more greening

one of my new year's resolutions this year was to try to eliminate my consumption of plastic bags. i haven't been able to completely break free, but i think i am down to at least a 90% reduction in my consumption. the hardest bags to eliminate are the places where you need really large ones, and the unprepared times, like last minute grocery shopping when i haven't had time to go home first to get the cloth bags. i have been carrying a cloth bag in my car all of the time, which has helped a lot but i am really interested in getting some small nylon folding bags. i have heard of these but i haven't actually seen them anywhere. you can get them on keychains i think. (i have seen them online but ordering them sort of defeats the purpose). the other problem is my other half. his consumption of plastic bags is still at 100%. if i can get some of these small nylon ones i might be able to convince him to change.

the second new years resolution was to use more environmentally friendly products and eat more organic food. so far i have been able to eliminate harmful cleaning products and switch to some organic food but of course since i am not living at home i have to eat what is prepared for me. any food that i buy for my lunches, etc. is now about 75% organic. still a ways to go. i also have not been able to make the switch to safe hygiene products ie. soap, shampoo, as i am trying to finish using those that we have already purchased. it might take a while as it takes me about 3-4 months to go through a small bottle of shampoo. again, the other half is a problem as he seems to love his PertPlus even though it makes his hair all dry. hopefully if i ever move back home i can work on that as well. i think by the time summer rolls around i should be able to make the switch. if you have any suggestions for good products, let me know.

i find it interesting trying to think of more ways to become green, when i already do a lot of great green things. i like being able to fit my philosophy into my lifestyle. so many people live as if being green will actually make life harder, but you don't have to see it like that. once you develop new habits you wonder why you didn't do things that way before.

**********UPDATE*************

i forgot to write that i have also given up drinking/buying bottled water. whats in the tap is good enough for me!! this is due to a few reasons, 1) because of the enormous amount of waste produced by plastic bottles, both here and in other countries that we have visited, 2) the environmental cost of bottled water to groundwater, etc., 3) i drink less phthalates which has to be good, since plastic bottles can leach this crap into the water, 4) its a waste of money! maybe you can consider making the switch, ask for tap water or bring your own bottle.