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11 Ways To Make Your Beauty Regime More Eco-Friendly

September 13, 2021 0

Protecting the planet is crucial, and so we must consider this in every aspect of our lives. Overconsumption and earth-damaging products are everywhere, making it difficult to protect the planet. The good news is with a conscious effort it’s easy to make a change. With these ten eco-friendly steps, you can be part of the solution, instead of the problem. Let’s explore ten ways you can make your beauty regime more eco-friendly.

1 . Research your products

If you’d like to make your beauty regime more eco-friendly it’s important that you research your products. Plenty of beauty products contain chemicals that are bad for the planet and for your health. What’s more, not all brands follow ethical practices when creating their products. To ensure that you are supporting the right brands make sure that you do your research.

The Think Dirty app makes the research process much easier. Using this app you can search for personal care products, and access info about the ingredients and brand ethics. You can look up 850,000+ cosmetics using this handy database. You can find out about the ‘dirty ingredients’ in your products, and shop for cleaner alternatives.

2. Recycle your packaging

One of the easiest ways to create a clean beauty regime is to recycle all your packaging. Avoid products that have non-recyclable packaging, and focus on those which are made with biodegradable materials. 

Zero-waste stores are a great place to avoid packaging. Often, you can take along one container that you refill each time you buy a product, (for example shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, etc). When you go-green you’ll boost your health and wellness at the same time.

3. Say goodbye to face wipes

Face wipes should be avoided where possible, these disposable products are not biodegradable and create lots of waste. According to 100% Pure, ‘the average makeup wipe takes a staggering 100 years to decompose.’

There are plenty of makeup-removing cleansers that you can use as an alternative to face wipes. Simply purchase yourself a reusable muslin cloth and you’re good to go. For an eco-friendly makeup remover try the ‘Dirty Hippie Cosmetics’ makeup remover. It’s made with witch hazel, castor oils, and pressed hemp seeds.

4. Focus on natural ingredients

When you’re choosing your beauty products focus on products that are made with natural plant-based ingredients. There are so many great products that are made from plants and herbs. 

If you’re looking for an amazing product for the skin take a look at Dao Drops Herbal Extracts. The Dao skin drops will improve your skin health, improve elasticity, and cleanse your skin. The drops are made with a vegan formula including ingredients such as dandelion root, sea moss, and milk thistle.

Choosing natural products is an amazing way to take great care of your skin. It’s so important to check what’s in your products and be mindful of your health. It’s also useful to know your skin type, whether normal, oily, dry, or combination. Knowing your skin type can help you choose the right products for you.

5. Make your own products

One of the best ways to clean up your beauty routine is to make your own products. It doesn’t have to be difficult, there are plenty of facemasks you can make using natural ingredients. Here are a few facemask ideas to get you started:

Turmeric & Green Tea

Make a cup of green tea and leave it to cool, add the tea to a bowl, and mix in baking powder and turmeric (one tablespoon of each). Stir the ingredients into a paste, and apply as a face mask. Green tea contains lots of antioxidants which help to keep the skin youthful and supple. Turmeric has both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it’s useful to soothe blemish-prone skin.

Avocado & Coconut Oil:

Avocado & coconut oil makes one delicious face mask, simply mix 3 tablespoons of coconut oil and 1 avocado in a bowl. Avocado is packed with vitamins E, A, and D while coconut oil contains vitamin E, and fatty acids, all of these ingredients will help to boost the health of your skin. With the help of this yummy face mask, you’ll get healthy and glowing skin.

6. Use your products sparingly

Looking for a super simple way to be more eco-friendly? Try to use your products sparingly, focus on making your products last from your moisturizers to your lipsticks and shampoos. 

Overconsumption is bad for the planet, and so many of us have products that we ever even use. If you have products that you don’t use or have barely used you can donate these to ‘Project Beauty Share’. The project works to provide beauty and personal hygiene products for women who are overcoming poverty, homelessness, addiction, and abuse.

