Why Glass Jars are a Lasting Trend

I have decided to ban as much plastic from my kitchen as possible. This is a tricky task - and I haven't even begun to think about food packaging because it seems nearly impossible to purchase foods (besides produce) that aren't packaged in plastic of some sort - but I'm trying. I've been successful in not using a zip lock bag for over two years and I've replaced my plastic dishware with ceramic. Next step: cups.

Using old jam jars for cups is super trendy right now. People love the quaint shabby-chic look, while also being able to use glass rather than plastic. Since jam jar glasses are one of the easiest types of RRR (reduce, reuse, and recycle), this trend is sure to stick around. My plan is to recycle or donate an old plastic cup every time i finish a jar of jelly. In a few months I'll have a whole set!

Body Shop Aloe Calming Facial Cleanser Review

While shopping in the Tarte Cosmetics section of Sephora last week, I decided to also search the store for some healthy and sustainable face wash. After scavenging and reading ingredients lists of various products for what felt like hours, I stumbled across Aloe Calming Facial Cleanser by The Body Shop. What first attracted me to the product was the story of how they use only aloe purchased from their community trade partners in Guatemala. The cleanser is also preservative and paraben-free, and was rated a 1 on the Skin Deep Database (low hazard). 


I've used the product every day since and am very happy with the results. It is effective and doesn't have any weird scents. I feel fresh after using it. I would suggest it for anyone with sensitive skin. 

Green Restaurants in Boston

So I've been to Grendel's Den, Boloco, Cafeteria, and Peet's Coffee like a million times, so I decided to make a green restaurant to-do list. These four restaurants have committed to serve sustainable food and reduce their waste and carbon footprints. I can't wait to check them out.

1. 75 Chestnut, Beacon Hill, The host of "green thursdays"

2. Taranta, North End, recommended by some of my twitter followers, and is a certified green restaurant.

3. The Fireplace, Brookline, one of Boston's fav dining destinations.

4. Miel, Boston Intercontinental Hotel, Rowes Wharf, certified green restaurant.

Ecolissa's Fall Fashion Show

This Sunday, October 9th is Ecolissa's Fall Charity Fashion Show. Unfortunately, I won't be able to make it because it would take me over two hours to get to Marlborough. I'm hoping that they host another fashion show closer to Boston at some point! But I hope that some of you readers will go to the show and report back to me! Click here for details and to register for the event (its free!)

Ecolissa is one of my favorite websites. They are a Massachusetts based consumer website that carries only sustainable and ethical clothing. Some of the items are a bit pricey, but they are gorgeous!

Under My Umbrella

The weather has been pretty gloomy the past few days. The North Shore is getting the worst of it - Peabody even declared a state of emergency! Its such a bummer because Autumn can be so gorgeous. Until the weather clears up, I've turned to my favorite umbrella: Totes 70% recycled materials umbrella!
 Its small and easily portable, and has a bamboo handle. These recycled umbrellas are also easy to find because they are sold at common shops like Target and TJ Maxx. Plus they have a big recycled symbol on them so everyone knows how green you are! Haha its a little "ecotistical" but I love it!

Skindinavia for Party Skin

Halloween is around the corner, followed by MY BIRTHDAY, Thanksgiving, and then holiday season. While I'm sad to kiss summer goodbye, I am so excited for party season to gear up. The only problem is that since I've been giving my makeup box a green makeover, many of the products are more expensive than their drugstore equivalent, and I don't want my makeup to run out too quickly. In an effort to save myself some money and still look great, I decided to try a sample of Skindinavia Makeup Setting Spray. The spray isn't really a green product, but it is paraben free and definitely makes my makeup last longer.

After completing my makeup, I closed my eyes and sprayed Skindinavia over my face. It works! My makeup lasted all day - no need for touchups. I plan to only use the spray on occasions where I know I will be out for a long period of time, because while Skindinavia helps prevent makeup overuse, not all of its ingredients are green or healthy. It is rated 6 on the Skin Deep Database which means it is a "moderate hazard," but I'm glad it is paraben free at least!

Philadelphia Bleeds Green

This weekend I had a fabulous time visiting friends in the city of brotherly love. Throughout my various Philly adventures, I was constantly impressed by the level of eco-awareness.

Pictured below was our first little eco-discovery of the weekend, an outdoor greenhouse that also served as an art installation. The design of the greenhouse was designed to represent the skeleton of a woolly mammoth. It was a great metaphor for the circle of life and death and evolution. Plus, tours of this greenhouse were free!

On Sunday we went to the Eagles v. 49ers game, which was lots of fun even though the Eagles lost. All of the cups in the stadium are made of a corn-based compostable material. The napkins were made of recycled paper and even the rally rags/terrible towels that were handed out were made of 100% recycled materials. Football and green living? What a perfect sunday! Turns out Eagles fans really do "bleed green."

Philly also has tons of great thrift shops and vintage stores. I also noticed that purses and wallets made out of post-consumer/reused materials were for sale everywhere! I lovvvvvved the soda can top purses that looked like this:

Keep it up Philly!