I recently considered the post-dinner party mess in my kitchen and wondered if tossing that mountain of food-glooped dishes in the trash might not be more energy-efficient than actually washing them. Of course, that was the lazy princess in me, not the green warrior hostess that I really am. But I wondered: How does one tackle this scenario in the most eco-friendly manner? Hand wash or dishwasher? Rinse or just scrape? Overload or stack neatly?

Fortunately, before the holiday parade of parties started, I came across a book entitled Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings (New Society Publishers, 2007), which promises to save me money while I am saving the earth. Hurray! Here is the book’s authoritative and accesible advice for “Using a Dishwasher for Maximum Energy Savings.”]]> I recently considered the post-dinner party mess in my kitchen and wondered if tossing that mountain of food-glooped dishes in the trash might not be more energy-efficient than actually washing them. Of course, that was the lazy princess in me, not the green warrior hostess that I really am. But I wondered: How does one tackle this scenario in the most eco-friendly manner? Hand wash or dishwasher? Rinse or just scrape? Overload or stack neatly?

Fortunately, before the holiday parade of parties started, I came across a book entitled Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings (New Society Publishers, 2007), which promises to save me money while I am saving the earth. Hurray! Here is the book’s authoritative and accesible advice for “Using a Dishwasher for Maximum Energy Savings.”

Dishwashing Vs. Hand-Washing
Which method uses less energy? Well, it depends on how old your dishwasher is, what settings you use, and how you would wash the dishes by hand. Studies are showing more and more that, when used to maximize energy-saving features, modern dishwashers can outperform all but the most frugal hand washer.

If you currently wash dishes by hand and fill sinks or plastic tubs with water, it’s pretty easy to figure out whether you would use less water with a dishwasher. Simple measure how much water it takes to fill the wash and rinse containers. If you wash dishes by hand two or three times a day, you might be surprised to find out how much water you’re currently using. Newer dishwashers use only 3 to 10 gallons per cycle.

Scrape, Don’t Rinse
Studies show that most people pre-rinse dishes before loading them into the dishwasher. Modern dishwashers—certainly those purchased within the last 5 to 10 years—do a superb job of cleaning even heavily soiled dishes. Don’t be tempted to pre-rinse dishes before loading; simply scrape off any food and empty liquids and let the dishwasher do the rest. This will save you time as well as water and energy. If you find you must rinse dishes first, get in the habit of using cold water.

When Filling the Dishwasher
Load dishes according to manufacturer’s instructions. Completely fill the racks to optimize water and energy use, but allow proper water circulation for adequate cleaning.

Wash only full loads.
The dishwasher uses the same amount of water whether it’s half-full or completely full. Putting dishes in the dishwasher throughout the day and running it once in the evening will use less water and energy than washing dishes by hand throughout the day. If you find that it takes a day or two to get a full load, use the rinse and hold feature common on most newer models. This will prevent build up of dried-on food while saving time and water compared to pre-rinsing each item. The rinse feature typically uses only 1 to 2 gallons of water.

Use Energy-Saving Options
Pay attention to the cycle options on your dishwasher and select the cycle that requires the least amount of energy for the job. Use the no-heat air-dry feature on your dishwasher if it has one. If you have an older dishwasher that doesn’t include this feature, you can turn off the dishwasher after the final rinse cycle is completed and open the door to allow drying. Using the no-heat dry feature or opening and air-drying dishes will increase the drying time, and it could lead to increased spotting, according to some in the industry. But try this method some time to see how well it works for your machine.

Turn Down the Water Heater Temperature
Since the early 1990s, most dishwashers in the U.S. have been sold with built-in heaters to boost water temperature to 140-145 degrees Fahrenheit, the temperature recommended by manufacturers for optimum dishwashing performance. The advantage to the booster heater is that you can turn down your water heater thermostat, significantly reducing water-heating costs. Resetting your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit (typically halfway between the “medium” and “low” settings) will provide adequate hot water for your household needs.

