Tag Archives: green

How To Nail Sustainability In Your Content Strategy

Standard
How To Nail Sustainability In Your Content Strategy

If you want to grow your business, properly market yourself, do digital marketing the right way, and obtain more visibility, you need to do it the green way! Yes, sustainability sells. It’s the word that makes people feel good about buying shampoo, booking a hotel, or choosing one café over another. But here’s the thing that you have to keep in mind: the internet is full of brands throwing around the word “green” like confetti, and people are catching on fast.

So, how do you create content that sounds real, honest, and makes people trust you’re not just hopping on the trend? Well, it’s actually pretty easy, it’s about dropping the buzzwords and getting a little more human about it all:

People don’t just want to hear that a business cares, they want to see receipts. The behind-the-scenes stuff. The proof that there’s actual work going on, not just a photo shoot next to a tree. Content should be showing real actions. Maybe the company switched to compostable packaging. Maybe it ditched overseas suppliers to work with a local factory, instead. Perhaps the materials your company uses like newsprint paper sheets and rolls are one hundred percent recycled. Whatever it is, talking about the “how” is way more powerful than just claiming to care.

Trying to sound like your company has got sustainability totally sorted makes people suspicious because no business has it all figured out. Consumers love a bit of honesty. Just saying, “We’re working on reducing waste, but still figuring out how to fix our packaging” is way more trustworthy than pretending every part of the supply chain runs on magic and sunshine. People relate to the journey. Show them the progress and even the mess-ups along the way, it’s far more engaging than pretending to have everything wrapped up in a neat little eco-bow.

Terms like “carbon offsetting,” “zero-waste,” and “circular economy” get thrown around constantly. If used well, they show the brand knows its stuff. Used badly? They sound like buzzword soup. But what’s the fix? Make it understandable. No one wants to feel like they’re reading a textbook. Just explain how switching to a circular model cuts down on waste, or how “carbon neutral” actually plays out in everyday business. Ideally, just keep it real, keep it simple, and stop the eyes from glazing over as soon as they see “going green”. It can be beneficial to look into a waste management glossary since this can help a lot for double-checking that these words actually mean what the brand thinks they do.

One of the fastest ways to lose trust is talking about recycling while throwing half the office waste straight into a landfill. The biggest brands get called out when their eco-content doesn’t match what’s happening behind closed doors. So many brands are guilty of this, way too many actually (especially anything fashion-related). Sustainability content should reflect real actions. If the business is still shipping products in mountains of plastic, maybe don’t lead with “we’re saving the planet.” Instead, focus on what’s actually happening even if the steps feel small.

Everyone has seen it: The leafy logos, beige backgrounds, and the stock photo of someone holding dirt with a tiny plant poking out of it. It’s not that it’s bad, it’s just… tired. The best sustainability content doesn’t rely on the usual props. Instead of dressing up content with recycled paper filters, it stands out by telling great stories and sharing results. Clean visuals and bold, modern designs can still feel fresh and eco-friendly without looking like every other “green” campaign.

A green business can be a well loved business when done right and these tips are a great place to start!

Featured Image By: Pexels

New Watermelon Nails

Standard
New Watermelon Nails

Hi! This past Tuesday I enjoyed an appointment for a fill at Elysian Nails. It couldn’t have come a moment too soon because my car needed some extensive repairs and, therefore, I needed a little pick me up. I was without the Little Red Love Machine for a day and a half and missed her so much! I truly felt incomplete without my beloved LRLM and a fresh fill was a perfect combatant to the loneliness lol. I wanted something bright and fun and, as always, my tech delivered with these watermelon nails:

image_50394625(2)image_50435329(9)

When I get my nails done, I either know exactly what colors I want or have no idea in the slightest. There is no in between! For this fill, the former was the case and I was in the mood for some watermelon nails. Other than being one of my favorite fruits, watermelon is a true summertime staple. While I try to avoid doing the same color combinations as I have before, I just had to break out the pink and green one time for the one time. I am so glad I did because they look phenomenal and I can’t help but smile every time I see my poppy acrylics clacking away on the computer. 🙂

Normally when I get a fill, it is in between shifts for work and I am more worried about getting to where I need to be on time rather than relaxing. This time around, I actually had the day off and it made the experience so much better. I got to sit and enjoy as opposed to staring at the clock willing the process to go by faster. The piece de resistance, however, had to be allowing the time for my nail polish to dry! Usually once the polish is on, I book it, hop in the car, and crank cool air to let them dry on the way to my next destination. Don’t get me wrong, I always feel pampered after a fill but this one definitely hit different! 😀

I am pleased to report that I was reunited with the Little Red Love Machine a few hours after my nail appointment. There was nothing better than getting back behind the wheel of my car with gorgeous nails to boot!

What is one of your summertime staples? What color of nail polish are you rocking? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

New Lemon Lime Nails

Standard
New Lemon Lime Nails

Hello!! This past week, I just couldn’t get enough of Elysian Nails and I am so not complaining! On Monday, I enjoyed a wonderful pedicure with my mom as a belated birthday gift. Then, I was back the following day for a much needed fill. And I mean very much needed because they were busted, broken, and lifted. As always, my amazing fabulous tech got me right and I am so happy to have my nails back to their former glory! Check it out:

image_50401793(5)image_50431745(10)

Sometimes when I get a fill, I have no idea what polish colors I want. Other times, I know exactly what I want. The latter was the case for me this past fill because I had lemon lime on the mind. I wasn’t quite sure why, but I finally figured it out! I have had a can of unopened Sprite in my car from when I returned to work after being sick last month. I never bothered taking it out because I consider it my “emergency drink” in case I happen to get really thirsty while driving. Lol, I mean hey – it’s better to have it and not need it! I am definitely glad that I kept it around because it turned into my nail inspo and I am loving the yellow/green combo. 😀

This fill blew me away and was such a testament to my tech’s expertise. She replaced five nails that were either lifted or broken and rather than put on new tips, she painted the acrylic on freehand. I always assumed you needed the tips for acrylic nails so you learn something new every day. It really sped up the process and within minutes I had brand new nails and they were already shaped so well. My tech did such a good job with her freehand application that my talons only needed a little bit of sharpening to get the stiletto shape afterwards. She is the best!

My back to back appointments at Elysian Nails had me feeling like a billion bucks and I love my pretty new toes and nails. My claws look awesome and I seriously can’t stop looking at them. Lemon Lime for the win!

What is your favorite kind of pop? What color of nail polish are you rocking? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

TJMaxx Haul: Zara Dress Edition

Standard
TJMaxx Haul: Zara Dress Edition

Hello everyone!! Welcome back to more from my TJMaxx Haul after a brief pause for a Lil Red’s Book Club discussion. Today, we are going to be chatting about a dress from Zara which I am so happy with but just a *smidge* disappointed by. I saw the same dress in a 1970s style pattern during my birthday gift card haul and it was fabulous but too small. I scoured the dress selection this time around hoping to find it in a bigger size and found it in this pattern, instead:

image_67511297(1)image_67505153image_67559937

I don’t shop Zara often because the closest one is at a mall about forty-five minutes away from me. So, I am always excited when I see the brand at TJMaxx! My new dress is a great consolation prize for the one that could have been and, on the bright side, it fits lol. I could have gotten away with the original in a small but it was short enough that I would have had to been adjusting myself the entire time and that’s never a good look!

