While most of us probably make resolutions on January 1st, it’s never too late for a fresh start. Really, there’s no better time than now to start living a healthier, more sustainable life. I had a chance to check out the Green Living Show this year to see what steps I could take to make a difference.
{Green Living Show 2017}
There was a lot to see at the Green Living Show this year. It took place that Metro Toronto Convention Centre and over 350 companies came out to show us how to go green in 2017. For those of you who may not have heard of this before, the Green Living Show is Canada’s largest consumer show dedicated to healthy and sustainable living. There were booths that addressed:
- Innovation in emerging eco-friendly technologies
- Living an active lifestyle
- Electric driving (you could even test drive a hybrid!), and of course,
- Fashion and beauty that’s both good for you and good for the environment!
Living a Green Lifestyle
Some of my favourite booths included one for something called the Nutri Tower, where you can grow your own fruits and vegetables in a self-sustaining environment in your own home! It’s too big to fit in my condo, but would be great for those who have the space indoors, but not out.
I also bought a beeswax-based conditioner from Leather Better to protect all of my leather. Granted, I don’t own much leather, but you can also use it in your car and on vinyl to waterproof, protect, and make your products look like new. There was lots of great food to eat, including an alfredo sauce that’s made from cashews! There was even a foldable bike that would be perfect for traveling through the city.
Green Beauty Brands
There were a lot beauty brands out there, which is great since that means that more and more companies are realizing that going green is not only better for the environment, but it’s better for the person using the products. Here were some of my favourite booths:
RAH
RAH is a Toronto-based company that offers natural thickening shampoo and conditioner as well as a cleanser and toner. The key ingredient that makes your hair feel thicker is hydrolyzed rice protein. It’s a vegetable protein that has been reported to increase volume by up to 32% while adding natural shine. It also contains black seed oil, which is great for soothing irritated skin, leaving your scalp moisturized and flake-free. I definitely noticed a difference after just one wash! The smell is also mild and minty, which is great for my husband, so also loves using this stuff!
The cleanser contains tea tree oil, witch hazel, rosehip oil, and Kosher vegetable glycerine. In combination, this anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory cleanser is gentle on your skin and keeps your face moisturized and protected from the sun (but don’t forget your sunscreen!).
Finally, the toner has a beautiful rose scent and its primary ingredient is witch hazel, so it keeps your pores looking smaller while keeping your skin feeling tight and clean. I use the cleanser at night following a moisturizer, so in the morning, I just need to splash some water and then apply this toner with a cotton pad before applying sunscreen and heading out the door.
Check out their website and place an order today – it’s free shipping throughout the city!
FitGlow
I’ve written about FitGlow before, so I wanted to see what’s new with this local brand. Their latest collection is just perfect for me – it targets those who are dealing with both wrinkles and acne (the worst of both worlds)! The new Age Clear collection contains a cleanser, serum pads, and a moisturizer. All three come in a travel kit, which is perfect for my upcoming summer trips. The cleanser is gentle, the pads are a fantastic way to both physically exfoliate and get just the right amount of serum on your face, and the moisturizer is non-greasy. All three work to reduce blemishes while reducing irritation and keeping your skin as hydrated as possible. What more could you ask for?!
Oko Creations
I feel bad whenever I use a makeup remover cloth and throw it out. All of that waste really adds up. That’s why I was glad to find Oko Creations’ makeup remover pads. This organic cotton washable alternative ensures that I don’t add more to my trash bin and they work really well! Oko Creations also makes other environmentally-friendly options for you and your baby, so be sure to check them out!
BEE23
Bee23 Natural Beauty is a small-batch brand that has been generating some great buzz (pun intended) with their Hotty Balm. This moisturizing balm comes in a few different varieties (for mature to dry skin, normal to oily, and even one for dogs!) and is an all-natural way to keep your skin soft and protected from the elements. Made from beeswax, this isn’t vegan, but is cruelty-free, and keeps your skin feeling and smelling great.