RACHEL:
I have to admit that I am feeling a little overwhelmed with the Green Goddess chapter. Honestly, I have spent a lot of time in my life finding just the right facial moisturizer, hair care products and makeup and now I have to change everything?!!!? Eeeeek! I am constantly reminding myself that I only have to change ONE thing this month ... but sometimes even a little knowledge is overwhelming. Having said that - in order to enjoy the process I have decided just to focus on skin care this month. I will start off by saying that I am extremely blessed with good skin (thanks mom and Grandma!!!) - but I have also spent A LOT of money over the years finding just the right product to stave off wrinkles and maintain my youthful appearance. So, letting go is hard -- but after doing some research, I am committing to the following experiment -- I am going to use raw, organic coconut oil as my ONLY moisturizer for 3 months. Again, EEEEEEK! I started last week, and I can say that I am loving it so far. (I am actually using it as a whole body moisturizer, shave "gel" and hot oil hair treatment.) What I hope to find is that I am saving hundreds of dollars and my skin looks the same or better. Right now only time will tell.
ERIN:
This is overwhelming Rachel. and I don't use much of anything, so it is a whole new ball game for me. I do know that not only does coconut oil help with moisture, but as it seeps into your skin you also get nutrients from it. I remember my natural health coach mentioning that when I was pregnant I should use it on my belly and Dara would even benefit from it. So I will join you in using that as a moisturzer. For me - my crowing glory is my hair. Last year I tried using olive oil for awhile as an emolient. It actually works OK. I got talked out of using it because I wanted to support my friend at her salon, but I think I will go back to trying it again. I think the hardest part is finding a good deodorant. I have two that are sufficient - but I owuld really like to find something exceptional - or get to a point where it really is just not that important.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
g3club - San Diego
Well the g3club of San Diego had a great first meeting. We started right off running with recycling and trash frustrations. Since San Diego does not do a great job of letting people know about what and how to recycle certain things. Our guest speaker on the subject (Tim Martinson) helped us a little with the information since he has also been doing some research. In the end it seemed to us that it was easier to think about what we are purchasing in the first place and then “re-purposing” those things that are not recyclable.
The basic rule seems to be if it is plastic #1 or #2 with a neck then recycle it. Also since all the recyclables are thrown together here in SD it is better that they are clean so as not to contaminate other products (e.g. rinse out the soup can before you throw it in with the paper stuff).
We also took some time to talk about why it is that we think this is important to talk about at all. Thoughts went from lifestyle to business practices to international inspiration to growing up in a “greener” place and finding San Diego to be quite frustrating.
So we are moving forward – looking for products, websites and places that will help us on our journey. I will post these on the side as we find them.
RACHEL: Erin - What a great thought for all of us - to think about what we are buying in the first place. I have started to think about this, but have struggled with not buying my favorite products just because of the packaging. I did, however, write a letter to my favorite face care company to complain about the packaging when I received some products I bought online. I didn't stop buying the product because of the packaging ... although, I think that I will have to stop buying the product because of the ingredients!!! I have been careful about bringing my own bags to the store - but have not yet "boycotted" any products solely based on the packaging. Something for me to think seriously about!
The basic rule seems to be if it is plastic #1 or #2 with a neck then recycle it. Also since all the recyclables are thrown together here in SD it is better that they are clean so as not to contaminate other products (e.g. rinse out the soup can before you throw it in with the paper stuff).
We also took some time to talk about why it is that we think this is important to talk about at all. Thoughts went from lifestyle to business practices to international inspiration to growing up in a “greener” place and finding San Diego to be quite frustrating.
So we are moving forward – looking for products, websites and places that will help us on our journey. I will post these on the side as we find them.
RACHEL: Erin - What a great thought for all of us - to think about what we are buying in the first place. I have started to think about this, but have struggled with not buying my favorite products just because of the packaging. I did, however, write a letter to my favorite face care company to complain about the packaging when I received some products I bought online. I didn't stop buying the product because of the packaging ... although, I think that I will have to stop buying the product because of the ingredients!!! I have been careful about bringing my own bags to the store - but have not yet "boycotted" any products solely based on the packaging. Something for me to think seriously about!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
St. Paul G3 Party - first meeting!! :)
The first G3 party in St. Paul was a great success. We gathered on the greenest of holidays – St. Patrick’s Day – at my house to kick off what will be a series of great discussions. I do have to admit that I did not take notes – but many of us walked away with “homework” assignments – so please watch the blog for new links, information about recycyling in the very confusing Twin Cities, what nail polish we can safely use and other topics relevant to the gorgeous group of girls who gathered in my living room. As we chatted, discussed, talked, shared and laughed last night it was very comforting that I am not alone in my questions and concerns. We all came to the “table” with our own experiences, desires and fears about how we can confidently move forward.
