Blog

May 21, 2013

I  am fairly certain you don’t wake up every morning and wonder about the connection between Climate Change and Greenhouse Gases.  It’s okay – I am thinking about it enough for all of us.  But given the recent report in the New York Times of an increase in CO2 emissions globally, what better time than now to [...]

May 9, 2013

Hear ye, hear ye. You are about to get inside my  bright green head  so you can see why I am a true fan AND a true believer in VerVe and Aveda. I don’t know about you but when it comes to someone actually touching my head and putting “stuff” on my face, feet, hands & [...]

May 6, 2013

Before I get to the test questions - a short digression. I really do believe a picture is often worth lots of words. Case in point:  my first car from Chapman Tucson.  Truth be told, Chapman has been my biggest sponsor since Mrs. Green was merely a twinkle in my Irish eye.  Why?  Because among their Chapman [...]

April 17, 2013

Live in Tucson?  Like to bike? Walk?  Meet Your Neighbors? Mark your calendars, save the date, plan to have some old-fashioned fun at Cyclovia 2. When? April 28, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm Where: See link below Little bit of background on Cyclovia 1: Cyclovia 1 was a fabulous day on the south side of [...]

April 1, 2013

I believe it is EVERY bloggers dream to write a blog and see the comments start rolling in.  It affirms you (at least I am hoping it will when it happens to me!) I am thrilled when one person takes the time to read my blog AND takes the time to comment. Well, I read one such [...]

March 29, 2013

I am quite certain that never a day goes by when I am not feeling truly grateful about something.  Having a wonderful friend named Amie Sue Oldfather frequently makes the list.  She is a legend in the raw food world & her ability to create delicious, healthy, organic and, yes, even beautiful creations NEVER ceases [...]

March 21, 2013

Simply put, Spring is a really a fun time in Tucson & lots of other places where Spring has sprung. You get that feeling of wanting to be outside more, it’s easier to get up early and exercise and the weather is delightful. Would love to share with you two special happenings in Tucson in [...]

March 19, 2013

When I received this guest blog post from my friend Scott Caddow from Legendary World, I had no idea about the content.  Needless to say, his words touched me and are indeed sustainable thoughts for my very soul.  Thank you my friend. “Hello! Scott here again checking in from beautiful Anacortes WA. You may have [...]

March 6, 2013

According to the Environmental Working Group‘s 2013 Tap Water Report, 201 water systems that serve 100 million Americans in 43 states are polluted with toxic chemicals created by the reaction of chlorine and rotting organic matter such as leaves, insects, farm and yard runoff and sewage. Makes you want to go get a drink right?  The report documents [...]

March 4, 2013

I was recently asked by someone on Facebook why Aveda has not signed the Compact for Safe Cosmetics.  I reached out to of some of their team members who contacted a corporate spokesperson.  Here is the response in its entirety. “Aveda cosmetics are safe. Recent statements by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics claiming that cosmetics [...]

March 2, 2013

Hello!  My name is Scott Caddow aka Mrs. Green’s “legend in his own mind” Legendary Dude.  I’m honored to be a guest blogger today while on an incredible journey. My message today is to get off the beaten path, GET out of the box and just do something different.  We have all heard the clichés, [...]

February 25, 2013

Seems to me that “CNG” as an alternative fuel makes the national news quite a bit. But does the man/woman on the street really know what CNG (compressed natural gas) even stands for and why they should care?  I wanted to know so I did the best thing – I asked a local expert, Colleen Crowninshield, [...]

February 14, 2013

I am not exactly sure what prompted me to write this blog today but that happens quite a bit.  Maybe it is because I commit to living every day fully & intentionally and I have lost some people very close to me recently.  This isn’t a Debbie Downer blog – it’s a reminder to live your [...]

February 13, 2013

I have always believed that imitation is truly the highest form of flattery.  Remember telling your kids that when the older one would complain “She is being a copy cat!”  Well, it’s no secret that Seth Godin  is one of my heroes & one who truly inspires me every day to go do something.  When I [...]

February 11, 2013

Clearly one of the biggest blessings in my journey as Mrs. Green has been, and continues to be, the relationships I have formed since the journey began.  Case in point for this blog, Aric Caplan.  His website  bio reads: Aric Caplan is the founder and president of Caplan Communications, an award-winning full-service communications practice specializing in [...]

February 1, 2013

Books abound on greening your office.  But why should you?  Here are a few green thoughts to ponder. 1. Efficient lights save energy and money on lighting AND reduce the need for air conditioning.  What business owner wouldn’t want to do that? 2. Turning off computers at night and during weekends and holidays can save 500 kWh [...]

January 30, 2013

Every once in a while, I feel compelled to write about something that fills my soul – like the great philosopher and scholar, Jeladukkin Rumi.  There are things he has written that I  read over and over and over again. He is brilliant, clever, funny, wise and deep. I know I would have liked him. My favorite [...]

January 28, 2013

When I read this article by Leah Blunt in Earth 911, I did some soul-searching - again!  It’s about Leah’s story of challenging herself to go vegan for one week and to eat more than Oreos and bananas.  Can I do this? Where would I begin given that I am a picky eater already? How could I make it [...]

January 25, 2013

Trash travels and ends up harming marine life and damaging ecosystems.

January 23, 2013

Method is the safest all-purpose cleaner on the market today

January 18, 2013

Note from Mrs. Green: Do you know how happy it makes me to have someone to REQUEST being a guest blogger for Mrs. Green?  Very. Thank you Stephanie Monty for reaching out! This is a GREAT read for anyone who travels & worries about the drinking water or for anyone who wants to know what [...]

January 16, 2013

Truth be told, I wish I had solar on my house. But I don’t and that’s a story (or sorry excuse) for another day.  But I do care & I do help promote all the great things that Tucson Electric Power Company (TEP) is doing to develop alternative energy sources – rigorously.  So walk the walk [...]

January 14, 2013

One scary thing about blog titles?  They can date you! Hopefully some of you out there remember the really funny movie with Meg Ryan – When Harry Met Sally & will read on. Have you ever heard of a company called Ecco Bella ?  (I had not until they contacted me from New Jersey about advertising [...]

