So it sounds a little trite, but I try to make every day Earth Day. Thankfully, I have a partner who feels the same way that I do about sustainability, environmentalism, and ethics. Last year, we made several choices that impact our everyday lives: We converted our home’s energy source to 100% wind energy, and we changed all of our incandescent lightbulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs. Kris and I continue to recycle fervently, and buy our food and materials in reuseable containers (buying bulk, bringing our own bags to the market, etc.)
This year, we began to shop (almost) exclusively at our local organic markets. The fruits, vegetables, and grains are locally grown and produced, and often certified organic.
Organic Swiss chard [see recipe]
I am a vegetarian, and I am also cutting many dairy products out of my diet. Kris eats meat, however, and has chosen many organic and free-range meats at the market. We take the time to do the research and to find out what we are putting into our systems. I feel that it is completely worth it in the long-run, and I am proud that we have made this decision for our planet, and for our own health.
Slowly, I am converting other aspects of my life and my daily routine to be more wholesome and sustainable. Recently, I have started research on cosmetics. Jenna told me about Skin Deep, a website that assesses the toxins and chemicals used in these products. It has been extremely helpful (and eye-opening).
This weekend, I did some garden work. Until this weekend, the weather was extremely unpredictable. Cold, windy, and rainy. We finally had a break in the cycle. Kris and I are using organic compost and fertilizers in our yard and garden. We tilled the vegetable garden plot, and I planted some bulbs and roses in the front yard. Kris also filled the back yard pond (the one we built last year) with new water and started the solar pump.
There is a lot of media attention and coverage going to green initiatives in recent months. I am happy to see that the environment is finally receiving some notice. It seems that it is now trendy and hip to be green. However, there is so much that still needs to be done. Years and years of neglect haunt us. Please consider making some changes in your routines – whether it be shopping locally, choosing organic produce, taking public transportation, changing your light bulbs, or not using styrofoam. Even crafters can get in on the green: sew, knit, or crochet yourself some reuseable market bags, recycle some worn-out clothing into a braided rug, and make reusable dishcloths to cut down on paper towel usage. (So I had this idea awhile back, didn’t take action, and then they beat me to the punch: Sew Green is a great new blog about environmentalism and the crafting lifestyle. Check them out!)
Clearly, I still have some issues to work on – particularly in the consumption department. I want to lighten my footprint on this earth. I want to live a change and inspire others to do so. I also want to be inspired by you. I would love to hear about what YOU are doing to help the earth. Please share.
Isn’t Swiss Chard one of the prettiest greens?
Thanks for the great post. I love your cute planting pigtails!
I live in Seattle and we are a little hippy-dippy here so environmentally conscience behavior is not only starting to become mainstream, in some regards, it’s enforced. The trash collection agencies here can refuse to pick up your trash if they decide that you have over 10% of items in the can that could be recycled. (well, there’s a few warning violations involved, but over time it can come down to a downright refusal). We are also supplied with “green” recycling for yardwaste and any kitchen refuse that can be recycled into compost (pizza boxes, paper towels, vegetable scraps, etc.) This has really cut down on the amount of things we put in our trash. And our neighborhood has a collection agency for commercial foodwaste (i.e restaurants, florists etc.) so all that can go out in green waste gets picked up once a day and may someday end up in our gardens.
We’ve been using CFL’s for some time (they’re cheap at Costco!) and this year we had our house re-insulated (a nice tax break, too!) I’ve used the same canvas grocery bags for close to 10 years (bought at Safeway -who knew? ~they’ve been workhorses!) and we’re super lucky to have an amazing farmer’s market from May-October in our neighborhood. Plus, my husband is a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) consultant so he is always incorporating things around the house (rain barrels for watering, under the sink water filtration instead of bottled water, etc.) I had to put my foot down when he wanted to plant a living roof, though
While we’re ahead of the curve in some respects, we do hop in our cars way to often (and they’re not very efficient), shower more than we need to (our mayor suggests showering with a buddy 
and oh gosh – I’m selfishly reluctant to let our old washing machine go – what will happen to all my felting projects? Yet, we’re aware of it and that’s a good first step to change. (I think my hubby has been setting aside $$ for a new efficient washer – he’s funny that way…)
Thanks to you for pinging that awareness. It’s a good reminder and you are just the type of leader to get the wheels turning.
PS – my neighbor’s sister is one of the Sew Green ladies – and she’s in your hood!
If you want to check your eco footprint check out this site. It’s a fairly easy quiz an give you some idea of how much of the earth you consume.
http://ecofoot.org/
I didn’t do so well at 6.4…ciao
Hi Lolly. Kudos on your wonderful example of stewardship! My husband and I also make conscious decisions in order to shrink our footprint as much as possible. The biggest one is that we own one car. When we bought our home, we only looked in walkable neighborhoods with easy access to bus lines and plenty of “amenities” within walking distance (grocery, hardware, coffee shop, video rental place, etc.). When we were looking for a space for my yoga studio, we also limited our search to within walking distance of our home, so that I wouldn’t have to drive to work. Once we got used having the “do you need the car on Thursday?” discussions that are inherent to sharing one vehicle, it was pretty easy. Oh! And the car we own is diesel, and we run bio-diesel in it.
I have loved reading everyones comments on here… giving me great ideas! I am definitely going to knits some dishrags and bring bags to the grocery store- that is my goal for this year. (ashamed I haven’t done it sooner!)
I’m late to comment, due to being offline last week…I love this post! I am much along the same lines as you. We switched out all of our lightbulbs (such a simple thing- i don’t know why more people don’t just do it already!), reuse containers and our own bags, and try to conserve as much as possible, as well as use/eat, etc. orgainic products as much as possible. And I’m with you on needing to better about consumption. That’s more of a challenge. :p I want to do a green Earth Day post too, though it will be belated. Thanks, as always, for keeping us informed and motivated!
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