Nature-based pre-schools and kindergartens, also called forest schools, are schools that use the outdoors as their primary classroom. Instead of sitting at desks, children might find themselves exploring a wooded area, identifying plants, or following the tracks of a small creature. It's a far cry from the traditional preschool setting, where indoor activities and play often reign supreme. The rising popularity of these outdoor-centric schools stems in part from an increasing awareness of 'nature deficit disorder', a term highlighting the lack of nature interaction in today's young generation, which can lead to a variety of health and cognitive issues. The U.S. saw the introduction of these forest schools at the start of the 21st century. Their numbers have been steadily growing, with many parents and educators seeing the value of such an immersive nature experience. As of 2021, their presence has significantly expanded across the nation.  As of 2020, there were 585 forest pre-schools or kindergartens in the U.S., according to the Natural Start Alliance's Report "Nature-Based Pre-Schools in the U.S. - 2020 Snapshot". States with the most forest schools were California (50), Washington (50), and Minnesota (40). The benefits are clear: nature-based pre-schools offer kids hands-on learning experiences, promote physical health, nurture mental well-being, and foster a lifelong bond with the environment. This article delves deeper into the world of nature-based education, showcasing how it's shaping a new generation of environmentally-conscious individuals. Nature-Deficit Disorder: Symptoms of a Disconnect to Nature In our modern, rapidly evolving digital landscape, an unexpected phenomenon has emerged—where our increased connectivity to screens and devices has led to a pronounced disconnect from the natural world. This phenomenon is aptly coined as "Nature-Deficit Disorder" (NDD). The term "Nature-Deficit Disorder" was popularized by American author Richard Louv in his 2005 book "Last Child in the Woods." It's […]

The post Nature’s Curriculum: How Outdoor Forest Schools are Changing Education appeared first on Republic of Green.

Plastic, a revolutionary invention of the 20th century, has permeated nearly every aspect of our lives. Its versatility and durability made it the go-to material for a wide range of applications, from packaging to construction. However, the widespread use of plastic has also led to a monumental environmental crisis: plastic pollution. To give you a comprehensive overview of the plastic pollution issue, we will explore the history of plastic, delve into the sources of plastic pollution; examine the impact of plastic waste on the environment and health of humans and wildlife, and we’ll highlight who is doing what to tackle this urgent global issue. Read on to learn about the following: The History of Plastic The Lifecycle of Plastic: How Plastic Gets Made, Recycled, and Disposed Of What are the issues with associated with creating plastic? What are the issues associated with disposing of plastic? Environmental Economic Political What are the challenges associated with recycling plastic? Who and What are the Major Sources of Plastic Pollution? Which countries generate the most plastic pollution? Industries & Consumers: Supply & Demand in an Ongoing Cycle of Plastic Waste Industrial Sources of Plastic Waste Consumer Sources of Plastic Waste How Does Plastic Waste Move Around the World? Environmental & Health Impacts of the Plastic Pollution Impact on Wildlife Impact on Humans Impact on the Environment Who is Doing What in the Fight Against Plastic Pollution? What Are Environmental Nonprofits Doing to Fight Plastic Pollution? What are Governments Doing to Fight Plastic Pollution? What are Businesses Doing to Help to Fight Plastic Pollution? What Are Individuals Doing to Fight Plastic Pollution? Looking Ahead: Charting a Cleaner Future The History of Plastic Plastic was first invented in the early 20th century and gained popularity due to its lightweight, moldability, and cost-effectiveness. It was initially intended […]

The post Plastic Pollution: A Global Crisis appeared first on Republic of Green.

Nestled in the echelons of the natural personal care products industry, Burt's Bees is a company that weaves product purity, sustainability, and a respect for nature into its DNA. This US-based behemoth has created a substantial legacy, embodying an environmental consciousness that is not just impressive but inspirational. This article delves into the journey of Burt's Bees, underlining its remarkable commitment to product purity, unwavering focus on sustainability, and its deserving recognition as an environmental business leader. History of Burt's Bees The origin story of Burt's Bees is the epitome of an American entrepreneurial dream. It started with Burt Shavitz, a beekeeper in Maine, and Roxanne Quimby, a resourceful artist. Their partnership, born out of chance, morphed into a venture that crafted candles from beeswax. The business soon diversified into personal care products, starting with the now-iconic lip balm. Since its humble beginnings, Burt's Bees has blossomed into a global brand, renowned for its diverse line of personal care products. Despite this growth, the company has remained loyal to its origins, ensuring its products continue to embody the natural goodness that first spurred its inception. Product Purity at Burt's Bees Burt's Bees' portfolio spans skincare, lip care, body care, and hair care products. Each product is a testament to the company's dedication to natural ingredients, symbolizing a marriage of nature's best offerings and human ingenuity. The commitment to natural ingredients is not just a philosophy for Burt's Bees, it's a promise. The company prides itself on using ingredients that work with your body, not against it. This means meticulously selecting ingredients from nature, without parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, or SLS. Burt's Bees' quality control and standards are designed to preserve the purity of its products. The company goes to great lengths to ensure its products adhere to strict guidelines. This commitment […]