January 11, 2013

My friend, Jacquie Ottman ‘s (Junky Jacquie) journey of collecting junk began when she was about four. Since then she has become the internationally recognized Green Marketing Guru. Her latest target? WASTE & trust me when I say she hates it.  I invite you to read on so you can she what Junky Jacquie is up to now & [...]

January 9, 2013

As we begin the second week of 2013, may I gently remind you (and me) that sustainability is an inside job.  It’s really important to figure out how to take care of ourselves first before we can take care of everyone and everything else – including the planet. I have this precious gift that my friend Cathy from Temco  [...]

January 7, 2013

On most days I believe I live a charmed life. But that is a story for another blog or book! Part of my reason for believing that is because people seem to give me presents all the time. And I am barely exaggerating.  Case in point for this blog?  My friend Kathy Sawyer (from http://www.cartridgeworld.com/Tucson-AZ/85704-0391/) dropped [...]

January 5, 2013

One of my favorite books is Finding Your Way in a Wild New World by Martha Beck. Martha has appeared on Oprah and writes for “O” magazine so she kind of has instant “cred” for me.  Some people might think the book is out there but then again, so am I. I wanted to share [...]

January 4, 2013

This is actually a remarkable story that needs no explanation from me.  Just want to express a warm, sincere thank you to Kelly King – one of my rocks, my wingman, my future CEO.  God bless you Kelly King! “Dear friends and family…. On December 15th, I found myself saying “I need to do something [...]

January 3, 2013

Never, and I mean, never does the possibility of jumping off the healthy eating path challenge us more than when we take road trips.  Eating unhealthy road trip food must be programmed in our DNA and this year, I am going to beat it.  I am attaching a link to a somewhat long but very fun [...]

January 2, 2013

I get asked this quite a bit. The answer is simple and the solution a wonderful one.  Paper or plastic?  Neither – reusable. I am working on my photo insert skills but hopefully, you get the picture & I have the bag pictured below! My thanks, one more time, to my friend Cathy Rankin from [...]

January 1, 2013

I am sure that Seth Godin (http://www.sethgodin.com/sg/) has had a major impact on millions of people’s lives - yes – I say millions.  I am one of those people. I have read several of his books, I read his blog EVERY day and more days than not, I think his blog could read “Dear Gina.”  He writes [...]

December 31, 2012

When my grandkids  (Madison, age 12 going on 26 and Liam, age 8 & a total muffin)  come to visit, we always sit together and make a list of all the things we would like to do while they are here. It’s not a “have to” list.  It’s a want to list and there’s a [...]

November 20, 2012

Have you ever thought about recycling the leftover grease from your Thanksgiving turkey? If not, your time is now! Your opportunity to take a small green step for the planet is here. You can plan to participate in the Day After Thanksgiving Grease Recycling Day on November 23rd. We want your turkey grease & I [...]

November 6, 2012

This is an important day for our country – everybody at least agrees about that. When my daughter sent this to me on this morning of the election, sharing it seemed like the perfect thing to do. I read it sometimes when I do public speaking. It inspires me greatly & hope it lands somewhere [...]

October 16, 2012

I am rarely at a loss for words but when it comes to describing Doug Fine it occurs to me wild and crazy green guy doesn’t even cut it. I first met Doug about two years ago. He was introduced to me by Colleen Crowninshield, Manager of the Tucson Clean Cities program at Pima Association of [...]

September 5, 2012

I genuinely enjoy spreading the good green word about programs that are just that – good and green. And if they offer something exciting to engage us, all the better. Read on, feel free to share & you or someone you know might just win a Kindle… Given that gas prices are rising again, doesn’t [...]

August 8, 2012

In terms of green marketing and the green message, Jacquie Ottman has it going on on so many levels it would be hard to capture the essence of Jacquie. She consults with Fortune 500 companies, is known as the green marketing guru & most importantly, she walks the walk AND makes sense.  After I read this blog,  I called Jacquie to ask [...]

August 7, 2012

Top Ten Reasons to Consider a Staycation

July 23, 2012

Do you ever feel as though you can’t save the world but you would like to make a difference in some way?  Meet my friend Leyda. Leyda has been my friend for over 25 years. I went to the movies with her the other day and she shared a story with me. It was out [...]

July 18, 2012

Do you find yourself throwing things in the trash that might otherwise be recycled because the recycling bin is just too far away? I admit to having done that in the past and it was bugging me. Here’s a solution that works for me &  a picture of the “cute” recycling bin that sits under my desk [...]

July 16, 2012

I just returned from what amounted to 48+ hours in what I am sure is close to heaven on earth. I went with a group of women from an amazing networking group I am blessed to be a part of called Women at The Top. Yes, it was at Miraval. Yes, Miraval is one of the most [...]

July 13, 2012

With record-breaking temperatures all around ths country this hot summer, people are heading for the beaches, their swimming pools & running through backyard water hoses – anything to cool off. So Mrs. Green has to ask: how are you doing on wearing your sunscreen & choosing it wisely?  It really matters that you wear it & it REALLY matters that [...]

July 12, 2012

I don’t know about you but road trips & travel have been synonymous with eating really bad junk food for my family and me. Fritos, Cheetos, candy of all kind, soda, things we NEVER have at home nor would we think about eating on any given day. But road trip?  Bring it on!  Except for an [...]

July 11, 2012

Let’s be honest. We’ve all had that experience in our own bathrooms & worse yet, in friend’s homes where our bathroom use left a less than pleasant odor.  Nothing to be ashamed of – “it” happens. I used to just spray away from whatever was available.  No problem.  And then Mrs. Green began to evolve, [...]

June 28, 2012

Since my partnership with Pima Association of Governments (PAG) began, I have honestly been most excited about what I am learning. I had no idea of the magnitude and scope of what they do. I have also been excited about sharing things in any way I can because if I am excited, I can hopefully get [...]

June 27, 2012

Fourth of July is one of the biggest barbecuing days of the year.  I honestly don’t think I know of anyone who doesn’t have plans because – hey – this is America & it’s what we do on 4th of July – right? How green is your barbecuing? Please read below about some simple tips to [...]

