When discussing ways to green your life, I often am presented with the argument that it is inconvenient. This is the silliest argument against going green that I’ve ever heard! The thing is, we make habits for ourselves based on how we were raised and what the media tells us to buy and wear and eat and we just go with it, because its normal and seems to work okay and anything outside of that space would just be too weird and too difficult to adapt. I know for a fact that making changes to take steps towards a more environmentally friendly home and life is simple and can take a small amount of effort because I have done them myself. By being aware of what you are buying and using in your home, you can make your home and your lifestyle a little more eco-friendly!

Become a conscious shopper

Household items: If you have half a brain and have listened to any reports done on ammonia and various other harsh  chemicals, you know you should avoid using them at all costs. Not only are they terrible for you, they cause harm to our precious atmosphere. Rather than buying the standard cheapo cleansers like Windex and other surface cleaners, look for cleaners that have 10 ingredients or less with names you can pronounce. You can also clean most of your home with white vinegar, baking soda and lemon. Cheap, super effective, and non-harming to you or to this kickass world of ours. Find some ways to do this at: http://www.natural-healthy-home-cleaning-tips.com/vinegar_baking_soda_cleaning_recipes.htm

This site also points out that studies have proven a 5% solution of white vinegar to kill 99% of bacteria. Dopeness!

If you want convienence, Whole Foods and other health stores sell environmentally friendly brands of cleaning supplies and kitchen goods, including sponges, gloves, dish soaps and paper cupcake liners. These are little, simple things that may not seem like a big deal to you, but remember that every time you purchase something, you are voting for what you want out there on the market. The more “green” items bought, the more the companies will produce, and less of the other crap. Also, do not be fooled by an item that is marked “green” or “natural.” Always check the ingredients! Any company can put “green” or “natural” on their label as there are no regulations for it, so check the back!

Clothing: In his incredibly informative book Cradle to Cradle, William McDonough (http://www.mcdonough.com/cradle_to_cradle.htm) discusses how our recycling system is actually a method of “downcycling,” not true recycling. I put both recycling and downcycling to use when it comes to clothing. When buying new clothes, look for items that are made from recycled materials (a form of downcycling), and definitely buy organic when you can. Buying organic cotton is incredibly important because cotton is the number one treated product! Grosssssssss. Shop at vintage and thrift stores for recycled clothing.  Always be conscious about the companies that you purchase from.  Most importantly, don’t buy what you don’t need! I try to buy new clothes only when I need them and be conscious about where I am getting them from. Sometimes you can go through the clothes you already have and reinvent them with a little creatitvity.  Also, don’t throw away your old clothes in the trash – donate them to Goodwill or another thrift store or charity service so someone else can get wear and joy out of them!

The biggest thing I can stress to you, is that every time you purchase anything, you are voting for what you want on the market. When you are faced with organic or conventional, compare prices and if the price difference is not that much, go for organic, always. Places like Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods have their own brands of organic foods and products that are often only 20 – 50 cents more than the conventional product. Totally worth the extra dimes!

Shopping is necessary for convenience in our lives, but should not be a frequent activity of recreation. Be conscious with everything you wear, eat and use. Its easy and makes a difference! Both the world and I thank you, greatly.