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Ask Sweet Greens: Best Eco-Friendly Live Alternatives to a Cut Christmas Tree

November 18, 2013 0

Question:
Hi Sweet Greens! I really would like an eco-friendly alternative for this years Christmas tree. I would love a tree that is alive and smells fantastic – I do not want an artificial one. What alternatives has your family used in the past? Thanks for all of your help. Happy Holidays! – Jennifer

Images Via Martha Stewart

Answer:
Hi Jennifer. Thank you for your question. This is a great one too, since there are so many different alternatives available right now. In the past, my family has used large potted trees, a trio of small potted trees, cut our own live tree from a local sustainable farm and have even used large house plants as trees. If you are flexible and interested in trying an alternative tree that isn’t living, I have also seen Christmas trees made of recycled wood, metal and even magazines. There are so many great alternative available!

Images via Blue Poppy and Martha Stewart

My personal favorite has been choosing a medium sized potted tree and displaying it on a low table or bench. I have used a bench in the past, which is perfect for stacking gifts under and around. I have also seen a lot of a medium sized live trees wrapped in burlap. 

How about you lovely readers – do you have any suggestions for Jennifer? Please leave them in the comments section below!

A Cold Front + A Krimson Klover Anastasia Scarf

November 13, 2013 0

We are experiencing a cold front here in Florida – which means that today the high is 70°. So basically to us Floridians, it feels like it is freezing outside! Seriously. I was so excited to break out my sweaters and scarves – hooray for a cold snap! I received a beautiful, sustainable merino cotton Anastasia scarf from Krimson Klover earlier this week – right in time. It is thick, cozy and super luxurious – it feels so comfy around my neck! I have paired it with a simple fitted sweater, skinny jeans and riding boots and the scarf takes a simple outfit to a whole new level.

I love Krimson Klover, they are hands down my favorite Colorado company. Their clothing is the perfect mix of sustainable, fashionable yet super wearable and comfortable. I have several pieces in my wardrobe and find myself mixing them in all year long. If you are looking for a holiday gift or want something cozy to wear this winter, I highly recommend checking them out.

+ Krimson Klover
+ Anastasia Scarf $76

6 Affordable and Eco-Friendly Ways to Winterize Your Home Now

November 12, 2013 0

Don’t wait until that first big snow storm to figure out that that your home isn’t winterized. Get to work now to find out the areas that your home is lacking and make those improvements now. If you take the time to properly safeguard your home against the cold you can conserve energy and money all winter long. Read on to learn my 6 favorite affordable and eco-friendly tips for winterizing your home and get started this weekend.

1. Get with the Program
If your home doesn’t have a programmable thermostat that allows you to automatically set your heating schedule, it is time for an upgrade. You want to program your thermostat to automatically turn the heat down when you aren’t at home or at night when you are snuggled down under all of those blankets in your bed and then adjust accordingly for the times that you are at home and need to stay warm.

2. Clean it Up
Now is the perfect time to schedule an appointment with your local HVAC professional. Have your furnace inspected to ensure that it will work efficiently and effectively all winter long. If it is time to upgrade your furnace, pick an energy star one that will save you energy and money in the long run.

3. Seal it Up
Now is the time to check all of your door and window weatherstripping – if there is extreme wear and tear or you can see light when a door or window is closed, it’s time to for an update. You may also want to do an outside inspection of your home and caulk around pipes, spigots and hoses.

4. Get Insulated
Check to make sure that your home has the proper amount of insulation in your attic. If you need to add insulation, choose an option that is toxic-free and environmental friendly – I am a huge fan of blue jean insulation.

5. Get Vented
If there are particular areas or rooms in your home that you are not utilizing, close the heating vents and shut the door to that room. There is no reason to heat a room that isn’t being used.

6. Get Efficient
If you don’t think your home is energy efficient or you are looking to reduce your carbon footprint or monthly utility bills – check with a energy expert, such as the Mark Group they can assist you in finding out exactly what areas of your home need improvement and then make the necessary improvements before the first big snow storm! 

Your Turn: How do you plan to winterize your home? Please share your tips in the comment section below!

Full Disclosure: This post was brought to you in collaboration with Mark Group.

Have a Lovely Weekend + A Few Green Things

November 8, 2013 0

Hello, Friends! Are you enjoying November? Today, it has been rainy and overcast all day. Perfection! I am looking forward to a low-key Friday night that includes nothing more than organic wine in the hot tub with the mister. Sounds about right!

Tomorrow, we are heading south to visit the mister’s 98 year old grandfather. We love to visit a couple of Saturdays each month to get him out of the house and into his favorite deli. Then on Sunday, we are hosting a birthday party at our pool for one of Eben’s close friends. It should be a day of fun and maybe sun – if not, there is always he hot tub!

I hope you have something cozy planned for the weekend – while I gather up the swimsuits, here are a few green things to take you into the weekend:

– Dying! Warby Parker’s winter collection is out. How will I pick only one pair?
– OMGoodness – the hanging garden of London may be my favorite thing ever!
– Heartbreaking: 7 animals driven to extinction by humans. Shame.
– Sign the Just Label It petition to help GMO labeling across America become the norm.
– Salt and pepper mini terrariums – so cute!
– Jennifer Chong’s carrot fries and chipotle mayo are calling my name. Yum!

Have a lovely weekend, I will see you back here on Monday!

xo,
Sweet Greens

photo credit

Ask Sweet Greens: How to Naturally Clean Your Washer

November 8, 2013 0
Dear Sweet Greens,

I have a top-loading washer and whenever I wash my clothes they come out smelly mildewy! The washer is only a couple of years old – what is going on? How do I naturally clean it? 

Sick of smelling stinky socks, 
Melissa
——————————Hi Melissa,

Ha! I completely understand and have experienced the stinky mildewy smell before. Luckily, I have a remedy that will knock that stink out and some tips that will help ensure it doesn’t happen again.

Step 1: Clean + Green
First, fill the washer to the top with using the hot water feature, then add 2 cups of white vinegar and 2 tablespoons eco-friendly dish washing liquid to the water because it starts the wash cycle.
BEWARE: It is going to look disgusting – you can repeat this process if the water isn’t clean in the rinse cycle.

Step 2: Keep it Fresh
Keep the yuck out tips: The main reason that your washer smells mildewy is due to using too much soap. Cut back on the amount of dish washing soap that you are using to wash your clothes and after you place the clothing in the dryer – leave the lid open until the inside of the washer is completely dry or until you wash your next load.

Step 3: Enjoy!
Enjoy fresh, cleaning smelling laundry – good luck!

photo via flickr

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