June 22, 2012

It just has to be okay once in a while to simply write about feeling loved & appreciated.  To be totally pithy, what the world really does need now is love, sweet, green love!  Thus my decision to post in its entirety this email from my dear friend Cathy Rankin. She is not only a dear friend [...]

June 21, 2012

I can’t imagine anyone who writes a newsletter who isn’t thrilled to get feedback. It’s wonderful if the feedback is good but I am happy to hear from people who disagree with something I have written. It’s how I learn & grow. So you can imagine my delight to learn that my friend Bruce Plenk not [...]

June 19, 2012

In my journey as Mrs. Green, I have learned so much about so many things. Most recently, I have been educating myself about the important work of Pima Association of Governments (PAG.) Without going into too much detail, they are a regional planning organization whose divisions include transportation, energy & sustainable environment.  Translation?  They work to [...]

June 11, 2012

This blog is about what you would do with all the stuff left after a yard sale. As inconceivable as it might be to me, there are people who take what they have left over the dump! Yes, I mean it. They take perfectly good clothing, books, furniture, linens, and other household items and dump them in the [...]

June 4, 2012

There really is always something to celebrate.  Imagine my delight when I read this press release this a.m. about TEP’s award winning community solar efforts. TEP is honest about their challenges when it comes to renewables. What they do impacts our air, our water, our environment. And they try to do it better every day in [...]

June 2, 2012

How are you doing with sustaining you?  I get an A+ today. Did a great show with Chris Jordan – maybe even life changing.  (www.chrisjordan.com) Then went to an almost three-hour lunch with a wonderful, amazing girlfriend at a locally owned restaurant. Topics of discussion included saving the planet, this crazy world of ours, our [...]

June 1, 2012

People in social media always caution not to complain or sound whiny. I agree.  But what about the platform for sharing  an honest, from the heart, deeply felt frustration?  I am going to go with my gut here and give myself permission.  People have choices and I can’t make (nor would I want to) anybody read [...]

May 24, 2012

I think we have all been guilty of throwing around terms thinking we know what they mean but might stumble a bit if required to articulate.  Case in point: ozone, the ozone layer, ozone alert.  Fear not – after reading this not only will you know the answer to all of the above, you will [...]

May 21, 2012

I can’t imagine anyone who writes newsletters who isn’t thrilled or, at the very least, appreciative when a reader cares enough to gather their thoughts to put together an extremely intelligent, passionate,  contemplative response. What better way for me to reciprocate than by sharing it with all of you.  This was written in response to my [...]

May 8, 2012

Mr. Green gets irritated at times when people are quick to criticize and, yes, even blame that amorphous thing we call “the government” for all known things.  He is right. There are millions of people who work hard to make things happen for us on a daily  basis nationwide.  Many of the things they do [...]

April 30, 2012

Hard to describe just how  affirming it is to get a truly contemplative email from someone about my newsletter.  I invite you to read the email below in response to my last one. Touche, Deborah, and you are spot on! “Dear Mrs. Green, It breaks my heart when people support the misinformed viewpoint that organic is “more expensive” than conventional.  [...]

April 14, 2012

How great is it to have the love, support and inspiration from your husband, your daughters, your grandchildren and other family members for your chosen path in life?  Even if that path is to be a green radio talk show hostess? When I set out on the path to becoming Mrs. Green, at 57 years young I [...]

April 11, 2012

When I got a call from Sheila Kressler-Crowley from Bookmans Entertainment Exchange about an “EV Drag Race” I admit I said “a WHAT? What the heck is that?” She proceeded to tell me that there was such a thing as an electric vehicle drag race and that Bob Oldfather, Mr. Let’s Do Something New himself, was [...]

April 3, 2012

It never ceases to amaze me how many people I see riding bikes all over my city – Tucson, Arizona. If biking was rated the same as skiing,  (black, blue & green), I would weigh in on the very light green side of things in terms of biking ability. I like things like bike paths [...]

April 2, 2012

Oh the places we’ll go in Earth Month. Imagine a world where every day is Earth Day & because of what we all start this month in the year 2012, we will help BE the change on the planet we wish to see all year long.  I rarely suggest copying anything but in this case,  [...]

March 22, 2012

Sustainability is an inside job.

March 21, 2012

It’s always fun and quite the challenge to think up catchy titles that will do just that: catch your attention. It’s not an ego, build my blog numbers kind of thing. It’s an urgency that comes from deep inside me about something I believe is important to share with you, remind you of, make you [...]

March 20, 2012

If you are a regular visitor to and active part of Mrs. Green’s world, you might wonder why my constant references to Miraval? You might even wonder if I write about them so much because they are a sponsor. But then again, you might just thoroughly  enjoy what I do write about them and leave it [...]

February 16, 2012

Your voice matters. Our voices are being heard. We are making a difference.

February 15, 2012

I don’t care who you are, everyone likes feedback when they put their thoughts and ideas out there for all the world to see. I can assure you I do.  I was thrilled to get two emails almost immediately after my last newsletter came out today & I wanted to share one with you. I felt [...]

February 15, 2012

Eating vegetables, fruits, fish, whole grains, nuts and olive oil good for your brain

January 4, 2012

Downtown Tucson has been an ongoing saga of one bad news story after another. Until recently, you just didn’t want to go down there except for a few wonderful places like the Children’s Museum Tucson, the Temple of Music & Art (Arizona Theatre Company)  and a few good restaurants that made it worth the trip. [...]

January 3, 2012

The New Year always brings about an enthusiasm for doing the right thing – whether it be exercising more regularly, eating right, reading more or acquiring more sustainable habits! (At least I hope that made the cut!) Given that lots of people I know received some kind of electronic device for Christmas this year, I’d [...]

December 18, 2011

I’ve said it before and will say it again. Feedback from members of the Mrs. Green tribe sustain me, inspire me, motivate me, give me hope. Knowing that I am making any difference at all in terms of preservation of the planet & having an environmental impact keeps the wheels on my green bus going [...]