When I was young, I assumed dry cleaning meant that clothing was, somehow magically, cleaned with hot air. It was not until I was older that I began to suspect the chemical smell from freshly dry cleaned clothes. When I learned what dry cleaning really is, I was a bit shocked. I wouldn't say I was filled with disillusion, but definitely a shudder of "eeeew" shot through me.]]> When I was young, I assumed dry cleaning meant that clothing was, somehow magically, cleaned with hot air. It was not until I was older that I began to suspect the chemical smell from freshly dry cleaned clothes. When I learned what dry cleaning really is, I was a bit shocked. I wouldn’t say I was filled with disillusion, but definitely a shudder of “eeeew” shot through me.

The dry cleaning industry started in the 19th century, and volatile liquids such as gasoline and naphtha were used to clean clothing and linens. Clothing is washed with a liquid, it’s just not water. The flammability of those early solvents led to the use of other solvents, and today eight out of 10 professional dry cleaners in the United States use the chemical perchloroethylene (commonly called perc) to clean clothes. And although perc is less flammable, it is still an awful chemical to have so prominently in our lives. It is outlawed in many countries, and California plans to phase out perc by 2023, with a ban on new perc equipment in effect soon.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has recommended that perc be handled as a human carcinogen, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified it as a possible human carcinogen. In addition, according to the EPA:

• Effects resulting from acute, inhalation exposure of humans to perc vapors include irritation of the upper respiratory tract and eyes, kidney dysfunction, and at lower concentrations, neurological effects, such as reversible mood and behavioral changes, impairment of coordination, dizziness, headache, sleepiness, and unconsciousness.
• Effects from chronic inhalation are neurological, including headaches, impairments in cognitive and motor neurobehavioral functioning and color vision decrements. Other effects noted in humans include cardiac arrhythmia, liver damage and possible kidney effects.
• Studies of dry cleaning workers exposed to perc and other solvents suggest an increased risk for a variety of cancers.
• Perc released into the air is also an environmental concern as it pollutes air and groundwater.

Alternatives
The dry cleaning industry (and industries that support them) would be pretty shortsighted not to be exploring other options, given the increasing evidence against perc. These are the methods currently available:

Petroleum-Based Solvents
Several petroleum-based solvents have been created as an alternative to perc, but they are still irritants and emit VOCs. The most notable one is a hydrocarbon called DF-2000, which is made by ExxonMobil. Now for the tricky part. Any chemical with a chain of carbon is scientifically classified as “organic,” like gasoline and perc. Some dry cleaners that have switched from using perc to using DF-2000, claim that they offer “organic dry cleaning.” They are using an organic solvent, in the scientific sense of the word, but it can be misleading for the consumer who thinks that “organic” is referring to an all-natural, safe method. DF-2000 is classified as a VOC and it is listed by the EPA as a neurotoxin and skin and eye irritant for workers. If your dry cleaner offers organic dry cleaning, check to see what exactly they mean.

Silicone-Based Solvents
GreenEarth is the brand name for siloxane D5, a silicone-based chemical that has been used for a long time in personal care products. GreenEarth claims its solvent is safe and degrades into sand, water and carbon dioxide. But the jury is still out on this one. California’s Air Resources Board conducted an 18-month review of the health and safety research available on D5 liquid silicone. They concluded that while D5 does not qualify for a non-toxic alternative dry cleaning solvent grant program, it does remain an acceptable dry cleaning solvent alternative. In July 2005, the EPA received the final results of a two-year study in rats, which confirmed a significant increase in uterine tumors following exposure to 160 ppm of D5, the highest concentration tested in the study. No significant increase in tumors was observed at lower doses. The EPA is still assessing the health risks.

