Filed under: Your Home, Projects, Storage & Cleaning, Storage & Organization
Photo: Polina Osherov Photography
When life gets crazy, the last thing you want to do is change up your routine. Which is exactly why so many people resist incorporating green practices into their daily life -- when you've got your busy schedule down to a science, why rock the boat?
But, like most things in life, there are different levels of living green: mint green, kelly green, forest green -- you get the gist! So, green amateurs, fear not! According to Sara Snow, natural and green living expert, TV host and author, easing into the green lifestyle is totally achievable.
"We try to do our best, but I understand -- life can get insane," says Snow. "First thing first, don't beat yourself up over what you can't do. Instead, focus on the little, easy things that you can do."
So what habit can you easily make routine in your life? Here are Snow's five tips for easing into the green lifestyle:
Photo: jupiterimages / Getty Images
1. Make healthier food choices.
"Food is an appropriate place to start because it's something we all need, and it's something we all make decisions about multiple times a day," says Snow. "You won't hear me telling you to go out and buy 100% organic food, because that's just not feasible for most people. Focus on the foods that you and your family eat the most of and try to go healthier with those few things."
Need some examples? Choose cage free or organic eggs, which indicate that the chickens that laid the eggs were living in conditions similar to their natural environment and weren't fed genetically modified feed and corn. Or opt for honey over regular sugar; not only is it healthier than sugar, but it also fights off allergens and bacteria, heals wounds and fights off night cough.
2. Simplify your body products.
"Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and it can absorb as much as 60% of body product contents directly into your blood stream. So going for body care products that contain less synthetic ingredients (aka junk) is very important for adults, but it's especially important for kids and babies," says Snow.
Since children's skin is so much thinner and their bodies are smaller, they have a harder time processing synthetic ingredients. Her personal favorite: Johnson's Natural Baby Care Line, which is mild enough for new skin, and is derived from 98% plant, mineral and fruit ingredients.
3. Switch out your cleaning products.
Cleaning products come with a whole slew of chemicals, and who wants that in their home? Not to mention, store-bought products can be a huge waste of money.
"If you have to buy a new cleaning product for every area of your home, you'll wind up spending hundreds and hundreds of dollars that you could be saving," says Snow. "Instead, focus on natural cleaning products and five kitchen staples that you can use to clean your entire house: baking soda, vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice and a basic liquid soap."
Sara's favorite house-cleaning concoction: Fill a spray bottle with 50% vinegar and 50% water and use it to clean the most basic surfaces in your home, from your countertops to your kids' toys. Here's a great story about homemade cleaning solutions.
4. Use less single-use items.
Americans generate trash at an unbelievable rate of 4.6 pounds per day per person -- almost twice as much per person as most other major countries! According to Snow, this is an embarrassing statistic that we could easily remedy.
"By simply using less single-use plastic baggies, paper towels and napkins, we could make a huge difference in our individual trash production," she says. "Instead, opt for cloth towels and napkins, and try to remember to use those reusable bags. I keep mine in my car door so I always see them before heading into the grocery store." I always forget my bags. Oops!
5. Turn everything off.
"This probably sounds like a no-brainer, but taking the time to turn the water off when you're not using it can make a big difference over time," says Snow.
Also, turn the computer off when you're not at it, turn the lights off when you leave the room -- even turn your cell phone completely off at night. "In a world where we're addicted to our smart phones, I know it sounds like a lot to ask you to completely power down your cell phone, but it's less wasteful if you plug in and charge your phone only when it really needs it," says Snow. Also, if you're not using it, unplug your charger -- it uses energy even when it's not connected to your phone.
Eventually these green habits will become second nature, says Snow. "Just start with a few simple changes, and before you know it those things will become habit."
And then, if you're feeling daring, you can add a few more things to your routine. Or you can give yourself a break, pat yourself on the back, and celebrate the fact that you're doing your little part in creating a better environment for the future.
Happy greening!
Learn more about Going Green with these great stories.