The post Burt’s Bees: A Leader in the Sustainable Personal Care Industry appeared first on Republic of Green.

Amid the clamor for sustainable change, 350.org emerges as a forerunner in the global crusade against climate change. Founded with a unique mission, this nonprofit has garnered significant attention. This article explores the multifaceted world of 350.org, detailing its history, operations, revenue streams, and volunteer involvement. History of 350.org 350.org was birthed in 2008 out of the vision of environmental writer Bill McKibben and several of his Middlebury College students. The organization's name mirrors its ultimate goal: to reduce the level of CO2 in the Earth's atmosphere to the safe threshold of 350 parts per million. A primary catalyst for its creation was the alarming rise in CO2 levels, underpinned by scientific research revealing that levels above 350 ppm would be detrimental to life as we know it. With a focus on driving policy change and promoting sustainable practices, the organization quickly gained traction. Since its inception, 350.org has grown into a global movement, marking several significant milestones. Notably, in 2009, the organization coordinated the 'Global Day of Action,' which involved synchronized climate demonstrations in over 180 countries. This event remains one of the largest coordinated global rallies of its kind to date. What 350.org Does 350.org exists to combat climate change by reducing atmospheric CO2 to safe levels. It orchestrates a worldwide network to lobby for policy change, drive personal action, and alter public perception regarding the climate crisis. The organization is behind several high-profile campaigns. One such campaign, known as "Fossil Free," advocates for the divestment from fossil fuels and has played a significant role in prompting many institutions to reassess their environmental impact. Another noteworthy campaign, "Rise for Climate," coordinated a global demonstration advocating for renewable energy solutions. The tangible impact of these campaigns is reflected in the changing environmental policies and heightened public awareness around the […]

The post Nonprofit Profile: 350.org: Leading the Global Charge Against Climate Change appeared first on Republic of Green.

Climate change is the defining issue of our time and we are at a critical moment. From shifting weather patterns that threaten food production to rising sea levels that increase the risk of catastrophic flooding, the impacts of climate change are global in scope and unprecedented in scale. To ignore this pressing issue is to disregard the lives of future generations and the health of our planet. What is Climate Change? Definition of Climate Change Climate change refers to a broad range of changes that are happening to our planet. These changes include everything from rising average temperatures (global warming), to changes in precipitation patterns, more frequent and severe extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and more. These changes are largely driven by human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas, and deforestation. Natural phenomena such as volcanic eruptions and variations in solar radiation can influence climate, but scientific evidence indicates that human activities are primarily responsible for the rapid climate change observed in recent history. The release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere by human activities like burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes is causing our planet to warm at an alarming rate. Impact of Climate Change The impacts of climate change are vast, affecting both natural ecosystems and human societies in profound ways. Its influence is felt from the icy expanses of the polar regions to the warm, vibrant tropics, and from lofty mountain peaks to the depths of our oceans. This diversity of impacts reflects the omnipresence of our climate system, and the fact that changes to this system can reverberate across all aspects of life on Earth. Firstly, climate change disrupts ecosystems and biodiversity, fundamentally altering the natural world. Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns can push plant and animal […]

The post Climate Change and the Imperative for a Sustainable Lifestyle appeared first on Republic of Green.

