Hippie Living Trends For The Rest of Us

Jeff Leaf, also known as Mylkman, hand delivers his homemade almond milk to hundreds of eco-conscious clients across the Los Angeles area. Additive- and sweetener-free, Leaf's milk is made from just two ingredients: raw organic almonds and freshly cracked coconuts. His new wave twist on an old-fashioned idea allows for fresh, vitamin-packed, nutrient-rich milk that tastes great. Don't live close enough to try Mylkman? The drink's easy to make.

Savvy moms are reducing waste and getting more bang for their buck by shopping secondhand. Krystal Thomas, owner of baby consignment store Sleep Play Love, says shoppers often receive 30 to 90 percent off retail prices for gently used and brand new kids' clothing, toys, books and gear. In addition to saving cash, practical parents can make money by consigning their own old items that would otherwise sit boxed up in the basement.

Catering to a crowd focused on both fitness and sustainability, Adam Boesel opened the world's first electricity-generating gym. Located in Portland, Ore., but looking to expand, The Green Microgym lets members work out on machines that convert calories into the energy that runs the building. According to Boesel, one person can generate between 50 and 150 watts on a stationary bike—enough to power a stereo. Attach your bike to Pedal-a-Watt, and you can use this green concept at home.

Handy hippies are also repurposing neglected objects to save money and stem consumerism. Danny Seo, the author of seven books, including one called Upcycling: Create Beautiful Things With the Stuff You Already Have, says there's no need be a crafting buff. If you can plug in a glue gun, use a pair of scissors or add a piece of tape, then you can upcycle, he says. To prove his point, Seo says to try his two-step trivet project: Fill a large pipe clamp with wine corks, and tighten with a screwdriver. Voilà—a kitchen trivet!

Urban gardening may sound like an oxymoron, but Justin Cutter of the Compass Green project says you don't need much space for a garden. He runs a fully functional greenhouse from the back of a truck. Cutter claims that a person can use their windowsill for an herb garden or a chain-link fence to grow salad greens. With just a little more space, like a big balcony or roof, you could supply all your seasonal vegetable needs by yourself.

Local gardeners are sharing the love with seed exchange programs, where community members meet to trade the seeds they've saved from their crops. They help preserve small, local varieties, says Cutter. Many of the plants humans grew in the past have been lost because of globalization, popular food trends and a lack of seed saving. Save and share seeds from flavorful heirloom plants in your garden so that future generations can enjoy them.

Seeking an old-fashioned corner store with an innovative twist, Jacqueline Gjurgevich and Carrie Ferrence started Stockbox Grocers, mini food stores that bring fresh fare to areas that lack access to healthy staples. Built in reclaimed shipping containers, Stockbox stores leave a small carbon footprint and offer a shopping experience that's tailored to the individual community. Stockbox hits Seattle this spring and hopes to expand in the months ahead. Check the company's Facebook page for updates.

Melissa Breyer, author of True Food: Eight Simple Steps to a Healthier You, says that the next time you've got a greasy mess, avoid the toxic cleaners. Instead, sprinkle baking power on the surface, and then wipe the area with a juiced lemon half. She also recommends rubbing an avocado peel on your face for a deep moisture treatment and placing fresh potato peels over your eyes to reduce puffiness.