Here are three simple ways that I and my family reduce our footprint on the Earth and live smarter by consuming consciously. It took me less than a day to implement these simple and quick changes which, as most moms know, is essential when changing behavior amidst the business raising children:
1) STOP using plastic bags for things where there is an eco-friendly alternative. This means absolutely no plastic shopping bags for groceries or shopping purchases (this is already banned in San Francisco and Palo Alto, and soon to spread all over California, we hope. So be an early adopter and shop green now!)
INSTEAD, use OliveSmart Sacks – eco-friendly, reusable, lightweight shopping bags that come in multi-sack packs and fit in the cupholder of your car, in your purse, in your backpocket. My husband, my two-and-a-half-year-old twins, and I use them daily for everything from laundry, toys, dry cleaning, lunch, and all grocery purchases. They make a great holiday gift and daily use will improve the Earth one shopping trip at a time. Buy them at OliveSmart or ask your school to start a fundraiser, which gives them 20% of the proceeds for a “Green Family and Schools Program”! (Use coupon code SVMOM for free shipping before December 15th)
No plastic bags includes the use of Ziploc bags. For sandwiches and snacks-on-the go with my kids, we use Wrap-n-Mat reusable sandwich and snack wraps instead. They also double as a “placemat” so when kids eat snacks at the park or even at a restaurant, they have a clean eating surface you can easily wash or wipe.
2) Use safe and green laundry and cleaning products. Seventh Generation is our favorite, and I’ve been using the Seventh Generation Free & Clear products because they are safest for children, have no fragrances or dyes, and are therefore also safer on any surface or fabric you use them on.
3) Buy less stuff, especially stuff that doesn’t biodegrade and will surely end up in a landfill in less than a year. Educate yourself and your children about where stuff goes — find out about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and watch “The Story of Stuff” video if you need further inspiration.
Buy gently used second-hand clothing, toys, and gear — the ultimate version of “recyling”. When you’re done with your stuff, and it can still be used by others, don’t throw it away, give it away to your local charity or better yet, “Freecyle-it” which operates on a “gift exchange” basis. I’ve given away tons of stuff that to me was “useless”, but to others was truly “priceless” and much appreciate. Sign up for your local Freecyle community today, and pass on the stuff… But remember to live wisely and first – buy LESS stuff!
Lastly, teach your children to live green from the time they are toddlers and can understand they have an impact, they can make a difference. Do this by modeling green living and smart habits in everyday life. Say, “let’s turn off the water so we don’t waste it while brushing our teeth”. Or “let’s turn off the lights when we’re not in the room so we don’t waste the energy.” Simple things make a big difference, and investing the time now to ingrain Green behavior in our kids will help us create an entire generation of responsible, eco-conscious little citizens, who become big citizens and change the world!
Thanks to Beth and the folks at LighterSaferGreener.com for inspiring me to post this!
For more Green Living Tips see LighterSaferGreener.com.
