Tuesday, July 10, 2012

I have a new site!

Hello!

I am excited to inform you that I am starting up a new site. It will be more professional, have tabs, and include a lot of information that can be easily accessed. It will include vegan and raw food recipes, my photography and simple and green living topics. Visit my site at www.theunconventionalvegan.com.

I will no longer be adding to this blog.

Thanks so much for reading!!!
Erica Wollman

Sunday, June 3, 2012

Eco-friendly artwork

1.       Tattoo a banana

Crafting an image on a banana requires no toxic art materials and results in no additional waste. All you need is a banana, a pin and your imagination. If you don’t want to waste the banana you can refrigerate it.


2.       Fruit Art



3.       Green graffiti

Green graffiti is an art form that uses living, respiring material. These are masterpieces crafted in moss and grass.

4.       Vegetable art


5.       Grass art


6.       Leaf carving

Natural leaf carving is actual manual cutting and removal of a leaf’s surface to produce an artwork on a leaf.


Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Tips on Simple Living

The simple life is not solely about frugality, but about making wise decisions that allow you to have the things you care about while cutting loose from things that stress you.

Frugality is enjoying the virtue of getting good value for every minute of your life energy and from everything you have the use of.

1.       Stay behind the times. Many things-books, magazines, fashions, music, electronics, and so on become cheaper if you wait.

2.       Stop trying to impress other people.

3.       Don’t buy prepared food.

4.       Call your local store managers to ask if they need help getting rid of damaged produce or day-old bread and pastry.

5.       The older secondhand products are often better made.

6.       Take care of your health; you will save on doctor bills.

7.       Put some money aside. Poor is not simple.

8.       Little things add up.

Notes taken from “The Simple Life” edited by Larry Roth

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Going green with drinking water


If just one out of twenty Americans stopped buying water in disposable bottles, we’d save 30 million pounds of plastic waste a year!

Why you should stop buying water in disposable bottles:

1.       We’d save the nonrenewable fossil fuels that are used in the plastic. The oil we use for plastic water bottles could fuel 1 million cars for a year.

2.       We’d save greenhouse gas emissions by keeping at least 2.5 million tons of CO2 out of the atmosphere.

3.       We’d save water. Twice as much water goes into making a bottle as its contents.

4.       Bottled water uses up to two thousand times more energy than drinking tap water.

5.       You’ll save at least $440 a year if you drink tap water.

6.       1.1 billion people do not have access to safe drinking water. When private companies take and bottle spring or tap water they endanger the political stability of poor countries and the health of residents who can’t afford to pay for clean tap water.

Myth: Bottled water is safer than tap water.

*Not true. Tests of bottled water have found many unhealthy contaminants. Bottled water is less strictly regulated than tap. Tests of 10 mainstream brands of bottled water found bacteria and toxic chemicals in many of the samples.

What is in your water:


If you want a water filter, decide which one would be best at www.ewg.org/tap-water/getawaterfilter

Choose the best water bottle:

Choose reusable drink bottles made from stainless-steel, tempered glass, high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, polypropylene, and tritan copolyester.

1.       Enviro Products www.enviroproductsinc.com


2.       Klean Kanteen www.kleankanteen.com



*From the book, “Do One Green Thing…Saving the Earth Through Simple, Everyday Choices”, By Mindy Pennybacker

Thursday, May 10, 2012

How we down sized even further...



When we moved out of Stowe, we felt like we wanted to downsize even further.



1.      Clothes/Shoes

a.       Really look through your clothes. Make sure they fit. If they don’t donate them or take them to a consignment store. You may think that you will lose weight and be able to fit into some clothes. Just get rid of it!

b.      I tend to collect free t-shirts. You don’t need all of them. A couple is fine.

c.       I was keeping onto clothes that I could use to do dirty work like painting, working in the dirt, etc. Just keep 1 set of “you can get dirty” clothes.

d.      Shoes: Girls, I know you love your shoes but do you really need 5 pairs of high-heeled shoes? I donated all of my shoes except for my chacos, sneakers, and hiking boots. I did just order some vegan black danskos which I LOVE!!!

e.       You should be left with a couple of jeans, 2 nice pairs of pants, about 4 pairs of shorts, workout outfit, about 4 long sleeve shirts, about 4 t-shirts, about 7 nice shirts, a rain jacket, a medium jacket, and a warm winter jacket.

2.      Nick Nacks

a.       There is no purpose to having nick nacks except to sit on a shelf and collect dust. I got rid of all of my nick nacks. For decoration we have framed pictures, a tapestry, and photographs to hang on the wall. I do have a stuffed elephant that Kyle gave me and a Buddha statue.

