"Make it Green"

I just found out about an inititive out of Germany called "Make it Green." Their goal is to have a small part in reducing the carbon footprint by raising awareness of the severe environmental damage caused by carbon emissions. One of their activities is to raise awareness of the carbon emissions resulting from the use of the internet - specifically of blogs. The idea is to point the way to convince the international community to contribute more to protect the environment.

They have created "My blog is carbon neutral" buttons so bloggers can demonstrate that they care about the environment and the carbon footprint of their blogs.

Who are they? They are a German based company called kaufDA, which provides advertising brochures of local stores online to help consumers search for specific products and find good deals in their neighborhood. This reduces the amount of brochures printed and so the project helps the environment by reducing unnecessary paper in mailboxes. An American on average receives 41 pounds of junk mail per year. This has the same carbon footprint as burning six gallons of gasoline.

How do they actually neutralize your blog's carbon footprint? They are planting trees in cooperation with the Arbor Day Foundation in Plumas National Forest in Northern California. Thousands of wildfires have burned in many national forests over the past ten years and 88.000 acres of Plumas' were destroyed by 2 fires in 2007. For every participating blog, they plant a tree. Bloggers all over the world can help. One blog - one tree.

Why is a German company helping to plant trees in California? They actually plant trees, both in Germany (in the upper Harz region) and in Northern California. The reduction of carbon emissions by planting trees has the same effect, regardless of where in the world the trees are planted.

For more details and to find out how you can participate please go to http://www.kaufda.de/umwelt/co2-neutral/my-blog-is-carbon-neutral/

Environmentally Friendly Exfoliants

Exfoliation is a necessary part of skin care to remove the outer, dead skin cells to reveal the fresh, new cells underneath. It can prevent pores from getting clogged and causing acne. It also helps skin to look refreshed, rather than dull and dry. It also feels good and invigorating. Not all exfoliants are environmentally friendly, however. Some have the potential to harm marine life.

There are a couple of ways to exfoliate: manual and chemical exfoliation. Manual exfoliation involves scrubbing or brushing the skin. Chemical exfoliation involves a mild acid to slough off cells on the surface. Common peels or masks use like fruit acids and alpha or beta hydrody acids. I'm going to concentrate, right now, on manual exfoliating. Many women use scrubs, loofahs, or brushes for exfoliating their bodies. For most women, exfoliating once a week is sufficient.

What to use for exfoliating

About Microbeads

Many body washes and facial cleansers contain microbeads to help gently exfoliate skin. They seem gentle, and seem like a good idea. Until one realizes what they are made out of and what happens to them after they are used. The tiny plastic beads go down the drain and go out to the water supply to become pollutants and become a danger to sea life.

Loofahs

I used to believe that loofahs were made from the remains of a sea creature. The truth is that a loofah is made from a dried cucumber-like plant. If you use a loofah, replace it regularly because it can become unsanitary. Shower poufs, loofahs, and other sponges harbor bacteria.

What I use to exfoliate

I like to use coffee grounds or ground almonds. Sugar and salt scrubs are nice to.







updated 3/24/2014