December 15, 2011

Thought I would share with you the letter Rod wrote to his entire extended family about the well project in Africa.  Still pretty incredible, wonderful & awesome that the inspiration came from a ninth grader. “I have a Christmas gift idea for all of us. Last week Jordan did an English class persuasive speech on [...]

December 14, 2011

When I received this Facebook post several days ago, it knocked my socks off, touched my heart & inspired me deeply. It gave me hope for the world & for humanity. Small steps, big impact? Green giving? The power of one? It’s all of it and it’s really all great.  On a selfish level, it [...]

October 14, 2011

Does your skin have that healthy glow?  Did you ever stop and think it might be from some awful, waxy, petroleum by-product in your foundation?  I know that may sound just a tad too dramatic but attention grabbing is my true purpose.  Our skin is our biggest organ. Whatever we put on it goes in [...]

October 13, 2011

I have never shared my praise for a movie  like I have Forks Over Knives.  I am on a mission.  I gave a copy of the DVD to my friend Myron one day. He watched it, returned it the next day and said “I immediately ordered SEVEN (7) copies for my friends after I watched it.”  [...]

October 12, 2011

I was involved in a conversation the other day when someone mentioned they were going to Barnes & Noble to look for a particular book. I instantly asked them if they had considered checking with our locally owned used bookstore, Bookmans Entertainment Exchange.  “No, I hadn’t thought of that but I will check them out.”  [...]

October 11, 2011

There are times when a Facebook post just doesn’t cut it.  Hope people opt in to read this because it is emails like these that are the wind beneath my wings, my inspiration, green fuel for my fire, what sustains me and yada yada.  Sarah is what I call a “super greenie.”  When I get a high-five [...]

October 11, 2011

There are days when I think “so many changes, so little time.” I get a tad overwhelmed about what I should be doing next to make my world and me healthier.  Bite sized chunks are always good when in that mode.  So yesterday I took a bite.  I signed up for something that our local [...]

September 15, 2011

As much as I like to focus on the positive, let’s face it – we have more toxins assaulting our systems than we may ever know. They are everywhere and on almost everything and they are probably off-gasing as I write this. Our furniture, carpets, drapes, towels, clothing, sheets, flowers, cleaning products, personal hygiene products - you [...]

September 7, 2011

I realize that some of the challenges I put out there might seem daunting. Like giving up your plastic bags. (But I use them for my pets…) Or taking your own to go containers to a restaurant. (But I always forget…) Meatless Mondays – say what? But this one is so easy!  Switch to CFL [...]

August 30, 2011

Skeptics might comment that of course I write nice things about Miraval - they are one of my partners. Well, those skeptics don’t get it and certainly don’t get me because I only write what I authentically feel inside. So moving right along. Yes, I put up lovely posts about Miraval and how I start to relax [...]

August 17, 2011

I have said over and over again “I will never go completely vegan.” After all this time on the planet, I should know better. Never say never. After seeing Forks Over Knives & Food Inc. reading the Omnivore’s Dilemma, and viewing & reading countless hours of other illuminating, life altering movies, books & articles, I can see where [...]

August 16, 2011

I tend to forget that blogs don’t have to be long. I read Seth Godin’s every day and sometimes he writes five sentences.  But I digress. More frequent short blogs in my future (and hopefully yours.) Recurring thought: do people really just walk out their door and dump their printer, computer, laptop, cell phone, name-your-favorite electronic device [...]

August 15, 2011

Just as we have to feed our bodies with healthy, nutritional food on a regular basis, ever think about how to feed your mind with daily good, green food for thought? So many choices, never enough time. So I have narrowed it down to three major Mrs. Green picks of daily publications I respect for lots of [...]

July 20, 2011

I love it when members of the Mrs. Green tribe reach out to ask me questions about our partners. In this case, I heard from several people inquiring as to whether or not I knew about a partnership between Goodwill Industries and Tucson Electric Power Company re: really inexpensive CFLs. Thanks to Kelly Hanson from [...]

June 28, 2011

In addition to the fire safety issues we all need to be mindful of this 4th of July, please read this press release from the Pima County Department of Environmental Quality.  Beth makes some really great points on ways to help the planet and your purse or wallet!  Be the change and get some too! [...]

June 21, 2011

I have to admit I was a bit surprised when I got the notice about the contentious hearings on fracking last week. Would swear on a stack of bibles that I didn’t know that when I wrote my last newsletter.  I have been reading about and doing research on fracking for months trying to make up my [...]

June 20, 2011

Just had to share this “eco-friendly” true story. When my favorite printer broke LAST February, as in 2010, I was beside myself. My old printer buddy had held me in good stead for many years & I don’t like learning about new machines. Driving toward home with the old, un-fixable  printer in tow, a thought [...]

June 17, 2011

This is one I can’t stop writing about and for good reason – I live more and more consciously because I want to live long!  My choice for hair color & hair products is an Aveda Lifestyle Salon called VerVe. I like it there, I like the friendly relaxed atmosphere, I love the convenience. But [...]

May 30, 2011

First of all, I am about 99.9% sure golder is not a word. But I love alliteration and it sounds better than “just getting more gold.” Secondly, this blog is not about the bird. It’s about an amazing company called Golden Eagle Distributors.  They are a locally owned family business and happen to distribute Budweiser beer.  [...]

May 26, 2011

When my friend Norma sent me the following, I can’t explain my reaction – joy & excitement quickly followed by angst & frustration. I never want to become the green shrew but it’s getting to the point where big events almost make me sick.  No matter how great the cause (and in some cases it is [...]

May 25, 2011

I don’t know about you but most people I know are busy people and probably all of us would like to read more – for pleasure, for learning, for growing, for visiting places we might actually never get to see and for fun! I know I would like to read much more about things other than [...]

May 17, 2011

Can’t believe the comments still coming in about eating meat, cruelty free, vegan. And I welcome every single one of them. Makes me THINK! I know that doing a THREE hour radio show on this subject would not be nearly enough time. Here is one of the latest: “I read your newest email newsletter and [...]

