Star Tribune features Going Green tips from Nature of Beauty President, Terri Bly

Every January 1, we're encouraged to make resolutions to do something different in the coming year. I'm of the opinion that the best changes to make are ones you actually want to make vs. those you think you should make. In my past life as a clinical psychologist, it became really clear to me that if you don't want to change something, it doesn't matter how much you think you ought to do it: you're just not gonna. I offered this and a few additional tips when asked by the Minneapolis Star Tribune to suggest some ideas for how to go green in the coming year. Check them out below. To read the entire article, click here.

Be more eco-friendly

Even if you aren't eating all-organic and driving a Prius, you can take baby steps to making your carbon footprint smaller. Here's some advice from Terri Bly, founder of the Nature of Beauty, and Ryan North, owner of Uptown's eco-friendly boutique Twin Cities Green.

1. Start small. "Find somebody, a retailer or a resource you can trust. If you get overwhelmed, you'll back out. Start with one thing that feels manageable," Bly said. She also advises going green because you want to. "If you're saying 'should,' it's not going to be a positive experience."

2. Focus on one area of your life. "A lot of people start in the kitchen," North said. He recommends purchasing cast-iron cookware, which is more sustainable than nonstick cookware. Another popular starting point is baby paraphernalia, such as glass bottles and sustainable, nontoxic toys.

3. Ladies, examine your beauty products. "Wearing natural makeup does not mean a natural look!" Bly said. "We're well past the era where all you had was loose minerals that came in beiges." Bly-endorsed products are available at Eco-tique & The Nature of Beauty in St. Paul.

4. Think with your purchases. Bly and North are proponents of buying fair trade products, which span from chocolate to coffee to jewelry.

5. Turn off lights and unplug cell phone and computer chargers. Lower your thermostat. Conserve running water. Plant a tree. Even the smallest steps can make an impact.

6. Reduce, re-use, recycle.