By Mary Beth Gonzalez, iVillage.com
I think I'm making myself sick. When I'm not thinking about new ways to go green, I'm thinking about how to get rid of the things in my life that aren't green. As my green options have increased, so does my anxiety over making my life even greener.
Seven years ago, when I first started learning how to live an eco-friendly lifestyle, green products and information on how to go green were not easily available. There were just a few local options for where to get local and organic food, and only a few companies (many online or catalog companies) who made non-toxic cleaning supplies, natural personal care products and organic sheets/towels. Back then, finding low VOC paint, reverse osmosis water filters, natural carpeting, natural fiber clothing and sustainable furniture was very difficult. Yet, committed as I was to this eco-lifestyle, I searched out and found the few, true, green companies and just resolved myself to knowing that I was doing my best.
I think I'm making myself sick. When I'm not thinking about new ways to go green, I'm thinking about how to get rid of the things in my life that aren't green. As my green options have increased, so does my anxiety over making my life even greener.
Seven years ago, when I first started learning how to live an eco-friendly lifestyle, green products and information on how to go green were not easily available. There were just a few local options for where to get local and organic food, and only a few companies (many online or catalog companies) who made non-toxic cleaning supplies, natural personal care products and organic sheets/towels. Back then, finding low VOC paint, reverse osmosis water filters, natural carpeting, natural fiber clothing and sustainable furniture was very difficult. Yet, committed as I was to this eco-lifestyle, I searched out and found the few, true, green companies and just resolved myself to knowing that I was doing my best.
Now, with so many new green companies and products launching, I'm like a kid in a candy store finding new green treats everyday online and in local stores. Green television programming, websites and blogs surround me. Organic tee shirts, bamboo pillowcases, non-toxic nail polish, natural hair color, sustainable sofas... and I want it all! And when I have gifts to buy for others, all I can think about are all the fabulous green gift options, even if the gift recipient is likely not to even notice.
So, my green friends, I ask you...
Is it green to worry so much about going green when that means your mind is consumed with more consumption?
Is it green to want to support new green companies when that means buying things that must be shipped by gas guzzling, carbon foot-printing trucks and planes across the country?
Is it green to recycle my non-green items when that means giving my non-sustainable and chemically sprayed furniture to others?
Is it green to donate my abandoned, unopened, toxic personal care items to the poor when that means they might be the ones to get cancer?
When I struggle with these questions, I remind myself to strive for balance. I'll continue to try to dispose of my "non-green" stuff properly. When I can, I'll buy locally so that I don't expend energy on delivery. And, of course, spending is only one half of the puzzle. As excited as I am about all the fabulous new green products on the market, I'll aim to just buy what I need, not what I want. And every day, I'll just keep doing my best.
Mary Beth Gonzalez
iVillage.com
Please join my Going Green group and read my Green Blog
I think it is silly to consume more even if one's intent is to live in a greener way. Instead, if your current belongings are not harmful to your or your pets' health and are perfectly useful, hold onto them. For example, in our home we are not replacing our current furniture with environmentally friendly manufactured furniture because our current furniture does not otherwise need to be replaced and it would be wasteful to purchase more furniture since we already own a good couch, chair, and table set. Yes, we might be able to freecycle, sell, or donate our current furniture, but ultimately getting rid of useful items may mean that they needlessly end up in a landfill.
As far as personal care items go, we freecycled many products and informed our list that we were cleaning house because we needed products safe for our infant's use and for mom's since I am breastfeeding.
I hope that helps! And don't worry about being green. I think that every little action makes a difference and it your intention that is most important.
be green in a very easy, compassionate and 100 % cruelty-free way : go Vegan ! You won't regret it.
I agree with Green Mama, it is not necessary to toss out what already has been purchased as long as it's not harmful to anyone. When it's time to replace them, by all means, go natural if possible.
When I switched to green products 7 years ago, I set my questionable cleaning products in a box out on my curb for the garbage man to take. There was a knock at my door and he informed me that I would have to take them to the Hazardous Waste Facility to get rid of them. That they didn't belong in a landfill! You see, I have used green products for 7 years. I purchase them wholesale at 30% to 40% off from a company that ships these wonderful products right to my front door. I no longer have asthma, eczema, and the itching has finally stopped. Some of my those who use these products feel their kids nolonger seems to be affected with ADD and ADHD. Others have seen a difference in her childs Autism which is up 300% since the 80's. We all feel all these ailments are due to the increased use of harmful chemical cleaners. It makes me feel so good to do something healthy for my family at home and at the same time know I'm improving my home environment and not polluting the Planet. This US grown company went green 23 years ago and now makes almost 400 items I can choose from that have no negative chemicals. Are you aware that not only are store brand cleaners full of know neurotoxins and carcinogens, but formaldehyde, a known cancer causing agent, is in almost all bath and body products plus skin care and cosmetics as well. The industry has over 50 names for formaldehyde, like Quaternium-15, as a inexpensive perservative. You can even find it in baby toiletries! I got a membership in this company to get a 30% to 40% discount. Plus, the first 5 months, the company will give you $20 each month in free products when you place an order for $65 or more with them each month. Everything comes with a 60 day, empty bottle, 100% money back guarantee. And they even give you a way to get all your products virtually free. I share this company with others so they can go shop there over their toll free number or on-line. You can contact me to learn more:
909-744-0020
You are under no obligation to purchase. You'll never pay me money since I don't sell anything; I just help you get the same membership I did and they reward us for doing just that. Hope I've inspired you to inquire:
909-744-0020
Just leave your name and number and time zone, and best time and day for me to contact you. We beat retail store prices, try it-like it-or it's free. Call me.
Helping the Planet, One Family at a Time :^D