Although this pattern kind of looks like Saint Patrick’s Day, I am stoked about it because I love to wear green. I used to wear it often when my hair was all red and have fell off of it a bit when I began experimenting with different Pulp Riot colors. However, come September, I am going back to full fireball hair with red, yellow, and orange and this dress will compliment that change perfectly. 😀

This little Zara number is an ideal spring or early fall dress with its long sleeves and lower thigh length. The material is also light enough that you could probably get away with it during a chilly summer night. Since the pattern is so bold, I plan on letting it speak for itself with a pair of simple black heels and some minimal silver jewelry. A pattern is an accessory in itself so this dress doesn’t need much to make a gorgeous OOTD with!

Tune back into lifewithlilred tomorrow for the final (and my favorite) piece from my TJMaxx haul and, afterwards, we will move onto my skin care purchases. See you then! ❤

Do you like to buy the same piece of clothing in multiple patterns or colors? What color compliments you the best? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

How To Be Greener In Your Kitchen

Standard
How To Be Greener In Your Kitchen

Most of your resources are used in the kitchen so cooking and food preparation is a great place to start when thinking about sustainability. You can begin your eco-friendly journey with some simple adjustments and using things in different ways throughout the home. Let’s get started:

Use Organic Ingredients:

Foods grown organically contain higher levels of healthy nutrients like antioxidants than foods grown conventionally. Additionally, when you only eat organic foods, your symptoms may lessen or even disappear if you have allergies to certain foods, substances, or preservatives. Organics also contain no pesticides and are sustainable. One of the more sustainable ingredients you can use is hemp oil and rosin extract. These contain CBD but not THC and are, therefore, legally used as ingredients in cannabis food like gummies and flavored chocolate.

Ditch Plastic:

You are probably already aware of how harmful single use plastics are. Dangerous items like food containers, drink can rings, and clothing containing micro plastics are destroying the oceans and wildlife. Over one million seabirds and about 100,000 marine animals are killed yearly by plastic products. Thankfully, switching to more environmentally friendly products is simpler than ever. You could, for instance, use glass jars for storage, paper bags, or boxes for food containers. And only purchase brands that you know use sustainable manufacturing practices.

Replace Older Appliances:

Your energy use and carbon emissions will significantly reduce when you replace older appliances. White goods are an excellent example, like your refrigerator, washer, and dishwasher. This is due to how energy hungry these devices have historically been. Newer models from reliable manufacturers are significantly more effective and adhere to current energy and carbon standards. Switching to more recent models will help reduce carbon emissions significantly. Additionally, you will save a lot of money on your energy bills.

Switch to Natural Cleaners:

Many cleaners for the kitchen and bathroom are made with hazardous materials. In addition, some of the most well known brands have zero sustainability. Fortunately, major producers like Unilever now offer environmentally friendly variations of their popular products and are making strides in changing their manufacturing processes.

Use Renewable Fuels for Cooking:

The oven is the most crucial piece of kitchen equipment. Cooking enhances flavor but, more importantly, it also eliminates moisture that contains bacteria. In order to produce the necessary heat, cookware needs a heating source. Here are some of the greenest cooking fuels:

  • Propane gas is much cleaner and more economical than mains gas.
  • Methane is clean, efficient, and abundant as an energy source.
  • LPG is a mixture of fuels, so it has reduced reliance on fossil fuels.
  • Biofuels are made from food waste and are reused and burned cleanly.
  • Electric can help reduce your emissions if you source renewable energy suppliers.

There are numerous options for clean burning, renewable home cooking. Making the switch will significantly improve your household’s sustainability.

Learn About Portion Control:

Food waste is one of the biggest sources of landfill waste and carbon emissions. Every year, nearly seven million tons of food are wasted in the UK alone, costing the country over £10 billion. If you waste food, buy in portion controlled increments and divide ingredients equally. This is easier to achieve if you plan your weekly or monthly menu and buy the necessary ingredients. Additionally, cooking for your family results in cost savings because you won’t need to purchase unnecessary extras. Or you can subscribe to a meal service like Hello Fresh or Gousto.

