My friend Cindy calls her veracious earth-conscious friends eco warriors.

But I think all of us can become eco warriors with not much effort at all. Just a few changes outta do it. That, and some excellent products that make it easy peasy! And I'm doing it in small parts so that you don't feel overwhelmed by it all.

So join me in becoming a better eco citizen, or as Cindy says, an eco warrior.

Warmest wishes,

Stephanie

Stephanie Dickison
Publisher & Editor - the knack

1. Stop Getting Plastic Bags When Shopping

This is a good and easy one, but you have to get bags that are small enough to put inside your purse or pocket or easy to grab a bunch from the car. If they are on hand, you'll use them.

So get a ChicoBag - it's a reusable shopping bag with integrated stuff sack that holds up to 20 pounds (woo woo!) and is made of strong and washable nylon. It even comes with a hook that you can clip to your keychain, belt or bag!

They are only $5 each and come in a variety of colours (I got fuchsia and get many compliments on my chic bag!) . So load up and get a whack of them to keep at home, in the car and at work. You'll never be without them and you'll be reducing your own plastic bag usage from 300-700 bags a year.

See, wasn't that easy?

2. Stop Using J-Cloths

Using a cloth that you just throw away and does not biodegrade is not cool. And you want to reduce using paper towels as well. But how do you do all of that in one cloth?

The SKOY cloth is my new favourite earth-friendly cloth.

it is 100% biodegradable, and one cloth saves 15 rolls of paper towels! It is very absorbent, completely reusable, and get this - machine washable and dish washer/dryer safe!

The cloth is made from a natural cotton and wood-pulp cellulose, which means it's non-toxic and chlorine-free. It dries quickly so it's not susceptible to bacteria like most sponges.

It's also pretty - it has a drawing of a flower on it and the cloth comes in a variety of colours.

Why would you use anything else?

3. Stop Using Harmful Cleaners

I really love Eucalan No Rinse Delicate Wash.

It cleans your clothes without harming the planet. It is:

non-toxic
biodegradable
phosphate free
petro-chemical free
an eco-friendly alternative to dry cleaning
time, water and energy efficient

This delicate laundry soap doesn't require rinsing. So you can wash your bras, panties, slips, let 'em soak for at least 15 minutes, and then wring and hang to dry.

Isn't that great?! Haven't you been waiting for something like this your whole life?

Not only is this is a fantastic solution for traveling, camping or needing to wash something quickly while on the go, but I washed manmade material purses and a beautiful tweed fedora that although it had never been work, it had been hanging out in a vintage shop for a long time (and carried with it a rather musty, dusty smell). I also did my bras, lingerie and a few light, summer dresses.

I like the fact that essentials oils are used instead of harsh chemicals, alcohol or perfumes, and that the fragrance is very delicate so you don't have to worry about your clothes smelling like Joan Collins.

It comes in eucalyptus, lavender, grapefruit and natural.

This is one of those items that once you find, you hold onto dearly. It is now as much a part of my closet as my wide black belts, candy-coloured necklaces and long, soft sweater ready to slip into for fall.