paper and is handled completely online. You visit the site, either enter in your gift (ex., "A Home-Cooked Dinner for Valentine's Day") or buy a gift card on the site. Then,  electronically "wrap" it using either a collage of pictures or a photo puzzle. Next, your Valentine receives notification that their gift is waiting and when they visit the site, receive the experience of putting together a puzzle or sifting through photos to reveal what you've planned for them. So much better than saying, "Honey, the reservation is at 8," and so much greener than a Hallmark card at CVS.

Another option is to give potted plants rather than bouquets. Potted plants last much longer and can help improve indoor air quality. Your valentine is sure to enjoy having a permanent decoration rather than a fleeting piece of beauty.

Finally, try making homemade treats instead of purchasing individually wrapped candy that has likely been shipped across the country. Try your hand at making fudge, cookies, or brownies for a personalized sweet treat that shows more thought and effort than a candy bar! Or personalize an everyday item for a cute surprise - like a sticker on an organic apple:

image courtesy of onehungrymama.com

New Years Resolutions for 2013

Time to compile a list of resolutions for 2013! Some of my resolutions from last year made the list once again - maybe I'll actually accomplish them this time. There's always hope! 

1. Shower in less than 7 minutes. 

2. Avoid fast fashion.

3. Travel somewhere new (and purchase carbon offsets for the trip).

4. Purchase less processed foods. 

5. Attend two green events per month.

6. Take more of my own photography for Boston Green Blog.

7. Do an unplugged workout 3 times per week. 

8. Clean with home-made natural supplies. 

Mark Your Eco-Holiday Progress on Practically Green

Have you been working to make your holiday greener than ever this season? I've made some of my own upcycled gift wrap, bought fairly traded gifts, and sent holiday greetings via e-mail instead of USPS. If you've taken some similar steps, give yourself a pat on the back! And give yourself some recognition by marking off the actions you've completed on Practically Green's Holiday Giving Guide!

By marking keeping track of your progress on Practically Green, you'll feel more satisfied with your efforts by earning badges. And the website is bursting with more easy green living tips (which are great to look through as you plan out your new year's resolutions!)

images courtesy of PracticallyGreen.com

Unconventional Wrapping Paper Ideas

One great way to green your holidays this year is by wrapping gifts using recycled or upcycled materials. When I'm feeling creative, I love cutting brown paper bags and decorating the blank side with stamps, glitter and drawings for a DIY touch to my gift-wrap.

image courtesy of inhabitots.com

Here are some other ways to cut down on traditional wrapping paper waste:

image courtesy of inhabitat.com

Wearable wrapping - if your friends and family wear scarves, wrap the rest of their gift in one for a totally waste-free gift. Same could be done with a shirt or cute dish towels

An old map is a great look for gift wrap! Lets be honest, we all use Google maps now anyway, so its time to clear out your car's glove compartment. 

image courtesy of simplyhealthyfam.blogspot.com

With a little ribbon, newspaper can actually look quite cute!

For small gifts, decorate an Altoids tin.

This upcycled wine/champagne bag is simply amazing. 

Vegetarian Christmas Dinner Recipes

Balsamic Roasted Brussel Sprouts

Ingredients:
1 pound brussel sprouts
1/8 cup diced pine nuts
balsamic vinegar
olive oil
parmesan cheese


• Instructions:1. Trim and peel away the outer leaves of each Brussels sprout and then half them.
• 
  
• 2. Slide the Brussels sprout halves onto the skewers, about six to eight halves per skewer.
  3. Line a baking dish with parchment paper and places the skewers halved-side up.
  4. Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over each skewer, trying to “fill up” the Brussels sprouts.
  5. Bake the skewers at 400 degrees for about 30 minutes until they are cooked and crispy.
  6. Plate the skewers on a serving tray and cover them with shaved Parmesan and the pine nuts.

  
  

  
  

  Wild Mushroom & Port Brioche

  
  

  

  
  

  Ingredients:

  
  

  2 tbsp olive oil

  225g chestnut mushrooms , quartered

  115g shiitake mushrooms , halved

  2 large field mushrooms , sliced

  3 sticks celery , finely chopped

  1 onion , cut into thin wedges

  2 garlic cloves , crushed

  300ml red wine

  1.2l hot vegetable stock

  2 sprigs fresh thyme

  150ml port

  1 tbsp redcurrant jelly

  6 brioche rolls

  flatleaf parsleyto garnish

  
  

  
  Heat oven to 190C/fan 170C/gas 5. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large pan, then fry mushrooms for 4-5 mins, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Remove with a slotted spoon, then set aside. Add remaining oil to the pan, then fry the celery, onion and garlic over a low heat, stirring occasionally, for 5-6 mins. Add wine, stock and thyme and bring to the boil. Simmer for 30 mins.
  
  Add the port and redcurrant jelly. Bring back to the boil, then boil for 10 mins until reduced by half and thick and syrupy. Season to taste, discard the thyme and stir in the mushrooms. Simmer for 5 mins.
  Meanwhile, pull the tops off the brioche and reserve, then pick out dough from the centre to leave a thick shell. (Process remaining dough to make breadcrumbs, then freeze for future use.) Place rolls on a baking sheet, then bake for 5-7 mins until hot and crisp.
  
  Spoon the mushroom mixture into the brioche rolls, then garnish with the flat-leaf parsley. Serve immediately with any remaining gravy, potato wedges and green beans.
  
  Ready-made brioche Ready-made brioche rolls make wonderfully buttery cases for this rich wine and mushroom filling.
  
  Recipe from Good Food magazine, Vegetarian Christmas 2006.
  
  

RRR Idea: How to Reuse Holiday Cards

1. Gather all cards you've received this year (or any that you still might have from past years). Open each to see if there is any writing on the left inside of the card.

2. Recycle all cards that have writing on the left side.

3. Cut along the fold of all cards without writing on the left. This essentially turns the front of the card into a blank postcard!

4. Use your newly created postcards as gift tags or holiday cards for next year!

image courtesy of simplemom.net