Okay…okay…I know it’s taken me WAY too long to post something new since I got up the nerve to start this whole green thing!! I can honestly admit to being completely overwhelmed with all the information out there!! I seriously did not know where to start! So I took a deep breath…went back and re-read my first post and realized that I did not need to go forth and spread the good green word all at once…just a little at a time… exactly my intentions in the first place!! Someone just said to me the other day (thanks Nancy!) take it one day at time and when you come across something you feel you want to pass along then do it. And wasn’t that just exactly what I had said to myself in the beginning!!
So here goes…post #2!
I was perusing one of my favorite green newsletters the other day – The Daily Green - when I came upon an article from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution recommending 10 easy steps we all can take to send our kitchens headlong into the world of green. Kitchens do seem to be the place to gather these days and let’s face it…we ALL love to eat! Whether it’s a small intimate dinner party or a big loud BBQ (definitely my family!) it all starts in the kitchen. This room also seems to be the place that falls more on moms shoulders to try and make some changes…being that it’s usually moms domain (no offense to those awesome men out there who love to cook!). I’m sure you’ve all heard by now that buying and eating organic does make a huge difference both locally and environmentally – high quantities of gas being used to transport food miles and miles away to the overuse of pesticides, fertilizers and energy. It may all seem completely overwhelming to someone who is just starting to think about it all – but like I had to remind myself…if you try it little by little eventually it will become habit and your habits will certainly leave a nice green footprint on our world…for generations to come!
Several of the things on the list below we’ve incorporated into our daily lives and have found them to be very easy. Others I have to make an effort to remember that I don’t do it that way anymore…I do it the green way! While still others I have yet to try. It does take some getting used to, some remembering…and again I think that may stem from the fact that we are so used to our world of convenience. But hey…even a little green goes a long way…just always keep that somewhere in the back of your mind!
The recommendations below are again from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on 10 easy ways to start decreasing your dietary footprint:
1. Ditch the Bottles
As my Uncle Dave says, “Best way to start being green? Drink tap water!”, - Bottled water is pricey and uses a lot of fuel to transport, as well as to make and store all those bottles. Use what comes out of your tap instead because we have some of the best and cleanest water around. However, if you feel the need you can always get a good filter to boost its purity.
2. Buy Local
According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, most produce in the United States travels an average of 1,500 miles before being sold. Reduce all that shipping by rediscovering the fresh bounty of your surrounding area. Find farmers’ markets, co-ops and CSAs (community-supported agriculture projects) on any of these websites – www.farmernet.com , www.cafarmersmarkets.com or www.localharvest.org
3. Dispose of Disposables
Instead of relying on single-use containers, get real dishes, and wash them. The resources saved will really add up. If you don’t feel like washing them one at a time (who really wants to do that!) use a dishwasher if you have one…just remember to wait until it’s full before you run it. And if you can use a biodegradable, phosefate free soap.
4. Banish Excess Packaging
Buy things in larger sizes if you know you’ll use them. Try to select items that have less plastic and extra filler stuffed with them.
5. Bring Your Own Bags
Plastic and paper bags both take resources to produce and distribute, and usually end up as litter. It took me a solid year to remember to ask for paper only and then another 6 months before I bought my own $.99 re-useable bags from Trader Joes. Those bags now travel in my car so I have them whenever I do my shopping at the local farmer’s market or in a grocery store. This might be one of the easier steps to incorporate into everyday life…once it’s habit!
6. Get a Green Thumb
Growing plants not only helps soak up excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, but it can help clean toxins from the air and provide habitat (and food, though you may not want to hear that) for wildlife. And it reconnects you with nature!
7. Eat Less Meat
Factory farms are huge polluters, using loads of energy, and are very resource-intensive. Making it a point to eat lower on the food chain more often will definitely make an impact. Not only on your wallet but also on the environment. If you are a meat lover and need your weekly dose of the red stuff El Toro Meats is one of my favorite local butcher shops. They make it a point to buy all meats, poultry etc. from natural farms in the area. This means they are fed an all natural vegetarian diet and are free to roam as they please. Try their marinated carne asada…you won’t be disappointed!!
8. Use Your Appliances Wisely
Unplug unused devices like coffee pots and toaster ovens when not in use and pick Energy Star when it’s time to replace. Some recommend an energy audit and say it’s easy to do yourself.
9. Cook!
Plan meals ahead of time so you aren’t scrambling to pick up something convenient, which is likely to be less healthy and wrapped in more packaging. You can check out The Daily Green’s great coverage of delightful and easy green cuisine which they have every day. I’ve tried several recipes and they rock!!!
10. Become Educated
Learn to save money and time by reducing waste and unneeded consumption, whether that’s water, energy, paper, food, travel and more.
So, once again, thank you to everyone who read this second post of mine! I really appreciate the support!
Make it a great day and happy greening to all!!
FYI – I have stumbled upon a company whose products are all natural (plant derived) and eco-friendly. So far I LOVE everything I’ve tried. If interested please email me at mamasgreengoodies@yahoo.com for more information. Thanks!