Carbon Dioxide
This is a new technology that uses liquid carbon dioxide under high pressure. Carbon dioxide (CO2) cleaning uses non-toxic, liquid CO2 (at room temperature) as the cleaning solvent, along with detergent. The CO2 is captured as a by-product of existing industrial processes, thereby utilizing emissions that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere. Since minimal CO2 is lost into the air with each load of clothing, its impact on global warming is minimal. CO2 cleaning also uses less energy than traditional dry cleaning, which involves heating the solvent.

Carbon dioxide is normally a gas at room temperature. But under high pressure, it converts into a liquid and can act as a carrier of biodegradable soaps in much the same way that water does in a washing machine. And when the dry cleaning cycle stops, it turns back into a gas, much of which is reused. Clothes cleaned in this process dry instantly, are cool to the touch and have no odor.

A Consumer Reports study showed that the CO2 cleaning method performed better than silicone-solvent based cleaning (a close second), professional wet-cleaning and traditional perc dry cleaning. This method has been highly touted by environmentalists. Unfortunately, the detergents used in CO2 cleaning may contain some VOCs. The equipment for carbon dioxide cleaning is very expensive and is all licensed by the company that developed the method. It may be a less viable financial alternative for small businesses who could only convert to this method by becoming a Hangers Cleaners franchise.

Professional Wet Cleaning
Most garments labeled “dry clean only” can be cleaned with water through a process called wet-cleaning. This is a time-intensive
process that takes some skill and special equipment, so it is costlier. The trick to professional wet cleaning is the computerized operations that allow for precise control in order to gently wash, dry and finish garments.

The EPA considers it one of the safest professional cleaning methods; its benefits include no hazardous chemical use, no hazardous waste generation, no air pollution and reduced potential for water and soil contamination. In terms of its impact on water and energy consumption, a comprehensive study by UCLA found that wet cleaning has only a minor impact on water use and that it uses slightly less electricity and slightly more natural gas than dry cleaning.

The performance of wet-cleaning was weaker than that of CO2 and silicone-solvent based dry cleaning, though it’s just as effective, or better than perc dry cleaning’s performance. Wet cleaning is a win-win method.

Tips

• Buy clothing and other fabric items that don’t require dry cleaning, saving you money and protecting your health and the environment.
• If you must have clothing dry cleaned at a cleaner that uses perc, you need to know that low levels of perchloroethylene can be brought into your house along with your clothes, and it offgasses into your indoor air. Remove the garments from the plastic bags and let them air in a protected outdoor spot for several days.
• To find dry cleaners that use CO2, go to www.findco2.com
• To find dry cleaners that use wet cleaning, go to www.epa.gov.
• To find dry cleaners that use silicone-based solvents, go to Green Earth Cleaning
• Don’t necessarily believe the “dry clean only” label on tags because they can list no more than one cleaning method and can be held liable if an item is damaged when the owner follows the listed procedure. Yet many of these items can be safely washed at home, either by hand or using a
  washing machine’s delicate cycle. See Wet Clean
  Wool, Silk and Rayon for tips on wet cleaning at home.

You know if you are one of those sensitive to dryer sheets and fabric softeners. (I think this is the No. 2 consumer complaint behind perfume.) You are sad that you don't like to walk in your neighborhood on Saturday mornings because of the offense smell wafting from neighbors' dryer vents. If someone uses them in your home you may have a nightmare of burning skin, respiratory irritation, anxiety attacks and irritability. I have one friend who became so sensitive to the fumes that he had to sleep in a chair until he could get new bedding! What is the problem with these laundry products? Plenty.]]> You know if you are one of those sensitive to dryer sheets and fabric softeners. (I think this is the No. 2 consumer complaint behind perfume.) You are sad that you don’t like to walk in your neighborhood on Saturday mornings because of the offense smell wafting from neighbors’ dryer vents. If someone uses them in your home you may have a nightmare of burning skin, respiratory irritation, anxiety attacks and irritability. I have one friend who became so sensitive to the fumes that he had to sleep in a chair until he could get new bedding! What is the problem with these laundry products? Plenty.