3.      Sports/Outdoor equipment

a.       I ended up getting rid of my skis because the ski resorts are terrible in North Carolina and we don’t plan on going on any ski vacations.

b.      Our sports equipment consists of 2 bikes, a slack line, tennis rackets, ice skates, weights, Frisbees, a tent, sleeping bags, and an outdoor stove.

4.      Kitchen supplies/equipment

a.       Think about what you use on a daily basis. Get rid of the rest. We only have two plates, 4 bowls, 2 of each utensil, cast iron skillet, 2 saucepans, 1 baking sheet, 1 muffin sheet, essential utensils like knife, spatula, etc., blender, food processor, hot air popcorn popper, sprouting containers, 4 glasses, a couple of mugs and a  cutting board.

b.      We do not own a microwave or a toaster and we do not have a dishwasher.

5.      Books/games

a.       We only kept a couple of books that we really liked. We figured we can go to a library to get books. We kept our favorite CD’s, movies, and computer games.



We live in a studio apartment which measures 16 1/2 feet by 18 feet. It is the perfect size for us. We have 1 closet, a bed, a dresser, a nightstand, 2 lamps, a couch, a coffee table, a bathroom, and a breakfast bar with 2 chairs. We do not have a television. This is all we need. Even if we became rich and famous we wouldn’t need anything more. We have our basic necessities. We do not need a house. A house comes with a lot more responsibility. There is more to clean, you need to buy more stuff to fill all of the rooms, you have to take care of the lawn/garden, and there is more that can go wrong. Some people may think that this is no way to live and that we are depriving ourselves. However, there is a certain freedom to living simply. We have more time to do the things that we love like taking walks, going to festivals, listening to live music, reading/writing, and watching television shows on hulu.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Friday, March 30, 2012

Living Paper-Free


After moving to Vermont, Kyle and I decided not to buy napkins and paper towels. We have never missed them. We also do not own a printer.

Many people will argue that purchasing paper products does not effect their budget enough to warrant seeking reusable alternatives. However, I believe that you can save at least $40 a month by going paper-free.

Tips for creating a paperless home:

1.       Don’t buy it. If you don’t buy the paper products you won’t use them.

2.       Get out of your old habits. Make using cloth and other reusable products as convenient as using paper products.

3.       Getting rid of toilet paper: You have to get over the ick factor. I recommend using a bidet system instead of reusing cloth.

4.       Paper towels: Use old t-shirts, socks, cloth wipes, used bath towels, etc.

5.       Napkins: Use cloth napkins.

6.       Tissue Paper: Use a handkerchief.

7.       Reduce junk mail. Pay bills online. Recycle paper or find another use for them.

a.       Stop receiving catalogs from companies you would never buy anything from. www.catalogchoice.org

b.      Stop the junk mail and advertisements. http://www.directmail.com/directory/mail_preference/Default.aspx

c.       Stop credit card offers.


8.       Feminine hygiene: Use menstrual cups, sea sponges, and cloth pads.

9.       Stop buying paper plates.

10.   Get rid of your printer. If you must print, print on both sides and purchase 100% post recycled content paper to use in your printer.

11.   Use cloth diapers instead of disposable diapers.

12.   Go to a library instead of buying books.

13.   For birthday cards and notifications, try sending an e-card.

14.   Empty file cabinets. Scan and store electronically.

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Eco-friendly Shoes

1.       www.groundhogshoes.com

Groundhog is in the business of eco friendly shoes. Their overall goal as a company is reducing their global footprint and they do this not only through producing great looking eco friendly shoes from sustainable materials using responsible construction but also with all of their business practices. They source local materials whenever possible, incorporating materials like cork, natural latex, and coconut shell buttons.



2.       www.toms.com

This company matches every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need.



3.       www.vivobarefoot.com

This shoe company is all about ecological survival and supporting ideas of sustainability. The shoes are minimalist. They make shoes for trail running, off-road, work and kids. Vivobarefoot footwear is produced sustainably using recycled, locally sourced materials, with efficient and eco-friendly production techniques, in independently monitored ethical factories.



4.       www.oatshoes.com

OAT’s is a fully biodegradable sneaker collection. Their mission is to connect people with their environment in an imaginative way. The shoes actually sprout flowers! The seeds are embedded in the “seedsheet” which is a sheet of paper in a little pocket in the tongue of the shoe.



5.       www.worldofgood.com

This site by ebay lets you pick out shoes that are as earth friendly as they are fashionable.

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Natural cleaners

1.       Homemade Substitutions: Here is a list of common, environmentally safe products which can be used alone or in combination for many household purposes.

