Earth Day Everyday!

I hope everyone had a great Earth Day. I was super busy yesterday and didn’t get to posting my intended Earth Day post however I think Earth Day should be everyday! What are you doing to better the planet?

Around the Home:

1. Choose linens and curtains made from eco-friendly materials whenever possible. Over the past few years the Hubz and I have been working to make our home a greener place.  Part of that process is being mindful of the products that we purchase and use in our home.  We have a few sets of sheets made of organic cotton and just changed out our curtains for these Caress Voile which are made from recycled fibers and are super inexpensive (only $10 per pack).

2. Swap out your chemical cleaners for natural cleaners. I am all over the place with natural cleaners right now.  I am testing out a number of different brands to find my favorite.  Currently we have Simple Green Naturals, Seventh Generation and Ecover products.  Currently my overall favorite is Seventh Gen however the other brands are also good.

3. Clean yourself without the chemicals. Choose natural body products including toothpaste, body wash, lotions, shampoo and conditioner. Just like what you put in your body you should be mindful of what you put on your body.  I have had my ups and downs with natural products and there are some that I love and think work really well and others that are just awful.  Here is a peak at a few of my favorite products.

4. Choose recycled paper and plastic products. There are a number of options out there for toilet paper, paper towels, garbage bags and food storage products (sandwich bags, aluminum foil, parchment paper,ect).  My favorite for toilet paper, paper towels and garbage bags are Seventh Generation.  I have tried out a number of other brands and there aren’t any (that I have tried) that really hold up as well as Seventh Generation.  My absolute favorite environmentally friendly products that I use in the kitchen are If You Care. They make a number of products including coffee filters, parchment paper, sandwiches bags, and aluminum foil.  I use the coffee filters daily and they are wonderful.  The parchment paper is my favorite to use when I am baking it helps reduce the amount of oil I use in my cooking and it also means less dishes to wash. If You Care also makes household gloves, fire starters, cheesecloth, baking cups and twine; I have not tried any of these products yet but hope to soon.  (p.s. keep reading to win your own box of If You Care goodies).

Travel

1. Drive less. I know that driving is a necessity for some people, myself included, however being mindful of how often you drive is important. When you do drive places pick the most direct route to your destination and make sure to plan well so you only have to make one trip. When possible take advantage of public transportation. The Hubz works downtown and has a bus stop right outside of his work; when he can he takes the bus to work and in the summer he bikes a few days per week.

2. Walk or Bike. Whenever possible walk or bike to your destination.  Not only will you be reducing your carbon footprint but you will be improving your health.

Food

1. Dining out. Choose locally owned restaurants and/or restaurants that focus on local and organic products.  When you travel do your research and find places that fit these standards.  You’ll find that food that is produced locally and/or organically taste better and provides more energy.

2. Shop locally. Whenever possible purchase your food at local co-ops, health food stores and farmers markets before visiting larger stores.  Not only will you be purchasing higher quality food, food that you know where it came from but you will be helping local companies and the local economy.

3. Grow your own food. Take the time to grow your own food; this does not mean you have to create a garden or get alocal garden plot (although both great ideas). you could simple have a pot on your steps or balcony with herbs, greens or tomatoes.  Knowing where you food comes from and the accomplishment of growing your own food really makes your food taste better.

4. Eat more plants. Studies show that eating a plant based diet is better for the environment and the world around us.A plant based diet can lead to extra years of healthy living than one that is focused on meats and dairy. Additionally, it also reduces environmental damage and farm animal suffering

 

Giveaway Time!!

If You Care recently sent me a variety of products to try and to giveaway. For the giveaway I am giving one lucky winner a t-shirt, household gloves, 2 sizes of coffee filters, jumbo baking cups and wax paper.  In addition two people will win an If You Care t-shirt. This giveaway is open to U.S. Residents only.

The giveaway is open until April 25, 2011 at 8pm EST. You must leave a separate comment for each entry for it to qualify.

Required Entry:
1. Visit the If You Care website and tell me something new that you learned.

Additional Entries:

1. Follow me on twitter: @cookveganlover
2. Tweet “I want to win If You Care eco-friendly products @cookveganlover http://wp.me/pFVWo-1ZA”
3. Subscribe to my newsletter (in the side bar).
4. Blog about this giveaway, remember to link back to this post.
5. “Like” Cook.Vegan.Lover. on Facebook.

The Winner of the If You Care gift package is:

The Winners of the T-shirts are: