Earth Lovers: Smart, Pretty, and (less) Awkward

Based off of my last few posts you may be hesitant to try to take a three-minute shower just because it seems like a lot of effort. After all, we, as college students, have it hard enough already: living in a new environment, figuring out that perfect balance between studying and having a social life (which never actually seems to work out as well in real life than when I plan it in my head), and figuring out the ultimate question of what we want to do for the rest of our lives. We’re stressed out, overworked, hungover, and sleep-deprived. How are we supposed to put more work into one more thing?

Well, whether we like it or not, we need to. And every little bit helps. Every eco-smart decision you make helps contribute to a better tomorrow.

Last year, my roommate introduced me to the website Smart, Pretty, & Awkward—a website devoted to helpful tips to help make you smarter, prettier, and less awkward. Now, I'm obsessed—it’s one of my go-to blogs to read. So, I thought I’d do an earth lover rendition of Smart, Pretty, and Awkward for those of you who need some more advice on how you can commit to saving the environment.

How to be Smarter: Having trouble cutting down the length of your shower? Well, the three-minute shower challenge is more about saving water than rushing through your shower. If you can’t seem to take a less-than-three-minute shower, try turning off the water when you lather shampoo or conditioner in your hair or when you’re shaving your legs. This way, you’ll be able to spend the same amount of time washing your bod while still using only three minutes worth of water.

How to be Prettier: Don’t wash your hair everyday. By washing your hair three-four times per week, you not only cut back on your shower time, but you also help preserve the natural oils produced by your scalp keeping your hair healthy and shiny for longer. If you get your hair colored, this will also help keep the color from fading soon after your hair appointment. Still grossed out by the fact that your hair might not be perfectly clean every morning? Try using a dry shampoo—you’ll be able to still cut back on shower time while not having to worry about your hair turning too greasy.

How to be (less) Awkward: Celebrate Earth Month! Don’t waste natural resources! Know why we need to encourage everyone to conserve water. Want to know more? Learn some interesting facts and how going green saves water.

xoxo

Are you being smarter, prettier, and less awkward about saving water? What tips would you give other people to encourage them to “go green?” Leave a comment below, email me (at melanieshimano@jhu.edu), or give me a shout-out on twitter telling me how you are tackling the Three Minute Shower Challenge!

And don’t forget to send in your submissions to the Earth Lovers Three-Minute Shower Challenge Youtube Contest! Need some inspiration? Check out my video here.