Jo Wood's 15 tips for green living

She may have lived the Rolling Stones lifestyle but beauty guru Jo Wood is an advocate of all things green. Find out why she cuts up old sheets and never ever wastes money on cling film...

1.   Shop with canvas bags and say goodbye to plastic or at the very least re-use plastic bags. I always go shopping with reusable bags and try to buy individual fruit and vegetables, because of the amount of excess packaging the supermarkets provide. It's completely unnecessary and really makes me mad when I go shopping. One day I'd love to just unwrap everything right there on the shop floor and give it straight back to the store!

 

 

2.   Rather than using foil or cling film, cover bowls and pots with plates. These items never biodegrade so I think its best to keep them out of the kitchen completely.

 

3.   Avoid aluminium and non-stick pans because of chemicals contaminating the food, use cast iron, glass or stainless steel.

 

4.  Use cotton dish cloths as they last longer than sponges. I always cut up old sheets for cloths that can be used all around the house.

 

5.  Chop and prepare vegetables on a sheet of newspaper and put peelings on compost, newspaper and all.

 

6.  Bicarbonate of soda is a great cleaner.  If you have a blocked drain pour a tablespoon of bicarbonate down it, followed by a cup of white vinegar, and then flush it with boiling water.

 

7.  Place orange peel in a warm oven to help get rid of cooking smells.

 

8. Toothpaste has a surprising number of uses - it's good for buffing up tarnished silver, cleaning the toes of trainers and football boots, and even removing scratches on glassware.

 

9.  A few drops of vanilla extract on a cotton wool ball will scent a fridge or drawer.

 

10. Burn essential oils rather than using air fresheners which are packed full of chemicals. Better still, throw open the windows and get fresh air circulating around the house.

 

11. Recycle - I have separate bins in my kitchen all clearly marked and it really is so easy to do once you've got a system set up. Most local councils offer a recycling service and you can use your closest recycling centre for bigger items.

 

12. Buy vintage clothes - it's great fun to wonder around vintage shops rummaging around for good original finds. Oxfam have a good selection of vintage gems.

 

13. Buy locally produced, seasonal food from markets or independent shops. If you have to go to the supermarket, buy British produce.

 

14. Use lemon to get rid of everyday stains on your kitchen surfaces.  Vinegar mixed with water is a great eco window cleaner.

 

15.  For short trips - use your bike NOT your car! As the weather warms up there is nothing better than hopping on your bike for a quick trip down to the local market. Enjoy the fresh air, and your body and the environment will thank you for it.

 

Jo's favourite beauty products from her range

 

I can't live without Jo Wood Organics Salt Scrubs and Body Oil - they are vital for smooth glowing skin in time for spring/summer!

To see the full range of Jo's organic beauty products, visit the website here

 

How to be green

 

Easy-to-make everyday changes to help you live a greener life - see our eco-friendly ideas special here