How you live—everything from your baby's yellow romper and the tomatoes you relish to your summer beach sojourns and even your daily trek to and from work—all leave their mark on the environment. Take those much-loved jeans you won't part with. It took about 1,800 gallons of water to produce the cotton they're made from.[1] Cotton accounts for 11 percent of all pesticides and 24 percent of all insecticides used globally.[2] That scrumptious meal last night at your favorite downtown bistro also upped your personal eco-impact. Restaurants devour more energy per square foot than any other US industry—over 2.5 times the average commercial building; use large amounts of water; and produce an average of 50,000 pounds of trash a piece per year.[3][4][5][6] Even your morning beauty regimen takes its toll on the earth. Most commercial face washes, for instance, include phenoxyethanol, parabens, and triclosan, among many other chemicals, all of which are classified as toxic substances that risk contaminating water and soil upon disposal.[7]
It all adds up. That's why making green choices is so vital. Indeed, for almost everything you wear, eat, buy, play with, text with, read, enjoy, and celebrate there are green alternatives that not only lighten your lifestyle footprint but also nudge you further along the path toward sustainable living.
Let GreenYour show you how to live greener without sacrificing fun, fashion—or Fido—with this guide to eco-friendly living:
Baby
Cosmetics
Fitness & Health
Personal care
- Deodorant
- Face wash
- Feminine hygiene
- Hair care
- Insect repellent
- Lotion
- Mouthwash
- Nail care
- Shaving
- Soap
- Sun care
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
School & College
Clothing
- Baby clothes
- Dry cleaning
- Jacket
- Jeans
- Jewelry
- Lingerie
- Men's underwear
- Shoes
- Sneakers
- Sweater
- T-shirt
Electronics
Food & Drink
- Baby food
- Beer
- Chocolate
- Coffee
- Dining out
- Drinking water
- Fish and Seafood
- Fruit
- Meat
- Shopping bag
- Soda
- Vegetables
- Wine
Personal finance
Community
Events
Leisure & Recreation
Pets
Glossary
- parabens: This family of preservatives (which includes methyl-, ethyl-, propyl- and butyl-parabens) can affect the endocrine system, which produces the body's hormones.
- phenoxyethanol: A toxic chemical that poses potential risks to pregnancy, fertility and early human development.[8]
- triclosan: An antibacterial agent that can cause everything from skin and eye irritation to the formation of dioxin and chloroform under the right circumstances. Both are probable carcinogens.
Footnotes
- US Geological Survey - Water Facts
- Organic Consumers Association - Clothes for a Change: Background Info
- Energy Information Administration - Food Service Buildings
- Thimmakka - History
- Environmental News Network - Maximum Impact Restaurant Greening
- Hospitality Net - Hey Kermit, Being Green Is Getting Easier (part I)
- Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep - FAQs: Why should I be concerned about the safety of personal care products? Doesn't the government regulate them?
- Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep - Phenoxyethanol
