sustainable
The Dirty Glove: Remote Control Edition
Cleaning thoroughly, efficiently, and greenly is the name of the game here at the Purple Fig, but we all have those areas of the house that- let’s face it -nobody likes to tackle. What better way to honor those dastardly, dirty crevices then to dedicate a post about how to scrub them until they shine?
Read MoreFridge Basics: How to Store Your Food
The fridge is our sacred relic of the kitchen and our customizable food closet rolled into one. It’s home to a patchwork of foods- both frozen and raw, vegetables and sauces and meats alike -indiscriminately keeping our food safe and chilled for our personalized eating pleasures. Jimmy John’s Owner restaurant chains also make use of…
Read MoreHow to Go Green While Grilling
Tis the sweaty season of backyard barbecues! As you crack open a cold drink and watch the smoke from your trusty grill waft into the cloudless blue sky, take a pause and remember that you don’t have to limit yourself to barbecuing vegetables in order to practice eco-friendly grilling!
Read MoreSustainable Fireworks for 4th of July
Sunshine, barbecue, and fireworks. Every American knows that these 3 elements are fundamental for a bonafide 4th of July. For those who are keen to the hazards of fireworks, however, this perfect American formula may lose some of its wholesome charm…but be not disappointed! Safe, non-toxic alternatives can serve as worthy substitutes to help celebrate our Independence…
Read MoreCompost Pedallers: Local, Green, & On the Go!
Any resident of the greater Austin area is bound to have driven past a unique yard sign by now — an “I [heart] Compost” logo with a chewed-out apple core substituting for the heart. Who is responsible for these mysteriously clever signs, you ask? The answer is a source of pride for our environmentally inclined…
Read MoreThe “No Poo” Haircare Method Pt. 2
Although we already covered the fundamentals of the No Poo Method in last week’s blog, consider that the mere tip of the anti-shampoo iceberg! Now that you’re beyond “No Poo 101”, a more intensive overview awaits, delving into the realm of unlikely natural haircare ingredients that will bring your head chemical-free joy.
Read MoreThe “No Poo” Haircare Method Pt. 1
No, it’s not that kind of poo. Until the mid-20th century, shampooing and conditioning one’s hair was considered a luxury that only came about once or twice a month — that is, until synthetic formulas revolutionized haircare. As shampooing became increasingly more commonplace and formulas derived less from nature and more from laboratories, however, very few stopped to…
Read MoreOcean Pollution (& Which Fish to Avoid)
It’s no secret that our oceans have suffered greatly at the hand of mankind, but extinction of wildlife isn’t the singular issue anymore. Ironically, survival has become increasingly more dangerous for marine species as polluted seawater turns toxic — and now, humans are getting a dose of their own poison as well.
Read MoreThe Summer of Seedlings
If you’re like the majority of Austinites, you’re probably a wannabe urban gardner stuck in a tiny rental space with an even tinier (if not nonexistent) yard in which to nurture your green thumb. Luckily our urban ancestors were clever enough to invent simple and sustainable tricks to work around the plights of indoor gardening, creating…
Read More100% Natural Sugar Ant Repellent
During this awkward, semi-annual Transition of the Seasons (Spring/Summer edition), the weather in the great state of Texas oftentimes finds itself straddling crisp breezes and suffocating humidity. Along with this infamous fluctuation in temperature comes the reawakening of our infamous summertime pests: house and fruit flies, June bugs, mosquitoes, and cicadas just to name a few. But one…
Read MoreDefining the Paleo Diet
It goes by many names- Paleolithic, Caveman, Primal -and yet the Paleo Diet still remains somewhat of a mystery after several years of national popularity. Whether or not you’ve embraced, rejected, or shrugged off this trendy lifestyle choice, it certainly is a difficult phenomenon to ignore…as well as define! It’s time we finally nail down the…
Read MoreAustin Earth Day Festival 2016
With its reputation for being an eco-minded city that nurtures a passion for the environment, Austin couldn’t resist throwing our planet a party and celebrate eco-awareness with the 2016 Austin Earth Day Festival!
Read MoreThe Dirty Glove: Cutting Board Edition
Cleaning thoroughly, efficiently, and greenly is the name of the game here at the Purple Fig, but we all have those areas of the house that- let’s face it -nobody likes to tackle. What better way to honor those dastardly, dirty crevices then to dedicate a post about how to scrub them until they shine?
