'Go Green' in 2014: The Challenge Concludes

Well, guys, we made it! 

I'll admit, I'm awfully glad this challenge is over. It has been fun, but toward the end, you can probably tell that I was starting to get a little lazy.

How many of you have been following along from the beginning? Probably not many, but I would like to hear from you regardless of when you started reading. What are some ways you have gone green this past year?

For those of you who haven't been following along, the challenge was to come up with a way to go green each week this past year, and to create a blog post each week highlighting that idea. These ideas were things anybody could easily implement into their daily lives - nothing too complicated or expensive.

I have provided links to each of my weekly posts on this page:

Go Green 2014

But don't worry! I'm not quitting my blog now that the challenge is over. I still have plenty of ideas (and lots of green articles left to be recycled from when Yahoo! Voices closed down; recycling is green, after all!). In the coming year, I plan on expanding upon some of the ideas we have already gone over, as well as coming up with brand-new post ideas.

I'm looking forward to working on posts that don't really have a deadline, so I can work on them when I'm inspired, and just relax when I'm not.

That said, I want to thank those of you who have been reading my blog, whether just a post here and there or every single one. Please share any ideas you have for future "green tips" or let me know if you have any questions you have that might make good posts.

Go Green by Sharing and Swapping Belongings

Go Green in 2014: Week 52

 I'm going to keep this week's post really short due to being sick with some bug I caught over Christmas break. My brain is in a bit of a fog, but I'll give this my best shot.

My green idea for Week 52 - the final week of my green challenge - is sharing and/or swapping belongings to reduce waste.

Ideas for sharing gently-used items include:

• Offer clothing you no longer wear to friends who wear the same size as you.
• Host a clothing swap or rummage sale where a group of people can trade gently-used items for things they like.
• Donate clothing or household items to a local charity. 
• Pet supplies can be donated to the local animal shelter or humane society.
• Swap books with friends who have the same taste in reading material.
• Re-gift items that you are unlikely to use (but never re-gift to the person who gave it to you!).
• Join your local "swap and shop" group on Facebook to trade or sell/buy belongings.

What are some ways you have gone green by sharing and/or swapping belongings? Share your ideas in the comments below.

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Your challenge: This week, consider ways you can share or swap items as a step toward going green.

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**This post is part of a weekly challenge {Go Green in 2014}, during which the author has challenged herself - and you - to find 52 ways to lead a greener life in 2014. You can follow the weekly posts on this page.**

10 Green Tips for Your Car

Go Green in 2014: Week 51

When you think of "going green" and your car, what do you think of? I'm guessing a few of the below ten tips come to mind, but do you always implement these practices? I will admit, I don't always, but I want to be better about reducing fuel consumption and polluting less...and potentially saving some money. Who can argue with that?

When I started writing this post, I had forgotten that I previously wrote a post about going green by driving less. Find it here:

Go Green by Driving Less

But that's not the only way you can implement green automobile practices into your life. Let's take a look at ten ways you can go green with your car (admittedly, a lot of the tips involve driving less).

1. Drive a green car. No, I don't mean the color green...unless that's actually what you want. ;) This may not be feasible in the immediate future, but when it's time to buy a new vehicle, consider getting a hybrid or an electric car. Hybrids now come in various sizes, big and small.

2. Drive less and walk more. It may be difficult now that it's winter and oh-so-cold in many places, like South Dakota, where I am. But when you are able, choose walking, rollerblading, or bike riding to places nearby. Plus, it's a great way to get fit!

3. Use cruise control. You could get 15% better gas mileage just by doing so.

4. Batch errands to reduce driving. I hate making trips to the store, so I try to wait until I can run several errands at once - although, it doesn't always work out that way!

5. Maintain your vehicle. By keeping your car in top shape, you will not only burn less gas and keep pollution to a minimum, but you will have less mechanical trouble down the line.

6. Telecommute or carpool. Wouldn't it be great to work from home? If your job is one that could be done from home, consider pitching the idea to your company. Or carpool to work and various events with someone who lives nearby.

