Do it Gorgeously Green: Q & A with Sophie Uliano

Want to evolve your home into a greener sanctuary, but not quite sure where to start? Look no farther than New York Times bestselling author and Oprah guest, Sophie Uliano's latest book, Do it Gorgeously: How to Make Less Toxic, Less Expensive and More Beautiful Products.

We know that our disposable, consumerist society has some pretty scary implications for Mother Earth, and Sophie's solution is straight-forward: "Clueless is out and crafty is in." Channeling the self-reliant behavior and common-sense skills of our grandmothers, Sophie shows us how to incorporate DIY into all elements of our life from detoxing your beauty routine, to creating a nontoxic nursery, to her "thrifty and nifty tips" for the home and much, much more.

What I love about Do it Gorgeously's approach is that Sophie explores every topic with incredible depth (cleaning tips include citrus furniture polish, steam cleaning, carpet deodorizer, linen spray, toilet cleaners, and much more). Sophie talks with us about how to get started with a greener life, her favorite DIY beauty product, and the mind-body-green connection.

MBG: How would you define the gorgeously green style?

Sophie Uliano: The Gorgeously Green style is one that walks the middle ground. It’s not about extremes or becoming a green zealot. Gorgeously Green allows a girl to take on a few green actions and still feel okay about that. Primarily, it’s about becoming a little more conscious of the way you live and the actions you take.

When/how did you adopt a gorgeously green life? Was it gradual? Or did you have an "a-ha" moment?

I started adopting this lifestyle very seriously about 10 years ago, when I first got pregnant. That being said, I was very much raised with green values, however, back then it was called “common sense”

In your introduction to your latest book Do it Gorgeously, you say that "Clueless is Out and Crafty is In." Do you think being more resourceful / DIY / green is a trend or will become a more permanent part of our DNA?

It depends whether or not the individual embraces it. It’s about being smart and savvy and not believing in the monstrous marketing claims of almost every product we come across. I also think that we’re hungry for something that helps us to get off our computers and handheld devices, something that connects us to the source of life – and making things does that!

If someone is wanting to bring a little more green into her home, but not sure where to start, what do you think are the easiest places in the home to green?

Just pick an area that interests you. It might be the kitchen and food, or for someone else, they might want to start with cleaning up their beauty routine. It should be an act of self-love, rather than a guilt-trip.

What are some affordable, low-maintenance plants for someone who would like to bring some green into the home?

Good question! I just go visit my local nursery, hardware section and see what they have. Most houseplants with green foliage will be great for improving air quality. I have a bunch of miniature date palms.

What are some of your favorite DIY beauty solutions?

Hands-down, the Vitamin C Serum.

Are there any parts of your beauty routine that you defer to the experts and don't DIY?

For the most part, that would be Retinol Products and then the hair salon!

Favorite healthy/green getaways/spas/vacation spots?

Hawaii – The Big Island. This is such an eco-friendly spot.

Favorite green places in Los Angeles?

Tons: Green Line Beauty, Evolue, Real Food Daily, Yoga Works...

I've read that yoga and meditation play a large role in your life. How long have you been practicing?

20 years!

Our site connects "mind, body, and green" as one -- why is this connection so important? What does this connection mean to you?

Everything is interconnected. I see every thought, action, and bodily system as a whole. Our body is our environment!

What's next for you? What are you currently working on?

A TV show... and perhaps another book!!!

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