How I would love to have full disclosure of ingredients in consumer products. Given how many people complain about getting sick from dryer sheets and liquid fabric softener, it is disturbing that there is so little research available for the general public about the ingredients in the products. Dry sheets and fabric softeners actually waterproof your clothes to make them feel softer! I have found information on waterproofing and there are few safe ways to do that.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and industry-generated Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) from the 1990s, the following is a list of chemicals in fabric softener products, most in untested combinations. Liquid fabric softeners additionally may contain formaldehyde.

• Benzyl acetate: Linked to pancreatic cancer.
• Benzyl Alcohol: Upper respiratory tract irritant.
• Ethanol: On the EPA’s Hazardous Waste list and can cause central nervous system disorders.
• Limonene: Suspected Gastrointestinal or Liver Toxicant, Immunotoxicant,
  Kidney Toxicant, Neurotoxicant,
  Respiratory Toxicant, and Skin or Sense Organ Toxicant.

• A-Terpineol: Can cause respiratory problems, including fatal edema, and central nervous system damage.
• Ethyl Acetate: A narcotic on the EPA’s Hazardous Waste list.
• Camphor: Causes central nervous system disorders.
• Chloroform: Neurotoxic, anesthetic and carcinogenic.
• Linalool: A narcotic that causes central nervous system disorders.
• Pentane: A chemical known to be harmful if inhaled.

To hide the chemical smell, companies load dryer sheets full of chemical fragrances, which are potentially carcinogenic.

Dryer sheets are designed to stay on clothing for a long period of time and slowly release their chemicals throughout the day, which leads to prolonged exposure to toxic chemicals.

The toxins in dryer sheets and their chemical fragrances enter the body both through inhalation or are absorbed through the skin.

Some of the symptoms experienced from prolonged exposure to the chemicals in dryer sheets include headaches, nausea, vomiting , dizziness, central nervous system disorders, blood pressure reduction, fatigue, difficulty breathing, skin irritation, difficulty concentrating and remembering, cancer, irritation to skin, mucus membranes and respiratory tract, and liver damage.

Alternatives point to successfully substituting vinegar in the rinse water of the laundry cycle. We’ve received quite a few comments from our readers finding this approach works well. There are also a number of alternative products on the market. Read our article Fabric Softener: Easy Greening.

Fabric softeners are static cling busters, mostly. One easy way to avoid using them is to use natural fibers.

So I'm not the cleanest person in the world. OK, understatement, I am so far from the cleanest person in the world that I may, in fact, be the messiest. I thought my high school bedroom was bad, but it is no match for my dorm room.

With laundry so expensive and the workload so high, things get out of hand. There are books strewn everywhere. There are so many old papers on my desk that there's not even room for my laptop. My chair is used more for jacket storage than sitting. There are so many clothes piled on the floor that you can literally see the point where my side ends and my roommate's begins.

Now, I am certainly not the only messy college student. Most of my friends (except for the abnormally neat ones) face the same issues. Of course, between the dirty clothes, snack food remnants and body heat, a minuscule dorm room can start to get a not-so-lovely odor.

I walked into my friends' room a few weeks ago only to be bombarded by the scent of "sweet apples and roses," their attempt to mask the odor of their 18-year-old male selves. Oh, the wonder of plug-in air fresheners. Only, not so much.

First of all, the unforeseen power of a tiny air freshener in their minuscule dorm room was nearly suffocating. That was clear. What was not so clear to them, however, was the danger of these sweet apples and roses.

Personally, when I smell an air freshener my head immediately begins to ache and rightfully so. These synthetically perfumed air "fresheners" actually do exactly the opposite. They emit chemicals that, when mixed with ozone, create a toxic living environment. In turn, this toxic environment has been shown to cause headaches, depression, hormonal imbalance and reproductive problems.

