A Greener Holiday Season [#CTWW]

This week's challenge comes from Mrs. Green. 

Share ideas on eco-friendly gift giving.  We're looking for anything which helps us choose "green" gifts that will please the receiver. Feel free to offer links, do-it-yourself projects, etc. ... the more creative the better.

December holidays are one of the most wasteful holidays.  This year, I am in full green-force and am going to challenge my husband and myself to improve our wasteful habits. Here are two areas I am going to focus on:

Reduce the environmental impact of gift packaging.  Gift giving can be so wasteful if you take into account gift bags, tissue paper, wrapping paper, tape, and even the plastic packaging that the gift could come in.  Here is what I do before and after the gift giving occurs.

1. Choose gift bags over wrapping paper.  Gift bags can be reused at least several times.  I usually keep mine in a storage bin in the basement.
2. Use newspaper as wrapping paper.  I only do this with my husband.  I would be afraid that our extended family would think I am crazy.
3. Reuse tissue paper.  If the paper is not too crinkled, I straighten it out and fold it.  I've been able to reuse at least 50% of the tissue paper I receive with the gifts.  I sometime use it as lining between pots, pans, and dishes.
4. Reuse boxes.  I save smaller boxes that come in the mail and use them for gift wrapping.
5. Create your own tags.  Use any scraps of thick paper or magazine cutouts to glue together a personalized tag.
   
   My Challenge: I am challenging myself with making the 3-hour gift exchange session with the in-laws more green.  Usually, the big, black plastic trash bags come out and they are stuffed with wrapping paper, tissue paper, and any other trash.  Are you cringing yet?  I am!

Give eco-friendly gifts. We usually purchase gifts that our family requested, so it is a little difficult to buy truly green gifts.  Here are my strategies:

1. Avoid buying gifts that come in plastic package.  The less packaging the better.  Cardboard boxes can be recycled.
2. Add a *bonus* eco-friendly gift.  Even if you're shopping off a list of specific items that were requested, throw in a small eco-friendly gift like an all-natural lotion or lip balm.  
3. Create homemade gifts.  Every year, my sister-in-law creates tree ornaments with her twin girls to gift to their grandparents.  Look in your yard or a local park to see what natural elements (pinecones, sticks, acorns) you can incorporate.
   
   Eco-Friendly Gift Idea: Succulents are easy to grow and divide.  Take a leaf off an existing plant, leave it on the windowsill in indirect sunlight for a few days, and then put the end into soil.  The leaf will wither and die, but will sprout new succulent growth.  I am successful most of the time at growing a new succulent.  Purchase a small terra cotta pot or reuse a pot you already have to plant the succulent and give as gifts.  Succulents require specific soil, but you can mix it yourself.

I will be focusing on my two challenges above to reduce the waste our extended family produces from gift giving and adding a small eco-friendly gift to get my extended family thinking about making small changes themselves.  Change starts with you.  All it takes is one little gift that can start a conversation and open up someone else's eyes to a whole new way of living.

Be the change that you want to see in the world!

WE'RE CHANGING THE WORLD ... ONE CHALLENGE AT A TIME!  

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EcoStore – Body and Cleaning Products Without the Nasty Chemicals [Review]

I have seen EcoStore around the web.  I ever browsed through the product selection before, picking out products I would love to try.  You can imagine how excited I was when EcoStore reached out to me to a review products.  I knew exactly what I wanted to take for a test run!

Before I drive into the review, I would like to tell you a little bit about the company.

What is the EcoStore?  (from EcoStore website)

Our eco friendly household cleaning products are as effective as the leading commercial brands, and our body and baby care ranges are gentle on your skin and are simply beautiful to use.  Our hand and body washes are made from naturally derived ingredients that gently cleanse, condition and nourish your skin.  All of our products are made from plant- and mineral-based ingredients, free of toxic chemicals, that bring people closer to nature with non-toxic, environmentally safe solutions that also help to reduce our carbon footprint.  Unlike many leading brands, ecostore USA body care products do not contain Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, artificial dyes, perfumes or preservatives which means they are extremely kind to sensitive skin.

What EcoStore Products Did I Receive?

Auto Dish Powder – A high performance blend of simple mineral salts, citrus and Coconut oils. This dish powder is super concentrated.

Orange and Patchouli Body Wash – The blend of certified organic essential oils adds a fresh summer fragrance to the naturally derived ingredients and moisturizers.  

