The 3 R's of the Environment

Being an organic mama means doing my part for the health of my family and our planet.

I’ve received numerous emails over the past few months from my readers asking me for tips on making small steps towards living a more organic life. After responding to each email, I received another one this morning asking for the same advice. So I thought I would make a post about it, and hopefully it will benefit someone out there.

Reduce.
When my husband and I go grocery shopping, we only buy what we need. If it’s something we can freeze and enjoy at a later time, well ok, then we’ll consider buying it. What’s the point in buying food that will sit at the bottom of my fridge and rot before anyone digs down to find it? Exactly. I’m also a huge advocate of grocery lists. That way I don’t stare at a jar of jam at the store wondering if I’m running low on it at home. I also highly recommended cleaning out your fridge weekly, and doing it at the same time as you write your grocery list is convenient. I’m also not a fan of individually wrapped goods. I prefer to either buy in bulk or buy a box or bag, saving on the amount of packaging needed (and cutting down on spending too).

Reuse.
We don’t buy paper towels, but instead opt for reusable organic tea towels. I don’t use little plastic baggies either, preferring stainless steel and glass containers instead. My husband and I used to use plastic storage containers for food, but stopped using that a few years back because I was concerned about chemical leaching. When we’re out shopping, we grab our reusable cloth shopping bags from our car and say no to plastic bags at the cash register. Sturdy cloth bags, especially those made with organically grown, sustainable plant fibers, make the best shopping bags.  If you forget your bags at home, ask for paper shopping bags, then reuse, recycle or compost them afterwards. When given the chance, buy products that are made from recycled materials or packaged in recycled material. For all your home electronic needs, buy re-chargeable batteries, which are more readily recycled. Host a yearly garage sale so someone else can make use of your unwanted things. Similarly, opt to buy used items from others so those items do not end up at the dump.

Recycle.
Here is where things can get a little tricky.  Not every plastic or paper product is created equally, therefore not all plastics and papers can be recycled. For instance, your fast food drink cups and used pizza boxes cannot be recycled. Unfortunately neither can your plastic bags or chocolate bar wrappers.  You will need to check out your city’s recycling guidelines to ensure you are in fact helping, and not hindering the recycling process. During the spring and summer months I compost my organic waste material in my backyard compost bin, later transferring the nutrient-rich soil to my vegetable garden (also a great means for living an organic lifestyle) and during the fall and winter months I use my city’s green bin.

Living an organic lifestyle isn’t as cumbersome, tedious or expensive as one would think. In fact, it is often a more enjoyable, relaxing and rewarding – no matter which stage you are in. For beginners, it will feel great to know you are making a difference, and even a small change has a huge effect on our lives and the best part is that it’s so easy to start! Just challenge yourself (and your family if willing) to make a few simple changes a month, and eventually you too will find yourself living a more happy and healthy organic lifestyle!

Filed under: Finance, Fitness, Food & Health, Home, Organic/Eco-Friendly