It’s a new year, and like it or not, that means new clutter will soon be upon us. It’s inevitable.“What?!”, you say. “but I’m still dealing with  clutter from last year!” Yea, me too. It’s O.K.  Clutter happens. But we need to get over it and get organized!

This week-end, I took a brave first step. I cleaned out one drawer in my desk that holds all of my bills and monthly statements. Being an organizer, I already had them in chronological order (mostly!). Next, I made a shred pile, a recycle pile and put the keepers into a  shoe box marked “2011″ to be put away in storage. Now the drawer is ready for the new 2012 batch.

That was easy, I thought. So I continued. Next, a shelf that holds copy paper, photo paper, notebooks and anything else I’m not quite sure of where to put. I grabbed some files and a marker and started…….organizing! Yes, me…. an organizer, was organizing for myself!  What a concept! Whenever I came across anything that I knew I wanted but didn’t know where to put it, I created a file for it. Before I knew it, I had files for my loose photos, my current projects, one for articles I wanted to read and even one with brochures of places I want to travel this year. And guess what? It wasn’t difficult. It didn’t take long. And in the end, I had cleared up just one little area in my office but the effect was huge! I feel so much lighter. The room feels lighter. It even looks bigger!

So, how can you feel this good? Easy.

Start Small & Simple

Pick a room ……your home office, for example. Now choose one area. Your desk, one drawer of your desk, a filing cabinet, a closet. Any area,  just keep it small and simple. When you start small and simple and you’ll reach your goal quicker. You reach your goal, you feel good.

Set Yourself Up For Success

Have an area for items to shred (old bills), recycle (magazines), and keep. As you pick up each item, decide which category it falls under. Shred? Recycle? Or keep? *NOTE- there is no “I’ll deal with it later” category. When you have your 3 piles ready, immediately shred your shred items and recycle your recycle items. Now, all you have left are the items your’e keeping. This is where the work comes in! You knew there was a catch, right? What do you  do with it all? Calm down. Let’s not get all excited. No need to be overwhelmed. Put your thinking cap on and get creative.  Group like things together. For my loose papers, I created files. For magazines that I decided to keep, I put them in baskets and put one basket  in my bathroom and one by my reading chair. Putting items where you’ll use them, will keep you better organized. When your better organized, your less stressed. It’s really rather nice once you get used to it!

Stay One Step Ahead

Don’t try to do too much at once. Try to carve out just one hour a week to de-clutter. Also, get in the habit of regular shredding and recycling. That alone will help save you time. If say, you’re all caught up on your shredding, then you can spend that hour you’ve set a side for something else. Maybe even something other than de-cluttering!

It’s all about forming new good habits, having a little bit of discipline and focusing. It feels good  to de-clutter.

Lighten your load, lighten your mess.

Free yourself of clutter and stress! 

It’s all a part of healthy living!

Cheers,

Colleen

It’s that time a year again and if you’re like someone I know (i’m not mentioning any names…) you’ve waited ’til last minute to do your holiday shopping. Well, let me make it easy for you. I’ve got FREE gift ideas to share with you and it all starts with the most precious gift you can give…..YOU!

Did you know that you can actually be an eco-friendly gift?

1.  Make coupons that offer your time or services. For example, “This coupon entitles you to a special dinner for 2 lovingly prepared by me.” This coupon works great for friends or relatives that don’t cook. Or, “This coupon entitles you to 2 hours of book keeping services.” If you know what services someone really needs, then taylor made coupons makes them extra special.

2. Know someone with an office? (of course you do!) Check out this adorable business card holder  that was given to me  by a friend who created it special just for me. You can do the same with just a few pieces of cardboard , some glue and colored markers. 

3. Visit a lonely neighbor. Whether they’re down the street or across the hall, go knock on their door and say hello. Yes, even to the cranky guy that never smiles at you when you check your mail. Ever think he’s cranky because he’s lonely? Bring a plate of cookies to sweeten him up!

Your time and attention to someone less fortunate is the most precious gift you can give and …it’s FREE! Nothing feels as good as knowing you’ve made a difference in someone’s life.

Give the gift of time…….The gift of YOU!

Happy Holidays!

