Borrowing from our Children...

We've made so many changes to our lives and habits since the last Earth day... some things we were already doing like using earth friendly cleaners:

and switching out our lightbulbs:

Using re-usable bags and eating a lot of organic foods, driving fuel efficient vehicles...
But other, new things have changed this year.

* We got rid of bottled water.

If you aren't aware of the impact that it has on our planet and body, you can check it out here. Really good article.

* We got rid of processed foods.

The most "processed" thing we eat around here is our cereal. And we stick to organic - preservative free brands.
* We switched back to 99% organic foods. The other 1% is either all natural, or the occasional treat. I do a quite a bit of baking and cooking, so this hasn't been a burden for us.

* We went whole grain.

* We switched from paper to cloth:

* We switched personal care items like deodorant, shampoo, and toothpaste for brands that don't include harmful preservatives, artificial sweeteners, or aluminum.

I have felt better and stronger since the changes!

What things do you do in your lives to be earth friendly?

Oddly enough, we've found that the changes have personally benefited us in so many ways. Once you start adding them up, the part of you that told yourself it would be a sacrifice? Well, it just has to shut up. ;)

Happy Earth Day 2010!

This artist's work is amazing...

Totally eye opening work. Be sure to read the intro, before you check out the individual pieces - it explains the magnitude of the concept he's trying to convey. Many thanks to the girls over at
SBG for passing this one along...

Chris Jordan

If you still believe

that the environment is not an issue, you need to read this and this. I tell you, it motivates me to take that extra minute, even when I'm in a hurry, to rinse and throw that yogurt carton in the recycle bin, instead of the trash!

I had no idea... even though I'm usually up on this sort of thing! Our pastor was talking about it Sunday. Very sad. :(

Green living on the Cheap

Yeah. The environment means a lot to me. But... I do live on a budget. I've been green shopping for about 3 years now, and I've learned my way around a little. Here are some of my finds:

Stores I shop:
Whole Foods - Well, not always cheap, but if you learn how to shop, you can find really great deals.

SuperTarget - Notice I linked you to the press article that talks about how SuperTArget has become a certified organic retailer. We have one right on the corner, and it's a life saver.

Products that work, at a low price {plus, they come from companies of integrity. No, I don't trust the new GreenWorks stuff. Time will have to prove it to me. At the moment, it feels a little too bandwagon.}:

Laundry Detergent: Ecos from "Earth Friendly Products. This stuff does the job. It really gets our clothes clean! And it's only $9.95 at Whole Foods for the "100 load" bottle. I don't know about you, but I do a lot of laundry around here...
Seventh Generation's detergent was great, just not in my budget...

Cleaners: Method. Not only do they look and smell awesome - they're ok for people and the environment. Does it get better than that?

I especially like:
their glass cleaner. It smells like mint, people. :D And though it's listed at $4, for some reason, I'm thinking I buy it for $2.99 at SuperTarget. It's also available at WholeFoods.

and

their bathroom cleaner. It really works. That's one of the most important things to me. And though it's listed at $5, I know I don't pay that. More like, $2.99, again.

Dish Detergent: I use either this one, or this one. Both of which I can get for around $2.99.

Dish Washer Detergent: Seventh Generation. I don't remember th pricing on this one - I'll have to check tomorrow. It's worth it to me, though. ;)

Why does it matter? I never used to think twice about using any of the common brands. They work great, and they're inexpensive for the most part. The problem? Most detergents are petroleum based. And they contain things that really aren't good for the environment, or people for that matter. :(

Hope you'll think twice about what you purchase next time! This is just what I've found to work, and save me money. Hope it's helpful! {I was so lost when I first started looking for this stuff!} :D