Going green

Hello, My Love,

So, your mom and dad are trying to go green. I don't think we could ever afford to go completely green as it pretty costly but we are doing our best to cut back on waste, recycle, use all natural cleaning products and buy organic food and products. Because of the rising cost of gas, groceries are more expensive, especially organic foods. Horizon organic milk costs $4.09 a half gallon. That's more expensive than gas!

As of now these are the things we are doing to go green:

• Started our own garden. We have zucchini, cucumber, tomatoes, pumpkin, watermelon, jalapeno, basil, dill, rosemary and oregano. Right now everything is in pots but we plan on transplanting soon. I hope to add carrots once we transplant.
• Buy organic dairy products. This way we avoid cows that have been given antibiotics and growth hormones. It's more expensive but I think it's worth it in the long run.
• Shop at local farmer's markets to find cheaper and better-for-you vegetables and fruits.
• Switched jobs to one that is closer to home and that I can ride my bike to.
• Instead of bottled water we buy a 2.5 gallon jug and refill our water bottles.
• Recycle everything possible.
• Use eco-friendly cleaners. Seventh Generation is a great company and their website, www.seventhgeneration.com has coupons you can print out. Two other brands that I know of are Babyganics and Method. I haven't tried them yet but plan on it.
• Using reusable tote bags at the grocery store. Some stores even give you a refund for using them. I believe Weis gives $.03 and Giant gives $.05 per bag.
• Cutting back on our a/c use. We only turn it on when we're uncomfortable and then turn it off again once it cools off. During the day when we are not home we keep it off and turn on the fans.

These are things we plan on doing in the near future and once you are in the picture:

• We hope to trade in our Honda Element (very bittersweet since I LOVE this car!) for a hybrid Honda Civic. We're just waiting to do this after we refinance our home loan in August.
• Use cloth diapers. To maintain some sanity we would still use disposables (chlorine free by Seventh Generation) on road trips and possibly at night, if needed.
• Use glass bottles. They are recyclable and much safer than plastic, especially with the BPA scare going on.
• Breastfeed. This is, of course, up to mother nature. I just hope she cooperates.
• Make our own baby food. This will avoid preservatives and additives that you just don't need.
• Use mostly organic cotton for clothing, bedding and towels.
• Use all organic/all natural lotions, ointments, shampoos, etc.

This is just the beginning of our green movement so there will be many more additions to both lists as time goes by.