Going Green: It Starts With You
We’ve noticed that many people tell us “good for you,” when learning of our various efforts in reducing waste, but these same people don’t seem to have any desire to change the world themselves. With this kind of attitude, nothing will ever get done. If we always expect somebody else to fix the problem, we will never realize that we are the ones contributing to the problem. It seems that these people are stuck in their ways. I don’t blame them. It’s hard to change habits and routines, especially if you’ve been using the same ones for much of your life. The truth is CHANGE IS HARD. But once you’re in your new groove, you’ll wonder how you ever lived differently before.
We stopped using paper towels in our home when we moved to Oregon 4 years ago. But we are clean freaks. That means I wipe off the kitchen counters multiple times a day. I can’t stand a messy counter. For many people, that means the use of paper towels or wet wipes. Both are not the best choices for the eco-minded person. This is why we implemented the use of rags and cloth napkins in place of paper towels. I cannot imagine using anything else nowadays. You can read our blog post on how to stop using paper towels here.
Chemicals. They’re everywhere. You can’t escape them 100% of the time, but you can do your best. Every bath product you use can be found in a natural version. If you don’t buy natural soap from us, at least buy natural soap from someone else. The soap that “cleans” your body will wash down the drain for a fish to swallow. So make sure you’re using soap that you’re okay with our fish friends consuming. Chemicals in our food. They just don’t usually need to be there. They’re often preservatives anyways. We cook most of our food from scratch. I often think back to the days when I bought pre-packaged or frozen meals. I never felt 100% nourished with those meals. Now my food satisfies my belly and my soul because we cook it with love.
No, the “crunchy” way of life is not the easiest. But you’re helping your own body, your environment, and your family. You’re saving the world while protecting your body and your family’s bodies and pocketbooks. Breaking your habits of waste and chemical use will FREE you. Seriously. Don’t be afraid to try something new. You may be amazed at what you discover!