Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is coming up very soon. Many of you will probably be enjoying large meals with family and friends. This year, try to make your celebration just a little more sustainable.

1. Organics, organics, organics. Try to substitute organic versions of the ingredients needed for your Thanksgiving favorites. Organic turkeys, organic baking potatoes, organic chicken broth for your gravy, organic butter for your corn, organic flour for your biscuits. Even making the effort to seek out just one or two organic ingredients DOES make a difference.

2. Portion control. This is especially important when dealing with meat ingredients. Have a taste of turkey if you like, but save most of your appetite for the fruits and vegetables bountifully harvested this time of year. In general, try not to cook more than people will eat. If you do have excess leftovers, compost them -- don't throw them away!

3. Plates and glasses and silverware, oh my! No matter how large your crowd, it's always a good idea to use real, non-disposable plates, glasses, and silverware. Don't have enough plates to go around? Ask your sister or cousin or uncle to bring extras. I'm sure they'll be glad to pitch in!

Sustainable Feminine Hygiene

One of the fastest, easiest, and most rewarding changes you can make in your lifestyle today is switching to reusable menstruation products.

Why?
1. They are so much more cost effective than disposables over the course of just a couple of months.
2. They produce far, far less trash.
3. They don't put you at risk of TSS like tampons do.
4. They are healthier for your body than most disposables. (If you are going to continue using disposables, you should at least switch to brands that don't use fragrances, dyes, or bleach and do use organic fibers.)
5. Many people believe that the use of disposable products harms the relationship women have with their bodies because it implies that a natural, healthy process is dirty and shameful. Though an intangible benefit, the use of reusable products, over time, can help women (and society in general) mend this pernicious relationship. [I mean, for real. I'm sure half of my readers are squirming just to see an article about menstruation. There's clearly something wrong with what we've been taught.]

What's available?
1. Internal-use/tampon replacement: The Diva Cup. Read this very thorough FAQ website to learn more.
2. External-use/disposable pad replacements: Reusable, washable pads. LOTS of options out there. Choosing ones made from organic cotton is even better for the earth and your body. I recommend starting by checking out Lunapads. Glad Rags is another trusted brand for many women.

If you have any questions at all about sustainable feminine hygiene or these products in particular, please ask away! I will be more that happy to answer them. I truly believe the almost instantaneous benefits you'll get from switching from disposables to reusables are incredibly important...and so easy to get!

Disposable Dinnerware

Having a huge party and can't get enough real plates, bowls, and/or platters for the crowd? Consider VerTerra's "organic and compostable dinnerware make of fallen leaves."

The website says of its dinnerware, "Each piece is made from 100% renewable and compostable plant matter and water. No chemicals, waxes or dyes, like those found in disposable paper and plastic options. No harmful toxins that can leach into your food. No worrying. It’s also the most durable and versatile single-use product available—use it to reheat n the microwave, bake in the oven, or cool in the fridge."

Furthermore, you don't have to worry about human rights violations when it come to these products. "VerTerra products are made in South Asia, where our employees receive fair wages in safe working conditions and are provided access to healthcare. Our production process is simple and transparent: after collecting fallen leaves, we apply steam, heat and pressure to transform the leaves into durable products that will naturally biodegrade in 2 months."

Easy to order online. At less than $1 per piece, you can't afford not to be green.