If you've been looking for ways to make your financial life cleaner and greener, one simple thing you can do is switch to using green credit cards and debit cards to make your purchases. Credit cards that support the environment are issued by financial institutions that show some type of commitment to fight climate change and protect the environment. What is a green credit card? There are several ways that climate-conscious banks provide eco-friendly credit cards that differ from traditional credit cards. Some banks buy carbon offsets in projects such as tree planting or renewable energy projects to offset the carbon emissions associated with your purchase. Or they may offer cash back through a green rewards charge card when you make eligible purchases from sustainable businesses. Other banks offer green affiliate cards that donate a percentage of your monthly bill to environmental nonprofits. Finally, though less impactful, some banks issue eco-friendly cards made of recycled plastic. (1) At first thought, it may seem inconsequential to lower your carbon footprint simply by using a socially responsible credit card. However, the power of your purchasing method becomes more obvious when you factor in that there are approximately 549,870,000 credit cards in the U.S., with a total credit card debt of $887 billion(2) and 108 million credit cards transactions being made every day(3). All of those purchases add up to making a difference when even a small amount goes toward supporting the environment. How green is your bank? Another factor to consider when greening your financial relationships is to understand where your bank invests its holdings - in climate-conscious companies or in fossil fuel-related corporations. Over the past six years, fully 25% of fossil-fuel financing has been done by four big banks: J.P Morgan Chase, Citi, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America. (1) […]

The post Best green credit cards and eco-friendly debit cards appeared first on Republic of Green.

If you are looking for an impactful way to help fight climate change, one of the easiest and best things you can do is to get involved with an environmental nonprofit that is working on climate change issues. They will be up to speed on the top priorities and will have organized projects where you can quickly jump in and start contributing to the effort in ways large or small. Climate change is the biggest global challenge facing us today. It brings with it the threat of displacement due to rising seas, the collapse of ecosystems (which threaten species extinction as well as our food and water supplies), and severe weather like the increasingly frequent wildfires and floods that have resulted in people losing their homes and businesses. The cost of all of this - not only economically, but psychologically and emotionally - is enormous. If there is good news here, it is that there are a LOT of really good, smart, and caring people (scientists, engineers, policymakers, educators, activists and others) who are pouring their energy into sounding the alarm and coming up with solutions that can make a difference, before it is too late. The urgency of the climate crisis has many regular people looking for a way to get involved as well, beyond recycling and doing what they can at home. Volunteering is a great way to gain in-depth knowledge about environmental challenges and what actions actually have an impact. It is also a great way to build your skills and make new friends who share your passion for the environment. Some nonprofits provide in-depth training to help everyday people become climate leaders in their communities. If you don't have time for volunteering, but still want to contribute, find a nonprofit that is taking an approach you […]

The post Top Environmental Nonprofits Fighting Climate Change & How to Get Involved! appeared first on Republic of Green.

From recycled fabrics to ethical labor practices, many brands are embracing sustainable practices to make clothing to fit any style, for any occasion. But with so many sustainable clothing options out there (and so many sustainable marketing claims), it can be hard to know where to start when you're building an eco-friendly closet. What better place to begin than with the essentials? In this guide, we'll review nine brands that offer sustainable basics, from organic cotton t-shirts and jeans, to underwear and sneakers. By shopping for eco-friendly basics, you can feel good knowing that your clothing essentials are good for people and the planet.  Jump straight to our brand picks, or keep reading to learn about our methodology for picking the most sustainable brands for your basics wardrobe. What Are Sustainable Clothing Essentials? While many of our favorite clothing items may be a flashier "statement piece," it's the clothing basics that make up the bulk of our closets -- and that we wear time and time again. These basics include: T-shirts Jeans Sweatpants and loungewear Pajamas Underwear, socks, and bras Sneakers By investing in solid, sustainable basics, you can begin building your eco-friendly closet from a strong foundation. Investing in sustainable basics has the biggest environmental impact because it makes up the largest percentage of what you wear -- and therefore is the biggest part of your "fashion footprint."  Not only are these basic clothing items timeless (meaning you'll need to buy fewer over the years), but they are available from several brands whose main focus is creating clothing that has a lower environmental impact. Win-win! Before we get into our sustainable brand picks, though, it's important to review what we mean by sustainable. Here are a few factors we took into consideration when picking the best brands for sustainable […]

The post 9 Sustainable Clothing Essentials to Build Your Eco-Friendly Closet appeared first on Republic of Green.

