Why Live Green?

Some people wonder if living a green life is just a fad. I'm sure for some it is, but for me and many others, it's just a way of life. You shouldn't want to live green because everyone else is. It has to mean something to you.

For me it's always been important. I haven't always been good at it, but it's always been a concern of mine. Especially now that I'm a Momma. I've got two beautiful kids, and like any parent I only want the best for them. So I do what I can everyday to keep them, and the earth, healthy and green.

I'm a big recycler, and I love seeing my recycling can overflowing and my garbage can with only two bags in it. I just feel so much better knowing that it's not all going to the landfill.

We use natural skincare products, to cut down on exposure to harmful chemicals. I know some people say that chemicals such as parabens, phthalates and sulfates aren't harmful, but I've read enough to not want to take any chances. You can learn more about these chemicals by visiting the Green Resources section and clicking on Ingredients to Avoid.

As for cleaning products, it was easy to switch. I'm not much of a cleaner, but now that I use natural products it sure makes the job more tolerable. The smell of chemical cleaners is just so nasty! Plus, there are a lot of things around the house that you can make your own cleaners out of. Two of my favorites are: baking soda and lemon juice to scour off the foods that you burn onto your stove, and equal parts water and white vinegar, with a few drops of natural dish soap for a great glass cleaner.

We take our reusable shopping bags with us to every store(almost all the time), and we shop at the local farmers market. It's so important to support your local farmers, plus shopping locally reduces our dependence on petroleum.

Don't feel like you have to change every aspect of your life to make a difference. We drive a bigger vehicle because we have kids and dogs to haul around, and I just feel safer that way. I also can't seem to cut out my long showers, but I sure hope the other changes we've made are balancing everything out.

So start small, and do what works for you and your family. Every little bit counts!