In other words, this is clearly not the best way to hide that odor that becomes so prevalent in the college dorm room. Instead, try opening the windows or using a non-toxic freshener from the health food store. I have one that is scented with real lavender oil (not that fake stuff in commercial air fresheners), which is great for relaxation.

Note to self: say no to Glade.

Lily Berthold-Bond grew up in a chemical-free zone and has struggled her whole life to understand and accept this non-commercial lifestyle. Now a freshman at Tufts University, she has embraced her green life and hopes to share its possibilities with the rest of her generation.

MORE ADVENTURES OF GREEN GIRL
The Adventures of Green Girl

Splat! Green Girl whacks air fresheners

Green Girl zaps flying fridges

Green Girl's secret power? Tea

Green Girl: Neti pot conquers congestion

Green Girl waxes the tea kettle electric

Green Girl Quashes Laptop Radiation

Green Girl Creams Facial Cleansers

Green Girl Looks Behind The Masc(ara)

Green Girl Fights Food Coloring

Green Girl Turns Her Nose to Perfume

Green Girl Pans Plastic water Bottles

]]> So I’m not the cleanest person in the world. OK, understatement, I am so far from the cleanest person in the world that I may, in fact, be the messiest. I thought my high school bedroom was bad, but it is no match for my dorm room.

With laundry so expensive and the workload so high, things get out of hand. There are books strewn everywhere. There are so many old papers on my desk that there’s not even room for my laptop. My chair is used more for jacket storage than sitting. There are so many clothes piled on the floor that you can literally see the point where my side ends and my roommate’s begins.

Now, I am certainly not the only messy college student. Most of my friends (except for the abnormally neat ones) face the same issues. Of course, between the dirty clothes, snack food remnants and body heat, a minuscule dorm room can start to get a not-so-lovely odor.

I walked into my friends’ room a few weeks ago only to be bombarded by the scent of “sweet apples and roses,” their attempt to mask the odor of their 18-year-old male selves. Oh, the wonder of plug-in air fresheners. Only, not so much.

First of all, the unforeseen power of a tiny air freshener in their minuscule dorm room was nearly suffocating. That was clear. What was not so clear to them, however, was the danger of these sweet apples and roses.

Personally, when I smell an air freshener my head immediately begins to ache and rightfully so. These synthetically perfumed air “fresheners” actually do exactly the opposite. They emit chemicals that, when mixed with ozone, create a toxic living environment. In turn, this toxic environment has been shown to cause headaches, depression, hormonal imbalance and reproductive problems.

In other words, this is clearly not the best way to hide that odor that becomes so prevalent in the college dorm room. Instead, try opening the windows or using a non-toxic freshener from the health food store. I have one that is scented with real lavender oil (not that fake stuff in commercial air fresheners), which is great for relaxation.

Note to self: say no to Glade.

Lily Berthold-Bond grew up in a chemical-free zone and has struggled her whole life to understand and accept this non-commercial lifestyle. Now a freshman at Tufts University, she has embraced her green life and hopes to share its possibilities with the rest of her generation.

MORE ADVENTURES OF GREEN GIRL
The Adventures of Green Girl

Splat! Green Girl whacks air fresheners

Green Girl zaps flying fridges

Green Girl’s secret power? Tea

Green Girl: Neti pot conquers congestion

Green Girl Quashes Laptop Radiation

Green Girl Creams Facial Cleansers

Green Girl Looks Behind The Masc(ara)

Green Girl Fights Food Coloring

Green Girl Turns Her Nose to Perfume

Green Girl Pans Plastic water Bottles

One of the first questions out of reporters' mouths when they call me is how a consumer can tell what is a truly green product and what isn't? Not easily, especially now that mainstream companies such as Clorox are jumping into the fray with their Green Works line. Why not play it safe with these four best basic formulas that always work?]]> One of the first questions out of reporters’ mouths when they call me is how a consumer can tell what is a truly green product and what isn’t? Not easily, especially now that mainstream companies such as Clorox are jumping into the fray with their Green Works line. Why not play it safe with these four best basic formulas that always work?

