I know Elizabeth Mayhew, decorating editor + author of Flip! For Decorating, from our days working together at Real Simple where chats in her office inevitably brought up helpful tips — beyond decorating — that I've since adopted as my own. Elizabeth is one of those people that just naturally knows how to make things work — like how it's better to store leftovers in square containers versus round, because square is more space-saving. And she knows how to make a mantel look effortlessly pretty. She's also a super passionate, energetic person you want on set when you're trying to make 50 boxes of home products work into 10 gorgeous photos in 8 hours. So I asked her to share ways she's gone greener for Green Swap. In true Elizabeth style, her answers are effortlessly simple.
+ I always bring reusable bags to the grocery store.
+ I use all glass storage for leftovers and if I use a zip-loc bag, I wash it, dry it and reuse it.
+ My whole family uses Sigg water bottles — no more plastic!
Biokleen Automatic Dish Powder from Whole Foods. It's phosphate and chlorine free, and it has a wonderful citrus scent (it's made with grapefruit seed and orange peel.) Also, it's 3X more concentrated than other dishwashing detergents.
I think Hummers should be against the law.
The best green gift I have been given is a share in an organic farm crop.
taking taxis
This year I want to:
+ pay all my bills online
+ remember to unplug appliances when I am not using them
+ replace all of my mattresses
[Thanks for being a part of Green Swap, Elizabeth!]
green swap photograph by charlotte jenks lewis}
yesterday's q+a: vivian of 9spotmonk
be sure to check in Monday for a special q+a with Sarah of Pink of Perfection!
what's green swap? find out more here