May 14, 2011

You never have to worry about my only sharing the glowing emails. I don’t write blogs to get praise (even though nice words are ALWAYS appreciated & valued). I read every word that people write to me and listen to anyone who calls in to my green talk radio show. So here’s an email from [...]

May 13, 2011

I can honestly say I have never had as much reaction to a newsletter than I did to this last one about meat, cruelty free meat & my own personal eating challenges as I go forward. I would like to not only continue to conversation but honor some people who really put their heart and [...]

May 3, 2011

I received a press release from my friend Coley Ward at our local Food Co-op. I honestly don’t know how to paraphrase it, shorten it, or Mrs. Green-ize it so why not do the old cut & paste?  I hope you read it and more importantly, I hope you find a Food Co-op near you so you [...]

May 3, 2011

Even though I know my kids will probably read this, I want to do the disclaimer that this is NOT a hint for my Mother’s Day present.  In fact, I have requested that they not do anything other than call me and let me cry on the phone because we won’t all be together. What this [...]

May 2, 2011

It’s always kind of surprising to me when people take a shot at the local power company (Tucson Electric Power Company) and sometimes at me for having them as a sponsor.  Since I am feeling a little testy today, there are times when I want to say “Really? So what else do you think they could [...]

April 29, 2011

The dirty dozen — top 12 most contaminated fruits & veggies: Celery, peaches, strawberries, apples, blueberries (domestic), nectarines, sweet bell peppers, spinach, cherries, kale, potatoes, imported grapes (in order.)  The number one reason to choose organic is to avoid pesticides. These foods were identified by the Environmental Working Group as the top twelve most contaminated fruits and veggies. Please visit [...]

April 27, 2011

When I got this email from my friend Scott from Legendary World, I immediately thought: guest blog.  It’s just reassuring to know when dots connect in Mrs. Green’s World and this is a great example of just how it happens.  Scott, thanks for sharing and WellHome, thanks for doing such great things for the planet. [...]

April 27, 2011

As more and more disturbing information comes my way regarding the meat industry, I find myself eating less and less meat. Pictures literally flash in my head from videos that have been sent to me & I simply put things back. It’s not that I think there is anything wrong with eating meat. For health [...]

April 18, 2011

This is another one of those “I just had to get it out” kind of blogs.  And it’s a true story based on actual people and events: Jason Tankersley (The Fairfax Companies), Ruben Vejar, (RISE Equipment & Recycling) and good old Mrs. Green. At the ribbon cutting last week for the Southern Arizona Green Chamber of [...]

April 12, 2011

Here’s yet another thing I love about being Mrs. Green, about sharing innovative, sustainable ideas on green talk radio and about spreading the good, green word in general.  There’s always something wonderful, fun or funny to share.  Case in point, the email I just received from my friend Robin from the Department of Environmental Quality. Don’t [...]

April 11, 2011

All I know is that when I decided to become Mrs. Green, I had this internal steering device become activated in me. It was like a little green angel sitting on my shoulder telling me I had to be careful.  I had to really pick my partners & always choose ones that were in integrity [...]

April 8, 2011

Even though I was duped by an article on the  Justmeans.com site about McDonalds, they have lots of great “stuff” going on. This article by Justmeans staff writer, Daniel McDonell, strongly reinforces  my ongoing belief that the answers to energy efficiency, water conservation and balancing  the world’s demand for technological innovation is complicated. Still no silver bullet and this [...]

April 5, 2011

I wrote my last newsletter about my frustration with why green building is really better building and should be the standard.  You can always read my newsletters on my website or maybe even consider subscribing. The content of this one received quite a few reactions but this one from my friend Cathy Rankin took the [...]

April 3, 2011

The following is an email from someone I really respect for many reasons.  His name is Hank and he is just the kind of guy who walks the walk with total integrity. He also wears green shirts alot and is one of the most loyal listeners to Mrs. Green’s World – my green talk radio [...]

March 31, 2011

I know this may sound weird but my electric company is as green as any electric company can be given the current reality. Everybody wants their electricity and the juice has to come from somewhere.  In addition to supporting the mission and vision of Mrs. Green, Tucson Electric Power Company has more green initiatives going [...]

March 30, 2011

I love reading things like the following sent to me by my good friend and co-planet preserver, Cindy Windy: New research finds working for an environmentally-friendly company is more important to employees than working for a financially successful one. Of course I do!  Please note that the article does say they ” analyzed 113 companies from the S&P 250 [...]

March 29, 2011

One of my never ending challenges is there is so much to write about, so much to share, so much to learn in Mrs. Green’s World. And I think I  get “hits” on threads that I want to cover. This week the thread seems to be why you should support locally owned businesses no matter [...]

March 28, 2011

Short but sweet.  No surprise how much I love being Mrs. Green on green talk radio.  Also no news about how many amazing, wonderful people I have met from around the country on this journey – making a sustainable difference in their corner of the world every day. Top of my list today: Patricia & [...]

March 22, 2011

Again, truth be told, I think I could blog until I the cows come home (which would be a really long time since I live in Tucson.) It really is like an internal volcano to me at times and the words and thoughts  just have to come out of me.  Latest eruption? Jason Tankersley  and The [...]

March 21, 2011

Thanks to my pals Bonnie & Chris for sharing this.  So much of the Mrs. Green journey did begin back in the good old days. We wasted nothing, played outside til dark instead of playing video games, really did have only one T.V., wore lots of hand me downs & thought I had a pretty [...]

March 19, 2011

I have always believed in passing on good content when I see it.  I love to read Natural Papa’s blog and love to pass it on to you when there’s something great to share.  For your green continuing education and reading  pleasure: Natural parenting and fatherhood from the perspective of a treehugging dirt worshipper Two [...]

March 17, 2011

Since my last newsletter was about unhealthy building syndrome & what to do about it, imagine my delight when I opened my “Natural Papa” blog this morning to find yet another informative write-up about allergens & dust mites in the linen closet. It’s a great blog with essential humor included throughout for your sustainable reading [...]

