When shopping for a laundry detergent, my primary concern is to choose a brand without a long list of chemicals or petroleum-based products. Despite my best intentions, my research occasionally leaves out additives or terms I'll come across that I’m not sure about, such as “optical brightener” or “surfactants.” Although these terms may sound "sciency", I have a feeling they're not the best for my skin or our water supply. Rather than expound on the various vagaries detergents list as containing (or claim they are free of) OR digress about how scary it is that companies are not required to disclose their chemical ingredients, I’ve decided to spotlight the little-known soapnut, also known as the soap pod.

You can order organic soapnuts online, as they are not common yet in the United States. Soapnuts have no chemical additives and make your clothes smell nice and clean! Although there are some good eco detergents out there, soapnuts are reusable for several washes, and are also much less expensive. They're also great if you have sensitive skin or allergies to other soaps- read on… More...

It’s the little things in life…that add up. When ordering food to go, how many times were you given a pile of extra plasticware and napkins? This is not to mention those pesky clamshell food containers themselves. In the ongoing shift away from petroleum-based plastic products, you may have noticed some plastic items now have “Compostable” printed on them. Learn about how to differentiate between biodegradable and compostable, and consider choosing bioplastics and other earth-friendly tableware and food packaging.  More...

Did you know that some plants grow better when they grow next to other plants? The opposite is also true, where some plants just don’t get along. It is a little known secret in organic gardening and all has to do with one plant repelling pests that would attack the other plant, or attracting beneficial insects, providing nutrients, or in some cases simply offering shade and support. Celebrate this marvelous concept in biodiversity when planning your spring garden. More...

Many houses have heaters, fireplaces, woodstoves or a combination of all three, yet are still uncomfortably cold inside. Aren’t we smart enough to keep ourselves warm? Even beavers build their dens to stay incredibly toasty and dry, so what’s going on with us? You may have taken one look at your heating bill over the last few months and wondered the same thing.

Spring is finally here and we can use this time to prepare and remodel for next winter. Here are some ways to manage staying warm, saving money and being green (besides wearing that green thrift store sweater you bought for St. Patrick's Day). More...

With Valentine’s Day come and gone, you may begin pondering just how many artificial ingredients are in those little candy hearts. Amongst the flowers and teddy bears, it’s impossible not to notice all the red and pink candy displays at the market.

It’s also impossible that all that packaging doesn’t end up in the garbage.

Here are some ideas on how you can cut down on waste and find creative gifts made from what is normally thrown away. More...

I started thinking about what to write for this month’s article, and the topic of New Year’s resolutions inevitably came up. What better way to put an old saying into practice, “out with the old, in with the new,” than by composting? I’ve been meaning to start composting for a long while now, and always find some sort of excuse. Usually it’s because 1) I live in an apartment building and don’t have the space, e.g. a yard, or 2) I’m a little freaked out that a pile of food waste under my sink will start to smell and attract flies and offend my guests! Well, this year I told myself no excuses and set out to find some answers to these concerns. It turns out both of these concerns can be promptly discarded. More...

Green drinks-- it’s not just about absinthe any more. Ecometro already showcases many varieties of organic wine and beer, from the Sokol Blosser Winery to the Roots Organic Brewing Company. Encouraged by the progress of these local wineries and microbreweries is the burgeoning micro-distillery movement, with small distillers churning out their special blend of organic libations. Considering that tons upon tons of grain are used in the production of high-grade vodka and gin, it is more important now than ever to take a sustainable swig. More...

I think we’re all in agreement that trying to recycle Syrofoam is a pain. With the holiday season coming, there’s bound to be an avalanche of this material surrounding our gifts and arriving at our doorsteps. Not even my huge recycling facility takes that stuff, so I had to dig a little deeper. It seems that polystyrene’s blessings are also a curse. Its light weight and durability make it such a great packaging material, but also give it a low scrap value. Currently in the USA, expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam packaging is being recycled at a rate of only about 10-12% each year. More...

Even though it is not one of my favorite things to do, it’s become sort of a hobby to reach into the garbage and pull out something that should have been placed in the recycle bin. I find myself saying to no one in particular, “Didn’t you know this liquid soap bottle is made out of low-density polyethylene #4? Hello! Even curbside recycling takes that!”

While most people are aware that items like used batteries and old cell phones can be recycled, there are a host of other every day things where the thought that it’s recyclable may not even occur. It may take a little extra effort (or spending a little on postage), but things like used toothpaste tubes, and even old cassette and VHS tapes- can definitely be recycled. More...

The number of BIC® pens that I pitched into the trash in college was regrettable, but it’s never too late to learn. What better lesson can be taught in school than how to practice living sustainably?  If you are a student yourself, or have kids starting off their school year, check out some of these eco-friendly supplies. There’s some really great stuff out there, beyond just recycled pens, pencils and paper. Did you know they made highlighters with over 70% real post-consumer plastic from old CDs and cell phones? More...