by Marina Hanes

Starting a Green Lifestyle

Starting a greener lifestyle can be difficult, but beginning with simple changes can make the transition less overwhelming. For example, stop taking ATM receipts, request paperless statements and bring your own bag when you grocery shop. These tips and others can be found at EcoHearth, a new website dedicated to eco-news and products to make you more aware and sustainable. There is even an Eco Shop where you can buy a solar charger to power your iPod and iPhone wherever you are as long as you can capture the sun’s rays. See ecohearth.com

Natural Lip Balm

Now that the winter weather is lifting, take advantage of the milder temperatures to get your smooth, healthy skin back. If your lips have been chapped, dry, painful and peeling over the past few months, the “All the Better to Kiss You With” lip balm line may be exactly what you need. The USDA organic lip balm comes in a variety of scents such as pepperminty, lavender vanilla and chai mandarin, and the vintage recyclable tins can be kept in your back pocket or purse. This cruelty-free product will moisturize and make your lips kissable again. Go to allthebettertokissyouwith.com

Getting a Garden Started

Preparing your garden is an important project if you’re planning to plant fruits and vegetables this spring. Having fresh produce in your backyard can save you money, and when you taste the juiciness of your homegrown tomatoes, it’s a more rewarding experience than buying them at the store. If you’re a beginner at gardening, check out Garden Rant’s bookstore for resources on how to build a garden from the ground up or ideas for enhancing your yard with perennials. See our article on Starting Your Lettuce Garden and more at gardenrant.com.

Creative Home Goods

Have you ever thought of reusing your old cups and saucers as lighting fixtures in your kitchen? These innovative ideas and others come from Haute*Nature. Whether you’re a parent or a single person decorating your first home, there is eco furniture and art available that can make cozy and interesting. Träd is a children’s furniture piece designed like a tree to store pillows and toys in its branches while providing a tent like spot for kids to read and play. Another creative piece called the Community Chest is a puzzle like collaboration of various sized drawers and cabinets to keep your clothes or other personal belongings in one place. Go to hautenature blog