Baking Soda: cleans, deodorizes, softens water, scours

●Lemon: one of the strongest food-acids, effective against most household bacteria

●Borax: cleans, deodorizes, disinfects, softens water, cleans wallpaper, painted walls, and floors

●White Vinegar: cuts grease, removes mildew, odors, some stains, and wax build-up

●Cornstarch: can be used to clean windows, polish furniture, shampoo carpets and rugs

2.     Formulas:

All-purpose cleaner: Mix 1/2 c. vinegar and 1/2 c. baking soda into 1/2 gallon of water.

Air Freshener: Baking soda or vinegar with lemon juice in small dishes absorbs odors around the house.

Bathroom mold: Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with 2 parts water in a spray bottle and spray on areas with mold. Wait at least one hour before rinsing.

Carpet stains: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray directly on stain, let sit for several minutes, and clean with a brush.

Dishwasher soap: Mix equal parts of borax and washing soda, but increase the washing soda if your water is hard.

Laundry detergent: Mix 1 c. Ivory soap, 1/2 c. washing soap, and 1/2 c. borax. Use 1 tbsp for light loads and 2 tbsp for heavy loads.

Toilet bowl cleaner: Mix 1/4 c. baking soda and 1 c. vinegar, pour into basin and let it set for a few minutes. Scrub with brush and rinse.

Window cleaner: Mix 2 teaspoons of white vinegar with 1 liter warm water. Use crumpled newspaper or cotton cloth to clean.

3.       Green cleaning products:



Seventh Generation



Nellie’s All-Natural Products



Green Works

Friday, February 17, 2012

The Truth About Soap!

The vast majority of the products on the shelf don’t say soap on their labels. They might be called beauty bars, moisturizing bars, or body bars, but not soap. That’s because these aren’t actually soap and can’t legally claim to be. They are detergents. Many of these products contain synthetic lathering agents and harsh chemicals. Many “soaps” contain triclosan which is a toxic chemical known to cause cancer. Other bad things in these products are phthalates which are linked to reproductive disorders and parabens which links to cancer.
The alternative is natural, organic, handmade soap. These soap bars are good for your skin and are good for the planet.
1.       Dr. Bronner’s: Their classic liquid and bar soaps are certified under the USDA National Organic Program and Fair Trade under IMO’s “Fair for Life” program. The liquid soaps are completely biodegradable and vegetable based.
2.       Greenridge Organics: They use organic, certified organics, and wildcrafted ingredients naturally rich in vitamins, minerals, essential oils and phytonutrients.
3.       Kiss My Face: They don’t use animal ingredients, there are no artificial colors, and is not tested on animals. It is also 100% biodegradable.
4.       Green Soap Inc.,: These soaps are 95% certified organic.
*Look for soap that contains glycerine. Glycerine is a clear liquid that absorbs water from the air and is a key factor in keeping skin soft and healthy. It is especially good for sensitive and delicate skin. Because it is a high quality by-product in the soap making process, many mass commercial soap manufacturers often extract the glycerine and sell it as a by-product to be used in higher priced products like lotions and skin creams.

Monday, February 13, 2012

Living without Lights

Kyle and I decided to live without lights for 1 week to reduce our impact on the Earth.  
Humans have lived without electricity for hundreds of thousands of years. Even today, groups of Amish are still holding strong and continue to live electricity-free in a very wired world.
Kyle and I lived without lights for 1 week. We used candles and an oil lamp. I thought it would be harder than it actually was. There are many activities that we do everyday where we don’t need that much light. We don’t need a lot of light when we are brushing our teeth or watching television. When you are doing simple activities try turning off the lights.
Pros:
1.       We both enjoyed using 1 candle while taking a shower. It was a lot more peaceful and relaxing to use a candle rather than lights. We put the candle right in the shower.
2.       Save money on electricity.
3.       Better ambiance. It’s beautiful and feels good. Candles are warm, mellow and create a sense of intimacy that cannot be reproduced by a light bulb.
4.       It’s eco-friendly.
Cons:
It was hard to cook and clean during the week with no lights. The oil lamp definitely gave off more light than the candles. However, we only own 1 oil lamp. It would help to have multiple oil lamps.
Using an oil lamp:
1.       Fill the oil lamp with oil so that the wick is in the oil.
2.       Lift the globe off. Light the wick with a lighter or match.
3.       Put the globe back on and adjust the flame for the best light. There is a little knob on the side of the lamp that you use to raise and lower the wick.
4.       After several days, the wick gets crusted over and does not burn well. Roll the wick up higher and trim the crusted part off with scissors.
5.       Take the lamp with you when you go from room to room.
*You can buy oil lamps and lamp oil at hardware stores and other big stores.
I challenge you!
Go big or start small. Good luck!!!
1.       Buy candles and/or an oil lamp and use them occasionally instead of using lights.
2.       Do one activity without lights. Try taking a shower with a candle. Turn off the lights when you are watching television or when you are on your computer.
3.       Go one day with no lights.
4.       Go one week with no lights.
5.       Go one month with no lights.