Looking for that perfect vegan coat or jacket that’s ethical, sustainable, well-made, warm, and is actually stylish? Good news! They exist! We've scoured the web and after searching high and low, and digging into all of the sustainability details, we came up with some excellent picks. So, whether you're running around town or hiking in the snow, you'll have some excellent options for keeping warm and feeling great, knowing that your outerwear is both animal-friendly, planet-friendly, and looks good on you... Keep reading to learn how we made our selections, or jump straight to our picks. Our Criteria: How We Selected the Best Vegan Jackets We selected our top picks for vegan coats with the strictest of criteria. We went beyond what the brands say on their websites, and dug into their supply chains and manufacturing processes to ensure adherence with the highest standards of sustainability and ethics. Here’s what we looked for: 100% Vegan All coats on this list are made entirely without animal products, and are animal-cruelty free. Sustainable Practices All of these brands rely on sustainable, vegan materials. Many vegan coats are made using synthetic fabrics like polyester, which is made from fossil fuels. While natural materials like organic cotton are ultimately the most sustainable, unfortunately, these materials aren’t particularly warm, and don’t provide the insulation or durability we need in a winter coat. Instead, many of the sustainable jackets featured below are made using more eco-friendly versions of synthetic fabrics. For example, you’ll see a few coats made from Tencel Lyocell, a type of polyester alternative made from wood pulp. Some sustainable coats are also made from Econyl, a type of nylon fabric made from recycled plastic waste. We also feature leathers and faux fur made from plants! Ethical Practices An ethical company not only ensures […]

The post 9 Best Vegan Coats & Jackets for 2023 appeared first on Republic of Green.

The fashion industry is responsible for an astounding 10% of global carbon emissions. According to environmental news and data platform Earth.org, the fashion and clothing industry is using up resources faster than ever and filling up landfills around the world. Sample this: about 100 billion garments are produced each year, and out of these as much as 92 million tons end up in landfills. (1) To counter the problem of waste in fashion, reusing resources and finding value throughout the product life cycle has become crucial. Even though recycling has been a part of the conversation in fashion for a long time, it is only in the last few years that it has extended to include efforts to regenerate ecosystems and support local communities. This is where the circular economy comes in. What is a circular economy? Circular economy is not an entirely new concept. In fact, it is exactly how nature intended things to be -- nothing gets wasted. It is the same principle that needs to be applied to fashion and other industries in order to fight waste, discourage copious consumption and the resulting climate crisis. According to MOTIF, "A circular fashion industry is defined as a regenerative system in which garments are circulated for as long as their maximum value is retained, and then returned safely to the biosphere when they are no longer of use." On a broader level, according to the Ellen McArthur Foundation, which is working towards accelerating the transition to a circular economy, the concept implies a "systems solution framework that tackles global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution". The organization says a circular economy rests upon three principles: eliminating waste and pollution, re-circulating products and materials, and regenerating nature. The good news is there are multiple brands, startups, and organizations […]

The post Sustainable Fashion: 17 innovative companies promoting a circular economy appeared first on Republic of Green.

If you've been putting off making the switch to a more sustainable lifestyle that's plastic-free and eco-friendly, now is the best time to start! And having a zero-waste kitchen may just give you the motivation to do the same for the rest of your home. You'll love having a sustainable kitchen, so let's dive right in with some products that will help you transform it. Plastic and single-use items often end up in landfills. They pollute the ground and groundwater, harm the environment, and are hazardous to animals and people. We tend to think recycling is the key, but so much of what we recycle also ends up at the dump. Switching to no-plastic, zero-waste, and compostable products is great for the environment and everyone and everything in it. When you do your part to use products that are gentle on the environment, you'll feel good, and it's not even hard to do! Here are some easy ways to get started. Note: Republic of Green researches and reviews green products that we hope you will love! As an Amazon Associate, Republic of Green may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases if you click through to purchase something on Amazon. There is no additional cost to you and it helps us to keep bringing you good content. Thank you for supporting Republic of Green! 1. Reusable Storage & Freezer Bags Why end up with a lot of plastic waste when you can use reusable storage and freezer bags instead? These bags by KITHELP made out of food-grade materials and they're BPA and PVC-free! You won't need to worry about any leaking, and cleaning is a breeze. They're see-through, making it easy to identify what's inside, and they even work well for storing other items, like jewelry and makeup. They'll quickly […]

The post 20 Easy Swaps for a Plastic-Free, Zero-Waste Kitchen appeared first on Republic of Green.