Colleen

The holidays are right around the corner and that means…..lots of food! If you’re doing the cooking this year, here are some tips on how to make your holiday food experience a little more healthy.Below are tips  from a great article I read on EWG’s (Environmental Working Group) website. I really enjoyed the article and just want to pass it along their tips to you.

1.  Choose Foods Low In Added Chemicals And Pollutants

Food can contain ingredients we don’t want to eat — from pesticides to hormones to artificial additives to food packaging chemicals. Some simple tips to cut the chemicals:

Buy organic when you can. I make sure fresh fruits and vegetables are on the menu, and I go organic when I can. Organic produce is grown without synthetic pesticides (I prefer my dinner without, thanks!). Organic meat and dairy products also limit your family’s exposure to growth hormones and antibiotics.

It’s OK to choose non-organic from our “Clean 15″ list of less-contaminated conventional fruits and vegetables, too. EWG’s Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce ranks popular fruits and vegetables based on the amount of pesticide residues found on them.  Check out our Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce (and get the iPhone App).

Cook with fresh foods, rather than packaged and canned, whenever you can. Food containers can leach packaging chemicals into food, including the synthetic estrogen bisphenol A that’s used to make the linings of food cans. Go for fresh food or prepared foods stored in glass containers. Pick recipes that call for fresh, not canned, foods.

When I’m planning a grocery trip, I like to check in with EWG’s Healthy Home Tip: Go organic and eat fresh foods.

2. Use Non Toxic Cookware

Using a great pan makes a huge difference when I cook. I skip the non-stick so I don’t have to breathe toxic fumes that can off-gas from non-stick pans over high heat. Non-stick cookware is in most American kitchens. Is it in yours?

For safer cooking, use cast iron, stainless steel and oven-safe glass. Yes, there are many new products on the market, but most companies won’t tell you exactly what’s in them. Even if they’re advertised as “green” or “not non-stick,” manufacturers do not have to release their safety data to the public.

If you’re ‘stuck’ with non-stick, cook safer with it. You can reduce the possibility of toxic fumes by cooking smart with any non-stick cookware you happen to own: Never heat an empty pan, don’t put it in an oven hotter than 500 degrees F and use an exhaust fan over the stove.

If you’re in the market for a new cast iron pan, purchase it through Amazon and a portion of your purchase total will go to EWG!

3. Store & Reheat Leftovers Safely

Leftovers can extend the joy of a holiday — by giving you a break from the kitchen! But be sure to avoid plastic when storing and (especially) when heating them. Here’s why — and how:

Skip plastic food storage containers if you can. The chemical additives in plastic can migrate into food and liquids. Ceramic or glass food containers (such as Pyrex) are safer. Click here to get a 10-piece Pyrex set on Amazon (and a portion of your purchase will go towards helping EWG!).

• Don’t microwave food or drinks in plastic containers, even if they claim to be “microwave safe.” Heat can release chemicals into your food and drink. Microwave ovens heat unevenly, creating hot spots where the plastic is more likely to break down.
• If you do use a plastic container, handle it carefully. Use it for cool liquids only; wash plastics by hand or on the top rack of the dishwasher, farther from the heating element; use a paper towel instead of plastic wrap to cover food in the microwave. Also, avoid single-use plastic as much as possible — reusing it isn’t safe (it can harbor bacteria) and tossing it out fills up landfills (and pollutes the environment).

Read more about heating and storing food safely in our Healthy Home Tip: Pick plastics carefully.

So get cooking! And enjoy the Holidays!

Colleen

Let’s face it, money’s tight these days. Everyone’s pinching pennies. But that doesn’t stop us from needing (or wanting) new clothes or home decor. So why not host your own Shop & Swap? It’s the latest trend in fashion but I’m suggesting it can be done for home decor too. It’s a great way to recycle unwanted items and get “new” ones too! Here’s what you need to get started.

1. A good size room (or two)

2. A few folding tables & chairs

3. A rolling clothes rack & two full size mirrors

4. Items you want to swap

First, create invitations through evite. Send them out 2-3 weeks in advance. Make sure to invite all shapes and sizes, to be fair. Then, choose a room or two large enough to hold a few folding tables, rolling racks and mirrors. This can be your garage, basement or living room. If you can, set up a small area to act as a dressing room.