Recycle Everything You Can:

All non-recyclable materials are disposed of in landfills. Some waste, like food, can be used to make biofuels. However, most of the rubbish you discard cannot be processed unless processing plants know what it is. Sorting your trash beforehand can significantly assist processing plants. For instance, throwing away a glass bottle in your regular trash can will end up in a landfill and worsen the situation. But if you put it in the right bin, it will be processed for recycling after it is collected. Some countries also fine you for not sorting your waste.

Take Note of What You Can Reuse:

You might not realize it, but most items in your kitchen can be reused. Using reusable carrier bags when grocery shopping alone can help reduce plastic use. In addition, plastic takeout containers work well for storing items in the refrigerator, like cheese. And when you go jogging or hiking, you might think about using recycled plastic bottles as water containers. It’s also important to note that purchasing high quality pots and pans lowers costs. Copper pans from reputable brands will last forever if you look after them.

Not only is living a greener lifestyle better for the environment but it is, often times, better for your wallet too. Use the tips above to help you get started today!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Saving Energy: 3 Steps To A More Efficient Home

Standard
Saving Energy: 3 Steps To A More Efficient Home

Are you looking to cut down on your carbon footprint or do you only want to reduce the amount you are spending on household energy? If you want to increase your home’s energy efficiency, you need to do more than just reducing the amount of energy. You should figure out the areas that use energy, how it is wasted, and ways to use it more effectively and efficiently. It all starts with making simple changes around the house that would significantly impact the environment and your energy bills.

If you are unsure of where to begin, here are some tips that can guide you to make your home an energy-saving haven:

Improve your Home Insulation:

Insulating your home in the right way helps to preserve heat during winter and keep out the heat during summer, and serves as a great combined investment as you learn from CleanChoice Energy reviews. It also reduces the amount of fuel you burn to warm the house, reducing CO2 emissions into the air. Insulating your house is a cheaper alternative to using power-hungry air conditioning units.

If your home does not have proper insulation, much of the heat will get lost through the roof, walls, windows, and floors. Not only does it become expensive to heat, but it also becomes challenging to maintain the heat. You don’t have to spend much to improve your home insulation. Small home improvements can have a significant impact on your energy conservation.

For example, you can use spray foam to insulate your walls and prevent them from losing heat too quickly, saving you money while also reducing the energy you use. The correct spray foam insulation temperature should be around 120 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Turn Down your Thermostat:

Reducing your heating is an excellent approach to reducing the amount of energy you spend every month. It may be a hard feat to enact during winter because of the extremely low temperatures. However, you do not have to overdo it. You can save a lot of money by just turning your thermostat to a few degrees lower.

If your house gets cold, throw on a sweater or a robe and invest in thermal curtains that you can use during the winter months. A smart thermostat can also help you save energy more efficiently since it allows you to heat only the rooms you are using and control the temperatures from your smartphone.

Avoid Leaving Appliances on Standby:

Appliances still consume electricity even when on standby, provided they still have a connection to the power source. This includes devices such as microwaves, printers, washing machines, TVs, and laptops. Once you finish using an item, switch it off by unplugging from the power source. It can help you save more than $30 every year on energy.

As you can see, you do not have to spend too much time or money to make your home energy-efficient. You can cut your energy bills by following the above simple steps. Remember, when your home is well insulated and energy-efficient, it will not only help you save on costs, but it will also lead to a cleaner and greener environment for everyone.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

The Best & Easiest Ways To Go Green In 2021

Standard
The Best & Easiest Ways To Go Green In 2021

The challenges faced in 2020 have given us all a new sense of perspective. As such, living a more eco-friendly lifestyle is likely to be one of the most common New Year’s Resolutions in 2021. Even if it’s not your main target for the year, you will probably want to implement change. The first step to success is to build a winning strategy.

Going green should be convenient and deliver noticeable benefits. Otherwise, you will struggle to find the motivation needed to maintain the improvements. Focus on the following ideas, and you can’t go wrong:

Become a green homeowner:

Given that you will spend more time at home than any other location, it makes sense to start the process here. Renewal by Andersen window replacement services can combat the threat of wasted heat energy. When added to the fact that this will boost the property value, you cannot ignore the benefits.

