Traditionally the New Year brings with it resolutions for things we want to change or do better in the coming year. If one of your resolutions is to start living a greener lifestyle but you’re not sure exactly where to begin, let me try to help.
1. Learn what it means to Go Green:
Before you can embrace a lifestyle change you need to know why it is important to do so. There are so many fun, informative, fact-filled, non-preachy blogs and green sites that you can easily find one that suits you; (Green and Clean Mom, Treehugger, reusablebags.com, Green Home, Green Guide)
2. Purchase a few reusable bags:
I would start with inexpensive store brand bags first. Once you get used to using them, reap the benefits of in store bag discounts, and discover how handy they are to have around you may want to purchase more “fashionable” and diverse bags. (Envirosax, RuMe, buygreen)
3. Take your own coffee mug:
Purchase a reusable travel mug and leave it in your car. The next time you are out and about and want to stop for coffee, use your reusable mug. Most coffee shops give a small discount for using your own mug. Just think of the number of straws, cups, and cup holders you will save over time!
4. Switch to reusable lunches:
Decreasing the amount of waste generated through sack lunches is a great way to go green. A small investment now will save you $ on sandwich bags, juice boxes, snack bags, and brown paper sacks. Reusable lunch containers are also more durable so food will stay intact. (Starter kits like the one below make it very easy to switch)
5. Replace your regular cleaners with green ones:
Replace your regular cleaners as they run out with green ones such as Method or Seventh Generation. Before you realize it, you will have detoxed all of your cleaning supplies and made your home cleaner and greener in the process.
When I made a conscious effort to “Go Green” I took this same “one small step at a time” approach. It is amazing to me just how quickly those small steps have added up.
Remember, there are many shades of green and each shade is important!
You can read more about the baby green step approach that Lena is taking at Over Coffee – the green edition
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Yes, small steps is definitely the way to go! Otherwise it's terrible overwhelming. We're already doing many of the things you've listed but I do want to find more ways "being green". I about to try my hand at making my own laundry detergent and fabric softener sheets. I'm curious to see how that works!
Thank you for your comment Malia.
Overwhelming is a great way to describe it. The small steps at a time approach has really worked for me. Let me know how making your own detergent works. My next baby steps are cloth napkins and alternatives to dryer sheets.
I'd love an Envirosax, but unfortunately, they do not ship to Malaysia