Greener gift registries

For those celebrating weddings, baby showers or other big occasions, traditional gifts aren’t the only option; alternative gift registries are popping up everywhere. Check out registries that emphasize homemade or non-material gifts over traditional store-bought items, www.alternativegiftregistry.org. Another cool possibility is a registry that enables donations to causes chosen by the person who sets up…

Upcycling

By guest columnist Suzanne Parrott “The practice of taking something that is disposable and transforming it into something of greater use and value.” —W. McDonough & M. Braungart, Cradle to Cradle We’re all familiar with the word recycle. Recycling is a growing part of our everyday lives. It is becoming a necessary practice in order…

Natural skin care

The average person uses nine different skin care products every day. Whether those are full of all-natural ingredients or questionable chemicals, our skin absorbs them. Most chemicals used in personal care products have not been adequately tested for safety. Stay informed about what’s in your products and keep your body healthy. What can you do?…