What does GREEN mean?? How does one GO GREEN?? Where do you start??I think for so many of us, these questions become so overwhelming that it is better to ignore than to make small changes.
"Going green" means to pursue knowledge and practices that can lead to more environmentally friendly and ecologically responsible decisions and lifestyles, which can help protect the environment and sustain its natural resources for current and future generations.
First, let me say that I am not an expert, but I am learning to "go green" with style and sophisticaton one small step at a time.
Here is my journey to becoming more "green".
I have been making small changes for about 3 years now since I took a class at the gym and learned about partially hydrogenated oils http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trans_fat and high fructose corn syrup! http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/chronicle/archive/2004/02/18/FDGS24VKMH1.DTLI went home and began checking all food labels in our pantry. I was shocked to see all the foods that contain these 2 ingredients! EVERYTHING!! I have found alternatives for most of the foods we eat at home. This was a pretty easy change because little by little, I just replaced the food products with a healthier choice as I grocery shopped! This change led me to my next change.....
Now 3 years later- not only do I buy foods without these ingredients but now I buy foods that are all natural and/or organic (grown with no pesticides, hormones, etc). My newest goal is buying more locally grown foods.
One of my most recent changes has been to use my own bags at the grocery store and other stores I visit. If you want a more stylish look check out these really hip modern totes at http://www.reusablebags.com/ You can't go wrong with the quality & style of Envirosax reusable shopping bags.
Fun Fact: Each year, an estimated 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags are consumed worldwide. That comes out to over one million per minute. Billions end up as litter each year.
And last but not least, we are recycling like crazy! Things I never thought about recycling are getting to the recycle bin now. Check out this site http://ecologue.com/ShowArticle/Sorting-Your-Recycling to figure out how and what to recycle if you are just getting started.
We'd like to hear from you....What are you doing to "go green"? or What is going to be your first step to help the environment?
Also, please share any and all products you use that have style!
7 comments:
Our family has been looking for easy ways to start going green as well. I've been looking for as many tips as possible. Yours are certainly very helpful.
Great!!!! I've changed the way my kids eat. One day at a time. Little things everyday grow into "BIG" things. Thanks!!!
"GO GREEN"!!!!!
Great ideas!!!
Those Sigg cups are really cute. I want one!
Love those ideas and can't wait to incorporate! We have been trying to make lots of changes in our household as well. A few little items I try to do include: watch on conserving water (when running bath for kids, in the shower and while brushing teeth), recycle the dry clean hangers instead of throw them out, use environmentally friendly cleaners, and use more towels instead of paper towels. Look forward to hearing other ideas.
Great ideas. I have not used a papertowel in 3 months and I am continuously adding new things.
I am looking forward to more tips from you.
Sandi
These are all things that I have been trying to incorporate into my life over the past few years. I enjoyed the websites and especially loved the bags. My next step is to purchase a shopping bag. Thanks for the great advice!
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