8. Avoid disposable products

To create a sustainable beauty regime avoiding purchasing disposable products, (for example, disposable razors). Invest in a razor that you can use long-term, here are a few eco-friendly picks to check out:

The Leaf Kit, Leaf Shave: This razor is made entirely from metal, no plastic whatsoever. The head of the razor pivots so that you can easily get to those hard-to-reach spots.

Bambaw Razor: You’ll just love this safety razor, it’s a double-edged razor made out of bamboo. It’s lightweight and the head is made from stainless steel.

Preserve Razor: The Preserve razors are made from recycled materials including ocean plastic and yogurt cups. These products are both vegan and cruelty-free.

9. Try shampoo bars

When you use shampoo bars you’ll use less packaging and create less waste. There are plenty of delicious shampoo bars made from earth-kind ingredients. For a few great options, check out these:

Human Kind: These shampoo bars are eco-friendly and come in lots of delicious scents like lemongrass and peppermint. Human Kind bars are ethically made using natural oils, the bar is cured for over a month, your hair will just love this sulfate-free wash!

Meow Meow Tweet: These shampoo bars aren’t only for your hair, they double up as a body wash. Meow Meow Tweet products are both Leaping Bunny certified and fair trade.

10. Simplify your regime 

You don’t need a complex beauty regime to look and feel great, keeping your regime simple can help you to use less and go green. Keep your skincare routine simple with a cleanser, toner, and a moisturizer. Choose a few eco-friendly makeup products, and use these sparingly. Some of the best brands for eco-friendly makeup include 100% Pure, Axiology, Fat & The Moon, and Plant Makeup.

11. Try Multi-Purpose Products

Multi-purpose products are a great way to go green. For instance, you might choose a makeup product that works as a lipstick and a blusher. There are lots of multi-use makeup products on the market including:

Superface Multi-Lightful Blush & Highlighter Stick: This product is an eyeshadow, highlighter, and a blush all in one. You can purchase the stick in four shades, from ‘true pink’ to ‘iridescent pearl’.

Tata Harper Volumizing Lip & Cheek Tint: Made with a natural eco-friendly formula, this product can be used as a blusher and a lipstick, if you like you can even use it as an eyeshadow. A few of the gorgeous shades include Peach, Rosy Pink, Ruby.

Conclusion

There are so many ways that you can go green with your beauty and skincare regime. Some of these ideas will even help you to save some money too. Whether it’s making your own facemasks or recycling old packaging there are lots of ways to protect the planet.

5 Tips For Making Your Own Eco-Friendly Garden Oasis

September 8, 2021 0

A garden oasis at home is a great idea, especially if you don’t have a lot of space in your yard for a sprawling garden. It will create a peaceful environment that will improve your home while helping keep the environment green. If you’ve been thinking of making one, have a look at the five tips below and see if they inspire you to start one today.

Make Plans With Why You Want a Garden in Mind

When you think about it, there are many reasons you may choose to plant a garden. You may want to plant one so you have access to fresh herbs and vegetables, or simply to add pretty flowers and color to your space. You may also want to create an oasis where the birds and the bees can thrive, intentionally creating potential homes for them. In a survey, 30% of the people said that they started gardening to get fresh vegetables while 25% said that they did it in order to get food that tastes better and is of higher quality. Gardening for fun was the reason for 22% of them while 15% did it to save money. The reasons you start a garden will influence how you do it and what you plant, which is why this is an important step.

Harvest Rainwater

For your home garden to thrive, it will need a good supply of water. For it to be truly green, it will need water that is sustainably sourced. Rather than use piped water to keep your garden going, consider harvesting rainwater and using it for your garden. It will be economical, sustainable, and is a great way to keep the natural cycle. You may invest in setting up a rain bank or simply use runoff barrels to harvest the rainwater and watch your garden thrive.

