It Ain’t Easy Being Green

I jumped on the “green” living bandwagon a bit late, I suppose. By all accounts, old hippie that I am, I should have been “green” long ago. In ways I am and always have been. In my home, I’ve preferred glass containers of all types to plastic, I’ve recycled carpet squares to anything from coasters to mats at the door, I’ve always preferred natural surfaces (tile for floors, concrete for counter tops) to the man-made carpets, and formicaish counter tops. Quilts have been made from a multitude of fabrics, from cottons to wools, just depending on what’s around. And I’ve preferred my cloth grocery bags over the store’s requisite plastic for years. (I had a million uses for the brown paper bags that have disappeared from use)

Now, it seems theres more to think about when it comes to being “green”. It means more than getting the lights turned off in an empty room. Now, I have to think about where my purchases are coming from and where they’re going to. That’s a tough one. The compost bed is great for organics, but not great for quite a few other items. I have to think about what my carbon foot-print might be. Heck even the vacuum cleaner guys are talking about carbon emissions (Dyson).

So, in my efforts to be more earth friendly in my world. I’ve come up with a few guidelines. Maybe they’ll help you in your quest to be “green”

• Going “green” doesn’t have to be complicated or hard. More often simple is the best.
• Make a personal choice to spend more time outdoors. Enjoy fresh air and sun when you can. Heck, even open the windows if you can’t be outside.
• Learn to see the world in a different way, learn to live sustainably.
• Don’t worry about the costs of going “green”, consider what you’re saving, both money wise and life wise.
• Ask yourself the question, “What do I have in my home/office/life that I can use/reuse”. Make a list to remind yourself that you don’t need to “buy” a like item.
• Being eco-friendly (read: “green”) happens in stages. One decision, one choice and one step at a time. Take baby steps.
• Consider your personal environment, part of the bigger picture. Solving your “green” issues becomes easier, when you consider that.

What are your tips for living “green”?