Going Green in the New Year

It seems that, like many, I've been moving ever forward towards being greener. I'd love to say that this is purely due to my desire to save the planet, etc. But the reality is that it just makes sense. Sure I want to save the environment, but on a more selfish side, I can't use a lot of commercial products because of my allergies. And I noticed that I spent a lot of money last year on repeat buys (eg: sponges for cleaning and loofah pads). I've been starting small - using eco-friendly drain cleaners, for example - but then I realized that I can make things that will help save the environment and money in the long run. I started knitting and crocheting dishcloths and washcloths, which work just as well if not better than pricey alternatives. Plus they look so much nicer! I also changed out my shower liner from vinyl to fabric so that it can be laundered repeatedly.

One of the great brands that I'm really attached to is Mrs. Meyers. I discovered it at The Container Store, and it's definitely more expensive then more commercial brands, but I've been continually impressed. Not only is it all-natural, it has a light scent that makes the whole house smell really good, and it's a powerful cleaner, to boot. More powerful than most of the cleaners I'd been using before, actually. I've been nursing a bottle of the all-purpose solution (it's concentrated so a little can be diluted for a whole project) and have been using to clean countertops, floors, the stove, the tub, even for cleaning my finished hardwood furniture. I got my mom hooked on these products - she's ventured out to the dishwashing liquid, hand soap and surface scrub - and now she's raving about them too. Sure I end up shelling out a little more money up front, but overall they last longer from visiting doctors and buying medication, so I think it's a winner.

They're small changes, but in the long run I think they'll make a difference, not only in my own life, but in the life of the planet. I can only hope that 2010 will continue to open up new avenues to making everyone a little greener.