A couple of things stood out from the night (although, I know I am not capturing the entire story and I hope others weigh in with their thoughts) … First, Angie talked about giving up plastic bags and using Rume Bags (http://www.rumebags.com/). And I thought, well, I always take my bag to the grocery store – and never use the plastic bags to put my produce in … so, what’s the big deal. Well …. the big deal is that I don’t take my bags anywhere EXCEPT the grocery store. I hadn’t thought about taking a bag to Nordstrom, Target or the other places I shop. Why not? I don’t know …. but I felt the big DUH!!! So, I am committing to that from now on. Second – we talked about how confusing it is to recycle. We all want to do it – but are we doing it right? And, if we are not doing it right what happens. I kept seeing flashes of the movie “Trashed” in my mind. So, if I am not recycling right are they just throwing it all in the trash? Carrie volunteered to look up all of the “rules” for the counties in the Twin Cities. But – gosh, why does it need to be so difficult? Third – there was a general consensus that the next month – examining all of our beauty products is going to be very difficult. We don’t want to give up the products that have made us beautiful and youthful so far – i.e. nail polish (mom), conditioner (me – as the new green product I am trying SUCKS!) and hair dye (all of us!!!!). What is a green girl to do? So – we committed to supporting each other in making good decisions – and there are no wrong answers. We are also being budget friendly – meaning, not throwing out what we are currently using until it is empty – and trying to find similar products with similar prices.
So – what have I done today … the day after? I did use my utterly useless hair conditioner and committed to my Thom’s of Maine deodorant (which actually does work for even the sweatiest people!). I also didn’t use my car today – and walked to all of my meetings. AND, ordered a compost bucket for under my sink. I didn’t order any of the Rume Bags – but that is on the list. I am moving forward – without limitations – to being the kindest person I can be to my body and to the earth.
ERIN:
Good Job Rachel - it is helpful to think of just changing one thing at a time and make a committment to at least TRYING new products and activities. I think that getting into experimenting with these things helps us to change in small ways insteead of trying to do everything and giving up.
These first meetings will challenge all of us to start seeing the world differently and maybe give us some traction on the journey to becoming and being Gorgeously Green.
A couple of things stood out from the night (although, I know I am not capturing the entire story and I hope others weigh in with their thoughts) … First, Angie talked about giving up plastic bags and using Rume Bags (http://www.rumebags.com/). And I thought, well, I always take my bag to the grocery store – and never use the plastic bags to put my produce in … so, what’s the big deal. Well …. the big deal is that I don’t take my bags anywhere EXCEPT the grocery store. I hadn’t thought about taking a bag to Nordstrom, Target or the other places I shop. Why not? I don’t know …. but I felt the big DUH!!! So, I am committing to that from now on. Second – we talked about how confusing it is to recycle. We all want to do it – but are we doing it right? And, if we are not doing it right what happens. I kept seeing flashes of the movie “Trashed” in my mind. So, if I am not recycling right are they just throwing it all in the trash? Carrie volunteered to look up all of the “rules” for the counties in the Twin Cities. But – gosh, why does it need to be so difficult? Third – there was a general consensus that the next month – examining all of our beauty products is going to be very difficult. We don’t want to give up the products that have made us beautiful and youthful so far – i.e. nail polish (mom), conditioner (me – as the new green product I am trying SUCKS!) and hair dye (all of us!!!!). What is a green girl to do? So – we committed to supporting each other in making good decisions – and there are no wrong answers. We are also being budget friendly – meaning, not throwing out what we are currently using until it is empty – and trying to find similar products with similar prices.
So – what have I done today … the day after? I did use my utterly useless hair conditioner and committed to my Thom’s of Maine deodorant (which actually does work for even the sweatiest people!). I also didn’t use my car today – and walked to all of my meetings. AND, ordered a compost bucket for under my sink. I didn’t order any of the Rume Bags – but that is on the list. I am moving forward – without limitations – to being the kindest person I can be to my body and to the earth.
ERIN:
Good Job Rachel - it is helpful to think of just changing one thing at a time and make a committment to at least TRYING new products and activities. I think that getting into experimenting with these things helps us to change in small ways insteead of trying to do everything and giving up.
