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)

A New Mayor for Boston Means Another Chance to Vote Green

Mayor Menino has done many wonderful things for the city of Boston over the past twenty years - including countless green initiatives (including Greenovate Boston). Just a few years ago in 2009, I got to meet him at the Massachusetts League of Environmental Voters party endorsing him as their choice candidate for mayor. I was just six years old when he was first elected Mayor of Boston, but still, I am sad to see him go.

image courtesy of cityofboston.gov

However, the upcoming mayoral campaign gives Bostonians a whole new chance to prove what is really important to them. I plan to watch the campaign closely, as the next mayor is sure to bring changes. I will be looking to the Mass League of Environmental Voters  website to keep an eye on the candidates' stances on green issues.

So stay tuned for more!

Review: Shikai Natural Tea Tree Shampoo

Pros                                                          Cons     

-Cleans hair well                                       -Doesn't help detangle

-Affordable ($8)                                         -Not widely available (try Whole Foods)

-Smells nice                                             -Contains Diazolidinyl Urea (formaldehyde concerns)

-Rated 2 on EWG                                     -No environmental commitments on website

-No artificial fragrance

-No animal testing

-Made in USA

Conclusion: This product really works. In the past I've used natural shampoos that didn't foam, and the ones that did were considered hazardous by the EWG, so I am thrilled that Shikai is both effective and only a 2 on EWG! Healthwise, this is my ideal shampoo, the only negative is that Shikai has no company-wide environmental commitments (i.e. packaging, reducing carbon footprint, etc.).                                        

BGB Featured in La Belle Vie Magazine!

La Belle Vie just released its big spring green living issue. And check out pages 59 - 65 for a piece by yours truly on the importance of leading a sustainable lifestyle!

Thanks to the ladies of La Belle Vie for including me!

Register Now for the MIT Sustainability Summit

This is the last week to get the special early bird price on registration for the MIT Sustainability Summit! I met with some of the organizers of the summit for coffee a couple of weeks ago to learn more about the event, and let me just tell you, it is going to be awesome!

This is the 5th Annual MIT Sustainability Summit, and the first year that the event will span 2 days. The emphasis of the summit this year is on action - what we, as consumers, can do to make our society more environmentally and economically sustainable. The summit draws participants from all industries and fields of interest which makes the workshops well-rounded. This year, photographer, James Balog will be sharing his work on showing climate change through film and photo. I love that the event coordinators have found a way to incorporate key note speeches, workshops, lectures, and even art into one weekend!

So as you start thinking of how you will care for our planet this Earth Day, consider finishing the week at MIT's Sustainability Summit!

Today is World Water Day!

Today is 20th Annual United Nations World Water Day!

image courtesy of eminayiden.wordpress.com

Here are 5 quick tips for reducing your water use this spring:

1. Your yard is probably looking pretty nasty after a snowy winter, but let it grow naturally this spring - don't water or fertilize!

2. Spring cleaning? Be mindful how much water you use for household cleaning - does your mop bucket really need to be that full?

3. Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting. Longer grass shades root systems and holds soil moisture better than a closely clipped lawn, so you don't need to water as often.


4. Car covered in salt and sand after the winter? Research carwashes before going - some reuse water!

5. Spring is a great time to re-asses your daily routine. Consider a shower timer and aim for 5 minute showers or less.

image 

The Coolest Treehouses

How amazing would it be to live in one of these? Talk about being one with nature!

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image courtesy of eatlivewear.tumblr.com

image courtesy of  www.ohhellofriendblog.com