Further improvements can be made by adding efficient appliances to reduce water waste as well as learning to switch items off. Adding Smart tech to control various aspects of the property will allow you to stay on top of the situation in the immediate and long-term future. Better still, the positive moves should boost your financial health in the long run. Perfect.

Become a green beautician:

Unlocking a better appearance is a goal shared by millions. While plenty of lifestyle changes can be implemented to boost your look, we all need a little help to achieve the best results. My guide to eco-friendly beauty will put you on the path to success. It’s great for your health, looks, and environment.

Eco-friendly products and habits will spark improvements on a daily basis. Meanwhile, your choice of salon or spa for professional care can take the rewards to another level. Alongside beauty, you should also consider fashion choices. Backing brands that manufacture goods in a sustainable way will give you an extra source of smiles. The indirect impact on your carbon footprint is huge.

greenn1

Pixabay Image

Become a green socialite:

In addition to personal upgrades, your desire to lead a greener lifestyle can actively influence your friends and family. It is undoubtedly the best way to maximize the impact of your efforts, as well as the sense of satisfaction. Transparent discussions with those people will create a stronger message.

However, the key is to lead by example. This is something you can think about when planning your next vacation. Meanwhile, simply creating less waste in daily leisure activities can work wonders. With a little creativity, you can repurpose old clothes into unique fashion pieces. Living an eco-friendly lifestyle needn’t cause an impact on your sense of style and general aura. In fact, it could make you look better than ever.

Green living and healthy living are very closely linked. Southern Living’s easy Crock Pot recipes offer a great starting point. The stats show that food waste is one of the worst sources of environmental damage. Cooking and freezing extra portions reduces the threats while also saving valuable time.

Nutrition is one aspect, but you must also consider physical exercise. Running and cycling are among the best cardio aspects while free weights are ideal. Sure, you may still use machinery from time to time, but the use of electricity is unnecessary energy consumption. Travel to the gym or fitness club could increase your carbon footprint. Healthy lifestyles are great, but conscious decisions bring even better rewards.

greenn2

Pixabay Image

Become a green driver:

We make hundreds of decisions that impact our output each day. But some are more significant than others. Driving is the biggest cause of emissions by most. Switching to electric vehicles or hybrid cars will quickly reduce the damage you cause. If you drive a lot, it’s the single greatest upgrade you’ll make.

The right choice of vehicle is the biggest step towards greener driving by far. Still, you can support the process further by embracing new habits behind the wheel. Combining multiple journeys into one, organizing a car pool, and improving your usage of the brakes are all key steps.

If you genuinely have the motivation to lead a greener lifestyle, 2021 is the perfect time to make it happen. Now that you know how, there’s no excuse to ignore the process any longer. Ease yourself into the process throughout December, and you’ll never look back!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Marc’s Accessory Haul

Standard
Marc’s Accessory Haul

Hi! An Ohio staple that all of us know and love is a discount grocery store called Marc’s. I pretty much exclusively shop there for my groceries but they are “famous” for their closeout section. You literally never know what you’re going to find in the closeouts. From holiday decor to home wear and clothes the selection varies and sometimes you can find brands from Target, if you’re lucky!

Similar to TJMaxx, every Marc’s location is different and will offer closeouts that you can’t find at another store. When shopping at a different Marc’s than my normal one with a client, I ended up with an accessory haul that cost me a whole five dollars, which I was so excited about! Take a look and let’s discuss:

E75956B8-6E24-4B81-9B83-CED5AA759CBAED577CF6-1373-431D-BB65-79E5DDBEF403CABF9C62-3AB9-489B-A10C-5CE8907EF227B6B18AC9-C15E-44C7-958C-E367C28B4ECEFDE89528-C138-43B1-9B2F-751F86C73DBB2CF5C116-5137-4D64-9C6E-6E4613C7365A

I have grown increasingly fond of headbands this past year and scored my adorable emerald green bow band for FIFTY CENTS. Is it of the best quality? No. BUT, it looks awesome against my red hair and the bow is just darling for a preppy chic accessory. I also love my little boot bracelet that I plan on doubling as a hair tie for a funky vibe fresh out of the 80s.