Want to wash your luscious locks with a highly rated shampoo that is kind to animals, the planet and you? We are here for you! We have compiled a list of eight vegan, cruelty-free shampoos that are also EWG Verified, meaning they are free from any concerning ingredients. These popular shampoos will keep you and your hair healthy and looking great! We did MANY hours of research to comb through the hundreds of shampoos out there to find ones that meet our criteria and we learned a LOT in the process. For example, we were personally shocked to learn that being vegan does not necessarily mean cruelty-free or natural. A vegan shampoo can still be tested on animals or contain harmful chemicals. Yikes! So it is important to go beyond the green-washing and dig into the details, which we did. If you like, you can click here to jump straight to our shampoo recommendations.  Or, if you would like to learn more about the harmful ingredients that are lurking in your conventional shampoos and their possible health impacts, as well as the criteria we used to pick our recommended vegan, cruelty-free shampoos that are clean and kind, then keep reading! Note: Republic of Green researches and reviews green products that we hope you will love! As an Amazon Associate, Republic of Green may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases if you click through to purchase something on Amazon. There is no additional cost to you and it helps us to keep bringing you good content. Thank you for supporting Republic of Green! Our Methodology for Selecting Recommended Shampoos Here are the four criteria we used in selecting our recommended vegan, cruelty-free, EWG verified shampoos: 1. Shampoos that are Vegan The first criterion was to pick vegan shampoos. A vegan […]

The post 8 Best Vegan & Cruelty-Free Shampoos that are EWG Verified appeared first on Republic of Green.

With the holidays coming up, blenders make incredible gifts. They’re super convenient, and can be used to make a variety of delicious smoothies! Smoothies not only make delicious snacks but also serve as great meal alternatives, with just added protein or oats. Perhaps you’re already thinking about your new year's resolutions for 2023? Well, consider gifting yourself a blender this year. It’s a kitchen tool that will help you kickstart your health goals for the new year. You may be wondering – which blender should I buy? Keep reading this article for more information about all the best blenders for smoothies, whether full-size or personal travel size. Note: Republic of Green researches and reviews green products that we hope you will love! As an Amazon Associate, Republic of Green may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases if you click through to purchase something on Amazon. There is no additional cost to you and it helps us to keep bringing you good content. Prices were current at time of publishing. Thank you for supporting Republic of Green! 1. Ninja Professional Blender 1000 The Ninja Professional Blender 1000 blender stands the test of time and is one of the most popular blenders on the market. The Ninja Professional Blender costs between $70-$120. It is extremely easy to assemble and you know how essential that is if you lead a busy lifestyle! The pitcher itself is large, holding up to 72 oz or 2 liters, and the measurement markings help you add just the right amount of each ingredient. When you open the box, you’ll find a recipe book, however, you can also find many Ninja blender recipes online. A blender newbie? Not to worry, this blender is highly user-friendly; there are 5 main functions: Power, Pulse, Low, Medium, and High, and […]

The post 8 Best Blenders for Smoothies in 2023 appeared first on Republic of Green.

You may already be familiar with the benefits of using water filters for cleaner, healthier drinking water. But did you know those same benefits apply to using shower filters? One needs to remember that the skin is the largest organ in your body and when we take a hot, steamy shower, our skin literally soaks up a huge amount of the toxins in the water. And bear in mind that most tap water does contain chemicals and other contaminants. Of serious concern, studies show that there are negative health impacts related to the chemicals in our tap water, ranging from mild irritation to significant health issues, including cancer. Among them, an excess of calcium and magnesium (the most common culprits in tap water) can also have a negative effect on hair strength and skin regeneration. So, if you aren't comfortable drinking water straight out of your tap, you probably don't want your skin to be soaking up all that unfiltered water either. The good news is that good shower filters can remove a significant amount of the contaminants in your water, making your shower not only enjoyable, but safe for you too. Now, there are plenty of shower filters out there to choose from, but as we are about to find out, only a handful can be relied on to completely filter our tap water of everything that might cause us harm in the long run. In this article, we will cover: Common toxins found in tap water and associated health risks Benefits of using a shower filter Types of shower filters and what to look for Our recommendations for best shower filters Note: Republic of Green researches and reviews green products that we hope you will love! As an Amazon Associate, Republic of Green may earn a small commission […]

The post Best Shower Filters in 2023 – A Comprehensive Guide appeared first on Republic of Green.

