Boston Green Drinks Launches New Website

This June the networking group Boston Green Drinks made a big comeback and is now a thriving monthly meetup. Now, it has a website to match! http://www.BostonGreenDrinks.com is your one stop place to find out when and where the next networking event is, find out about other local green events, and join green discussion via the new Boston Green Drinks blog. The re-vamped group has drawn diverse and enthusiastic crowds that has made for some great discussion. Plus, the group plans to feature guest speakers in the coming months so that the sessions can be even more informative.

One other reason I am super-excited about the new Boston Green Drinks website is that I am in charge of the site's event calendar! So if you'd like to get the word out about sustainability-themed events, shoot me an e-mail and I'll add it to the calendar.

Hope to see you at the next BGD!

The Basics of Living Green

A sustainable lifestyle isn't about doing or not doing specific things, but rather, its about a way of thinking. The best and easiest way to live green is to consider sustainability in everyday decision making. Here are my tips to making the best green decisions:

1) Be a responsible consumer. Knowing what various labels on packaging means can help you make greener and more cost-effective shopping decisions. For example, the word "natural" is not strictly defined, so it may not be worth spending extra money to buy an item that has the word "natural" in the label. On the other hand, items that are labeled with a third party symbol - by Green Seal, Forest Stewardship Council, the USDA, or other organization, means that these items have met specific standards for sustainability, safety, and health.

2) Minimize your impact. Remembering to do simple things everyday can really make a difference over the longterm. Remembering to turn off lights, unplug electronics, take public transportation, and bring your own shopping bags are just a few tasks that require very little effort.

3) Get engaged. Attend a green networking event, lecture, festival! They are a great way to keep your green momentum and stay inspired!

Kendall CoGen Plant

Sustainability truly surrounds us, especially if you're looking for it. The photo below may seem like some yucky smoke stacks, but in reality it is part of the Kendall Square Cogeneration Plant. Cogeneration captures heat created during electricity production and uses the heat to create even more power instead of letting it go to waste. Cogeneration makes traditional powerplants incredibly more efficient and helps decrease the need for more fossil fuels and coal. Next time you're in Kendall Sq. take a look!

RRR: Blown Glass Vases

Yesterday was perfect weather to go check out the SOWA open market in the South End. I loved digging through all of the vintage clothes, furniture, and jewelry, but I was also impressed by many of the crafts tents that were set up outside. One tent contained recycled blown glass items! Check out these vases made from old vodka bottles:

CVS Biodegradable Nail Polish Remover

I recently purchased CVS brand Biodegradable Formula Nail Polish Remover. It is acetone free, uses less plastic in its packaging that standard nail polish remover, and is labeled on unbleached paper. This was my first time dabbling into the realm of "eco" nail polish removers - it took a little getting used to, but overall, I liked it. First of all, the smell was about a thousand times better than the smell of acetone remover. Secondly, the remover, though a bit oily, felt as if it was really moisturizing my cuticles. I am definitely not going back to acetone, and after I finish this CVS bottle, I am excited to explore what other sustainable nail polish removers are on the market!

Offset your Jet Set

My calendar for September is filling with fun trips and opportunities, however, part of me feels a bit guilty about  flying to my destinations. Yesterday, I did a little research into purchasing carbon offsets, and it looks quite easy! And to my relief, purchasing offsets for my trips isn't that expensive!

To offset your trips (or anything else you do that is carbon-intensive) go to CarbonFund.org  and look over to the right side of the home page where it has offset options for "individuals." Then you use the carbon calculator for whatever you want to offset, and pay. Your money goes to a variety of programs that the Carbon Fund supports including renewable energy development projects, reforestation, and forest protection. And if you decide to purchase offsets from a different organization other than Carbon Fund, make sure to do some research into where your money is going!

Wine Bottle Candles

I'm back, and I'm almost healthy again! While away for the long weekend, I spotted a some very cool green products in a boutique in Old Town Alexandria, VA. Below is a photo of candles that were for sale that were poured in the bottom halves of wine bottles. What a great example of RRR!