Reduce ~ Reuse ~ Recycle
11:59 AM | Author: Hyla
Who would have ever thought the words recycling and serene would be used in the same sentence? But my first time experience at the recycling center yesterday was just that: serene. The sun was shining, there wasn't much activity at the transfer station so I could hear the birds chirping, all while doing something so lovely for mama Earth. I should clarify that it was my first time delivering our recycling to the recycling center, not my first ever time recycling. We've been avid recyclers for years. At the end of 2009, we decided to forgo traditional curbside garbage pickup and do it ourselves. In theory, depending on how much garbage we produce, this could ultimately save us more than $100 per year. The other big motivator is trying to reduce our overall output of garbage by consuming/purchasing less, buying in bulk, eliminating products with excessive packaging, composting, etc. I'm also trying to re purpose and reuse as much as possible. It is a work in progress but after four months, we've only delivered one load of actual garbage to the transfer station, though we are about ready to do it again. I've already got another load of recyclables loaded up and ready to go for delivery sometime this weekend! It feels so good to be capable of helping care for this exquisite planet we call home!
Namaste
Vegan Hair Care
11:46 AM | Author: Hyla
This post, while titled vegan hair care, is actually a little deeper. I've decided to spill my heart and soul. I'm about a month away from getting dreadlocks. Yep. You read that right. I've been dreaming of dreadlocks for years. However, about six months ago, my dream became a complete obsession which has so, so many levels. The final motivation to actually DO IT came when I found out that I am going to be laid-off from my somewhat high profile, public service job. I decided that it is time! I don't want to be an old, wrinkly woman sitting in my rocking chair regretting that I didn't do something that felt so true and beautiful in my heart.
Enter the Dread Goddess (aka Stephanie) of Akemi Salon in Portland. While I originally planned to make the dreads a DIY project, I've since reconsidered and have decided to let a professional create my masterpiece. The super cool thing about this salon in particular is that they are a "vegan" salon. They don't use any products that contain animal ingredients and I believe most of the stylists are vegans themselves.
I am plugging the salon a little premature, as I have yet to actually visit it...I have a pre-dread consult scheduled mid-April...but just knowing that the salon is staffed by such conscious and caring individuals, I know I will be in sweet, loving hands.
http://www.akemisalon.com/