March 14, 2011

Bear with me. Mrs. Green’s World is having a contest (does one HAVE a contest?) called “Who’s The Greenest of Them All.” I promote it on green talk radio, all the members of the Mrs. Green team are on board & are personally spreading the word, friends and family of nominees are spreading the word.  And that’s [...]

March 7, 2011

Thanks to my buddy Steve Marten who sent me this clip from the Wall Street Journal about solar manufacturing in the US vs. China.  Gave me that green schizophrenia. Yes, we need more solar. Yes, we need to accelerate the entire process from fossil fuel to using the sun. Would not taxing our solar manufacturers [...]

March 6, 2011

Someone commented to me the other day that what I do doesn’t seem like work because I love it so much. For the most part, that’s the truth. Being Mrs. Green on green talk radio has opened my world beyond anything I could have ever imagined.  It sustains me. I get to meet people like [...]

March 3, 2011

Here I sit at 10:00 on a Thursday night reflecting on a truly great, green week. How did I love it? Let me count the ways: Mrs. Green selected as the color for S’well water bottle. Given that each member of the Mrs. Green team received one for Christmas, begs the question if they now must [...]

February 28, 2011

Mr. Green bought some new pans a couple of weeks ago. When I was taking the labels off to wash them, of course I noticed the green, healthy earth label. “Healthy Earth for the Caring Cook” is what caught my eye. They state that their cookware is PFOA free (that is a good thing). They use [...]

February 26, 2011

So why my interest, as  a green talk radio show host, in an organiztion founded out of tragedy? Why is the Mrs. Green team gathering the tribe at the Ben’s Bells project  to paint bells this afternoon?  The easy answer is because Jeannette, Dean & Matthew Mare turned horrible tragedy into something so wonderful, awesome and so [...]

February 14, 2011

I am reading a wonderful book by Marianne Williamson called The Gift of Change. I guess I think almost everything I read these days I connect to sustainability & living a greener life in my every day choices.  And, after all, isn’t everything a choice? And isn’t change a gift? Here’s a quote:  “Humanity is [...]

February 1, 2011

This is one of those blogs that just has to get out of my head.  My friend Cindy told me about checking for “trending” on Yahoo when I was talking to her about blogging today.  I checked it 10 times through-out the day.  I am not going to tell you that for 6 of those [...]

January 25, 2011

 Imagine my consternation when I picked up the week-end WSL and read that headline. Both Peter Singer (a “NO” if we make sacrifices) and Bjorn Lomborg (a “YES” if we listen to green extremists) make compelling arguments both ways. Regardless, it points out the many complexities of what we face as a planet. Concerns over [...]

January 24, 2011

Just so you know, that was the headline in an article I read this morning written by Kristen Cook from the Arizona Daily Star on 1/20/11. Even though learning about safe cosmetics was THE single most significant component in the making of Mrs. Green, this illuminating, informative coverage of the dangers in our skin care & beauty products [...]

January 20, 2011

I got an email yesterday that just kind of stayed with me all day and again today.  It reminded me once again why I love being Mrs. Green.  It’s all about the great, caring, giving, honest, authentic people I get to meet and spend time with. Of course not all of them are but yes – the [...]

January 17, 2011

Sometimes committing to sustainability can be a pain and a sacrifice. I am almost sorry that I read the guest blog below because I love Hershey’s Kisses.  Now? Not so much. I will look at them in the store from this point on and they won’t make it into my home until things change. The [...]

January 10, 2011

If you really care about where your recycled paper goes and wonder how important it is, some great info in today’s Wall Street Journal.  It’s great for many reasons. The article clearly demonstrates the need for materials required to make toilet paper, hand towels and paper napkins. But it also demonstrates what one company, SCA, is [...]

January 6, 2011

I am not joking. What if  every time Justin Bieber got up on stage he would proudly tout a stainless steel or aluminum reusable bottle in his hand? What if he told his young audience “Don’t let your parents give you water from a plastic bottle?”  What if he came out with an apple in his [...]

January 5, 2011

I am not sure I know the answer to that but I can tell you what it feels like to be a part of one. I went to a ribbon cutting/grand opening celebration tonight for Habitat for Humanity’s Habistore.  They moved to a new location and they literally had to move thousands of pounds of [...]

January 5, 2011

In keeping with my 2011 “living consciously in all areas of my life,” travel comes up. The biggest challenge for our family for road trip travel is to prepare healthy meals along the way. It’s not easy to find a healthy place to eat when travelling on Interstates or through small towns. Fast food is [...]

January 4, 2011

Is your bank eco-friendly? Do they have an environmental corporate philosophy that is easy to research? Are they considered leaders in sustainablity?  People have challenged me during my journey as Mrs. Green about being a loyal Wells Fargo customer. Why not a community bank? If you take a look at Wells Fargo’s commitment to the [...]

January 2, 2011

No time like the present to start the new year off right.  I would love to share my three New Year’s Resolutions with you – short, sweet and hopefully very achievable. Mrs. Green’s New Year’s resolutions: #1. To live more and more consciously in every area of my life because to me that is what [...]

November 29, 2010

It’s getting chilly everywhere and I was getting ready to burn our first fire in our fireplace tonight. But alas! I am Mrs. Green and just how green is it? Is this sustainability is action? Eco-friendly?  Enter (miraculously) Beth Gorman’s press release from the Department of Environmental Quality. This applies to all of us – wherever [...]

November 23, 2010

When I got the following press release from my friend Kim, I really kind of flipped – this is the real deal. First of all, someone not only thought up the concept of recycling rides , Mike Quinn took action and now it is a national program. He dared to dream & then he dared [...]

November 18, 2010

No secret that I eat, sleep, drink and dream ways to leave less and less of a carbon foot print every day. I gave a presentation to a big Rotary Club in my town yesterday & going over some the basics helped me remember some good practices & converted some of them. I truly believe that. [...]

November 9, 2010

I love it when good programs making a difference for the planet get recognized for not only their sustainable impact but for all of their hard work.  One of Mrs. Green’s partners, Pima Association of Governments Clean Cities,  just hit the mark & received major kudos for all of their tireless efforts.  My big green [...]

