This is the second part of a multiple-part series on educated consumerism. To read the first post in this series, click here.

Now that you know the basics of where to begin and how you can help shift the tide, it's important to stay ahead of the curve. Brands are changing overnight, and if you forget to take a closer look every now and again, you'll be surprised to learn that the company you love is no longer what it once claimed to be. 

I used to think that living a green lifestyle was hard or not as possible living in the city; but as I've learned, this is far from the truth! Being green doesn't have to be complex or complicated. There are little things that we can do every single day that can positively impact the Earth...

While it can be tough to recycle certain items, especially in Chicago with all of the new restrictions as to what is accepted, there are many great resources that can help you find centers in your area for pretty much everything. Here's a list of common household items that you should take a moment to recycle!