Sharon Hodge

Sharon is a freelance writer for Utopia. She studied American literature and culture at Heidelberg University in Germany and Writing, Editing and Mediating at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. When she’s not off somewhere enjoying a good book, she is probably out hiking or exploring the forests of her native Heidelberg.

10 Helpful Ingredient Checkers for Skincare and Household Products

by Sharon Hodge | August 25, 2023 10 fantastic skincare ingredient checkers that will help you learn more about the household and personal care products you use every day. Read more

Fantastic DIY Ollas and 2 Self-Watering Alternatives

by Sharon Hodge | June 20, 2023 Keep your plants lush this summer with a DIY olla that will make watering much easier. Create an environmentally friendly self-watering system with our step-by-step guide! Read more

Misinformation vs. Disinformation: The Difference & Why It Matters

by Sharon Hodge | May 11, 2023 False information spreads rapidly, altering our response to issues like climate change. Learn about the impact of misinformation vs. disinformation and how to safeguard yourself. Read more

Can You Use Expired Sunscreen? Here’s What to Check to be Sure

by Sharon Hodge | May 4, 2023 When the sun is suddenly out and you only have that one bottle of sunscreen from last year — and it's past its expiration date. But can you use expired sunscreen, should you, and is it still better than no sunscreen at all? Read more

What Is Hydroponics and How Does It Function?

by Sharon Hodge | April 5, 2023 Hydroponics refers to the method of growing plants without soil — just water and nutrients. Learn all about the what and why of hydroponic gardening as well as how to get started with hydroponics yourself. Read more

Starting Seeds in Egg Cartons: Steps from Seed to Transplant

by Sharon Hodge | March 30, 2023 Discover the secrets to starting seeds in egg cartons and transplanting them to the garden with our simple step-by-step guide. Read more

Where & How to Recycle Laptops and Why It’s So Important

by Sharon Hodge | February 22, 2023 Is it time to get rid of your old laptop? Here's how and where to recycle laptops and why it's so important to get it right. Read more

Winter doesn't have to be all gray and gloomy. These 12 winter plants will brighten the dark months of the year.

12 Most Stunning Plants That Flower in Winter

by Sharon Hodge | January 16, 2023 Looking for some hardy flowering plants in winter? Here are 12 colorful blooms to bring alive your home and garden during those cold winter days. Read more