We just keep building. Trees, grass and everything green are all consistently being bulldozed down to make room for condos, superstores and parking lots. It’s a sad phenomenon that’s turning our society into one of glass and steel. Luckily, a somewhat new idea is catching hold and buildings all over the world are topping their facades with green roofs. And when I say green, I literally mean green… as in grass.

And why not? Lining a roof with grass creates a multitude of environmental benefits. Now I know that it’s not feasible for most of us to have our own green roofs. But I think it’s just such a cool idea that I had to share. Instead of normal roofing elements, green roofs are created using several layers of metal, waterproofing membranes and foam topped by soil (sometimes up to a foot, but usually just a few inches). There’s usually also a drainage layer that will control any water surpluses to prevent mudslides during periods of excessive rain. Then a specific type of grass is planted—a hardy variety that thrives in shallow soil that won’t grow too tall (so the roof won’t have to be moved).

Beyond simply being beautiful and fun to look at, green roofs are extremely beneficial. They’re long lasting, unlike traditional roofing elements, which are easily worn down by the harsh sun, causing leaks (and costing money to repair). They also provide an insulating effect, which keeps the roof cooler than traditional roofs, thus lowering electric bills. Plus, they help keep the surrounding urban area cooler and they’re a great wildlife habitat, attracting birds and insects

Although there are some residential houses that are building green roofs, most of them right now are created by commercial buildings in urban areas. My favorite example is the School of Art and Design Media in Singapore. The building is stunningly modern, but the grass roof gives it warmth it would otherwise lack. I think it’s an ideal way to combine the necessity of a large building with something a little more nature-inspired. Creating a green roof onto your current home may be too monumental of a task. But it’s always something to think about if you’re building a new home from the ground up. Like many eco-friendly projects, it will create both short-term and long-term benefits for you and for the environment.
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Now that you’ve mastered massage oils, it’s time to try your hand at creating your own perfume oil. (Click here to read Aromatherapy 202, or click here to read Aromatherapy 101.) Now I know it may sound crazy and complicated, but it really doesn’t have to be. Plus, what I love about making your own perfume is that you control the quality of the ingredients and you know exactly what you’re putting on your skin, drop by drop. Pure perfume oils are great because they’re seriously potent and long lasting. Just a dab at the wrists, neck and other pulse points will leave you fabulously scented for hours.
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Natalie has been a part of Hollywood’s A-list for so long that it’s hard to believe she’s only 27. But unlike many of her celebrity peers, Natalie isn’t making tabloid news for running amok. As a teen, instead of partying and taking advantage of her celebrity stature, Natalie decided to go to Harvard.  Many in the industry believed it was a bad decision. But Natalie was quoted at the time saying, “I’d rather be smart than a movie star.” Oh and how smart she is! A few years later Natalie has proved them wrong, as her acting career is still going strong. And in between films, the Oscar-nominated actress dedicates her time to causes that no doubt help make the world a better place.
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If you’re like me, more than once you’ve thought about giving up your current living conditions to move into a house built completely green and nontoxic (from the foundation to the floors). Of course in the real world, it simply isn’t that easy… or affordable. But what is possible, and simpler than you may think, is to work with what you have. A few fast upgrades will deliver big results when it comes to being eco-friendly. It just takes a little research and a little planning. You can tackle them all at once, or just choose to do one at a time. Either way, it’s an easy way to go green and still have time to bake that loaf of organic 12-grain bread.
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Call me old fashioned, but I’m not usually one to overly pamper my pooches. You’ll never see a dog I own wearing frilly frocks with bows clipped uncomfortably into her head. But a dog is still part of the family and deserves plenty of love, treats and, by all means, chemical-free goodies.
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Now that you know a little more about aromatherapy and how to get started, it’s time to take it to the next level. (If you ‘skipped class’ when I taught Aromatherapy 101 or just want a refresher, read it here.).
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Scrubbing your floor with chemicals is really just as bad as scrubbing your face with chemicals. And pretty much every cleaner you’ll find on store shelves contains a veritable who’s who list of toxic ingredients. Although the long-term health effects of chemicals vary greatly—due to the level of toxicity and the amount of exposure—some have been known to include eye and respiratory irritation, headaches, dizziness, visual disorders and memory impairment according to the Environmental Protection Agency. And the Consumer Product Safety Commission states that, of common household chemical compounds, 150 have been linked to allergies, birth defects and even cancer.
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I’ve got to hand it to Jurlique. Just when I think their product line up can’t get any better they prove me wrong with another amazing new item. Their hand creams, available in Rose and Lavender, have been a favorite among countless Jurlique devotees. And now a new formula has been released that’s completely different in spirit than the romantic Rose and calming Lavender creams. The refreshing scent of the Citrus Hand Cream is like a dose of pure, bottled sunshine that instantly revives your mind while it hydrates your hands. Of course, it’s perfect when you’re knee-deep in snow and the balmy days of summer seem ages away.
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Mia Ljungberg, Danish travel journalist resident in Stockholm, Sweden and Quito, Ecuador. She spends most of the year travelling and writing about eco friendly places around the world. She is a fulltime travel consultant and writer for Organic Style.
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I have to admit I’m a little biased with this one because Grammy Award-winning Wyclef Jean is my absolute favorite musician. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t deserve the honor of being an eco-celeb. In fact his humanitarian foundation, Yéle Haiti (www.yele.org), actually does a lot more than help the environment. The poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, about half of the population lives at an extreme poverty rate. Sixty percent of Haitians are illiterate and the education system is in shambles. When it comes to the natural environments, 98% of the forests have been destroyed and two-thirds of the farmland is now destroyed, making it even more difficult to feed the poverty-stricken country.
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