How to Go Green Part 1

I remember a few years ago when I was searching for a better lifestyle that was healthier and more sustainable. But I struggled with even how to go green. It seemed so daunting especially with how I had been living. going green wasn’t even on my radar and was so foreign, but I knew it was a step in the right direction for my marriage and future family. Today it is who I am and I am so glad that I took those steps. Here are 5 out of 10 ideas on how to go green and how I started.

The first I did to go green was accept a motto. “IF I DON’T ACCEPT IT AS AN OPTION, THEN I CANNOT CHOOSE IT.” Plain and simple. I can’t choose what was never an option. So if I know there is something out there that’s better for me, that’s all I will focus on, no other options.
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1.  I (almost) eliminated plastic throughout my entire house – I have chosen to buy glass and metal storage containers for food and have gotten rid of old plastic old ones. I also do not even use plastic ziplock bags. The most important plastic for to get rid of is anything that comes in contact with food.

This also means that I do not want plastic toys in my house. Kids gnaw and chew on everything… so why lets them put something in their mouths that can potentially harm them. This is especially since heat and scratches can break down the chemical composition of plastic over time, releasing its toxins… sounds like a kid’s hot, slobbery mouth can do just this over time. I LOVE the

I LOVE the Anchor Hocking Glass True Seal Collection , especially the square ones. These can go in the oven, freezer, dishwasher, anywhere.Wood is all natural and metal, glass, and cardboard can continue to be recycled over and over again. SO, I try to find these resources instead of plastic ones.
2. Reduce and Recycle. This is everything from the plastic that is unavoidable to cardboard, tin, aluminum, paper, and glass. It cuts down on trash consumption which for many can even lower their trash bill if they pay by the amount of times a month it gets picked up. I always have to remind myself too that recycling is not that great of a system and doesn’t help the environment as much as we think it does, but I would rather something get broken down and reused than sit on our earth for eternity seeping into our soil and water. We also take our own containers to the farmers market and stores to ensure that we are reducing the potential waste we have.

I always have to remind myself too that recycling is not that great of a system and doesn’t help the environment as much as we think it does, but I would rather something get broken down and reused than sit on our earth for eternity seeping into our soil and water. We also take our own containers to the farmers market and stores to ensure that we are reducing the potential waste we have.

3.Homemade household cleaners – I have done this for several years. I make my own all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, dusting spray, carpet cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner, and sometimes laundry and dish detergent.

And really most of the time I just use soap and water. This cuts down on allergies and exposure to chemicals, plus is also cuts down on waste!

4. I shop all organic and at the Farmers’ Market – I know this one is becoming more and more popular, but it is still not mainstream yet. BUT IT’S SO IMPORTANT!

This has drastically improved our health if for no other reason than eating more fresh produce and less food that has been packaged in any way shape or form. We eat more fruits and vegetables, we make our own smoothies , juice, and pulp bread, and we have less trash.

 In fact one thing we also do is compost; therefore, between composting, eliminating plastic, and recycling, we take our trash out maybe once every 2 or 3 weeks and rarely have to put it out at the curb. We also just like to support local farms because it means we can get quality all organic, non-GMO food for both cheaper and in a more environmentally friendly way.

5. We reuse, re-purpose, and shop garage sales and thrift stores – This is really one of my favorite pastimes. I love to browse Craigslist and go into Goodwill. Count me in! One thing that really bothers me about Western Society is our apparent “need” for newer, bigger, better. But why? It is so unnecessary! You can find awesome stuff that is even brand new if you just know how and when to look.

Not only that, but don’t look at everything for what it is, but imagine what is could be! I have purchased things both that were in bad shape and fixed up or that was intended for a different use than I had in mind.

Find my guide on Secondhand & Thrift Shopping.

In fact several times I have gone both into Target and Goodwill on the same day to find the same thing.Garage sales are great because you can haggle AND most of the time people like the stuff they’re selling, but just need to downsize. The best way to find awesome garage sales is to look for ones that involve a change in marriage or location – they just don’t need or want stuff anymore because it’s cumbersome.

My husband and I decided on a $1,000 baby/kid budget.  This is for clothes, diapers, furniture, etc..  I have so much cool stuff from garage sales, thrift stores, etc. that is basically brand new. Included in our thousand was a brand new $350 car seat, a $300 pump, and odds and ends.

Check out part 2 of how to go green as a parent!