PRICES: Auto Dish Powder (35.3 oz) sells for $8.50.  Orange and Patchouli Body Wash (13.5 oz) sells for $8.00 PROMOTION: EcoStore USA offers free shipping on orders over $25. Check out EcoStore USA on Facebook and Twitter for deals and promotions.

What Did I Think of EcoStore Products?

Auto Dish Powder – This dish powder is a very concentrated, fine powder.  You only need to use 1 full tablespoon.  The performance of this dish powder matched that of Cascade dish powder and of the 365 Brand from Whole Foods.  I put in dirty dishes without rinsing (I usually rinse the dishes) and all of the plates were clean.  I love the “horsepower” of this dish powder.  Do not be put off by the high costs because this 35.3 ounce bottle will last a long time.

Body Wash – I received the Orange and Patchouli scent.  Traditionally, Orange and Patchouli are pretty strong scents.  I was extremely pleased that the scents are enough for your nose to notice, but not overpowering.  The combination of Orange and Patchouli was perfect!  The body wash is a clear liquid and a little runnier than commercial products, but the liquid suds up very well.  A little body wash goes a long way and you can use it as a substitute for soap.  It also works great for shaving your legs. 

EWG’s Skin Deep Database: Every ingredient was ranked 1 or lower. Check!

Summary

My Thoughts: I would recommend both EcoStore products to anyone.  I love the simple design of the label, the pleasant scent, and of course, the ingredients! If you love traditional, commercial products, but hate Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, artificial dyes and perfumes, or preservatives or any other nasty chemicals, then EcoStore is the perfect brand for your whole family.

Opportunities for Improvement – I would love to see a bigger variety of scents like lavender, calendula, rosemary, or thyme.  I would also love to see more products for women like a moisturizer for the face or a makeup remover (these are hard to find without nasty chemicals).

What is the Man’s Opinion?  My husband thought that the body wash was a little runny, but he approves of the smell.  I wanted to try a smell that appeals to both of us and the Orange and Patchouli Body Wash met my requirements!

Rating:
Total green check marks out of 5.

Auto Dish Powder 

Orange and Patchouli Body Wash 

Disclosure: I received the products from EcoStore USA  in order to facilitate my review. No other compensation was received. This product review is based on my personal experiences. This review is objective and completely honest.

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Thank You to My Work Friends

My coworkers will probably never read this post, but I still want to put it out there.  I am blessed to be working with a great group of women (and men).  Most of us are great friends and feel comfortable relying on each other during stressful times, which we can happen every day in our job.  From times of just needing to vent about a difficult team members to providing a shoulder to cry on when someone is experiencing challenges in their personal lives, we are there for each other.

My day job is being a Business Analyst.  I work in a group made up mostly of Project Managers and one other Business Analyst.  I've had to work over 10 hours each day this week (and it's only Tuesday, ack!), but my work friends have been there to provide moral support.  I tell them thank you every single day because without them, I would go crazy.  I am praying to God that I made it through this week without an emotional breakdown.

>> Whether you work during the day or take care of the kids and the household during the day, how do you handle challenging times?
 

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Upcoming Reviews and a Giveaway

I am currently preparing two reviews.  I will also have a giveaway...

1. [Review] EcoStore USA - eco-friendly household products
2. [Review and Giveaway] Might Leaf Tea - high quality tea products

I hope you come back and check out my first official reviews.  I am really excited to be working with such great companies.  I know it is difficult to find all natural and organic foods and products, including cleaning and body products, so I am excited that both companies offer great eco-friendly products!

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Green Motivation Monday on Tuesday - Compost Fall Leaves

Before I begin the post, I want to apologize for being a day late.  I have had to work extremely long hours this week, so I have not had my usual free time in the evenings.  

This post is part of the Green Motivation Monday series.  The purpose of these weekly posts is to offer motivation to take a small baby step in the green and eco-friendly direction.  Of course, I will be taking the step right along with you.  I will let you know how I did and I hope you let me know what you were able to accomplish.

Motivation: Compost the dried leaves in your yard.  

Whether or not you currently have a compost pile or compost bin, you can still compost those leaves into beneficial soil that can be added to your garden or outdoor plants.  Find an area in the back of your yard or behind a shed and start piling up leaves. 

My husband and I bought plastic garden fence and several posts, which we used to create a few compost piles.  The fence and posts help the pile look neater since it's contained (although we've had so many grass clippings and leaves that the two-part system is overflowing). 

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