Do you feel guilty?
No, not about the gallon of ice cream you ate last night, but we can talk about that later.
Do you feel guilty about the choices you make that effect the environment? Do you want to live a “green” life but feel overwhelmed?
I totally understand that feeling. But let’s not let it keep us from action. In fact, living a greener life has been proven to help folks increase their happiness!
This past month I decided to take on five mini challenges to green up my life. Why don’t you try them with me! Let’s change one (or more) simple habit and see how it changes the world!
Challenge #1
Take Shorter Showers
Why? Saving water is always a good idea. If you’ve ever lived in a third world country, you know that water is a life or death commodity. While it might seem like we have it in abundance, that is just not the case. And the more we let go down the drain, the more unhealthy or water situation becomes.
How did it go? I’m a mom. Short showers are my only option these days. But I tried a couple ways to use even less water. First, I take less showers now because I wash my hair with baking soda and castile soap so my hair is considerably less oily. Yea for more time and less water usage! The other thing I tried was to turn the water off while I worked the “shampoo” into my scalp. An extra minute here or there adds up to gallons and gallons.
I feel better when I am mindful of what I’m consuming, especially water. So even if you think you don’t use much water, spend a day paying attention. I bet you’ll find ways you can cut back
Challenge #2
Swap Your Paper Coffee Cup for A Mug
Why? We all know that disposable stuff my be out of sight, but it doesn’t just disappear. In fact, disposable coffee cups take anywhere from 5 to 50 years to decompose. That’s crazy! And some of us go through quite a few of the “convenient” cups.
How did it go? On this one, I kinda cheated. Mostly because, I don’t drink coffee. (I know, shock and horror!) But my mom does, and she’s always bringing over a disposable cup that I have to eventually throw away. Now, keep in mind, you have to do this delicately and in a non-judgmental way, but, I encouraged her to try using a mug or a travel cup instead of creating so much waste. I was pleasantly surprised and how easily she accepted the idea and how quickly she implemented it. It positively affected our relationship and our environment! So whether you or someone you know need to change, it can be done without causing as much friction as you might think.
Challenge #3
Bike or Walk Whenever Possible
Why? Cars hurt the environment and we know it. Sure, they’re crazy convenient and quite necessary at times, but we can save money, fumes and burn some calories by just using our own bodies to move about.
How did it go? I live in the suburbs and have three kids. Getting places usually requires a car. But if we were visiting friends in the neighborhood or going to a park, I tried to make the walk there a part of the fun! Another way I tried to cut back was when we were sitting in the car waiting for the bank teller or something I’d lower the windows and shut off the car. Think of a place you go regularly that you can get to in a more environmentally friendly way. You’ll love the extra time outdoors!
Challenge #4
Choose Food and Beverages Packaged in Renewable Materials, like Cartons
Why? Many of us think about the food we put in our body, but not about what that food is put IN at the grocery store. Not only does some packaging directly affect our health (like BPA lined tin cans), but the waste produced needs to be considered.
How did it go? I try to avoid plastic package and usually steer away from canned goods. I was so excited to have another healthy option in Tetra Pak packaging. They are cartons that can safely hold liquids and replace cans. They’re made of renewable resources so they’re “the pack that grows back.”
Renewable materials – those made of natural resources that can be replenished such as paperboard from wood fiber or plastic sugar cane – help preserve our precious natural resources. I felt good after unloading my groceries, knowing that less of my waste would be going to landfills. I encourage you to consider the packaging of your food because it affects us all!
Challenge #5
Take the Tetra Pak’s Happiness Quiz
Why? It’s fun and insightful! I sure learned a ton!
So go out and be happier and healthier with one same change TODAY!
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
Julie is a frazzled mom of three tornadoes. As a dorky second-generation homeschooler, she writes about learning and play, natural living, special needs parenting and matters of the heart. She serves an astounding God that radically saved her.
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Liz says
Can you please explain how you use baking soda and Castile soap for your hair? Do you mix it with the soda? I have been using baking soda as a shampoo and apple cider vinegar as a rinse for almost a year now and my hair has yet to adapt to washing it every other day. To cut back on water I have tried to shower only TU, TH and Sun, by shower day my hair is quite greasy, especially by Sunday morning. Also a green way to shop for me was to make all my own shopping bags. Thank You for your Green challenges, you have very good ideas.
Liz
Liz says
Your Green ideas are really good ideas. I have a question about your baking soda and Castile soap. Do you mix them together? If so at what rate? I have been trying to save water by only showering TU, TH and Sun. I wash my hair with baking soda, rinse, then rinse again with apple cider vinegar and water mix and leave it in my hair. I have been at this for nearly a year now and my hair has yet to adapt. By shower day, especially Sunday morning my hair is so greasy it’s embarrassing. Thank You for the help. I also green up my shopping a bit by making my own shopping bags and try not to buy processed foods.
Liz
Julie says
Hi Liz, I outlined what I do here. Lots of trial and error for sure!