These first meetings will challenge all of us to start seeing the world differently and maybe give us some traction on the journey to becoming and being Gorgeously Green.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
introduction
Erin: Of course Kermit the Frog said it first “It’s not easy bring green”. Our culture presents a number of challenges and obstacles in trying to live a green lifestyle. But I think we are up to the challenge. There are also a number of resources and more and more people are finding ways to live “green” while maintaining a certain level of style.
I look forward to the conversation here. Especially since I get to be in this with my sister Rachel. It won’t take you too long to figure out that Rachel and I come at this challenge from very different perspectives.
The first time I saw The 11th Hour I could not sleep for days. I thought I had to go out and change the world on my own. That is a daunting task. I am a big picture person. Rachel does better with the details.
Another difference is that I am the sister you might more likely find living in a yurt or playing in the dirt. Not that I will in this lifetime – but I like to imagine I would. Or what would it be like to live off the grid. I imagine that is possible as well. I can’t really see Rachel getting excited about any of that.
So this is all really exciting for me. Tangible ways to change the world. But don’t worry – I only have those really unrealistic expectations of myself.
Rachel: Yes, Erin, you will NEVER find me playing in the dirt. Even when I can bring myself to garden … which I really want to like … I will be wearing fashionable gardening gloves and shoes (albeit organic made from recyclable materials), they still will look cute and maintain my manicure and pedicure! ☺ As far as living off the grid, well, I can see giving up many creature comforts, but you will not find me living in a yurt. Plus, I wouldn’t want to stop communicating with you!! And, although I have a loud voice, I don’t think that you would hear me all the way in San Diego. So, Erin, yes, this will be an interesting journey!! One that I am glad we will be taking together – I with my fragrance-free, natural nail polish and raw food based moisturizer that promises to make me look years younger and you in your yurt!!
The one issue that I have been struggling with lately is how to live car-free. I really hate having a car – and not only for ecological reasons. I hate everything there is to do with having a car ….. buying gas is the most asinine things I can think about doing and getting an oil change is a close second – well, tied with washing my car. The problem with not having a car in MN is biking in the ice and snow. I suppose taking the bus is the option, but, well, living in MN which is not a bus friendly city is difficult for me. I know this is not the topic of the month, but something I have been thinking about for a long time.
I am looking forward to the first Gorgeously Green Girls party here in MN next week. I am certain that I will learn a lot from my smart and sassy friends and it will be fun to share this cross country. And, as a small, but growing G3 community we will start to change the world in our own small ways.
I look forward to the conversation here. Especially since I get to be in this with my sister Rachel. It won’t take you too long to figure out that Rachel and I come at this challenge from very different perspectives.
The first time I saw The 11th Hour I could not sleep for days. I thought I had to go out and change the world on my own. That is a daunting task. I am a big picture person. Rachel does better with the details.
Another difference is that I am the sister you might more likely find living in a yurt or playing in the dirt. Not that I will in this lifetime – but I like to imagine I would. Or what would it be like to live off the grid. I imagine that is possible as well. I can’t really see Rachel getting excited about any of that.
So this is all really exciting for me. Tangible ways to change the world. But don’t worry – I only have those really unrealistic expectations of myself.
Rachel: Yes, Erin, you will NEVER find me playing in the dirt. Even when I can bring myself to garden … which I really want to like … I will be wearing fashionable gardening gloves and shoes (albeit organic made from recyclable materials), they still will look cute and maintain my manicure and pedicure! ☺ As far as living off the grid, well, I can see giving up many creature comforts, but you will not find me living in a yurt. Plus, I wouldn’t want to stop communicating with you!! And, although I have a loud voice, I don’t think that you would hear me all the way in San Diego. So, Erin, yes, this will be an interesting journey!! One that I am glad we will be taking together – I with my fragrance-free, natural nail polish and raw food based moisturizer that promises to make me look years younger and you in your yurt!!
The one issue that I have been struggling with lately is how to live car-free. I really hate having a car – and not only for ecological reasons. I hate everything there is to do with having a car ….. buying gas is the most asinine things I can think about doing and getting an oil change is a close second – well, tied with washing my car. The problem with not having a car in MN is biking in the ice and snow. I suppose taking the bus is the option, but, well, living in MN which is not a bus friendly city is difficult for me. I know this is not the topic of the month, but something I have been thinking about for a long time.
I am looking forward to the first Gorgeously Green Girls party here in MN next week. I am certain that I will learn a lot from my smart and sassy friends and it will be fun to share this cross country. And, as a small, but growing G3 community we will start to change the world in our own small ways.
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