When it comes down to it, do-it-yourself non-toxic cleaning using tried-and-true kitchen cupboard ingredients is still the best green practice. Simple, successful, non-toxic and natural. Here are four great formulas that will never fail you:

Soft Scrub
This superstar formula is as good for cleaning the bathtub as it is for stainless steel appliances and shower stalls.

1/2 cup baking soda
Enough liquid soap or detergent to make a frosting-like consistency
5 drops antibacterial essential oil such as lavender, tea tree oil, or rosemary (optional)

Pour the baking soda in a bowl; slowly pour in the liquid soap or detergent, stirring all the while, until the consistency reaches that of frosting. Scoop the creamy mixture onto a sponge, wash the surface, and rinse.

Window Cleaner
Nothing works as well as this formula for windows, so why look further? Besides, once it is made you can double it up as a great degreaser, especially handy in the kitchen.

1/4 cup vinegar (distilled, white, 5%)
1/2 teaspoon liquid soap or detergent
2 cups of water

Combine in a spray bottle. Shake to blend.

All-Purpose Cleaner
Here you meet the wonders of washing soda (commonly found in the laundry section of the supermarket), and its super heavy-duty alkaline cleaning power.

1/2 teaspoon washing soda
A dab of liquid soap
2 cups hot tap water

Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake until the washing soda has dissolved. Apply and wipe off with a sponge or rag.

Deodorizer, Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Vinegar is astonishing as an acidic cleaning powerhouse. Heinz references studies that say vinegar kills 99 percent of bacteria, 82 percent of old, and 80 percent of germs.

5 percent straight white distilled vinegar

Pour the vinegar into a spray bottle, and spray directly onto areas to be cleaned or deodorized. Don’t rinse!

For more information, read The Five Basics for Non-Toxic Cleaning.

JANUARY 14, 2008—Historically, the words "green" and "Clorox" haven't shared much time in the same sentence. That's about to change as the bleach giant adds a new line of green household cleaning products, Green Works.

In doing so, Clorox becomes the first major consumer products brand to launch a mainstream green brand.

"We think we've set a new standard for what natural can and should be. But for some fragrance and color, our Green Works products are completely natural—the most natural cleaners on the market today," Clorox said in its press release. "But we're not satisfied with 99 percent, and we're searching for good sources of natural fragrance and color so we can achieve our goal to deliver 100 percent natural cleaning products."

On its label, Green Works boasts the Sierra Club seal of approval.

"We are supporting Green Works in hopes that more people will have access to these kinds of products, some of which aren't even available in the middle of the country," Sierra Club spokeswoman Orli Cotel told the San Francisco Chronicle.

Joel Makower, executive editor of GreenBiz.com, who did some consulting work for Clorox on Green Works, told the Chronicle that this is a "watershed moment" for the environmental movement. "We finally have major consumer companies taking the green marketplace seriously, and not as an afterthought," he said.

While Clorox Green Works is a better product for the environment, Care2's Green Living expert Annie B. Bond points out that it's not necessarily healthier for the people who use it.

"While Clorox has made great strides forward with this new line, unfortunately their reliance on ethanol is worrisome as it is a suspected lung carcinogen and respiratory toxicant," she said. "It may not be polluting our ground water, but it carries a potential health risk for those who use it. And some of the products contain what appear to be synthetic fragrances, to which many are sensitive."

In an effort to demonstrate that its commitment to greener, more natural products is not a greenwashing ploy in the wake of growing consumer consciousness about the environment, Clorox took the extra step of getting the product certified by the Design for the Environment program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Additionally, Clorox Green Works products come in recyclable containers and are not tested on animals.