Read MoreYour Guide to Local Health-Based Grocers
We all get stuck in grocery ruts from time to time — driving to the same ol’ national store chain, complacently tossing questionable food products in the cart, tediously pushing past the brightly colored displays of bagged sugar and pre-processed meals. While shopping familiar may be comfortable, why not do your body a favor and zest up…
Read MoreSafe and Natural Weed Killers
Although winter is sighing its final frosty breaths a little earlier than usual this year, our flora and fauna are already shaking off their icy coats and awakening for Spring. Here in Texas that means bluebonnets on every side of the highway…and, of course, weeds. Don’t go running off to buy that store-brand chemical pesticide, though — non-toxic, safe, and sustainable weed killers…
Read More6 Things That DON’T Belong in the Recycling
A vital part of our job at the Purple Fig involves bagging, carrying, and curbing pounds of our clients’ trash and recycling each and every day. Among the cornucopia of properly segregated wrappers, old food, and empty La Croix cans, however, there’s always a handful of non-recyclable items (known as “contaminants”) that are consistently tossed in the big blue…
Read MoreEasy Origami Compost Liner
While the satisfaction of composting organic waste far outweighs the task of emptying out the bin, it can still be a messy chore! Fortunately for the responsible composter, a simple and biodegradable tool can be used to keep your hands from getting dirty: newspaper.
Read MoreThe Whole Foods Labeling Debate
Sloughing through the grocery aisle is difficult enough these days, with labels like “non-GMO”, “organic”, and “USDA approved” stamped- oftentimes recklessly, as with the case of the misleading “all-natural” sticker -above rows of both produce and dry foods alike. While a superior diet inarguably consists of 100% organic food, Whole Foods Market’s recent announcement of their entirely new…
Read MoreThe Dirty Glove: Carpeted Stairs Edition
Cleaning thoroughly, efficiently, and greenly is the name of the game here at the Purple Fig, but we all have those areas of the house that- let’s face it -nobody likes to tackle. What better way to honor those dastardly, dirty crevices then to dedicate a post about how to scrub them until they shine?
Read MoreSet the Mood for a Green Valentine’s Day!
Already read through our guide to local fine dining, but need that pièce de résistance for your beloved this Valentine’s Day? Never fear! These eco-friendly romantic gifts are guaranteed to woo your green sweetie.
Read MoreFine Dining for You (and Your Valentine)
Be you single, newly coupled, or in a relationship, Austin’s decadent and delicious healthy dining does not discriminate! We at the Purple Fig understand how overwhelming this city’s restaurant variety can be, so we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of organic, vegan, locally sourced, gluten-free, and overall health-conscious brick and mortars guaranteed to leave an impression on you…
Read MoreThe Austin Recycle Games!
A 2015 independent study revealed that one Texas city haphazardly tosses away 46% compostable material and 44% recyclable material into its local landfill, leaving room for a meager 10% of actual landfill garbage and unwittingly throwing away an estimated $4.7 million in recyclables. That city, ladies and gentleman, is Austin, Texas.
Read MoreBeyond the Food Pyramid
Ever wonder how the food pyramid was built? Brick by brick since the 1800s, forces at play have sculpted and revised those five food groups…but despite the pyramid’s facelifts, the result remains nutritionally questionable. Read on and educate yourself!
Read MoreNetflix Picks: Docs to Watch This Winter
Finally the bitterly cold winter weather has us in its icy grip, and families- especially Texans -turn inward for some much-needed hibernation under the couch blankets. If you find yourself nestled in front of the television for several hours with no clue what to watch, the Purple Fig encourages you to switch on Netflix and enjoy your holiday break…
Read MoreHave a White (and Green!) Christmas
Christmas is finally here! With the flurry of the season’s hustle and bustle rushing by, we at the Purple Fig want to wish you the happiest of holidays with a simple, easy, and organic recipe for Christmas’s most heralded tradition: homemade candy canes!
Read MoreThe Dirty Glove: Laundry Edition
Cleaning thoroughly, efficiently, and greenly is the name of the game here at the Purple Fig, but we all have those areas of the house that- let’s face it -nobody likes to tackle. What better way to honor those dastardly, dirty crevices then to dedicate a post about how to scrub them until they shine?
Read MoreHandmade Lotions for Happy Skin
Anyone who has lived in South Texas for more than a year knows that snow is a rare miracle during our wintertime season. Dry, cracked skin, however? A Christmas-time regular. Instead of spending oodles of money on factory-made lotions and scrubs injected with artificial ingredients, hydrate your skin the way it was meant to be pampered…
Read MoreClean Fuels for the Future
We’ve officially stumbled upon the season of holiday travel, folks! Despite the temporary joys of lowered gasoline costs, our environment must pay the true price each winter with the enormous rise of carbon emissions due to increased traffic. While you’re tossing gifts and over-stuffed suitcases into your vehicle of choice, try and take a moment to wonder- be you…
Read MoreGive Thanks to Mother Earth!
The week of Thanksgiving is finally upon us! Before you let the turkey legs and stuffing crumbs and mashed potatoes fly across the table, give the gift of ultimate thanks to our beautiful planet by chowing down on sustainably grown, organic, and local ingredients!