Invest in Materials That Can Withstand the Outdoors

For furnishing and decorating, make sure to use materials that won’t get destroyed by outdoor conditions as this is where they will permanently be. If you can, source natural materials which are made to stay outdoors as this will be sustainable. Think of seats woven from natural fiber and pots baked from clay, which will also add more character to your garden. Using material that will last long outdoors will help keep the materials from the dreaded landfill while also saving you money you would have used in fixing and replacing items. For instance, tempered glass would be better than normal glass as it’s four to five times harder to fracture.

Get Good Varieties

Before you actually start planting, do research on which varieties are native to your location and favor these over foreign ones. This will improve their chances of thriving and you won’t have to work as hard to get a good garden going. If you do get non-native plant life, make sure that it’s not invasive as this could lead to a hard time trying to get it in control so it does not ruin the chances of native, beneficial varieties thriving.

Look Into Natural Insect and Pest Repellents

A big part of green living is avoiding chemicals, whether they are used to repel insects or fertilize your garden. There are many natural options you can choose from, so read up on these alternatives. Note that food crops have to compete with 3,000 species of nematodes, 10,000 species of insects that feed on plants, and 30,000 species of weeds. Find a sustainable way of keeping these in check to ensure that your garden is fully sustainable.

The decision to go green is a big one, considering the current condition of the environment. When you do what you can to ensure a positive change, you give biodiversity a chance to thrive. Follow the tips above to create a lovely green garden that will put a smile on your face as well as nature’s!

Promoting Your Vegan and Organic Bakery Business

August 27, 2021 0

Whether you start a vegan business in your home or rent an office, you need to know how to promote and market it to customers. We have some ideas for you if you own a vegan business or are developing an idea at home in the planning stages. We’ll discuss using social media, creating a product or menu that stands out, coming up with a good business idea, using digital marketing, and designing a good website.

Using Social Media

Vegan food restaurants, bakeries, and organic products are now a popular mainstream business. Social media is a good way to promote your business and connect with customers. Decide what age group you want to reach with social media. Facebook and Twitter are ways to reach all ages and people over 40 years and older. Do not exclude older customers, as many are interested in vegetarian food and ideas.

Instagram is a platform that relies on photography and videos to share your food product or idea with others. It reaches adults 18-49 years old at work or home. YouTube is a popular video-sharing platform that reaches the same age group. You can film a video about your restaurant, bakery, or food product showing staff and what you are selling. This can be a great platform for appealing to customers of all ages who desire to lose weight and eat healthily. In 2016, over 38.9% of adults 18 years and older with disabilities were obese. You can help a variety of people improve their health while effectively marketing your business.

TikTok is another social media platform that reaches people between 18 and 24, a big sector in the vegetarian market. You should watch some vegetarian chefs on TikTok to learn what viewers are seeking. Some vegan chefs are Remy Morimoto Park, Tabitha Brown, Will Edmond, or George Lee. They produce delicious recipes and entertaining ideas about vegan food at home and work.

Creating a Menu or Product That Stands Out

Whether you own a vegan restaurant or an organic bakery, focus on developing a unique product or menu that stands out. When you have a vegan bakery, focus on vegan muffins, gluten-free bread, banana bread, sourdough bread, or something that makes your business stand out. Offer specials and promotions on these items. On your restaurant menu, create some exciting new recipes for customers to try, like vegetable paella, spicy vegan mac and cheese, lentil soup, vegan lasagna, curry with rice and vegetables, or a Greek salad. Try to appeal to customers that are not vegetarians but like to eat a variety of foods.

Getting Experience and Help to Run Your Business

No matter what type of vegan food business you’re starting, these ventures require long hours and hard work to succeed. Working for a restaurant or food company before venturing out on your own is a good way to gain experience and training. There are many health food stores, bakeries, food trucks, and vegan food businesses you can gain experience with. When you start your business, make sure you have some money saved and a business plan. About 70% of small businesses employ tax professionals to help with accounting and IRS concerns when starting a small business. Don’t be afraid to get this type of professional help if you need it.