November 2, 2010

I honestly never thought of how inappropriate the word “spill” was when the BP oil disaster hit the news.  It was never really a spill – it was an explosion, people were killed and oil gushed out like a life threatening hemorrage.  What a great euphemisim for something so horrible.  So the light bulb finally [...]

October 20, 2010

I have been known to rant – in my newsletter, on Facebook, when I do public speaking. Some might call it passion.  So when I read Seth Godin’s blog today and his rant, I felt compelled to simply cut and paste because I couldn’t have said it better myself.  To me, sustainability begins with living [...]

October 11, 2010

That pesky topic of GMOs just won’t go away. I am perplexed about the entire issue of the harmful effect of genetically modified food on humans. But I am not at all perplexed about Monsanto.  They are bullies, they have driven small farmers out of business in droves and their tactics are appalling. When I [...]

October 10, 2010

Anyone who is a follower of Mrs. Green is aware of my obsession with high efficiency toilets and saving water in general. I refer to John Smith from the Arizona Green Plumbers frequently for lots of reasons – including what a great guy he is.  So you can imagine my delight when I received the following [...]

October 7, 2010

In my last newsletter I simply asked people to think and to challenge me and to question what they read, what they buy, what they hear about sustainability because it’s really important.  I will do the “I am not an expert” disclaimer one more time and I am sticking to that.  I want to thank [...]

September 27, 2010

Don’t you sometimes wonder about an item you read about in the paper or heard on the news and say to yourself  “I wonder what happened with that?”  Well, this is one of those. Brief refresher. Mrs. Green’s World held a website contest asking people to nominate the greenest person they knew.  The results were actually [...]

September 3, 2010

I admit I am really upset. Not only are our eggs being poisoned, our chickens being abused, and the FDA rarely doing much about it, greed continues to rule in the case of chronic offender Jack DeCoster. And, oh, he abuses pigs too – so no ham either.  Are you interested in more eco-friendly, fair [...]

August 29, 2010

WARNING: This is a long blog. I hope you care enough about yourself and your family to read it til the end. Comments welcomed! There are some days when my head spins trying to figure out the real deal on a myriad of issues.  As I have stated before, I am not a scientist nor [...]

August 11, 2010

I was really touched by the number of comments I received about my last newsletter.  Thought I would post the basics for your reading pleasure AND to add the wonderful  comment from Amy K about her adorable, prescious Eloise. It was about our vacation last week with our grandchildren and our activites. Excerpts: Here are [...]

August 10, 2010

And here are some guidelines for that ever important bag:

August 6, 2010

Back to school time! Can it REALLY be here already? School supplies shopping with your kids can be challenging, so make it as fun & as green as you can!

August 5, 2010

On the journey to being green, there are a few hurdles to get past- like how to keep those stainless steel water bottles from getting too hot in the car?!

July 29, 2010

I love it when people care enough to educate me and hopefully members of the Mrs. Green community about issues I talk about whether it be on the radio or in the written word.  So thanks to Beth Gorman from the Department of Environmental Quality for the following information.  Beth is an amazing person and [...]

July 24, 2010

I am always thrilled to hear from people who are a part of Mrs. Green’s world.  When I received the following email  from Monet, I asker her if I could quote her.  “Quote away!” and so I shall.  Folks, this not just about safe, eco-friendly cosmetics. I believe it’s about saving lives and I believe [...]

July 12, 2010

My intention in writing this blog and probably every other one I have written is to simply encourage & invite people to ALWAYS live consciously – what you eat, how much electricity you use, what you put on your skin, what kind of car you drive – it all matters. Where to begin about this [...]

June 29, 2010

Disclaimer:  I am  NOT a scientist. I do as much research on any given topic I write about as time permits.  So I love it when people who read my newsletter and who have researched a particular subject care enough to share. My last newsletter referenced reverse osomis. Not a good choice according to the [...]

June 23, 2010

I really enjoy sharing stories about connecting the green dots. Here’s another one. Last week my printer broke. Loved that printer. And is there ever a good time for your printer to break? Enter the green stainability network:  In short, took the printer to a trusted locally owned business, Sasiadeks, for an assessment – fix or [...]

June 22, 2010

Ever wonder why I get manic about my facebook numbers? And why I stay up at times until 3:00 a.m. going down the research rabbit hole? Or why I write about things like I Love Blue Sea,  Function, my Honda Insight  and constantly remind people about supporting locally owned businesses?  And why I write a [...]

June 19, 2010

My friend Scott, owner of Legendary World, is truly an Apple, iPhone, iPad  addict.  He starts to become increasingly obssessed with getting the newest gizmo the closer it gets to release date (clearly hyperbole on my part!) Since we are good friends and constantly make jokes about “there’s an app for that” for just about anything [...]

June 16, 2010

Anyone who knows me knows that I can’t fake passion or enthusiasm or excitement.  I either have it or I don’t and am about as transparent as plastic wrap (bad analogy, I know.) So, I am excited about my Honda Insight. I am passionate about preservation of the planet, and am proud of my partnership [...]

June 5, 2010

I am getting ready to leave for Hawaii in about 2 hours.  I am up at 3:30  a.m. because I had a nightmare about the oil spill.  I grew up swimming in the ocean off the coast of New Jersey and to this day, I love to go back to visit.  There always seems to [...]

June 3, 2010

I admit that three years ago I had no clue what cradle to cradle meant.  Simply put, it is used to describe products that don’t end up “in the grave” but continue to be recycled in some form or fashion.  Taking a look at what purchases you make to see if they ARE cradle to [...]

June 2, 2010

Several weeks ago, my doorbell rang and there was Jeanette Packard from Ben’s Bells presenting me with a bell. To understand it, take the time out of your life to visit www.bensbellsorg.  The bell was awarded to me from my friend Larry Finuf from Wells Fargo. It was for Celebrate Kindness Day 2010.  The little [...]

May 31, 2010

Sustainability is a word that is probably over-used, misunderstood and even at times abused.  At the end of the day, whether you know exactly what it means or not, it call comes down to being responsible in all of our actions – and I mean all. Below is an example of one person who is [...]

