Getting Greener Every Day

Lots of everyday living suggestions this time around! Have a look at this week's submissions:

Support:

Green Depot (greendepot.com): Have any home improvement projects in the works? Make them as green as possible by shopping at Green Depot. They rigorously choose products based on a variety of criteria to make sure that they don't stock any dubiously "greenwashed" materials - in other words, if they say it's environmentally friendly, it actually is. Their website extensively addresses how to make your entire home as green as possible, whether you have the freedom/money to install new countertops (recycled glass, ooh: http://www.greendepot.com/greendepot/product.asp?prod_name=Vetrazzo+Countertops&pf_id=VETRAZZO&dept_id=4700&s_id=0&%22) or, if you live in an apartment like me, there are sections for things like food storage and spring cleaning.

Diva Cup (divacup.com): We have a taker from last post's call to anyone who uses it:

"I've been using a Diva Cup for nearly six years. I originally began using one because I never found tampons or pads to be very comfortable and was eager to try any alternative.

The Diva Cup is a type of reusable menstrual cup (there are many types/brands). It's made of silicon and sits low in the vaginal canal and collects menstrual fluid. You empty it in the toilet when its full.

Initial cost of a menstrual cup is around $30. However, when you consider I've had the same cup for 6 years, and only end up buying disposal menstrual products about once a year (so I have something to keep in my various bags/purses) it does save money as well as the environment!.

For me, it is considerably more convenient and comfortable than pads and tampons. I literally don't have to think about having my period anymore. No worrying about if I have enough products to get me through the day, or when I will be able to get to the bathroom to be able to change things. On a recent weekend trip to Baltimore, I forgot my Diva Cup and when I got my period, I seriously considered spending $30 for a new one so I wouldn't have to go two days with only pads and tampons. Unfortunately, the Whole Foods I went to was sold out.

The biggest concern I hear from women about switching is the perceived ick factor. Honestly, in my experience, you come into more contact with menstrual fluid using pads that the Diva Cup. Everything is contained in the cup, so you can just pinch the bottom, pull it out and everything goes in the toilet.

There is a bit of learning curve. Consider how long it took to get the hang of pads and tampons back when you first started using them. This is a different experience, so it does take some getting used to in how to put in, when to empty it, etc.

There's a very helpful community if you want to learn more: http://menstrual-cups.livejournal.com/. This has everything from brand comparisons to insertion tips."

Everyday Living:

Don't idle your car: If you're waiting for your carpool-mates to come out of their house, make sure you're waiting with your engine off. Go to thedailygreen.com/going-green/tips/idling to see the stats on saving gas while sitting still.

Pamper yourself with honey: You don't need to buy expensive, additive-laden beauty products in disposable packaging to treat your skin well. Just use honey, which has natural antibacterial properties in addition to being an excellent moisturizer. Local honey cuts down on shipping waste and energy, and what you don't put on your face, you can eat to fight seasonal allergies (since spring is approaching, this seems like a particularly good idea!). Learn about further benefits of honey at http://www.wellandgoodnyc.com/2012/09/17/honey-four-surprising-ways-wellness-experts-use-it/#honey-four-surprising-ways-wellness-experts-use-it-1.

Stay in green hotels: If you're traveling and have to stay in a hotel, make sure to do your research into which hotels have the greenest record. For an example, check out bostongreentourism.org.

White vinegar for fabric softener: This has the added effect of making your washing machine smell better, as well. Use 1/4 of a cup.

It's spring! Get outside!: Now that it's (finally) getting warmer, if you can walk or bike somewhere you previously would have driven or taken public transport, go for it! I know I'm excited to spend less of my time cooped up.

Use every last drop: Never throw anything away - shampoo, detergent, etc. - without storing it upside-down for a while, to make sure you aren't wasting anything.

DIY projects: Once you finally do run out of them, there are all sorts of products that you can make yourself, and ehow.com has many of them. Check out this one: http://www.ehow.com/how_4406000_liquid-laundry-detergent.html for making your own laundry detergent. (Although if you have a high efficiency washer, this may make too many suds.)

Return dry cleaning hangers: If you get clothing dry cleaned, make sure you return the hangers instead of throwing them away.

Be creative!: Being green doesn't need to be boring. If you're an artistic sort, check out recyclart.com for inspiration - all of the art they showcase is made from recycled products.