Friday, January 27, 2012

I don't use toilet paper!

When Kyle and I worked on a farm in Hawaii, the man we worked for didn’t believe in buying paper products. Therefore, he did not buy toilet paper for his workers. This was the craziest thing I had ever heard of. We are so used to using toilet paper and the thought of not using it disgusts us.
Kyle was open to the idea of not using toilet paper when we moved to Vermont. I was apprehensive and did not agree to it. However, since moving here we have changed many things about how we live. We do not buy napkins or paper towels, we compost, I started using a moon cup, and we are currently living without using lights for a week. I keep thinking of ways that I could live a greener life and not using toilet paper came to mind. Toilet paper is a huge waste of paper. Even though I felt weird about not using toilet paper I agreed. You don’t know how something is going to work until you try it!
*Americans use over 20,000 sheets of toilet paper per year.
*Making a roll of toilet paper uses 1.5 pounds of wood, 37 gallons of water and 1.3 KWh of electricity.
*Using a bidet is cleaner, healthier, and saves water.
We decided to set up a homemade bidet. We went to Ace Hardware and got a kitchen sink sprayer. Here are directions:  http://gidgetgoeshome.com/2008/08/25/diy-tutorial-make-your-own-diaper-sprayer/ After going to the bathroom we just spray and then pat our bottoms dry with a towel. We have been living without toilet paper for a week. It is a lot easier and better than I thought it would be.
You can also buy a bidet at http://www.bluebidet.com/
Some people also use reusable cloth wipes instead of toilet paper. You can use old washcloths, cut up some cloth diapers, or buy special cloth toilet wipes. You keep a container next to the toilet and the used wipes are tossed in there and washed. If using the wipes for poop is just too gross for you, you can use cloth wipes for urine only and save the toilet paper for poop. You can also use a squirt bottle or a cup of water.
And remember, “If it’s yellow, let it mellow; if it’s brown flush it down.”

Friday, January 20, 2012

7 week plan to reduce our impact on the environment and to live simply!

1st week (1/23-1/29): Go the entire week without using lights. We will use candles and an oil lamp. This will not be possible when we are at work. However, we will be conscious of lights and make sure that lights are turned off whenever possible.
2nd week (1/30-2/05): Go without television. We decided that we can still watch television on the internet.
3rd and 4th weeks (2/6-2/19): Go without buying anything. This includes gas, groceries, etc.
5th week (2/20-2/26): We will go without facebook, hulu, twitter, internet surfing, blogging, etc. We have decided that it will be okay to check our e-mail due to our jobs.
6th week (2/27-3/4): We will go without television, lights, and computer.
7th week (3/5-3/11): We will go without the stove, oven, microwave and anything that has to be plugged in.
*During these 7 weeks we will make at least 1 shopping trip where we do not buy anything that has packaging. We will utilize the bulk section by bringing in our own reusable bags.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Environmentally friendly alternatives to tampons and pads

I am continuing my journey to living as green as possible. I decided to stop using tampons and pads! I never knew there was an alternative to tampons. They are not in the grocery store and no one talks about it. I found out there was an alternative by reading the books, “Moneyless Man” and “No Impact Man.” The idea of reusing a cup seemed weird to me and I didn’t know exactly how it worked. However, I did some research online and after learning more I decided to buy a moon cup. I have already used it for one cycle. I feel comfortable using it and I am so happy that I made the switch. It is so much better for the environment and I save a lot of money!
●On average, one woman will use over 11,000 tampons or pads in their lifetime, which will end up in the landfill or in the sea.
●An estimated 12 billion sanitary pads and 7 billion tampons are dumped into the North American environment each year.
Benefits:
1.       It is cheaper! One woman uses 22 items of sanitary protection every period. Regardless of your flow, you only need to buy 1 cup, and it lasts for years and years!
2.       It is greener!
3.       It is safer! Tampons can cause dryness and leave fibers behind. These alternative cups contain no dyes, BPA, toxins, or bleaches.
4.       There is no leakage or odor!
5.       These cups have never been associated with toxic shock syndrome!
6.       It is convenient! You only need one so you don’t need to carry spares or worry about disposal.
Products:
1.       Mooncup www.mooncup.co.uk This is a reusable cup, around 2 inches long and made from soft medical grade silicone. It is worn internally a lot lower than a tampon and it collects fluid instead of absorbing it. It is inserted, removed, rinsed and reinserted up to every 8 hours. You can use it overnight, and when exercising and swimming. $30
2.       Softcup www.softcup.com
3.       The DivaCup www.divacup.com
4.       Keeper www.keeper.com
5.       Luna pads http://lunapads.com/ These are washable pads. They can be reused for 3-5 years.
Please give it a try! You can make a difference for the environment!