Read MoreChew On This: Natural Toothcare
Between Halloween sweets, decadent Thanksgiving meals, and savory Christmas treats, this is the time of year when our mouths are literally bombarded with delicious, cavity-inducing foods! Tis the season of sugars and starches…so while you’re scarfing down those cold weather snacks, keep the well-being of your teeth in mind with these natural, non-toxic toothcare tips.
Read MoreAutumn Closet Detox
Every year, as the weather jumps from humid and sweaty to bitterly cold, we Texans take its cue and scramble to prepare for winter during a small window of time: rediscovering our storage bins, relocating those ornaments and decorations, and repurposing our closets for cold temperatures. But nothing is more off-putting than pulling out your winter wardrobe…only to…
Read MorePumpkin Seed Delight
As pumpkin sales skyrocket this week, consider the delicious insides of the orange squash as well as the outer shell. Why spend your hard earned money on a pumpkin to carve…but discard those delicious and nutritious seeds? Munch on this recipe after carving your jack-o-lantern, as a well-suited appetizer to your sweet Halloween treats! Why Pumpkin Seeds…
Read MoreJuicing: The Immunity Booster
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, we at the Purple Fig want to spread golden nuggets of nutritional wisdom that not only promote organic living, but provide the ingredients needed to boost the body’s greatest line of self-defense: your one and only immune system!
Read MorePumpkins, Ghouls, & Fair Trade Chocolate
As you rush through the grocery store aisle this Halloween, assorted candies and name-brand chocolates whirling by with oversized discount stickers smacked on their packaging, we at the Purple Fig ask you to add some green to that orange and black this year! Instead of reaching for the cheapest (and invariably the worst quality) chocolate,…
Read MoreThe Dirty Glove: Tile & Grout Edition
Cleaning thoroughly, efficiently, and greenly is the name of the game here at the Purple Fig, but we all have those areas of the house that- let’s face it -nobody likes to tackle. What better way to honor those dastardly, dirty crevices then to dedicate a post about how to scrub them until they shine?
Read MoreHomemade (& Edible!) Facial Scrubs
Ever stop and wonder what exactly is lurking in that store-brand face wash? For being the largest organ of the human body, our skin is certainly exposed to harsh chemicals and questionable ingredients week to week, causing unknown damage and irritation that can be so easily avoided. Instead of grabbing for that expensive bottle of…
Read MoreThe Power of Vinegar
Vinegar is truly nature’s gift to mankind. It’s an acidic liquid that is non-toxic and harmless to humans, a natural sanitizer and deodorizer, a stainless substance, and it can be used to clean virtually anything…from glass to plastic to fabric! Couple that with its low price tag, and you’ve got yourself a one-of-a-kind all-purpose cleaner that can…
Read MoreThe Recycling Handbook
While banning plastic bags in grocery stores may seem like a useless and inconvenient policy in the short run, take a moment to consider how many plastic bags you’ve seen floating around street corners and tangled in tree branches. About 2 million plastic bags are used every day around the world…each of them made from a…
Read MoreGreen Supplies for the New School Year
Whether it’s rushing to eat their breakfast, hurrying to cram for that quiz, or asking for help with their math homework…it is officially that time again! With school almost in session and supply shopping in full swing, it can be tempting to turn a blind eye towards environmentally friendly and health conscious supplies in order…
Read More6 Eco-Friendly Recipes for Pet Stains
It happens to all of our beloved pets from time to time: a wee (or not so wee) accident on the carpet, the sight and odor of it unbearable. From kitty hairballs to doggy urine, the prospect of getting on your hands and knees and scrubbing the stain is inevitable…so why not make it eco-friendly?…
Read MoreTrash, Recycling, & Waste: The Disposal Guide
We’ve all been there: standing in front of our garbage cans, holding some unusual item that may…or may not?…be disposable, recyclable, compostable, or- unbeknownst to you -classified as hazardous household waste. The world’s landfills are already overburdened with wasted food and irresponsibly discarded scrap, so in order to reduce carbon footprints around the nation, The…
Read MoreGreen Gear for the Great Outdoors
Summer is officially in full swing, beckoning us out of our homes and into the splendor of the wilderness! While many assume that they must compromise their eco-integrity in order to enjoy an outdoor hobby, activities like running, hiking, swimming, and camping can now be easily enhanced with environmentally conscious equipment and apparel. Keep your body (and the…
Read MoreA Salute to America’s Greenest Hotspots
As unique of a city as Austin is, it only takes up a tiny corner of the map when it comes to the rest of this sprawling nation. To celebrate America’s 239th birthday, we at the Purple Fig want to pay homage to the exciting eco-friendly progress this country has made over the recent years by…
Read MorePlants that Deter June Bugs & other Pesky Summer Bugs
Yes, it’s that time again: the season of insects. Just as we venture forth from our homes to enjoy the summer weather, so do the dreaded flying bugs from hiding. Summertime naturally draws out mosquitoes (especially with Austin’s recent soggy weather), fruit flies, houseflies, june bugs, and the like…and none of them are welcomed guests. Instead…
Read MoreEco-Friendly Travel Tips
Planning a much-needed summer getaway this year? Whether you’ve only just begun hatching those vacation plans, or you’re already zipping up the luggage bag, don’t forget to keep your carbon footprint in mind during your travels! There are many simple and helpful ways to experience an amazing journey while still being kind to the planet.
