SFG 1: Let's Start Simple.

For many people, "green" is an extremely important thing to be nowadays. Of course, past the fact that it's a buzzword on the news, most people don't think about what living green really means.

Sure, you could buy all of the "green" products out there. But my question is, why would you do that when there are simpler, more natural (and often more cost-effective) solutions to begin with?


For example, a water-saving showerhead is probably going to run you between $20-40. It'll save around 30% of the water that you'd normally use. Standard shower heads are going to be putting out 5-6 gallons per minute*, so that'll save you 15-18 gallons on a 10 minute shower. However, I can tell you a quick and easy way to reduce your water use by HALF!

Are you ready for this? Perhaps I should give you a quick hook for it first. I guarantee you that if you use my method, you're going to see softer, smoother skin within a week. People will start complimenting you on how nice your skin is, and- get this- you'll save a ton of money because you won't even need body creams to keep your skin that way. Ready?


Then it's time for Stupid-Free Green Living Tip #1: Stop Showering Daily.

Yes, you read that correctly. I am an advocate of showering less than 7 times a week, and have been for years. I also advise showering for 5 minutes, maybe 10 maximum. Here are some of the reasons why.

First, saving water is important. But if you just wanted to do that, you could blow the $20 on a water-saving showerhead instead of going my way. However, there are other reasons for showering less frequently- like that it's better for your skin.

Over the years, I've gotten many compliments on how soft my skin is. I get asked what lotions I use, how I keep it looking so great. This applies both to the skin on my body and the skin on my face. My big secret is that I don't overdry it by showering the oils away all the time. Sure, I could shower daily and spend more money on moisturizing body washes and creams, but that would cost me more money and involve me putting all sorts of weird chemicals onto my body. My hair is also in good condition, because showering every other day (or even every two days, sometimes) lets the oils in it work through and- gasp- it self-moisturizes!

Who'd have thought, our bodies can take care of themselves if we stop worrying about them so much.

We only shower daily because our society tells us that to be hygienic, we must. Some people even shower twice a day- for shame. Once you get past the idea that showering every other day is not going to make people turn up their noses at your stench (I promise, it won't!), this is a very simple, healthy way to live a little greener.

*(http://www.thewatergeeks.com/Water-Consumption-sp-16.html)