eco tips – Page 3 – Eco Home Ideas

4 Tell-tale Signs of Greenwashing

You may have heard the term, but wondered how exactly greenwashing is defined. Greenwashing occurs when more time and financial resources are spent on advertising, labeling and marketing green products than is spent actually implementing environmentally sound practices. Unfortunately, the terms “natural”, “non-toxic,” and “eco-friendly” are often misused. Here are four tell-tale signs of product greenwashing to be aware of:

Fluffy or Vague Language. Terms like “all natural” or “free of (insert toxic chemical name)” are not regulated by the government and are unverified.
Partial or Absent List of Ingredients. All ingredients should be listed to provide 100% transparency.
Unverified Health Claims. Sad, but true, many companies do fabricate claims or data. Request to see supporting scientific studies.
Questionable Parent Company. If a product is marketed by a company that is known for toxic outputs, the chances are good that the product’s formula has not undergone the proper level of greening.

Source: These tips were in part provided by actor, author and pioneering environmental activist Ed Begley, Jr. who is a prominent figure in the green movement. Begley’s Earth Responsible Products are plant-based, sustainable, and made from rapidly biodegradable ingredients.

6 Ways to Green Your Bath & Body

Bathrooms tend to be one of most wasteful places in our homes. Water runs longer than necessary in the shower or in sinks, paper products are over-used, and many dollars are spent on high-end spa or beauty products that usually aren’t very healthy for our homes or bodies. Get greener in the bathroom and make a few of these easy modifications using eco-friendly products.

Create a Home Spa. Use natural ingredients you already have at home to create your own body scrubs such as sugar and sea salt. Blend with herbs and essential oils.

Watch the Water. Turn off the faucet while you brush your teeth, shave, or lather up your hair.

Go Low Flow. Invest in a low flow shower head and toilet to conserve water.

Use Multi-Purpose Castile Soap. Organic castile soap has many uses. Use it to clean kids, adults, pets and even as a cleaner for the bathroom.

Buy Recycled Toilet Tissue. 100% post-consumer content tissue cuts back on over consumption of trees, water, and energy resources.

Recycle Empty Glass Jars. Reuse empty glass jars to store cotton swabs, toothbrushes or cotton balls instead of spending the money on special containers.