While there are many fad diets to choose from these days that may come and go, one healthy diet that has stood the test of time is a plant-based diet. Plant-based diets - whether "mostly plants", vegan, or vegetarian - are held in high regard by many dietitians, nutritionists, and medical practitioners around the world for their ability to support good health, reduce ailments, and even reverse disease. Not to mention, plant-based diets are also better for animals and the environment! For health reasons and helping the planet, many more people are moving toward implementing a diet that is plant-focused. In fact, plant-based food sales are expected to increase five-fold by 2030 according to the Bloomberg Intelligence Report. As a result, there are increasingly more vegan and vegetarian options available - in grocery stores, restaurants, and, thankfully, in meal delivery services! If you'd like to introduce more plant foods to your diet, but aren't sure where to start, or if your schedule gets in the way of grocery shopping, meal planning, and cooking, a meal delivery service with vegetarian and vegan options can be a great way to try out a cleaner, greener diet with support and convenience. However, choosing a good service is a project in itself. That's where we come in. To help you in this endeavor, we have done some careful research to compile a list of the best plant-based meal kit delivery services along with some helpful notes on why people like them so much. Check it out! What to Look For in a Plant-Based Meal Delivery Service Finding the right plant-based meal delivery service to suit your specific needs for nutritious meals involves considering a number of factors. Below are some considerations to keep in mind when comparing services. When looking at the different companies, […]

The post Best Plant-Based Meal Delivery Services in 2023 appeared first on Republic of Green.

While there are many fad diets to choose from these days that may come and go, one healthy diet that has stood the test of time is a plant-based diet. Plant-based diets - whether "mostly plants", vegan, or vegetarian - are held in high regard by many dietitians, nutritionists, and medical practitioners around the world for their ability to support good health, reduce ailments, and even reverse disease. Not to mention, plant-based diets are also better for animals and the environment! For health reasons and helping the planet, many more people are moving toward implementing a diet that is plant-focused. In fact, plant-based food sales are expected to increase five-fold by 2030 according to the Bloomberg Intelligence Report. As a result, there are increasingly more vegan and vegetarian options available - in grocery stores, restaurants, and, thankfully, in meal delivery services! If you'd like to introduce more plant foods to your diet, but aren't sure where to start, or if your schedule gets in the way of grocery shopping, meal planning, and cooking, a meal delivery service with vegetarian and vegan options can be a great way to try out a cleaner, greener diet with support and convenience. However, choosing a good service is a project in itself. That's where we come in. To help you in this endeavor, we have done some careful research to compile a list of the best plant-based meal kit delivery services along with some helpful notes on why people like them so much. Check it out! What to Look For in a Plant-Based Meal Delivery Service Finding the right plant-based meal delivery service to suit your specific needs for nutritious meals involves considering a number of factors. Below are some considerations to keep in mind when comparing services. When looking at the different companies, […]

The post Best Plant-Based Meal Delivery Services in 2023 appeared first on Republic of Green.

You may already be familiar with the benefits of using water filters for cleaner, healthier drinking water. But did you know those same benefits apply to using shower filters? One needs to remember that the skin is the largest organ in your body and when we take a hot, steamy shower, our skin literally soaks up a huge amount of the toxins in the water. And bear in mind that most tap water does contain chemicals and other contaminants. Of serious concern, studies show that there are negative health impacts related to the chemicals in our tap water, ranging from mild irritation to significant health issues, including cancer. Among them, an excess of calcium and magnesium (the most common culprits in tap water) can also have a negative effect on hair strength and skin regeneration. So, if you aren't comfortable drinking water straight out of your tap, you probably don't want your skin to be soaking up all that unfiltered water either. The good news is that good shower filters can remove a significant amount of the contaminants in your water, making your shower not only enjoyable, but safe for you too. Now, there are plenty of shower filters out there to choose from, but as we are about to find out, only a handful can be relied on to completely filter our tap water of everything that might cause us harm in the long run. In this article, we will cover: Common toxins found in tap water and associated health risks Benefits of using a shower filter Types of shower filters and what to look for Our recommendations for best shower filters Note: Republic of Green researches and reviews green products that we hope you will love! As an Amazon Associate, Republic of Green may earn a small commission […]

The post Best Shower Filters in 2023 – A Comprehensive Guide appeared first on Republic of Green.

