January Eco Hero
Meet Gabriela Cohen from Brooklyn, New York. A senior at the University at Albany, she is earning her degree in Sustainability Science and Policy.
Gabriela makes green living part of her daily life. She creates easy, all-natural products that are healthy for both humans and the Earth because:
“We are a part of this world and everything that completes it. If we don’t respect where we are from then we have nothing.”
Gabriela’s Natural Teeth Whitener:
- 4 Tablespoons organic turmeric powder
- 2 ½ Tablespoons organic coconut oil
- 2 Tablespoons baking soda
Directions: Add turmeric and baking soda into bowl and mix. Add coconut oil and mix until thick paste consistency forms. Recommended to be used once in the morning and once at night.
Gabriela’s Natural Shampoo & Body Wash:
- 2/3 cup Castile Soap
- Two Teaspoons almond or olive oil
- 10-15 drops of essential oil (preferred scent)
- ½ cup of coconut milk
Directions: Mix all the ingredients in a bottle. Shake bottle before use each time.
Better Biking
What you’re doing now:
Spending tons of money on gas bills or bus fare, sitting all day long… You might need a change.
New ideas:
Use a bike share! Many cities – all over the world! – offer programs to invest in cleaner air and fitter you.
Not a cyclist? Try car sharing.
If you’re a gym rat, head to a gym where bikes are an awesome eco-choice:
- Eco Gym in NY has 17 cycles, 2 recumbent bikes, and 2 ellipticals which turn human energy into electricity through micro-inverter technology.
- Ask YOUR local gym to invest in this tech!
Stay tuned for eco-friendly and sustainably produced workout gear – when you’re biking, it’s Look Good Do Good!
Veg Out!
What you’re doing now:
If french fries are your vegetables, you CAN do better!
New ideas:
Eating veggies is better for the environment and you. A veggie- and legume-filled diet can combat climate change! Climate Lab videos show how.
Veggies are great for your health. Harvard Medical School explains HERE about vegan and vegetarian diets – data on cancer, iron, diabetes, vitamin B12 and more.
Need some #MeatlessMonday recipes? Check these delicious Bon Appetit ones to start! We love the Roasted Cauliflower with Harissa Chickpea Curry!
Tune in next month to learn about companies with delicious vegan options!
Pass on Plastics
What you’re doing now:
Pla-stistics are terrifying: Yearly, 32% of 78 million tons of plastic flows into oceans – the equivalent of pouring 1 garbage truck of plastic into the ocean per minute.
New ideas:
Prevent having more plastic than fish in oceans by 2050:
- Stop using single-use plastics!
- Invest in glass jars and containers. A reusable silicone lid keeps homemade, nutritional food hot OR cold.
- Plastic take-away boxes let chemicals like polycarbonate seep into your food – and into you.
- Swap plastic forks and straws for bamboo or stainless steel varieties.
Watch cool VOX and Tech Insider videos about single-use plastics. This graphic video, not for the faint of heart, shows why plastic is painful.