Organize the area according to items. Home decor (small items like candle holders, vases or table ware), tops, bottoms, shoes, accessories, etc. Place mirrors in an accessible  area of the room for guests to use.

Set Some Rules If you can’t part with it, you can’t bring it. Items must be clean and undamaged. Empty pockets, check zippers and buttons. Also, you may want to have your guests pick a number upon arrival to see who shops first. This will help in the event there are some really desirable pieces that more than one person might want.

Set A Theme Use the current season to make it a theme party such as a Halloween costume swap, or a  Holiday decorations swap.  Or how about a vintage, party dress or athletic swap? I’ve even heard of young women hosting a prom gown swap. Use your imagination and have fun! Don’t have any items to swap, how about making some coupons for a service you can swap for? For example, 2 free hours of babysitting or house cleaning. Or, with the holidays coming up, your coupon can be for help with shopping, cooking, or gift wrapping.

Finally, donate leftover items to your local charity. Remember, you’re all in this to de-clutter your closets. No need to take things for the sake of taking. If there’s nothing you want, at least you lightened your load and had fun with friends.

So have fun with your event. Make it a party! Serve snacks or make it a pot luck. Play some fun music to set the mood. Any way you choose to do it, it’s a great way to gather your friends, have some fun and who knows, maybe even get a new look for your home and yourself! Hosting a Shop & Swap is Eco-friendly, affordable and fun!

Have you hosted or been to a clothing swap party? Please share your experience or helpful tips!

It’s no secret that organic produce is healthier for you and the planet. But, it’s not always affordable. When trying to decide which foods you should absolutely buy organic and ones you can get away with buying conventionally consider this,  the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG)  “Dirty Dozen” and “Clean Fifteen” lists. The dirty dozen list is comprised of  fruits and vegetables with the highest pesticide residues. The clean fifteen, is just the opposite, foods with the lowest pesticide residues.

The food that makes it to  the “dirty dozen” list are foods that you should try your best to buy organic. They include, in order of highest concentration of pesticides:

1.  Apples (surprise!)

2.  Celery

3.  Strawberries

4.  Peaches

5.  Spinach

6.  Nectarines

7.  Grapes

8.  Sweet Bell Peppers

9.  Potatoes

10. Blueberries

11. Lettuce

12. Kale

The “clean fifteen” are:

1.  Onions

2.  Sweet Corn

3.  Pineapples

4.  Avocado

5.  Asparagus

6.  Sweet Peas

7.  Mangoes

8.  Eggplants

9.  Cantaloupe

10. Kiwi

11. Cabbage

12. Watermelon (although, I’ve had organic and have to say, it’s really tasty!)

13. Sweet potatoes

14. Grapefruit

15. Mushrooms

Personally, I like to buy all my fruits and veggies organically. I really think they taste better and most are grown locally so my purchase is helping to support my local farmers and I feel good about that. But it doesn’t always work out that way. Sometimes it’s just not affordable. Well, with the dirty dozen and clean fifteen lists,  you can make the safest, most affordable choices without having to sacrifice too much of your health.

And hey, if you can grow these foods yourself, more power to ya!

Happy shopping and healthy eating!

You don’t need to spend a lot of money to clean your home naturally. All you need are a  few  key ingredients. Naturally derived ingredients can be found in most any store and can save you money. Ounce for ounce they cost a fraction of the price as their commercial counterparts. And, they don’t pollute so they’re better for you and the environment. Use them alone or with eco-friendly green cleaning products found in your local health food store and transform your home into a healthier living space. You’ll breathe easier when you do!

Start here:

• Sturdy Bucket
• Natural latex gloves instead of the standard latex gloves. They are hypo-allergetic, anti-microbial and dust mite resistant.
• Natural Sponges and Cotton Cloths. Both are biodegradable.
• Natural Bristle Scrub Brush (you can also recycle your old tooth brushes and use them to clean small, hard to reach areas)
• Spray Bottles made form recycled /recyclable plastic.
• Glass Containters
• Newsprint

Next, you want the following ingredeints. They’re simple, natural and inexpensive. They’ve been used for centuries and still hold up today.