Read MoreUrban Gardening for Beginners
As Austin continues to transform from a sleepy college town into a booming concrete jungle, there seems to be less and less room for anything– let alone plots of land to call your own. The average city-dwelling Austinite definitely doesn’t own a greenhouse, so what do you do when you want a productive garden in a teeny…
Read MoreThe Dirty Glove: Stove Edition
Cleaning thoroughly, efficiently, and greenly is the name of the game here at the Purple Fig, but we all have those areas of the house that- let’s face it -nobody likes to tackle. What better way to honor those dastardly, dirty crevices then to dedicate a post about how to scrub them until they shine?
Read MoreMother’s Day Gifts with the Earth in Mind
With Mother’s Day just around the corner, there are plenty of eco-friendly gifts and crafts to explore, all tailored to shower your mom (and the environment!) in clean, eco-conscious love. All of the old stand-bys can be substituted with green alternatives, along with original and out-of-the-box DIY gifts that not only celebrate the beauty of your mom,…
Read MoreHealthy Spring Feasts (And How to Shop Organic)
Pesticides and produce are unfortunately becoming a synonymous pair these days. To counter the GMO madness and encourage the happiest, healthiest you, we at the Purple Fig want to dole out some helpful grocery tips (as well as some delicious recipes!) just in time for Spring.
Read MoreComposting 101
For decades, the term “compost” was only synonymous with yard trimmings and stinky fertilizer. Recently, though, its reputation has blossomed within the Austin city limits, with more and more households becoming aware of not only its positive impact on the environment, but ways to become directly involved with it.
Read MoreGreen Cleaners for Saint Patrick’s Day
The Purple Fig is our name, but we are all about being green! We don’t just mean green in a trendy way, we mean green, as in we are passionate about making our own all-natural homemade cleaners and using microfiber cloths instead of wasting paper towels.
Read MoreCentral Texas Drought
We here in Austin are in the midst of the drought gripping central Texas. You can read all about it at the Drought Monitor and at LCRA. Scary stuff. What can we do to help? There are some small things that can make a big difference! Some things are obvious. Stop watering the lawn: either…
Read MoreInteresting Inbox
I’ve been pretty discerning with what I let continue to hit my inbox. This week has yielded some great articles that we’d like to share. Have you read something great and green lately? Hit us up in the comments! Cancer, Cured. at Seventh Generation’s Blog: This subject hits home for me, with a close family…
Read MoreEat Green to Be Green!
If you’re interested in living green, you’ve probably heard of the plant based diet by now. Brought into popularity by the book and movie Forks Over Knives, a vegan way of eating has been launched into the mainstream. A plant based diet has certain benefits that are undeniable. Not eating meat certainly lowers our carbon…
Read MoreComposting for All
Composting has a multitude of benefits for you and the environment. It makes a great amendment for soil that you can use in your garden or plants with it’s high nutrient content. Diverting waste from entering landfills and being able to use what would have been in your trash bin is about as green and…
Read MoreLocal Planting – ATX
We are heading into the Texas summer heat and thoughts of drought and low lake levels are on everyone’s minds. There are ways that all of us can help. Using native and/or adapted plants is a simple way and also brings beauty and oxygen to our world. Native plants have adapted to our hot, dry…
Read MoreIt’s Raining!
It’s raining here in ATX, and we’re loving it! It reminds us of our new friends, RK Re-Purposing. In their words: “RK Re-Purposing provides quality recycled and refurbished products for your home and garden needs. Whether you need them for your home or business, we can help you to reduce your carbon footprint and…
Read MoreReducing Your Carbon Footprint for Less
If you’re reading a green cleaning blog, you are probably concerned about your carbon footprint. I know I try to find new ways to reduce mine and being on a budget can limit my options. I have a close friend who went from riches to rags, forced into frugality by recession. She cut back on…
Read MoreFishing for Answers
I was having a discussion with a family member about fish and she very vehemently said to never eat farmed fish. I was taken by surprise. I thought farmed fish were great for the environment, saving the natural, wild fish population. She went on to say that they eat terrible, dirty mush and that the…
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