DC Summer Heat

DC Summer Heat

Washington DC is known for politics, memorials and HEAT!  The city was founded on a swamp of all places.  Since the summer is so hot and keeping cool is always a concern what can we do to cool off while making sure that we are being eco friendly?  Let's take a look at the ways:

• Carry your own reusable water bottle.  It's tempting to buy drinks while you are out and about, but those cost a lot of money and create waste.  I know that this will be interesting for me personally since I downside my purse and try to carry as little as possible during the hot summer months. 
• Use less straws, or bring your own!  I'm considering purchasing a dharma glass straw to cut down on the small waste, but when it's hot and you order milk shakes or any additional drinks don't forget about the small plastic that is generated from your actions.
• Clothing-  I know that my boyfriends sweats a lot, to the point that he is uncomfortable from not only the heat but from his sweat.  After doing a project for school he recently learned about the plastic water bottle shirts that are offered from UnderArmour.  Not only do they give back to the community in Baltimore, they are taking more steps to become eco-friendly.  One of their newest products is a sweat wicking shirt that is made from recycled bottles.  Though buying new clothes creates additional items for landfills, this is a product I can get behind.    

Running

Running

Back in March of 2013 I started a running class with Potomac River Running (PRR).  I've really enjoyed getting out and exercising more.  Though sometimes running isn't my favorite (let's face it I would rather sit on my butt eating ice cream than running), I'm still doing it.  I've already signed up for the second set of classes over the summer.  The hard thing about running is all of the gear.  I've already covered that I like to shop and running gear is so enticing, especially with the claims that it will make you a better runner!

I'm torn on this one.  I want to be more eco-friendly but I also want to keep up my heath.  What are your thoughts?

Eco Beauty

Eco Beauty

I am an avid Youtube Beauty Vlogger viewer.  Michelle Phan, JuicyStar07, AllThatGlitters21, MakeUpByTiffanyD: I have been following them since early 2007.  I've grown up with these women and their beauty advice.  Do I actually follow any of them?  No.  (I can tell you all about the latest MAC collection or what the best eye primer is though).  There are some things in my life that are beauty constants though and I want to see how I can improve on them.  

My Current Loves:

• St. Ives Apricot Face Scrub- I have an EXTREMELY OILY face that is prone to acne and I love the feeling of scrubbers on my face.
• John Frieda Brilliant Brunette- I have really long hair which, well, gets oily.  The only shampoo and conditioner that I've consistently used for the past few years has been this one.
• Carmex Lip Balm- I apply lip balm on my lips constantly since they dry out so fast (ok, ok, I know that it is probably a product of me using too much lip balm).  I've used other chapsticks (burts bees is a weird consistency, Chapstick doesn't stay on long enough), but they have never been up to the caliber of Carmex.
• Clinique Yellow Moisturizer- I've used this stuff since I was 13, it's pretty much a staple of my day.

What can I change?

• Shikai Shampoo-  After reading online a while ago about the best eco friendly shampoos I ran across Shikai Shampoo. It is a better dupe for the John Frieda Brilliant Brunette than I've seen in eco friendly and non-eco friendly shampoos.  I think I will continue to purchase it, but it comes in small amounts in a plastic bottle.  
• Other changes?  We will see, I'm still researching to see what would be best.  

Buying Power

Buying Power

I love things.  Being able to hold something in my hands or swipe my credit card to purchase said item always gives me a little high.  Am I a shopaholic?  That depends on who you ask, but generally I'm fairly good with my money.  

Once I started thinking about going "greener" or cutting out my plastic consumption the first thing I wanted to do though was "buy, Buy, BUY!".  Now that I'm cutting down my plastic wouldn't it be great to invest in a ceramic soup mug to eat my ramen in?  How about buying a new set up utensils to leave at work so I'm not using plastic?  I'm running out of toothpaste, wouldn't the new LUSH tooth-y tabs help with my plastic consumption?  

I am constantly surrounded by gadgets and items that would help me "go green", but do I really need them?  I had this same eco-kick once I arrived back from the Philippines in 2008, but did the things I do then create a lasting habit?  My klean kanteen still sits on a shelf since I prefer my clear plastic water bottles.  The recycled paper Christmas cards I send out every year?  More than likely trashed.  

My goal is to evaluate the things I want to buy and see if I really need them.  If I do and they would help with my plastic consumption, great!  If not, we will see. 

Coke, Soda, Pop

Coke, Soda, Pop

No matter what you call it I'm a pretty big soda drinker.  Coming from rural Tennessee I was raised on Mountain Dew and have been known to spend my day drinking nothing but the sugary goodness of that soda.  Over the years I've done a few things to cut down my soda consumption from only allowing myself to drink soda in the car to purchasing it only before work events where I will need the caffeine.  

Fast forward to the past couple of weeks.  Work has been rough, let's face it when you end up working 14-16 hour days and are running on 3 hours of sleep Mountain Dew is a lifesaver.  What can I do to change things?  Well in the time being I'm not going to purchase anymore plastic bottle sodas, but I will allow myself to buy sodas that are packaged in glass bottles.  Let's see how this goes!     

Eco Life Crisis

As I enter my Quarter Life Crisis (25) I've starting to wonder…  What have I offered the world?  Have I really made a difference?  Am I turning in a boring 20-something?   At the same time what am I actually doing to change things?  I hope that this blog will help me evaluate what I’m doing to make a change in my life and others.     Goals: 

• READ!  Read as much literature about the environment and bettering myself. Currently I’m reading Beth Terry’s “Plastic Free” to get a better understanding of plastic on our environment.

• Evaluate my plastic consumption:  What can I do to make a change and work to eradicate one-time-use objects in my life

• Shopping:  What new products can I find to support this lifestyle and what can I get rid of?

 Join me on this journey and help keep me accountable!