Going Green

Well, isn't that the buzz word (or phrase) these days? Although I am not what I affectionately call a 'tree hugger', I am beginning to be more and more like one these days. It's not a bad thing - I feel good about what I am doing. Alot of people I know say "we're only one family, how much difference can we make?" It is so easy to think like that. But what I do know is that the 'green' things I do for my family DO make some difference, they are better for us, and they make me feel good (and isn't that what it's all about?? - haha).

The whole reason for this 'green' post is to relay a little story about my husband. First off you should know that sometimes he thinks I am crazy. All these little things I do - the organic milk and produce, recycled trash bags, non-toxic house cleaners, etc. - I know he wonders 'why?" A while back, I bought the reusable shopping bags at the grocery store so I don't have to keep bringing home the plastic ones. On Saturday, I sent my husband & daughter out to the grocery store to get a couple of things for the party. I also gave him a shopping bag. When they came back he had a different shopping bag - they went to a store that we usually don't go to. I said to him "oh, you bought a shopping bag". He said, "I left the other one in the car so I bought this one since I wasn't bringing a plastic bag in the house." I guess he really does listen to me!!

So, I wonder what are other people doing (if anything) to be more green? We have always used cloth napkins - my family really doesn't know any different & if we do ever have paper ones they ask what's going on. I try to use non-toxic house cleaners - vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice. Although I have to admit that I love the smell of the white towels just out of the dryer with that faint clorox smell. I am working on that! I am starting to use the compact flourescent bulbs but I am getting resistance from the husband (they are not bright enough). We don't drink soda so we have no cans or bottles to recycle (we do have the occasional beer cans & a plastic bottle or two after a party). I have started using this 'Seventh Generation" stuff & have liked everything so far. Supposedly you can get it at Target - we have a Target opening in March (can't wait!). In the meantime, I have been getting it at drugstore.com.

Well, it's back to school tomorrow so I am off the monitor my daughter's bath. I plan on it being a short one so she can get to bed on time. We had a fun day and were busy so she should be pretty tired.....