The Everyday Environmentalist's Guide to Being Gorgeously Green

On Tuesday, February 16, I had the pleasure of meeting with and speaking to a women's group about how they can make changes to live a greener lifestyle. First, I want to express my sincere thanks to all the wonderful ladies who allowed me to share my passion and secondly, I want to fulfill my promise to them by continuing our "green" conversation.

What Does It Mean to Be "Green"?

Simply said, it means being mindful of and proactive toward choices that make all of our lives and the planet healthy, safe, and happy. Consider what you put INTO your body, what you put ON your body, and what you put IN and AROUND your environment.

How Do I Start Making Changes?

Start small - with one thing at a time. You are less likely to be overwhelmed and more likely to be successful.

Where Do I Start?

Start with one room in your house and work your way through each room. You'll start finding connections throughout your home, so by the time you're ready to tackle the last room in your house, there will be little greening to do!

The Master Bedroom

Bedding - Consider organic cotton, wool, bamboo, and linen . However, wool can be tricky as you may not be able to find out how the sheep are treated, and therefore, if the wool is removed without causing harm to the animal.

My favorite: Inhabit Living

Inhabit Living has luxurious bedding options in a variety of modern styles.

Terms to look for: "organic" or "oeko-tex certified"

Why bother? Conventional cotton is grown with heavy pesticides and insecticides. These chemicals pollute ground water, which we drink.

Learn: Read about the difference between organic cotton and conventionally grown cotton.

Pillows - There are lots of fabulous pillow options from wool fiber and buckwheat hull, to natural shredded rubber and kapok, which is a great alternative to down pillows. Compare organic pillow options to see which one is best for you.

Books to Read - Learn about where your food comes from, how to become an "urban" farmer, and how big agribusiness is making us fat and ruining the environment. I know, this sounds depressing. But if you want to be empowered to be healthy, green, and "in the know," you have to do your homework, right?

• Farm City - The Education of an Urban Farmer, by Novella Carpenter
  
• In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto and The Omnivore's Dilemma both by Michael Pollan
• Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser
  
• Skinny Bitch by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin
  

Mattresses - Look for wool or natural rubber mattresses. Natural fibers will "breathe" better, keeping you warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Plus, you won't be surrounding yourself with nasty chemicals, such as those used in fire retardants.

Room Fresheners - The best room fresheners are not the ones you plug in; there are no regulations for what ingredients are in "fragrances." Think of using fresh flowers, lemon squeezed into a bowl of water, a light spray of lavender - think natural.

PJs - What you put on your body to sleep is as important as what you sleep on. Clothing manufacturers often use formaldehyde on clothing so they will remain stiff and wrinkle free in stores. And you remember what formaldehyde is used for, don't you? Think back to your biology class and the frog in the jar. Organic cotton, wool, natural linen, hemp, and bamboo are better options for sleepwear.

My favorites: Gaiam's lace trim loungewear, Pants to Poverty's sexy undies, and PACT's brightly colored unders with a conscience.

Furniture - Vintage and gently-used wood furniture is an excellent green option for bedroom furniture. If you have to buy new, look for sustainably forested woods with low or no VOC finishes.

Here's to wishing you sweet dreams in your eco-friendly boudoir!

Looking forward...

1. Greening Your Bathrooms - tips for eco-friendly products, greener cleaners, and water conservation
2. "Behind the Scenes" - the 411 on spa treatments, body products, and our everyday beauty practices
3. The Kids' Rooms - from toys to clothing, ideas for our little eco-warriors in the making
4. The Heart of the Home - while the kitchen may be where everyone in your family congregates, is it the safest, healthiest place in your home?
5. Relaxin' and Entertaining - simple ideas for eco-fying your furniture, fireplaces, and techno-gadgets
6. Greener Gardens & Yards - end your use of pesticides and herbicides and learn about salt-water based pool filtration systems
7. The Handy (Wo)man - looking to update your home? Consider earth-friendly building products and installation practices that will help you and your family breathe easier