Using Digital Marketing Strategies

Pay attention to search engine optimization by using keywords for your vegan business or product. Learn about local Internet advertising on Google and other web search engines. When customers search for your business, where do you rank on the search engine? Build a blog or content on your website that customers can learn from and hold an interest in. Paid advertising and articles called native advertising are good ways to promote your business. Email marketing is another inexpensive way to use digital marketing.

Designing an Appealing Website

Vegan products require a good website to promote your business or products. About 94% of users reject a product or service due to poor web design. Hiring a professional web design agency that specializes in food or vegan web design can help. Photography and videos are often used in the vegan food industry to showcase food and products. A website that is easy to use and is mobile-friendly is an asset. Good recipes, content, and advertising help you promote and market your vegan business.

These are some promotional ideas for your vegan business to consider that can really help you make your mark. Keep these marketing ideas in mind for more help promoting and growing your business for years to come!

5 Eco-Friendly Pet Adoption Tips

August 17, 2021 0
(This is my love, Noodles the Pug!)

If you’re interested in adopting a pet, you may be wondering how you can lessen your environmental impact during the pet ownership process. Below, you’ll find where to adopt, eco-friendly products, composting and removing pet waste, food, and having everyone in the family participate.

Adopt Don’t Shop

Instead of shopping at pet stores for a dog or cat, adopt one from a local non-profit organization near your home. The ASPCA is one great organization that has animal shelters in most states, and they were the first humane society in North America. You can shop online and then visit your local shelter to adopt a pet, and most adoption centers will have the currently available pets posted online.

Most organizations will try to match the pet with the right owner by filling out assessment forms, so be prepared to fill them out. An online pet adoption organization called Adopt A Pet has an online database where you can find pets in your local area. You enter your zip code and look for a pet nearby.

Another searchable online database for pets is Pet.com. Sometimes pet stores like Petco and PetSmart have special adoption events where consumers can adopt cats and dogs for free. Check with your local stores to see if any such events are planned near your home.

Another place to check is your local town or city pound. They sometimes offer pets for adoption. Over 85 million households own a pet, according to The American Pet Products Association. Why not use these resources to be one of them.?

Use Eco-Friendly Products

Try to feed your pet eco-friendly pet food made by responsible companies and that use packaging that is recyclable with no plastic. Do not overfeed your pets and look for a brand that uses organic ingredients and locally sourced products. Places to find these pet foods are your local health food store, pet stores, and on websites like Chewy.com and Amazon. Some companies will deliver the food directly to your home, like The Farmers Dog. When you buy leashes and toys, look for ones made of recycled natural materials. Be sure they are safe and easy to play with.

Compost Pet Waste

Disposing of pet waste should be done in an eco-friendly way. Dog and cat poop can be added to your compost pile if it is done safely. The compost pile needs to be heated thoroughly for several days at 145 degrees to kill bacteria. Many stores sell electric composters that heat the compost using the hot composting method, the safest way to use pet feces. If you have a compost pile, this would be the safest way to do this. The compost should not be added to vegetable gardens or areas where children play. It can be used in landscaping and for lawns and around trees. You should wear gloves when handling the compost.

Over 39,900,000 families in the United States own cats. Disposing of animal waste is a major concern for pet owners. You should put it in a plastic bag or one that is biodegradable and squeeze out the air. Put it in another bag before you put it in the garbage. Always double bag pet waste before you dispose of it.

Use Products That are Safe and Sustainable

Try the new eco-friendly cat litter that doesn’t use clay and silica gel that creates dust. Your pet can breathe it in and it causes respiratory problems. There are many brands that use natural materials better for your pet’s health. They use dried wood shavings of cedar or spruce, paper, and grass seeds. These products are safer for your pets and family. Try to use shampoos and grooming products without harmful chemicals added. Overall, this is better for the home environment.

Make Sure Everyone in Your Household is Doing the Same

When you decide to feed your pet healthy foods, make sure all the members of your family agree. When you remove pet waste, have one way you will do it and have everyone follow the rules. Pets need exercise and care. All members should participate in caring for a pet. Many couples live together unmarried. In fact, 5.5 million are in the United States. Whether married or not, pets are good companions for couples, singles, and families.