• Baking Soda
• Washing Soda
• Distilled White Vinegar
• Lemon Juice
• Natural Washing Soda
• Essential Oils Such As Citrus or Tee Tree oil
• Vegetable Glycerin
• Liquid Castile Soap

Recipe: Natural Window Cleaner

1/2 teaspoon of castile soap

3 table spoons of  vinegar

2 cups water

Spray bottle

Combine ingredients in spray bottle and shake it up. The key ingredient here is the castile soap. It cuts trough grease. Use newsprint to wipe  mirrors and glass to keep surfaces free of streaks and lint.

Recipe: Soft Scrub

1/2 cup baking soda

castile soap

Combine in a bowl, baking soda and enough castile soap to form a paste. Pout on sponge and  wash the surface. This is great for kitchen sinks and bathtubs because it rinse clean without leaving any grit behind. You can add a teaspoon of vegetable glycerin to keep the mixture moist and store it in a glass jar to use another time. You can also add a touch of lemon juice for a fresh, clean scent.

Recipe: Furniture Polish

1/2 teaspoon of oil

1/4 cup lemon juice

cotton cloth

Mix ingredients together in a container and pour onto cloth and wipe. That’s it! Very simple, very effective.

Do you have a favorite homemade green cleaning recipe? Please share your tips and suggestions!

What does Vegas, President Obama and the environment have in common? No, it’s not a trick question. The answer is: a woman who uses her creativity, strong set of values, and undying commitment to help ensure a cleaner world for all. Meet Dottie Turner, better known as “Dottie Do”. She’s Nevada’s recycle queen and she has a vision, a story to tell and a lesson for us all.

What you may see as trash, Dottie sees as treasure. A jar that once held jelly, now holds cotton balls on a bathroom counter. An empty juice bottle acts as a beautiful vase for a bouquet of flowers; a plain old shoe box decorated with bits of lace now functions as a jewelry case. Below, plastic pint baskets that once held berries are transformed into a decorative toilet tissue holder.

And of course, her proudest Dottie Do creation, an Obama ’08 campaign poster turned place mat which she presented to the then Senator during a town hall meeting.

Sound simple? Well, it is! In her own words, Dottie says’ “Everything that man has made, can be made into something different”. It’s true, we’re a wasteful society, but we don’t have to be. All we have to be is open. Open to possibilities, open to learning, open to giving and open to caring: for the environment and for future generations. I couldn’t agree more with Dottie when she says, “There are too many people who are not working for the future and thinking about what we leave our children.” She believes that “….our environment deserves as much attention as many of the other important issues of the day.” And she’s right, because without a healthy environment, we don’t have much of a future.

Since I started this blog a year ago, I’ve been preaching about the three R’s of being green: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. I’ve said that it takes time to change  old wasteful habits and  that it’s not always easy. And, I’ve heard all the excuses as to why  it’s difficult. “I don’t have time”, “It’s too expensive to go green”, and of course,”I can’t possibly make a difference”. Well Dottie says you’re wrong and I agree. After all, here is a woman  taking her passion for people and planet and creating positive change in her little corner of the world. Imagine if we all took that approach.  Each one of us making a small positive step towards healthier, better living. Each one of us creating a ripple. Eventually, all the little corners of the world  would be a better place. The ripple effect of small change is rather large my friends. Just ask Dottie’s children, grandchildren, neighbors and me, a total stranger who has been so touched by this woman’s deep sense of caring and ingenuity that my ripple has extended out to all of you.

So, the lesson here is, do like Dottie Do! Think creatively, care deeply, and know that yes, you can make a difference!

All photos courtesy of Dottie Turner

Halloween is my favorite holiday. Why? Well, mostly because I love candy. But, it’s also a great opportunity to get creative and go green. Here are a few ideas to inspire you.

1. Make Your Own Costume There’s no need to spend a ton of money buying a costume when all you need is a little imagination to create a one of a kind piece for your little one (or for yourself) that will be remembered for years to come. I’ll never forget my mom dressing my up as Princess Leia from Star Wars, using a white sheet and gold tassel tie-backs from her bedroom curtains. It was perfect and I won all the prizes at the Halloween party!  So, think outside the box. Heck, use a box! Use whatever you can find around the house. Just get creative and have fun!

