Hey guys! Check out the cool guest post! It’s from Stephanie at Naturally Mindful. Read her post on some easy ways to go green (you most likely already do some of these!) and then hop on over to her blog to check out my post!
Hi everybody, I’m Stephanie, and Lindsey has graciously allowed me to visit all of you Redhead Baby Mama fans and talk to you about what I am truly passionate about; living green and helping others do the same!
So, what does being Eco-Friendly really mean?
I believe being mindful of our actions’ impact on both the environment and our lives doesn’t have to be black and white, I believe there many different levels of eco-friendliness based on one’s resources, ideals, and commitment. I don’t believe there has to be a dogma surrounding this topic and I believe any level is better than none, I believe there should be a sense of inclusiveness and acceptance rather than an elitist all-or-nothing attitude many seem to have.
How I got started in my journey to a greener life was out of motherly instincts, as I held my fresh-from-the hospital newborn I started to question my choices; from the perfume and body lotions I use bathe myself in, to my household cleaners, and I knew then none that could be healthy for either me or my son. Fast forward a little over two years and I’ve had huge strides, my lifestyle has change completely, I blog about living green and healthy, yet I know I still have a lot to learn and accomplish.
I remember feeling overwhelmed after learning so many of my lifestyle choices were unhealthy. I felt overwhelmed at the prospect of changing so much, and at the all the information out there. I remember after I started learning about eating a Real Food nutrient-dense diet, I was standing in the aisles of Whole Foods for the first time, feeling anxious, feeling like I didn’t belong there. Have you ever felt this way?
How can I go green without going crazy?
If you are wondering this, keep reading. Here are some simple ideas how you can accomplish just that. First of all, let me congratulation on accomplishing the first step: wanting to learn.
· Prioritize. What areas are most important to you, and concentrate on one at a time. Do you want to rid your home of harmful chemicals? Do you want to stop using too much paper products? Do you want to compost and reduce waste? Do you want to switch to natural beauty care? Do you want to quit the SAD diet (Standard American Diet) for unprocessed, organic foods? Etc. Pick one.
· Rely on resources. There are lots of books, documentaries, websites, blogs, forums, don’t try to figure it out on your own; take advantage of the fact that others have been where you are.
· Don’t stress it. Stress is never good. This is not a competition, don’t compare yourself to others, do what you can with what you have.
Here are some lifestyle changes you can make,
in no particular order.
· Start a garden, if you can. Even if it’s just a potted herb garden on your windowsill.
· Choose energy efficient appliances. Light bulbs, etc.
· Reduce your water consumption. Take shorter showers, turn the water off in between shampoo, or when brushing teeth.
· Shop at your local farmers market. If this isn’t an option, look for organic produce at your regular grocery store, and animal products from grassfed animals.
· Remove all toxins for your home. Make a gradual switch, from toxic conventional household products (from cleaners to feminine hygiene products) to more natural options.
· Be a shoe-less household. A great part of toxins in the home can be blamed on what we track in with our shoes.
· Use reusable bags. Not just at the supermarket but any other store as well. Keep a few in your car.
· A paperless kitchen. You can buy or make your own cloth napkins, and turn old towels into kitchen rags.
· Get rid of plastics. Switch to glass, ceramic, or stainless steel containers for food storage.
· Cloth diaper. The average child is responsible for roughly 2000 diapers that end up in the landfill, not to mention the chemicals used in the production are extremely harmful (for baby and Mother Nature) some even carcinogens.
· Natural Feminine care. Cotton is the biggest pesticide contaminated crop in the world; choose organic cotton tampons or pads, or reusable options like silicone cups or sea sponges.
· Compost your (organic only) food waste.
· Dispose of waste properly. Learn how to properly recycle, even hazardous waste like electronics or chemicals.
These are only a few ways; there are lots more, but you get the idea. Now, where will you start? What questions do you have? As you start this journey ask yourself two things: What does it mean to me to be eco-friendly, and why is it important? Leave us a comment or two about what steps you are taking (if any!).
Guest Author: Stephanie is a mom to a curly haired 2 year old, wife to a handsome and very supportive man—even during her crazy attempts at homemade natural concoctions. She is currently a nursing student with emphasis in Alternative Medicine and blogs about living a green and healthy life at www.naturallymindful.com, she believes living green doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive and hopes to encourage others to find what works for them.
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