Green is the New Black

Get green. It might be considered trendy and the "it" thing to do now. But, we could all benefit from being a little more conscious of the waste we produce and how it impacts the environment.

Just think: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

* Try to use nontoxic cleaning agents that don't emit poisons and toxins into our air. For example, Method (found at Target) makes biodegradable washcloths, all-purpose cleaners, and laundry detergent. Their packaging is also recyclable.

* Use less plastic bags—or, better yet, none at all. Take with you to the grocery store the plastic bags that are filling up under your sink. And, fold those used paper department store handle bags into your purse for shopping at the mall. When you run through all your plastic bags, invest in inexpensive canvas totebags that are perfectly suited for grocery shopping.

* More bag advice: Use paper instead plastic. Paper is biodegradeable, while plastic is not.

* Recycle the wire hangers that your dry cleaning comes on. I have a girlfriend who tosses her wire hangers, and I was appalled to hear this. Either return the hangers to your cleaner or recycle them. You can do the same with the safety pins the cleaners use to secure your skirts to the hangers.

* Use less paper towels in the restroom. Do you really need 4 sheets of paper towels to dry your hands? Shake your hands dry of excess water and grab the amount that is necessary.

* Consider biodegradeable utensils and plates at your next BBQ or party. Bambu, for example, makes clean, well-designed products made of bamboo. According to the company, bamboo is sustainable and highly renewable. It's a fast-growing plant that, unlike trees (bamboo is a grass, not a tree), requires "no replanting, grows without fertilizers or pesticides and is harvested from controlled stands with an astounding growth cycle of three to five years."

* I come from an Asian family with a fobby mom so I’m very much familiar with the fobby practice of stealing stacks of paper napkins from restaurants. Don’t do this. Take exactly what you need.

* Seek eco-conscious hotels. The Kimpton Hotel Brand is green. In an upcoming trip to SF in August, I'll be staying at San Francisco's "newest and greenest" hotel, Orchard Garden.

** For more tips, check out TreeHugger**