So many of us struggle with minor physical ailments or even chronic diseases and spend thousands of dollars every year on supplements and medications to try to feel better. Unfortunately, there is usually no easy "cure-all" pill to solve health issues. The good news is that many of our ailments are caused by a state of chronic inflammation in the body that is caused by a poor diet, and diet is something that we can change. The problem is that the Standard American Diet (SAD) that many of us regularly consume contains unhealthy amounts of sugar, refined carbohydrates, saturated fat, and sodium. Think processed meat, refined grains, snack foods, sodas, fried food. This diet results in higher acidity in the body, which results in inflammation. Chronic inflammation and an acidic body create a fertile ground for disease to take hold. That is scary! On the flip side, it has been shown that an alkaline body state can help keep disease away and even reverse disease. While it may take some effort and changing habits, by moving toward a healthy, anti-inflammatory diet, you can transition your body into an alkaline state rather than an acidic one and begin your journey to vibrant health. In this article, we cover the health benefits of moving to an anti-inflammatory diet, tips on which foods to eat and foods to avoid, and popular diet plans that will help you get started with this important lifestyle change. What is Chronic Inflammation? Inflammation is defined as an immune system response to an injury, bacteria, toxin, or virus. It's your body's way of responding to protect itself, so in a sense, inflammation can be a good thing. Chronic inflammation is very different however. It results in your body being in a constant high state of alert. This can […]

The post Top 10 Benefits of an Anti-Inflammatory Diet & Tips to Get Started appeared first on Republic of Green.

If you've been putting off making the switch to a more sustainable lifestyle that's plastic-free and eco-friendly, now is the best time to start! And having a zero-waste kitchen may just give you the motivation to do the same for the rest of your home. You'll love having a sustainable kitchen, so let's dive right in with some products that will help you transform it. Plastic and single-use items often end up in landfills. They pollute the ground and groundwater, harm the environment, and are hazardous to animals and people. We tend to think recycling is the key, but so much of what we recycle also ends up at the dump. Switching to no-plastic, zero-waste, and compostable products is great for the environment and everyone and everything in it. When you do your part to use products that are gentle on the environment, you'll feel good, and it's not even hard to do! Here are some easy ways to get started. Note: Republic of Green researches and reviews green products that we hope you will love! As an Amazon Associate, Republic of Green may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases if you click through to purchase something on Amazon. There is no additional cost to you and it helps us to keep bringing you good content. Thank you for supporting Republic of Green! 1. Reusable Storage & Freezer Bags Why end up with a lot of plastic waste when you can use reusable storage and freezer bags instead? These bags by KITHELP made out of food-grade materials and they're BPA and PVC-free! You won't need to worry about any leaking, and cleaning is a breeze. They're see-through, making it easy to identify what's inside, and they even work well for storing other items, like jewelry and makeup. They'll quickly […]

The post 20 Easy Swaps for a Plastic-Free, Zero-Waste Kitchen appeared first on Republic of Green.

Want to wash your luscious locks with a highly rated shampoo that is kind to animals, the planet and you? We are here for you! We have compiled a list of eight vegan, cruelty-free shampoos that are also EWG Verified, meaning they are free from any concerning ingredients. These popular shampoos will keep you and your hair healthy and looking great! We did MANY hours of research to comb through the hundreds of shampoos out there to find ones that meet our criteria and we learned a LOT in the process. For example, we were personally shocked to learn that being vegan does not necessarily mean cruelty-free or natural. A vegan shampoo can still be tested on animals or contain harmful chemicals. Yikes! So it is important to go beyond the green-washing and dig into the details, which we did. If you like, you can click here to jump straight to our shampoo recommendations.  Or, if you would like to learn more about the harmful ingredients that are lurking in your conventional shampoos and their possible health impacts, as well as the criteria we used to pick our recommended vegan, cruelty-free shampoos that are clean and kind, then keep reading! Note: Republic of Green researches and reviews green products that we hope you will love! As an Amazon Associate, Republic of Green may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases if you click through to purchase something on Amazon. There is no additional cost to you and it helps us to keep bringing you good content. Thank you for supporting Republic of Green! Our Methodology for Selecting Recommended Shampoos Here are the four criteria we used in selecting our recommended vegan, cruelty-free, EWG verified shampoos: 1. Shampoos that are Vegan The first criterion was to pick vegan shampoos. A vegan […]

The post 8 Best Vegan & Cruelty-Free Shampoos that are EWG Verified appeared first on Republic of Green.