Crunchy Living

This started out as my adventure to save the planet. I didn't expect huge changes in every product I used. It was simply my goal to reduce consumption and waste and encourage other people to do so as well. I so desperately want there to be a planet left for my little girl when she grows up.

The more research I have done, though, the more I have discovered that there is more to it than that. I have started to think about the chemicals in our food, and what we put on our bodies (at this stage Doodlebug puts everything in her mouth, so anything on my skin or hair goes directly into her mouth). So there will be more posts on natural alternatives from time to time as well.

It is all intertwined, I think. Once you start trying to be more environmentally friendly, you naturally progress to being more natural in every aspect. Sometimes it works the other way around. Some people are worried about their health and try to do "natural" things, which leads to an interest in being environmentally friendly.

Right now I am working on:

Reducing my consumption, thereby reducing waste.
Reducing water consumption.
Switching to more organic and locally grown foods.
Learning about alternatives to commercial cosmetic products.
Recycling everything I can.
Container gardening.

And constantly, constantly learning what I can do next. It is a never-ending battle. But hopefully I can make a difference; hopefully I can spread the word.

Why the change?

Because I have fallen in love with a pair of chubby cheeks and a gummy little smile. Because I have fallen in love with tiny hands and feet and big blue eyes that look up at me so full of trust. Does she know Mommy is destroying the planet? Of course not. But I know. And I'll do it no longer. What parent would not give their child the world if they could? Well, I can. And I will. It's time for a change.

Inspiration

If you haven't seen The Story of Stuff, you absolutely need to. And if you've seen it but it has been a while, I encourage you to watch it again. It will inspire you to make a change in your life. It's about twenty minutes long, but worth every second.

If you are looking for some practical ideas to make a change to reduce your global impact, I recommend you check out Rubbish Free Year. It's a neat idea. This couple in New Zealand challenged themselves to not produce any trash for a year. They ended up with only one small bag! That's amazing!

Hopefully you will be inspired.