Clorox also purchased Burt's Bees, a company known for its natural beeswax beauty products and eco-friendly marketing, for $913 million in November. The company plans to turn Burt's Bees into a mainstream American brand sold in big-box stores.]]> JANUARY 14, 2008—Historically, the words “green” and “Clorox” haven’t shared much time in the same sentence. That’s about to change as the bleach giant adds a new line of green household cleaning products, Green Works.

In doing so, Clorox becomes the first major consumer products brand to launch a mainstream green brand.

“We think we’ve set a new standard for what natural can and should be. But for some fragrance and color, our Green Works products are completely natural—the most natural cleaners on the market today,” Clorox said in its press release. “But we’re not satisfied with 99 percent, and we’re searching for good sources of natural fragrance and color so we can achieve our goal to deliver 100 percent natural cleaning products.”

On its label, Green Works boasts the Sierra Club seal of approval.

“We are supporting Green Works in hopes that more people will have access to these kinds of products, some of which aren’t even available in the middle of the country,” Sierra Club spokeswoman Orli Cotel told the San Francisco Chronicle.

Joel Makower, executive editor of GreenBiz.com, who did some consulting work for Clorox on Green Works, told the Chronicle that this is a “watershed moment” for the environmental movement. “We finally have major consumer companies taking the green marketplace seriously, and not as an afterthought,” he said.

While Clorox Green Works is a better product for the environment, Care2’s Green Living expert Annie B. Bond points out that it’s not necessarily healthier for the people who use it.

“While Clorox has made great strides forward with this new line, unfortunately their reliance on ethanol is worrisome as it is a suspected lung carcinogen and respiratory toxicant,” she said. “It may not be polluting our ground water, but it carries a potential health risk for those who use it. And some of the products contain what appear to be synthetic fragrances, to which many are sensitive.”

In an effort to demonstrate that its commitment to greener, more natural products is not a greenwashing ploy in the wake of growing consumer consciousness about the environment, Clorox took the extra step of getting the product certified by the Design for the Environment program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Additionally, Clorox Green Works products come in recyclable containers and are not tested on animals.

Clorox also purchased Burt’s Bees, a company known for its natural beeswax beauty products and eco-friendly marketing, for $913 million in November. The company plans to turn Burt’s Bees into a mainstream American brand sold in big-box stores.

With the holiday festivities pretty much behind us, it's time to start thinking about some New Year's resolutions. Self improvement seems to top the list for most—lose 10 pounds, get that promotion—but how about also resolving to do something good for the planet? You'll get something out of it too: Going green often means doing stuff that's healthier for the environment and healthier for you. And being a do-gooder feels good!

]]> With the holiday festivities pretty much behind us, it’s time to start thinking about some New Year’s resolutions. Self improvement seems to top the list for most—lose 10 pounds, get that promotion—but how about also resolving to do something good for the planet? You’ll get something out of it too: Going green often means doing stuff that’s healthier for the environment and healthier for you. And being a do-gooder feels good!

So here are some ideas for resolutions for a greener new year:

Be Naturally Beautiful. I hate to break it to you but that gook you put on your face and in your hair might be doing a lot more than making you feel pretty. It could make you feel sick. Take this quiz and check your products for dangerous chemicals such as phthalates or sodium laurel sulfate. Many everyday products such as shampoos, soaps, lotions and lipsticks contain them. Opt for organic products made of natural ingredients and thank Mother Nature for that radiant glow.

Wake Up and Smell the Perfume. Don’t let the pretty smell fool you: Most fragrances are just chock full of hazardous chemicals. But there are alternatives that will leave you smelling sweet as a rose. Get the scoop here.

Eat Organic. No two ways about it,
buying organic dairy and meat saves tons of resources and is just plain better for you. Organic produce is tastier and also healthier, but it is more expensive because it’s a lot cheaper to dump chemicals on a crop. If you can’t afford to buy all organic, here’s a list of the top 10 fruits and vegetables to eat organic.

