Buy Local and Buy Smart

Since 2006 one step at a time, my family and I have taken steps to live more sustainably, and to raise awareness of the benefits of green living.

I have found to live green is a process and a journey... One step at a time. 

Often when I talk with people about their own efforts to live more sustainably, they share a common frustration of how challenging it can be to make such changes in their life styles, such as buying local and organically, driving less, gardening more, avoiding harsh personal products, etc. 

What I share with these well intentioned but often frustrated folks, is that going green, much like any other lifestyle change, is best made in consistent, managable steps. Often when people try to do it all at once, the process may seem daunting, and they are often too likely to let it ago all together (much like with dieting), and see it as an all or nothing goal.

Our first steps started with intelligent recycling, composting our food and yard waste, and changing to florescent lightbulbs.

Second, we began shopping organics, and seeked out our local farmers market.

Third,  we started telling our friends about how cool our changes were, and the benefit of moving towards a greener and more sustainable lifestyle. We never preached, just shared our own enthusiasm. 

Fourth, we drive "much" less than we ever did when we lived in the City. We carpool every change we get, we all telecommuute almost every day of the week, and we make every attempt to consolidate our errands into as few of trips as possible. Until we can afford a hybrid, for now we just keep our cars well maintained, and running as efficently as possible. 

Fifth, we now use less energy in our home to live, and have all energy star appliances. We also moved to all natural, non-toxic and biodegradable cleaning products, pet products and personal care products. I even make some of my own! They are not only cheaper, but more effective!

I should take a moment to mention, that there are tons of excellent green guides out there at this time. Books such as Gorgeously Green, Easy Green Living, and Green Homes, just to name a few....

Sixth, I began supporting my local food co-op, farmers market, animal shelters, and certain enviornmental & animal conservation and protection groups.

Seventh, I have encouraged my employer (when I am in the Office one day per week) to switch to green office cleaning products, more recycled products, and have been a big advocate of their carpool and telecommute programs.

And finally, but not last, we shop second hand shops for our clothing, buy organic and/or sustainably sourced, fair trade (and local if possible) clothing whenever possible when we have to buy new.

These are just some of the steps we have taken to date so far in an effort to make our world a better place for us, for future generations and all species.