Sites I Recommend

My "Blog Roll" is up and running! I've split it up into categories for type of website: blogs, websites, e-zines, and online stores. I've included a bunch of my favorites, but I'm sure the list will always be growing and evolving. Most of the sites are either green living or decor - which - surprise surprise, are my favorite topics to read and write about. My list also varies a lot in scope, from Vogue UK, to little local Boston blogs, I've included a little bit of everything. Enjoy!

If you think something is missing or have a website and would like to do a link exchange, please e-mail me: BostonGreenBlog@gmail.com

Organic Mascara Passes the Test

In this blog I've chronicled my attempt to make my make-up obsession more environmentally friendly and healthy. I had my doubts about switching to an organic mascara because heavy eyeliner and mascara is MY THING! I wasn't quite ready to give up my dark thick lashes in order to save the planet, but it turns out I didn't have to! Physicians Formula has a new mascara for a bolder look: Organic Wear Jumbo Mascara ($8). I have been wearing it every day for a week and a half now...and I LOVE IT! Works just as well as my old favorites (Maybelline Volume Express Falsies Mascara and and Cover Girl Lash Blast Length).
I feel great about the switch: the mascara brush is recyclable, 47% of the mascara ingredients are organic, it is paraben free, cruelty-free, and hypoallergic. I highly reccomend checking it out.

For Smarties



I recently listened to the entire "Green Living for Dummies" Audio Set, and though I have been interested in sustainability for years, I still learned some new tricks from the cds! It is great to listen to while doing something else (like cleaning your room, or folding laundry).

Free Donut Day!

Today is free donut day at Boston's fav coffee spot Dunkin Donuts. Everyone that purchases a beverage of any size can take their pick of any available pastry! yum! I got an iced dunkin dark rost with skim milk and sugar and a cocoa kreme puff (note: this is NOT the way I intended to eat before donning a bikini this weekend...but who can resist a freebee?!). I have one major pet peeve about Dunkin Donuts: when you order an iced coffee (and you accidently forgot your reusable tumbler so you already feel guilty about using a disposible plastic cup) and they put it inside a polystyrene cup. This is SUCH a waste. I understand the idea - it keeps the coffee colder longer and takes care of the condensation problem, but using a polystyrene cup is not the best solution to these problems. There are many companies that make reusable insulated sleeves to fit over iced coffee cups, and the condensation problem can be solved by a coaster. (Coasters are a cute way to add a little fun to your cubicle at work, or to your apartment. See below for some of my fav coaster designs).

Polystyrene (the generic name for styrofoam) is a type of plastic that takes hundreds of years to break down, and is used almost exclusively for disposible purposes. Because these cups, packing peanuts, plates, etc. are all disposible, they become litter very easily. This is gross enough, but the problem is made worse because when polystyrene starts to break apart, it releases both known and suspected carcinogens, like benzene. These items become toxic to marine life and also contribute to the destruction of the Ozone layer because polystyrene is made using HCFCs.

So, when you go get your donut, please say "No, Thanks!" to the unnecessary polystyrene cup.

And say yes to these adorable coasters:

Lilly Pullitzer coasters add a bit of Palm Beach prep to any space (wayyyy classier and cuter than styrofoam)

I LOVE these agate slice coasters from Urban Outfitters. My Grandmother, who was a Geologist would have adored these!

I'm not sure who designed these sailor knot coasters, but they are awesome!

Lazy Chef: Mediterranean Take Out

Yours truly has been a lazier chef than ever over the past few days. But that doesn't mean that eco-awareness needs to go out the window! Even while eating out, I look for organic, local, or vegetarian options.  Yesterday, I had a fabulous vegetarian dish for lunch - the veggie plate from Aceituna Cafe in Kendall Square. It included all of my Mediterranean favorites: grape leaves, taboule, hummus, greek salad, and falafel! I highly reccomend it!

Allergy Avenger

The pollen-count is out of control this spring. I don't usually suffer from allergies, but this year even I am getting sniffly. I seriously dislike being congested, and watering eyes aren't fun either, but I read on a friend's blog [Sparkles of Life] that consuming local honey can bring relief. It makes sense: bees, flowers, pollen honey - they're all related. I decided to give this method a try (and help support local farmers) by purchasing Golden Meadow Raw Wildflower Honey, which is from Holliston, MA. I plan on adding it to my tea for the next few days and see if my allergy symtoms can be mitigated without pills. Certainly worth a try!

Food for Thought

A good friend of mine recently gave me this cute little wooden sign. It makes a good point doesn't it?!