2. Ditch The Plastic Pumpkin If you already have a plastic pumpkin, then, yea, use it. However, there’s no need to go out and buy a new one. Why not use a plain canvas bag that can be decorated to make it more fun and personal. You can use it year after year and who knows, maybe your kids will pass it down to their kids!  You can also use an old pillowcase. I can tell you from personal experience, these work really well and hold way more candy than a plastic pumpkin!

3. Hold A Costume Swap Get together with your neighbors and hold a costume swap. Kids outgrow their costumes fast so, pass them on to the next generation. If the costumes aren’t “current”, mix them up to create a whole new look! You’ll be surprised with what what you, or you kids, come up with!

4. Decorate With Nature Forget buying plastic goblins and witches. Make your own! Here’s one idea: take some old clothes like an old pair of jeans, an old flannel shirt and a pair of dad’s old boots & gloves and fill them with leaves or straw. Use a jack-o-lantern for it’s head or, paint a face on a paper bag filled with with straw. Then, sit your creation on the front steps. For a spookier effect,hang it from a tree in your front yard!

Remember, Halloween is a time for fun and making memories. With these tips,  you might even begin a whole new family tradition!

Happy Haunting!!!

Well, it’s officially Autumn and that means it’s time to change your Summer decor. There are many affordable, fun and interesting ways to bring the beautiful fall colors into your home. Lets start with a few accessories. You can look in your back yard, neighboring woods or parks, and apple orchards for seasonal items such as leaves, mums, pumpkins & gourds.  Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Gourd Vases

Leaf Garland

Gather some brightly colored leaves and string them together to create the garland. You can hang the garland underneath your counter or your fireplace mantle.

Acorn Napkin Ring

Gather about 10 acorns. Drill a small hole in each one so you can run a wire through alternating the acorns top-to bottom creating a tight ring. The acorns look beautiful set against this red napkin.

Acorn Picture Frame

Here’s one even the kids can do! Begin with an old picture frame. Gather 50 or so acorns and remove the caps. Next, hot glue the caps to the frame. You can frame a beautiful Maple leaf or a picture from your day at the orchard!

Flowered Pumpkins

This is one if the most  interesting ideas I’ve seen yet. Cut the heads off of some mums and attach them to the pumpkins with hot glue. Place them by your front door, on your stairs or as a center piece on your dining table.

Creating these beautiful, natural fall decor items is simple, affordable and fun! Do you have any ideas you’d like to share? I’d love to hear from you!

All photos courtesy of BHG

Planning on installing a new floor? Nowadays, there are many choices that are both affordable and green. Here are some options to consider and why I’ve chosen them as my top five.

1. Bamboo

Bamboo is the fastest growing plant  on earth. It can be sustainably harvested every 5-7 years. Although considered a grass, it grows as a stalk and  has been used for centuries in many parts of the world. It  is now being grown commercially in North America. Because of it’s quick replenishing time, it’s an excellent  renewable resource. In fact, Bamboo is now one of the most popular floor choices. At prices ranging from $1.89 – $3.89 per square ft, it’s also an affordable one. You’ll love it’s silky, smooth finish!

Why I like it:

• Durable – it’s 2x stronger than Oak!
• Beautiful – there are many unique types of Bamboo offering a wide range of color, grain and application choices. Use it for flooring, cabinets, doors or countertops.
• Renewable – it replenishes itself every 5-7 years.
• Affordable – as the demand for quality Bamboo has increased, the price has decreased. I have seen the price as low as $1.89 per sq. ft.
• Easy Maintenance – no wax floor!

2. Cork

Cork is the ultimate green flooring material and is becoming increasingly more popular these days. A completely renewable resource, cork is harvested from the bark of  living cork oak tress. That means, the tree is never killed to harvest the cork. It has many properties that make it an excellent choice for your home including: a variety of sizes, patterns,colors and applications.

