How to "go green"?

Question

I have decided to "go green", and I am looking for some organic and natural things to replace those that are bad for the enviorment and made in factories and such.

Things like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, make-up, food, and normal everyday things.

Thanks :)

Answer 1

If you live near a city, this is a relatively easy switch to make.  Just stop shopping at your regular grocery store, and find one that specializes in organics.  There are large chains like Whole Foods, and Trader Joe's which are widespread throughout the US, and there are also many small independently owned "health food stores" .  If you live in a more rural area, you might have to travel further to find a store like this, but they are definitely out there.  As a first step google the stores I mentioned above and see if there are any stores near your zipcode.  Any of these types of stores will have exactly what you're looking for...normal everyday stuff, but organic.  Be prepared to increase the amount of money you spend on these products substantially.  Especially beauty products...organic make-up, facial cleansers, etc. can be VERY expensive.  My girlfriend and I decided to go organic 5 years ago and we sort of eased into it starting with fruits and veggies, and gradually adding more and more products until we got to the point where now, almost everything we buy is organic!  Easing into it really helped us with the pricing "shell-shock" that occurred.  At first we were like $3.00 for eggs and $4.00 for a half gallon of milk!?? No way!  But now I can't imagine only paying 89 cents for eggs...something just seems wrong about that!   And if some organic things are beyond your financial means right now (as they were for us at the beginning)...don't worry too much.  Do what you can for now, and switch those items over to organic at a later date.  Congratulations on your decision and good luck!

Answer 2

recycle.  uses as much energy as producing new cans and bottles but keeps waste out of landfills.

buy items made of recycled materials.  Marcal is a good brand, also 7th generation.

farmer's market.  shop at places that buy locally grown and made goods- less gas is used getting them to the store.

light bulbs.  buy the new coily ones that use half the energy but have the same light output

insulation.  insulate your house so you don't lose money on heating and cooling

drive the speed limit

make sure your tires are inflated properly

park your car one day a week and walk instead

Answer 3

I have a bunch! Baking soda is great. I use it as an air freshner in my house and my car. I figure if it is good enough to get rid of odors in my fridge, it's good enough for the rest of the house. I read online (and I tested it) that it makes great drano with vinegar - just poor baking soda down the drain, then vinegar. It's awesome! I did it on my tub the other day. Baking soda and water will also get smells out of fabrics, and sometimes stains. I use it to clean hair brushes too. The box I have says it is a good facial scrub/cleaner, but I haven't tried it yet. Vinegar mixed with water is also good window cleaner. Apple cider vinegar does wonders for hair and scalp. It softens my hair, in addition to shampoo and conditioner.

I have a small bottle of tea tree oil that I use tiny drops on blemishes, scars and cuts. It's great. It gets rid of blemishes really quickly.

Avalon organics, though they are expensive, make good hair care and bath soap products. I only use them occassionally, but my husband loves it.

I saw on Oprah about a company called Seventh generation that makes household cleaning products that are natural and I tried the dish soap and bathroom cleaner and they were wonderful. The dish soap took off fried potatoe grease better than my palmolive and I didn't have to soak it and there products don't have any cleanser smell. I'm going to try the laundry detergent after I run out of my current detergent.

For food, I live in an apartment and I grow herbs as houseplants because I have an infant and I don't want her eating anything toxic. Right now i'm growing mint. It refreshes that corner of the house. I have also used it as a great breath freshner and stomach settler especially if you have heartburn. We can also make it into tea by putting hot water on the leaves. My husband and I plan on starting a garden once we move because the cost of fruits and vegetables are getting to be too high.

That's all I can think of for now.

Answer 4

Here is a good place to start http://www.thegreenguide.com/products/

If you're looking for personal care products, this is a great database.  http://www.cosmeticdatabase.com/index.ph...  Many "natural" brands still contain things that are bad for you and the environment.  A good brand (that's nicely priced) is Aubrey Organics.

For food, try shopping at places like Trader Joes, Whole Foods, and Wild Oats.

You can make your own cleaning products, but if you want to buy them Seventh Generation is a good starting point.

Feminine hygiene products should also be a concern.  There are many reusable options.  Diva cups, Luna pads, and sea sponge tampons are all great choices.  If you're not ready to go that route there are organic cotton tampons that are pesticide and bleach free.

Answer 5

Switching from environmentally harmful products to ones that are slightly less so makes little difference.  Your best option is to simply stop buying stuff altogether, whenever possible.  In terms of essentials like food and soap, there are plenty of options that are relatively environmentally benign, just read the labels.  Another thing you can do is stop driving if you drive, and live in a small building near grocery stores, your place of employment, etc.

Answer 6

Not sure about America but here in the UK we have the Bodyshop.

http://www.thebodyshop.com/bodyshop/

Answer 7

You need to go to Care2.com and check out there green living section. There are a ton of natural home remedies there also recipes for making  your own shampoo and beauty products. Im serious there is some really neat stuff there so check it out.