May 29, 2010

When my newsletter about the oil spill came out yesterday, I received a very thoughtful & respectful reminder that I had missed an opporunity and indeed I had.  Phillip Greene, author of the book Running on Empty  reminded me of what is ostensibly THE single most important lesson we have the opportunity to learn from [...]

May 20, 2010

Last week while I was in LA, I met with a young man named Josh Simon.  He is the co-founder of a company called Function Drinks (www.functiondrinks.com) I met with him because I drink one Function Light Weight every day (a basic Function Freak) and I thank my friend Kimberly Clements every day for giving me [...]

May 6, 2010

I wish I could articulate how many changes I have made in my life and we have made in our home since the birth of Mrs. Green.  And did I mention the wonderful people I have met?  It’s all good and it’s all true.  But there are certain things I still struggle with – like [...]

May 4, 2010

The Daily Green has got to be one of my most favorite daily newsletters. Hot topics, timely topics, fun topics – it has it all.  Today’s edition prompted me to write about deodorants! How many people really stop and think that what they are putting on every day to smell good may be really bad [...]

April 30, 2010

I am quite certain people don’t sit around wondering what makes Mrs. Green tick. At least I hope they don’t.  And truth be told, I am not at all sure about just what that is either. But I can give you two great examples of what it’s like to be a part of a vibrant, [...]

April 27, 2010

When my friend Scott sent me the link below about women who changed the environmental movement forever, I had to pause for a moment – just a moment.  Like who?  Yes, most of us have heard of Jane Goodall – at least I hope so. And even though we might not recognize the name, many people [...]

April 22, 2010

I remember when Jacki from Bookmans (a sponsor) asked me if she could use some of my articles as a guest blog.  I was flattered and thrilled.  So why not pass that thrill on and invite some people to do the same on Mrs. Green’s blog?  And so I did!  Meet Martin Reed and his [...]

April 17, 2010

I am a self-professed fan of Wells Fargo and have been a customer for over 35 years – when it was called something like the First National Bank of Arizona (before acquistion and merger fever).  The reason why is a personal one – one of their officers took a chance on me when I really [...]

April 15, 2010

 Men – bear with me as I write a mostly chic blog.  But also please note that I see more and more men in my salon.  Granted, they are not getting their make-up done. The point of this blog, and hopefully all of my blogs, is to raise awareness about what’s healthy for all of us [...]

April 14, 2010

I am admittedly a cup half full person.  No news there.  On any given day I believe we can look for what’s wrong with the world and find lots or look for what’s right with the world and find even more.  Case in point: Verdant Earth Technologies.  You can’t see much on their website yet because [...]

April 12, 2010

First little green story:  Mr. Green discovers ants in the drive-way – lots of them. He goes to the store to do what he has always done – buy poison to kill them. He literally has an aha moment, puts the poison back on the shelf and comes home. He lets me know and asks [...]

April 7, 2010

Short answer?  They have to. Backstory: Albe Zakes from TerraCycle contacted me the other day.  He was a show guest on Mrs. Green a long time ago.  The TerraCycle story is a great one – young minds creating something from worm poop and making a successful business out it.  He wanted me to help spread [...]

April 1, 2010

For years I have been meeting people at Starbucks for both business and pleasure. Then I heard a guy named Michael Shuman speak.  Michael wrote The Small-Mart Revolution. It’s about how local businesses are beating the global competition.  Not only was he armed with facts, research and great stories, he busted myths like there was no [...]

April 1, 2010

I was thrilled last week when I got to meet with some of the Chapman Tucson management team to talk about going green from the inside out.  What did they want to do about recycling? Did they care about sustainability? What were their ideas about creating awareness on energy savings?  The outcome was better than [...]

March 25, 2010

When I received this email last night, I was honestly thrilled on so many levels it’s challenging to articulate.  First of all, she is RIGHT!  I did misspeak on my radio show.  How respectful and true the comment/feedback was.  It brought to mind what one of my guests, Mayor Dixon from Greensboro, Kansas, said on [...]

March 24, 2010

I was delighted when the April issue of National Geographic arrived today – a special issue – Water: Our Thirsty World.  I am admittedly boardline obsessed with what I believe to be our world’s most precious resource.  I was further thrilled when I read the Editor’s note about the National Geographic Society recently naming  its [...]

March 13, 2010

I love living in Mrs. Green’s world.  Just call me corny (now there’s an old-fashioned word) but I really do love living in Mrs. Green’s world.  Last night I had the joy of attending the Authors Dinner at the Tucson Festival of Books – thanks to Bookmans.  We were blessed to mingle with some of [...]

March 11, 2010

Received a great response to my March 5th newsletter re: get going, get green, get out of the house and do something!  Lee Allen writes: Five days, 500 miles, $500 dollars.  Allow yourself that amount of time and money and drive a 500 mile triangle…which direction is not important, but keep the daily trek to [...]

March 11, 2010

My friend John (from the Southern Arizona Green Chamber of Commerce) turned me on to a great daily publication: SmartBrief On Sustainability.  Lots of good, green stuff. But, alas!  The green conundrum continues. On 3/10/10, I read the following: A new generation of vending machines is ditching hydrofluorocarbons — potent greenhouse gases long used as [...]

March 11, 2010

It’s hard to keep up on all the exciting things happening on the sustainability front in Tucson.  The latest is the opening of a biodiesel manufacturing and refinining facility in Tucson. The following is an excerpt from the Pima Association of Governments Quarterly Newsletter.  The owners of EDG are true visionaries and are doing great things [...]

March 8, 2010

Got up this morning ready to rock.  Did some meditation, listened to the rain and gave thanks for my family, for the rain, for shelter, for warmth, for clean water, stretched and then got ready to blog.  Why?  Because there is always so much to share. So I read Seth Godin’s Blog and once again, felt [...]

March 6, 2010

What if more businesses decided to create more trade situations?  Example: Bookmans in Mesa, Arizona.  Not only do they have a cafe with great food (Mrs. Green has not tested it yet but stay tuned) and fair trade coffee, they accept trade-ins for food and drinks.  I think they may be the first cafe in [...]