“In Their Expert Opinion” features three bloggers who bring special expertise on living a natural lifestyle to The Clear Conscience Blog. Each month, we’ll share tips and advice on how to live a little greener from a few of our favorite experts.

Meet Lori Popkewitz Alper, founder of Groovy Green Livin, a site dedicated to sharing simple green living tips and current information on sustainable. A former attorney, Lori now is a green living educator and speaks, writes and advises on creating a greener lifestyle. She lives in the Greater Boston area with her three sons, chocolate lab and groovy husband. In her free time, she can be found practicing yoga, running, cycling, skiing or trying out a new eco-friendly product!

Read on for more about Lori, and check back on Thursday to see her advice on greening your kitchen!

Q. When did you start living groovy and green? Why?

My passion for groovy, green, natural, non-toxic living began over 12 years ago after seeing firsthand how living an organic, non- toxic lifestyle can directly affect your health and well-being.  My commitment and dedication towards a greener lifestyle was strengthened when two of my children were diagnosed with life threatening food allergies.  It was then that I decided to trade in my attorney suits and follow my passion- to educate myself and others on how to live as naturally and toxin-free as possible.  

Q. What’s the best tip you’ve received on how to live more sustainably?

The best tip I’ve received is a simple one: always wash your laundry in cold water. A full 80-90 percent of the washing machines energy is used to heat the water. By using only cold water you save energy, money and reduce your carbon footprint.  I’ve been doing this for years and my clothes are just as clean!

Q. How did you spend your summer this year?

Every summer we spend some time visiting family in Madison, Wisconsin and visiting Wisconsin Dells (the waterpark capital of the world!). There are 12 cousins in our family, all under the age of 12, who have an incredible time together. The rest of the summer was a combination of time in Boston and vacationing in Maine. 

Q. Tell us, what are some of your favorite green information resources? 

There are so many great, green resources out there. Here are my top two that I reference all the time:

• Environmental Working Groups Skin Deep Cosmetics Database – An online safety guide for cosmetics and personal care products.
• Local Harvest – This site is great for finding farmers’ markets, family farms and other sources of sustainably grown food in your area. It also has a list (based on your zip code) of where you can buy produce, grass-fed meats and many other goodies.

Disclosure: The bloggers featured in the Clear Conscience Blog “In Their Expert Opinion” series have received product samples and compensation from Watkins, Inc.