Let’s be honest. Starting to “Go Green” can be a bit overwhelming. For me, it started with my diet and needing to find a dairy alternative. That led to watching shows that had recipes about cooking with soy milk. These shows also had information about eating organic foods. I watched more and then I learned about non-toxic, chemical free cleaners. From there, I was introduced to organic cotton and bamboo fabric for clothing linens. Then I learned about building materials, green-washing of major companies, growing an organic garden, etc. Whew! It was exhausting to realize I wanted to completely overhaul almost every aspect of my life and the way I shopped. And it was hard to tell what was good, what was better, and what was best. One of the main things I’ve learned is organic, local, and homemade are the best ways to go. If that’s not accessible, go where you can with it. Do what is available to you and that will be the best thing for you to do.
Another great resource, that you can come back to time and time again, is a how-to book on going green. My favorite are how to green your household, so you can really learn how to greenify and simplify YOUR home life, and then take it further from there.
Two great books are Sara Snow’s Fresh Living: The Essential Room-by-Room Guide to a Greener, Healthier Family and Home, by Sara Snow(Green Living Expert and TV Host) and Planet Home, by Jeffrey Hollander (the cofounder of Seventh Generation).
Both books are similar and great guides for how to start going green, how to make some of your own products, and why to go green for you and your family. Both books go room-by-room and address issues such as cleaners, chemicals in fabrics, sustainable furniture, off-gassing, VOC’s in paints, etc. The main difference here is that Sara Snow’s book is set up like a workbook at the end, with recipes, homemade cleaners, and checklists. Planet Home is a bit thicker and contains a bit more information at times, but no space for writing. Put the two together, and you’ve got a perfect combination.
There are also many wonderful blogs, magazines, books, and websites out there that are very useful when you first start changing some of your habits. If you have any questions, email me or leave a comment below. Let me know – what is (or was) the hardest thing when you start(ed) going green?
I also offer multiple packages on helping you get started with a newer, healthier you and your home. Look for these coming in the next week under the Services tab.
I also have some super tasty recipes and a kick butt (sometimes literally) Barre workout coming your way later this week!
Until then…
Peace and Love,
Jessi