Buy Local. Common sense says that the farther away your food is grown, the more fossil fuels are required to get it to you. So look for local produce at your grocery store and make it a point to visit your community farmers market whenever possible. Defining local.

Be a Bag Lady. Even if you’re just bringing back all the paper and plastic bags stuffed in that bottom drawer of your kitchen, always BYOB. If you don’t want to spend money on reusable grocery bags—although there are lots of really cute options out there—look around the house for old totes, beach bags, twine-handled fancy shopping bags or even large baskets. Keep lots in your trunk (and don’t forget to put them back in the trunk after unloading your groceries!), plus one compact bag folded up in your purse so you’re never without it.

Clean Green. You don’t even want to know all the gross chemicals that are in commercially made products. Not only are you breathing those chemicals, but then you end up pouring them down the drain. Not good for you, or the Earth. So what’s the answer? Make your own non-toxic cleaning kit.

Change a Light Bulb. If just one light bulb in every home in America were switched out for a compact fluorescent—aka CFLs—it would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes for a year. CFLs are everywhere now, there are tons of different kinds to choose from and it’s such an easy fix. Learn more.

Sip, Don’t Guzzle. Even if you don’t plan to buy a hybrid, there are ways to make the car you have get the best possible gas mileage. A properly tuned engine will get between 6 and 20 percent higher mpg, for example. Here’s a list of 12 things you can do to stretch a tank of gas.

Be a Peddle Pusher. Sometimes a car is necessary, but just running errands around town? Ride your bike to the post office, the grocery store, the dentist, etc., and experience the true joy of being car-free for a while. Bonus: Hello, exercise! More benefits of biking here.

Be an Online Activist. Did you know you can help stop global warming, save the rainforest and keep pollutants out of our oceans with a single click? You can. You can also sign petitions to let the people in power know you care and want to make a difference. Try it today.

Who is sorry to say goodbye to those avocado colored refrigerators in favor of shiny stainless steel ones that instantly give your kitchen a gourmet makeover? A rare retro fanatic might be. But the old ones were sure easy to clean! Not so with stainless steel. Learn how to be contemporary and clean, too.]]> Who is sorry to say goodbye to those avocado colored refrigerators in favor of shiny stainless steel ones that
instantly give your kitchen a gourmet makeover? A rare retro fanatic might be. But the old ones were sure easy to clean! Not so with stainless steel. Learn how to be contemporary and clean, too.

Like marble counter tops and no-wax floors, cleaning stainless steel appliances isn’t as simple as you’d think. An all-purpose cleaner doesn’t do the trick for any surface like it did in the “old” days. So, while I’m envious of my friends who have stainless steel appliances in their kitchens because there is such a gourmet look to the space, I also notice that those same friends compare notes about what appears to be the bane of stainless steel owners, streaks and fingerprints.

New stainless steel is protected for a number of years by a chromium film that protects the metal from rusting, staining, and even tarnishing. But if you don’t keep up with the stains as you go along, the film can be compromised and actual repair after that is difficult.

Here is a stainless steel cleaner that is as good for everyday cleanup and the more heavy duty cleaning that is sometimes needed:

Ingredients
½ cup baking soda
?A few squirts of a green liquid soap or detergent.

Place the baking soda in a bowl and add enough liquid soap or detergent to make a texture like frosting. Scoop some of the mixture onto a sponge and scrub the stainless steel. Rinse well.

After cleaning with the above soft scrub, some people like to bring the stainless steel to a high polish by rubbing the surface with straight household vinegar. I’ve found that just rinsing the soft scrub well does the trick.
Stay away from all chlorine-based products on stainless steel.

A nice aspect of clean stainless steel is that the reflective surfaces pick up the look of the rest of the décor as in a mirror, always fitting in, neutral in a way.

Watch for a new trend of non-shiny metal appliances such as those made with brushed chrome, nickel and pewter, but beware of pewter because I’ve never figured out how to remove stains from it, and I’ve tried.