Natural Organic Products, Reusable Gifts, and Energy Efficiency

The three themes of the title have little to do with each other, but they have two things in commons: the articles in this post were all published by me, and they all feature ways to help green your life. There are simple, tiny things you can do like switch to biodegradable bags, or you can indulge in a little self pampering with the organic facial care products featured here. There are also a few posts on energy efficient cars and transportation. This is part 5 of a 6 part series on my green articles. Enjoy!

81. Find out how to host an online party here. It's the next best thing to an actual party!

82. These biodegradable pet bags are perfect to carry with you on your dog walks.

83. The organic lotion on this page is a great way to make your skin ultra smooth, and the scents are incredible!

84. Find more organic t-shirts and gift ideas on this page.

85. The cherry blossoms tote bag also features black bird silhouettes and a beautiful design that's machine washable!

86. You can take some green tax breaks to save some money on your taxes next year!

87. The recycled gift wrap on this page is a unique way to reduce your impact on the environment!

88. Reusable coffee filters have their own unique taste, and they're a great way to save those coffee grinds (they make great garden soil!).

89. The US reusable tote bags feature each of the 50 states. Find your state here!

90. The organic exfloating scrub is a natural way to scrub your face and remove dead skin without irritants.

91. These green travel tips will help you be greener on your next vacation.

92. Super soft Egyptian cotton baby towels are the ultimate way to treat your baby organically!

93. Before your next car purchase, check out some of these hybrid car reviews!

94. You can green your car with these green driving tips. Make your car run more efficiently, it will save you some money too.

95. The Chevy Volt is one impressive car. It's electric, and the mileage it gets is unbelievable. Check it out!

96. Not sold on going organic? Here are some reasons to go organic that might change your mind.

97. You can really taste the difference with this organic chocolate offered here!

98. This natural amonia free glass cleaner is a great way to reduce your exposure to harmful irritants from ammonia.

99. The organic gentle relief toner is powerful, yet soothing and invigorating for your face. It will clean up all the leftover dirt after washing it.

100. The organic multi tea cleanser freshens up your face and cleanses pores completely.

Be sure to visit the Green Living Tips Blog tomorrow for part 6 of the list! You can also visit A Million Ways to Go Green for more eco friendly tips and advice from the author.

P.S. - One more thing - sign up for my free newsletter to get the latest green advice, news, and truly earth friendly products right in your inbox.

Truly Organic Facial Care Products

A lot of companies nowadays are saying that they're green, they're organic, and they're earth friendly. And...they're not. The ingredients that they use may contain a single organic ingredient like organic juice, and the rest of the ingredients are the same exact formula. Should this be an acceptable way of doing business? The quick answer is no!

Chartreuse is one of the few companies that makes an effort to use organic ingredients in their facial care products, like aloe vera juice, organic tea extracts, and organic shea butter. The lack of chemicals really do make a difference! A healthier glow, rejuvenated look, and stimulated, more vibrant skin are a result of the earth friendly (and skin friendly) products like the facial cream, under eye cream, gentle relief toner, acne cleanser, and exfoliating scrub. All of these products are either organic or use natural ingredients. When the organic version of an ingredient is too highly priced, that's one of the few times it will not be used.

Curious about the products? Head on over to thegreenereath.com to see all of the beauty products offered. It's green skin for your face!

Organic Products from Chartreuse: Eco Friendly Gift Ideas

There are plenty of companies out there that claim to be green, or that are making the effort to be greener, but some companies are basing their entire premise on the green movement and doing it well. Chartreuse, for example, is an eco friendly business offering many green products like organic shower gel, biodegradable trash bags, reusable produce bags, and all natural organic cleansers. The great thing about this company is that it makes a big effort to ensure every aspect of its business is green, from the shipping process (reused boxes, biodegradable starch peanuts, biodegradable plastic bags), advertising (sparing use of recycled paper pamphlets, recycled paper business cards), to transport (liquid products are shipped in concentrate form to reduce shipping costs, refills are available in pouches). Chartreuse's products are easily purchased online, or through fun, informative home parties that provide a forum to share questions, ideas and sample products.

The Most Important Fruits and Veggies to Buy Organic

Co-op America has listed some of the most important fruits and vegetables to buy organic to avoid pesticide residue. They've labeled these as the "most important" to buy organic:

• Apples


• Bell Peppers


• Celery


• Cherries


• Imported Grapes


• Nectarines


• Peaches


• Pears


• Potatoes


• Raspberries


• Spinach


• Strawberries

This list of produce may have thin skin making it more susceptible to pesticides, or the fruit/veggie may be prone to pests, hence frequent pesticide use. You can often find local farmers selling organic produce at a much cheaper (and fresher!) rate than the markets. In-season produce also ensures shorter delivery time, therefore less pesticides and risk are used to keep the produce fresh. Support your local farmer and stop by that roadside stand!

Pesticide Use on Produce

There has been a lot of publicity and concern that has risen about pesticide use on fruits and vegatables, both imported and domestic. One of the biggest preventatives to avoid ingesting pesticide covered fruit is to make sure it is thoroughly washed. All fruit should be washed before consumed, but grapes should be washed before storage. Simply washing thoroughly in water will reduce most risks significantly. Besides being able to purchase food-safe fruit and vegetable washes, you can make your own homemade veggie wash easily. Just because the label reads "organic," don't assume it's safe to eat right away. Organic fruit and vegetables still need to be washed before consumption.

The Organic Center has released a helpful reference on the subject here:
"The pocket guide presents pesticide risk rankings for several key fruits and vegetables and is based on The Organic Center's March 2008 report, Simplifying the Pesticide Risk Equation: The Organic Option. The following fruits and vegetables present the highest risk:"
High Risk Foods