Why I like it:

• 100% Renewable
• Healthy For You- it’s naturally hypoallergenic, anti-microbial and anti-fungal which means it’s mildew resistant. A plus for anyone living with allergies or in a damp climate!
• Insulates Well- keeps your feet warm in winter and cool in summer!
• Sound Absorbent – muffles sound so it works great in an apartment or condo setting.
• Easy Installation – can be installed directly over existing floors, concrete slabs or plywood subfloors.
• Absorbs Shock – it’s easy on the body!
• Affordable – From $1.49 to $3.49 per sq. ft.
• Naturally Fire Resistant
• Low Maintenance

3. Sustainably Harvested &

Reclaimed Lumber

Sustainably harvested wood is extracted from forests in a way that is ecologically sound, and both socially and economically beneficial to the communities in which these forests exist. These managed forests are careful in their harvesting practices, helping to contribute to the preservation of these beautiful forests. This type of wood is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.

Reclaimed lumber comes from many sources such as, antique wood from the de-construction of old structures like barns, mills and houses; beams, timbers, wine barrels and box cars. The wood is typically oak, fir or pine. Praised for it’s strength, versatility, rich colors and unique characteristics, reclaimed lumber is a favorite among builders and homeowners alike.

Why I like it:

• Durable
• Warm, Rich Colors- there’s a variety of colors from white oak to deep cherry.
• Unique Appearance- each wood produces it’s own unique and interesting grain.
• Follows the 3 R’s of Green Decorating- Reduce, Recycle, Repurpose.
• Multi-Purpose- floors, counter tops, furniture, doors and more!

4. Marmoleum

Marmoleum is a brand name for Linoleum. It’s made by combining natural materials such as linseed oil or pine rosin with wood flour or cork dust.  Free of  VOC’s or other toxic chemicals, it’s a great non-toxic flooring option, especially for those with asthma or allergies. Marmoleum comes in sheets, which can be installed with a solvent free adhesive, or as a square click which doesn’t need any adhesive. It’s durable, easy to clean and comes in a variety of colors and sizes allowing you many design options.

Why I Like it:

• No off-gassing (off -gassing comes from volatile organic compounds and toxic chemicals such as urea formaldehyde found in vinyl, adhesives, paint, carpet and particle board.)
• Durable- as the linseed oil oxidizes, the floor becomes harder and more durable.
• Anti-Static Properties – this means dirt & dust don’t stick, so there’s less cleaning for you!
• Anti-Bacterial
• Endless Design Possibilities
• 100% Natural Ingredients & 100% Biodegradable

5. Recycled Glass Tile / Terrazzo

Recycled glass tiles and Terrazzo are both beautiful materials that can be used to create a stunning look (it’s great for counter tops too!). Both are excellent environmentally friendly flooring options that re-purpose what would otherwise be thrown in a landfill.  These tiles are fast becoming the choice for homeowners. Both have high durability, ease of maintenance and a beautiful look!

Recycled glass uses discarded glass bottles that are turned into beautiful recycled glass tiles. Custom looks can be created to fit you’re personal style.

Terrazzo, a centuries old art, mixes bits of broken glass with pieces of marble, granite, ceramic &  porcelain from such sources as discarded sinks and toilets. The bits are then mixed with cement to create beautiful, unique tiles. Found in many commercial settings, like libraries and government buildings, it’s now an affordable option for homeowners.

Why I like it:

• Follows the 3 R’s of Green Decorating- Reduce, Recycle, Repurpose
• Multi Purpose – floors, counter tops, backsplash, bathrooms.
• Frees Up Landfills- since we’re running out of space for our trash, this is a good thing!
• Huge Color Choice- tile design is practically limitless. Let it jump starts your imagination!
• Non-Absorptive-they don’t hold water or stains.
• Beautiful, and allows for creativity

All of these materials are beautiful and a great choice  for you and the planet. Whichever material you choose, make sure  the company you buy from explains the contents of the product. If it’s wood or Bamboo, make sure it’s certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and that it doesn’t contain any added urea formaldehyde, a toxin you don’t want to breathe! Also, be aware that labeling can be tricky. Labeling  something recycled doesn’t mean it’s 100% recycled. Read the contents and ask questions. The better informed you, the better choice you can make!