What I am most excited about, however, are my new silver and gold necklaces that were two for a dollar. I was enamored with the chain link style material as well as all of the different styling possibilities that come with it. From layering them at different lengths to wearing them as a bracelet, headband, anklet, or hair tie, they make for a quick fix to spruce up any outfit.

There is nothing better than scoring a treat yoself purchase for a steal. I got eight new accessories for five bucks and you really can’t beat that. I’m well aware that the quality may not be as good but, styled correctly, they can end up looking like a million bucks!

What is your favorite discount store? Do you have a store similar to Marc’s in your neck of the woods? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

New Caution To The Wind Top

Standard
New Caution To The Wind Top

Howdy! During my TJMaxx gift card shopping extravaganza, I ended up with two new tops, a skirt, and a necklace on top of a buttload of skin care. The little peplum number that you are about to see below by Caution To The Wind is one that I normally wouldn’t try on. However, there was just something I liked about it enough to take with me into the fitting room and I’m glad I did! Check it out:

wind2wind1wind

Usually, I avoid peplum tops like the plague because they make my boobs look huge from the tiny waist line. I also steer clear of a plunging neckline because someone could drown in that cleavage! But, I liked the forest green and cream color combination in this top so much that I figured it couldn’t hurt to try.

The day I went to TJMaxx, I had actually just gone skating so I had my sports bra on, which is what I tried this shirt with. It looked SO freaking cute and sporty with the heather grey bra peeking out and it made my body look slamming. For a ten dollar price tag, I couldn’t say no to purchasing the top as a nice little change up to always wearing hoodies at the skating rink. One might even say that I threw caution to the wind! Ba dum chhhhhh.

Would I buy or try a top like this one again? Mmmm… No, probably not. The only reason it really worked is because of the sports bra plastering my boobs down. Am I excited to wear it skating? Definitely, because the top is adorable and it will be great for just lounging around the house in. The moral of the story? It doesn’t hurt to try something new!

What fit of clothing is the most flattering for you? How about a fit that you try to avoid? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Accessory Story: Jessica McClintock Cape Edition

Standard
Accessory Story: Jessica McClintock Cape Edition

Greetings everyone and welcome to the last of my Holiday Haul from my parents! One of Lil Red’s loves definitely has to be faux fur. From jackets and vests to cool collars, I just think that they add the perfect touch of edgy glam to any look. And the funny thing? I used to think that they made an outfit look cheap! It’s funny how your sense of style evolves over time and my mom definitely got the hint of my ever changing look by picking me out this beauty by Jessica McClintock:

capecape2cape1

It was such a trip, because a week or so before Christmas, my mom asked me to get her her slippers from her closet AKA her present hiding spot. So, I went to grab her slippers and discovered this gorgeous cape hanging there. I came downstairs and immediately told her “I LOVE that cape, when did you get it?”. I really thought nothing of it, because my mom is quite the trendy lil lady herself and I figured she purchased it for her own use. So, imagine my surprise when it was waiting for me under the tree!

Aside from the faux fur, I just love the color of this little number. Forest green is a color that never ceases to look amazing me. I hate to toot my own horn, but TOOT, TOOT, TOOT. With my pasty pale skin and red hair, it just makes everything pop and I am all about it. I cannot wait to pair this over all of my sweaters for the rest of the winter. But, it will be so fabulous for a chilly summer night and I can already see myself snuggling up in it during late evening drinks on the patio.

What color looks the best on you? How do you feel about faux fur? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah