I've always been a little green...I have vivid memories of refusing Styrofoam containers in my middle school cafeteria. I wanted to recycle. While a dislike for trash runs deep in my blood, other aspects of being "green" don't come so naturally (I drive an SUV). Don't worry. I'm not about to campaign for Al Gore to be president. But the more I learn about going green and natural, the more I feel like it is worth our attention.
Here are a few simple things we are doing to make a difference for our bodies and our planet.
*We've purchased reusable grocery sacks to use in lieu of all those annoying plastic ones. If you are in TX, the green bags at HEB are great. They are 99 cents each, very sturdy, and 4 bags take care of most of my groceries. Also, don't have your milk, detergent, and other products too heavy for the plastic bags bagged. Easily saves 10 bags a week.
*RECYCLE. Most city/suburban neighborhoods have curb side recycling service, use it!
*Organics. Buy organic where it matters most, milk, for instance. If every Wal-Mart shopper (200 million) bought one gallon, we could keep 38 million pounds of chemicals out of the environment yearly. This only takes into account the environmental impact. It saves your family from exposure as well. Here's a list of the "dirty dozen" foods you should buy organic when possible (with thin skins or are not easy to thoroughly wash): apples, bell peppers, celery, cherries, grapes, nectarines, peaches, pears, potatoes, raspberries, spinach, & strawberries.
*Wash laundry with cold water. Do several loads in a row so that the dryer remains warm and doesn't have to reheat for each new load. If plant-based cleaning products threaten to break your budget, consider alternating plant-based cleaning products with your old favorites.
*During times of mild weather, use natural light to light your home. Turn off/unplug electronic items when they aren't being used: cell phone chargers, computers, printers, baby monitors.
These are just a few things we are implementing in our home. The more I learn, the more I want to make changes to positively impact everything around me.
What are your favorite tips on being "green" or natural? What are your favorite resources?
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2 comments:
I love this post. I am trying to go a little greener for my family too. Buying the organic milk, fruits and veggies. I also buy the non-toxic, natural cleaning supplies & laundry detergent. If the organic fruits seem to steep that week on price I buy the veggie wash and use that instead. I have been tempted to buy those reusuable grocery bags too. I might give it a try!
The HEB on Kirkwood and Westheimer has a recycle bin by the door that takes the plastic grocery bags as well as dry cleaning bags. I make a pile of plastic bags from various stores and place them in the bin on grocery shopping day.
We also save non-recyclable plastic containers and re-use them to store leftovers.
If you don't have recycling services, almost all schools have a recycling bin for paper and aluminum products.
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