Confession #1: We just started recycling a few months ago. Gasp! I know I know. Even non-green people have been recycling for years. Embarrassing I know. But see, we are very new to this "going green" lifestyle, and I have already learned that there are so many simple things you can do.
Confession #2: I started going green because of concerns for my personal health, as well as my family's, not because of the environment. Oh sure, it makes me feel good that my choices are making this world a better place, but when I first starting diving into all things green it was because of health concerns. The more I learn the more I care about the environment too.
My first major green purchase: Better Life Home Cleaners Starter Kit
I started using these when I was pregnant because I was really concerned about the harsh chemicals in other cleaners. As it turns out, these are the best of the best in natural cleaners. They work so well, are safe, non-toxic, and oh sooooo natural! Love them.
My second major green purchase:
I always planned on doing cloth diapers. My mom did cloth diapers with us and it seemed to work out well. The main reason I settled on cloth diapers is because they are soooo much cheaper than disposable diapers, and because there are no harsh chemicals in them that would be harmful to my baby. They are also so stinkin' cute! Who can resist a cloth diaper baby butt? We love our Flip - Snap - Stay Dry Insert Individual-Blossom
Flip - Snap - Stay Dry Insert Individual-Blossom by Cotton Babies. Now as I become more environmentally conscious I also love that they are sooooo much better for the environment. By using cloth diapers our family's carbon footprint is reduced exponentially.In the meantime: My husband begins gardening
Okay, if we are being honest, I was not excited about this new adventure. The start up is expensive (although it saves tons if you produce a good harvest), and it took time away from us spending time together (the thought didn't occur to me at the time that I could help him). My tune changed when we started eating squash from our own backyard. He has been researching "backyard homesteading" and "sustainable living". We have a LONG way to go in this adventure but would love to be able to live off our own land like the good old days. This summer we are striving to keep our garden as organic as possible and we have been composting all year as well.
Next: WE HAVE A BABY! This is how the green monster got let out of its cage. Recently someone asked me (referring to my new "green" ways) "You haven't always been like this have you?" I reply "No, not until recently. " She asks, "What changed?" My response, "I had a baby."
Seriously though, this has catapulted me into a world of researching the safety of products and the health of foods, and anything else I can think of. I guess the mama bear in me has come out of hibernation. Ever since having a baby I have been trying to eat very healthy, and as organic as we can afford (why is all the healthy organic stuff soooooo expensive?) So, fortunately we have a Whole Foods here in Memphis and that is where we get a lot of our produce and most of our meat, as well as a few other things. If we could afford it I would buy all organic just because it is best for the environment and for the workers, but for now we focus mainly on the dirty dozen. And now that baby girl is eating solids you better believe I try to feed her as organically as possible.
Quite possibly the biggest can of worms: COSMETICS
Had NO IDEA until recently how toxic cosmetics are. I mean shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, shave gel, makeup, lotions, cleansers, etc. And seriously, why do baby products have known carcinogens in them? There has been a lot of attention focused on this lately and you have seen many companies come out with a "natural" line that is not natural at all if you look at the ingredients. Just a marketing gimic!
I started my research here at The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. It is absolutely crazy to me that companies use known carcinogens and other harmful chemicals in products that we use every single day. So we are in the process of getting rid of all of our unsafe cosmetics. I have already done one huge purge, and when we run out of the last few things I will buy safe, non-toxic, natural cosmetics to replace them. (In case you are wondering you can find these at Whole Foods, and Sephora has a natural line, as well as several companies online) Most importantly, I switched baby girl over to California Baby products right away and feel so great about her using their products! I have been loving Bare Minerals for makeup and still looking for a natural skin-care line that I love. Right now I am trying REN.
Some small things:
- Trying to eliminate our plastic usage. I am not sure it will ever be possible to eliminate all plastic from our lives, but we are now using paper grocery bags for garbage, which is such an easy step. Also, for the diaper pail I bought 2 reusable, washable diaper pail liners. I found reusable produce bags at Whole Foods recently. I also saw online that there are reusable sandwich bags, so I plan on looking into that.
- Next big step: buy glassware to replace our plastic that we use for storing leftovers and such.
- Another big step in the future: switch over to Calphalon (or another brand of cast-iron skillets) and get rid of Teflon and other utensils lined with plastic non-stick component.
Why are we going green?
Well, like I said: originally it was about health concerns. It is definitely not cheaper so we have to cut back in other areas, but I think it is worth it when it is our health you are talking about. (side note: if i were more domestic and learned how to make more things myself I think it could be a lot cheaper)
Now that I have been researching and learning about going green, organic, non-toxic, or whatever other label you want to place on it, I am starting to really care about the environmental aspects as well. Another term that has been coined is "creation care." I love and follow the Creator who created all of this world, and I want to be a good steward of His creation. I want to be a good steward of my body, His temple, and also of His world. I know I can't completely eliminate my carbon footprint, but I want to do what I can, especially if it is simple. I think it is clear to see that creation is groaning for the return of Christ. We have really messed up His creation, but it is not too late to change our ways. I really do believe that Christ will return sometime in my generation, but who knows for sure? Only God knows when that will be. And in the meantime, I want to preserve the beauty of His creation. I want my children and grandchildren to be able to breathe fresh air and to see coral reefs. One of the ways that God reveals Himself is through His creation, so we want to try our best to preserve His creation for His glory. Don't we? Shouldn't we care about these things as His children? We, after all, are to be stewards of all He has made.
My family has a long way to go in "being green" and "creation care", but I hope we can continue to learn and apply what we learn, and do all that we can afford.
What about you? What are some ways you have gone green or what are some things you want to do? What do you think about the idea of "creation care"?
Thanks for linking up! :-) It was fun to hear about what you guys do.
ReplyDeleteI was telling Ben (hubby) tonight that I think our daughters must be like two peas in a pod, and therefore, we would have much in common. It isn't everywhere I meet someone with a baby with similar needs to Vivi. :-)