Adopt a pet as there are many that need a home, and it’s possible to be responsible for the environment and your pet. Be sure you have the financial resources and time to care for them properly.

Ways to Make Your Home More Sustainable

May 26, 2021 0

There are many ways to make your home more sustainable this spring and summer. You can remodel using eco-friendly materials and appliances, grow native plants, cook more food at home, cool your home without using the AC all the time, and upgrade appliances. Below are some ways to make these changes.

Remodel Using Eco-Friendly Options

Did you know that over 10 million kitchens are remodeled every year? When you decide to remodel your kitchen, look for Energy Star appliances rated for saving water and energy. Use sustainable materials for your cabinets, countertops, and backsplashes. Wood, stone, and tile are all materials that are natural and recyclable. Use wood materials free of toxic materials in your home. Install low-flow faucets in your sinks because they reduce water usage by about 30%. Paint your walls with paint and finishes that are low in VOC or harmful chemicals. These paints are safer for your whole family. Visit antique stores and salvage shops near you to find furniture, accessories, outdoor fixtures, crafts, and art you can put in your home.

Choose Native Plants To Grow in Your Garden

Native plants grow best and adapt to your geographic area better than other plants. They are often easy to care for and you can find them at your local garden center. You can purchase native flowers, vegetables, and herbs already growing and transplant them into your garden. Native plants will attract birds, butterflies, bees, and local wildlife. These plants provide food for local wildlife to help them survive. Finding out about native plants means visiting your local garden center or clubs to learn what is grown locally. These plants will save you money and are usually easier to maintain.

Make More Food Products at Home

Start by buying a sheet pan and parchment paper to cook more fresh vegetables for your meals. Wash and cut the carrots, potatoes, squash, peppers, cabbage, add olive oil and salt, and roast in the oven. Roast at 350 or higher for 20 to 30 minutes. The vegetables should be soft and slightly browned and you can roast them individually or mix them. Learn to saute greens, spinach, swiss chard, or cabbage. Look for recipes and follow instructions. Rice is easy to make in the microwave and is a great side dish with meats, seafood, stir fry, and stews. Learn to use beans in chili and soup recipes. They add protein, vitamins, and nutrients to meals. Try whole wheat or gluten-free pasta they have more nutrition than white pasta.

Prepare more food at home and skip frozen and prepared dinners. Over the last 7,000 years, people have fermented plants and grains to make alcohol. Learn to make healthier meals and cut down on alcohol, as too much is bad for your health. Other easy recipes to prepare at home are pasta dishes, homemade salad dressings, sandwiches, eggs, salads, and sauces. Start with simple recipes with fewer ingredients when learning to cook new dishes.

How to Cool Your Home Without AC

You might want to cut down on using your air conditioner and find ways to cool your house without it. Place box fans in the windows to run at night or a ceiling fan to make your air conditioner more efficient. Many evenings you will find the ceiling fan cools the room enough so you do not need air conditioning. Use cotton or bamboo sheets that breathe and do not trap heat and moisture. Open the window and slider door in the late evening and let some cool air come in. Shut shutters, blinds, and shades during the day to keep heat and the sun out. Wear comfortable lightweight clothing at home; shorts, tee shirts, and comfortable shoes. Try taking a cold bath or shower before going to bed. Cook meals outside on the grill or prepare early in the morning when it is cooler.

Update Older Appliances and Features

Did you know that 85% of the homes in the US were built before 1980 and need improvement and updates? Start slowly to replace old appliances with new models one at a time. Look for Energy Star appliances that save money on water and electricity. Buy a smaller-sized refrigerator or a dishwasher that saves on water when you wash dishes. Buy sustainable products for flooring or wood paneling or even recycled materials that can be reused. Install low-flow faucets and a shower head to save on water use or use LED lightbulbs to save energy. Paint your cabinets or stain them instead of installing new ones.

Finding ways to make your home more eco-friendly and sustainable will improve your health and make it more comfortable to live in.

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