ECO CENTRIC

by Renee Loux, author of Easy Green Living

Q + A

From Jackie A., of Annapolis, MD:

Do natural deodorants really work?

They will keep you from stinking - but, unlike chemical antiperspirants, which use aluminum to plug the pores in your pits, they won't keep you from sweating. Don't let that turn you off - B.O. comes not from sweat but from the breakdown of bacteria that thrive on it. Deodorants such as Aubrey Organics Calendula Blossom Spray ($8.25, aubrey-organics.com) or Crystal Roll-on ($4, thecrystal.com) use plant extracts and essential oils to zap odor-causing bacteria. Once you find one that works with your body chemistry (you may have to try several), apply it immediately after bathing for the best results.

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From Alison R., of Jackson Hole, WY

What's the easiest way to stop junk mail?

The average American received 41 pounds of junk mail per year; the collective mess uses up about 100 million trees and 28 billion gallons of water. What you can do: Stop preapproved and prescreened credit card offers at optoutprescreen.com. You can take your name and adresses off the lists for five years or forever. To quit your catalogues, open a free account at cataloguechoice.org - this service from the nonprofit Ecology Center maintins a database of more than 1,000 titles and handles your do-not-mail requests for you.

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From Alicia R., of Fresno, CA

How can I conserve resources while on vacation?

Unplug whatever you leave behind. Even turned off, things like kitchen appliances and phone chargers continue to draw energy. Set your water heater to "warm" (usually about 120 degrees Fahrenheit). In the summer, shut off the AC; during cold weather, adjust the thermostat to about 60 degrees to conserve heat without freezing pipes. Finally, if you get a daily newspaper, suspend delivery.

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Ask the Expert: www.womenshealthmag.com/experts

Going Green is simple and smart. Eco-guru Renee Loux shows you how.

Send her your earthly concern.

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