One step at a time.
I have been trying to achieve a greener lifestyle since before I started trying to be a blogger! I have been mentally preparing for a lifestyle I don't have for the last 15 years. I have the Natural Medicine compendium, the Square Foot Gardening books, the Herbal Garden books, and on and on and on. My inner being screams for fresh herbs and vegetables from my own garden, and nature-friendly homemade everything.
I have achieved some of those things:
I purchase only plant-derived cleansers, or use vinegar, Borax, bleach, lemon juice, and baking soda.
I mop only with my Shark steam mop and no chemicals or dirty old mops.
I have switched to making my own laundry soap using this recipe.
I have switched to the natural dish liquid by Seventh Generation, although it is a bit pricey at the grocery store, which has caused me to attempt to make my own using this recipe. It hasn't worked out correctly, yet, which the writer of that blog predicted, but I'm still attempting to tweak the recipe until it turns out right.
I have also switched to using the natural dishwasher tabs, also from Seventh Generation, and very pricey. (My next project will be to find a homemade version of dishwasher detergent, but I'm not there yet.)
I have switched to a more natural underarm deodorant (not antiperspirant). I currently use Tom's, but I might eventually find another I like better. (One thing at a time.)
I use handmade bath soaps instead of store-bought. These are typically about $5 a bar, but I like being able to look the person in the face who made them, and help out a local business.
I use natural bottled shampoo, or shampoo bars from Lush, although I am looking for an alternative to that as well.
So, all in all, I think I'm doing pretty well. The trick really is to work on one thing at a time, and it helps if your family is supportive and encouraging.
I have been trying to achieve a greener lifestyle since before I started trying to be a blogger! I have been mentally preparing for a lifestyle I don't have for the last 15 years. I have the Natural Medicine compendium, the Square Foot Gardening books, the Herbal Garden books, and on and on and on. My inner being screams for fresh herbs and vegetables from my own garden, and nature-friendly homemade everything.
I have achieved some of those things:
I purchase only plant-derived cleansers, or use vinegar, Borax, bleach, lemon juice, and baking soda.
I mop only with my Shark steam mop and no chemicals or dirty old mops.
I have switched to making my own laundry soap using this recipe.
I have switched to the natural dish liquid by Seventh Generation, although it is a bit pricey at the grocery store, which has caused me to attempt to make my own using this recipe. It hasn't worked out correctly, yet, which the writer of that blog predicted, but I'm still attempting to tweak the recipe until it turns out right.
I have also switched to using the natural dishwasher tabs, also from Seventh Generation, and very pricey. (My next project will be to find a homemade version of dishwasher detergent, but I'm not there yet.)
I have switched to a more natural underarm deodorant (not antiperspirant). I currently use Tom's, but I might eventually find another I like better. (One thing at a time.)
I use handmade bath soaps instead of store-bought. These are typically about $5 a bar, but I like being able to look the person in the face who made them, and help out a local business.
I use natural bottled shampoo, or shampoo bars from Lush, although I am looking for an alternative to that as well.
So, all in all, I think I'm doing pretty well. The trick really is to work on one thing at a time, and it helps if your family is supportive and encouraging.