7. Use green driving practices. Drive the speed limit and avoid sudden starts or jerky stops for the best fuel economy.

8. Drive part of the way. Then take your bike or public transit the rest of the way.

9. Limit AC use. Open the windows or use a small personal fan when you are able. Park in a shady area and use a reflective windshield shade to keep your car cool when parked.

10. Go to the car wash. Believe it or not, car washes are much more efficient with water than washing your car at home.

What are some ways you have gone green with your car? How do you limit the amount of driving you do? Please share your experiences in the comments section below!

Photo courtesy of Flickr / Marcelo Campi

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Your challenge: This week, consider the above ten ways to go green with your car, and try to implement as many as you can into your daily life.

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**This post is part of a weekly challenge {Go Green in 2014}, during which the author has challenged herself - and you - to find 52 ways to lead a greener life in 2014. You can follow the weekly posts on this page.**

Green and DIY Makeup Alternatives

Go Green in 2014: Week 50

I'm not much of a makeup person, and I haven't really "gone green" in this area, but I've done a bit of research to find some of the best recipes for those of you who are up to doing it yourself. Play around with the various recipes to find your favorites, and to find those that work for your skin tone.

Concealer and foundation

You can use various kitchen ingredients to make your own concealer and foundation, like cocoa powder and clay. Here's a recipe for a DIY healing concealer and another for DIY natural powder foundation. You will probably have to play around with the amounts of each ingredient to get the right color for your skin tone.

Eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara 

Depending on the desired color, your eyeshadow and eyeliner ingredients can vary. Here are four recipes for homemade eyeshadow, and here's one for non-toxic eyeliner. And I found this great tutorial (with lots of photos!) on making your own mascara.

Lip color and blush

While researching, I came across this little gem of a site with TEN lip color - lipstick, lip balm, etc. - recipes. They look like so much fun, I just might have to give them a try...especially the crayon lipstick recipe. And finally, here's an all-natural, homemade blush recipe. Keep in mind that everyone's skin tone is different, and that what works for one person may not work for another. Experiment and play around until you find something that works for you!

Removing makeup the green way

I recently came across an amazing product that I just have to share: the makeup eraser. It's basically a microfiber cloth that removes makeup, dirt, and oil from your skin - and it does it well. Plus, the back side has longer fibers for exfoliating to achieve smoother skin. You don't necessarily have to buy this exact product if you have access to a good quality microfiber cloth. You don't need to use makeup remover with the makeup eraser around, and the best part is you can simply wash it with hot water and reuse it many, many times. If you're interested, you can find out more at makeuperaser.com (Disclaimer: All opinions are my own, and I don't get paid for promoting this product).

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Your challenge: This week, think about switching to a greener makeup routine.

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**This post is part of a weekly challenge {Go Green in 2014}, during which the author has challenged herself - and you - to find 52 ways to lead a greener life in 2014. You can follow the weekly posts on this page.**

Natural Remedies for Minor Ailments

Go Green in 2014: Week 49

I rarely take prescription or over-the-counter medicine, except for more serious ailments. For the most part, I prefer to let minor health issues resolve on their own...well, with a little help from "natural" home treatments.

Now, keeping in mind that I'm not a doctor and this is not meant to diagnose or treat your ailments, I would like to share a few things I have learned on my green journey. Since it would take a book to cover every minor ailment, I will just choose a few to cover in this post. If you would like to learn more, there are many resources that can help you treat a variety of symptoms naturally.

Here are a few ebooks that might be helpful.

Chest congestion

I once had so much chest congestion that I could hardly speak. I tried everything I could think of. Finally, one night, I boiled a pot of water and added a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil to the water. Draping a towel over my head, like a tent, I leaned over the pot of steaming water and breathed in the steam for about ten minutes. That night, I ran a humidifier while I slept, and the next morning, almost all the congestion cleared out. Now, whenever I even start feeling congested, I inhale steam daily until I feel better.

10 Natural Cold & Allergy Remedies

Minor cuts and scrapes

Melaleuca oil (tea tree essential oil) is a powerful healing agent for minor injuries. It is also a fast-working spot treatment for acne. I like to place a drop or two on a cotton swab and dab on the affected area a couple times a day until it's healed. I don't even own store-bought topical ointments anymore; I always use the Melaleuca oil or MelaGel (you can learn more at melaleuca.com). 

Dry or sore throat

At the first onset of a dry or sore throat, I start drinking chamomile tea with local honey (real honey; not the kind that comes in a bear-shaped bottle). Of course, I drink plenty of water, as well, and suck on hard candies or cough drops if needed. If you develop a cough, try swallowing a spoonful of honey before bedtime to soothe your throat.

Warning: Never feed honey to a child under one year old; it could trigger botulism (source).

Headaches

Headaches are tricky for me. Although effective, I don't like popping pills to get rid of them, so I will often let them get out of control before giving in and taking a Tylenol. However, if I catch it right away, I can occasionally get rid of a headache naturally. Sometimes, smelling peppermint essential oil can help. You could try diffusing it if you have a diffuser, or place a drop on your skin...just make sure you are using a high quality oil if you decide to use it topically. Reflexology can also help, as can a neck or shoulder massage if tension is the source of your headache.

What are some of your favorite natural, home remedies for minor ailments? Please share below if you have found an effective treatment for a problem that can be treated at home.

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Disclosure: This post may contain some affiliate links, but all opinions are my own.

Your challenge: This week, consider using natural remedies or treatments for any minor ailments that may come up.

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**This post is part of a weekly challenge {Go Green in 2014}, during which the author has challenged herself - and you - to find 52 ways to lead a greener life in 2014. You can follow the weekly posts on this page.**

Non-Toxic Nail Art Ideas

Go Green in 2014: Week 48

Most nail paints and enamels contain harsh chemicals that aren't exactly "green". But that doesn't mean you can't have fun with your finger- and toenails. There are a few different non-toxic ways you can decorate your nails; here are some that I have discovered.

Chemical-free nail wraps

I recently ordered nail wraps from Jamberry Nails (jamberrynails.net) and tried them out. For the most part, they're great: easy to apply (once you get the hang of it), easy to remove, and best of all...they are green. They are basically stickers with a non-toxic adhesive that is heat-activated. Once you apply the wrap, you can trim it down to the length and shape of your nail.

They are somewhat expensive at $15 per sheet, but you can get 2 manicures, 2 pedicures, and a few accent nails out of each sheet. They can last up to two weeks on fingers and much longer on toes. They come in tons of different designs (see picture for an example). They can be removed with heat, or with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, all of which are non-toxic.

The only real problem I had with the wraps was upon removing them: They left my nails pretty dry and cracked (which is probably largely due to the dry winter air) so I had to cut them short and give them time to breathe for a few weeks.

Non-toxic nail polish

I'll have to be honest: I've never tried a "green" nail polish or lacquer, but here's what I found out with a little research.

There are various brands of non-toxic nail polish: Piggy Paint, Acquarella, Honeybee Gardens, and several others. They are free of toxic chemicals, such as toluene and formaldehyde. They don't tend to last long, but on the plus side, they are easy to remove with non-toxic removal methods.

Non-toxic nail lacquers

When researching, I came across the Scotch Naturals website (scotchnaturals.com), where you can learn more about their non-toxic nail lacquers. They are similar to nail polish, but seem to be more durable. This particular brand carries products that are vegan, fragrance free, paraben free, biodegradable, and free of the previously-mentioned chemicals.

What are your thoughts? Have you tried any non-toxic nail art methods? Please share your experience below.

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Disclosure: This post may contain some affiliate links, but all opinions are my own.

Your challenge: This week, consider swapping out your regular nail polish for a new non-toxic nail art method.

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**This post is part of a weekly challenge {Go Green in 2014}, during which the author has challenged herself - and you - to find 52 ways to lead a greener life in 2014. You can follow the weekly posts on this page.**