Fade2Green.com - Simple Sustainability - Organic - Green Living

Don’t worry, I’m not talking about riding your bike to work everyday (although that would be pretty cool).  We wanted to offer up a few simple suggestions on how to make 2009 a greener year!  Most people set themselves up for failure but setting unrealistic resolutions.  Instead of going on a diet, cut out cake.   Instead of going to the gym, just do 10 sit-ups each morning.  One simple step at a time will lead you down the path to where you want to go.

1. Go Organic on the staple foods
   Get started with some simple changes to only your main staple foods.  For example, just switch over your milk and eggs, then work your way into your produce.   As you use and eventually finish other items in your cupboard, you can make the decision to purchase an organic alternative.  The goal is to be practical and make a few small changes that actually will make a big difference in the health o your family as well as the planet.
2. Kick the Water Bottles
   Not only are plastic water bottles bad for the planet, they are so 1990!  The real truth is that they are expensive too! All of a sudden our Nation has some of the best drinking water in the world and it’s as safe to drink as bottled water. As a matter of fact 9/10 of all bottled water comes from… you guessed it, our public drinking water sources.  There are so many great reusable bottles on the market. Fade2green loves http://www.mysigg.com/  ($24.99) and http://www.kleankanteen.com/  ($18.91) Save yourself hundreds of dollars a year and make a fashion statement at the same time.
3. Bring your own bags when you go shopping
   This is a no-brainer and most of us have already adopted it.  If you haven’t, never fear…  These reusable bags are cheap (as low as 99¢) and the impact goes a long way.  The hardest part is just getting in the habit.  We bring ours with us when we go to the mall, drug store and anywhere else they give you paper or plastic bags.  If you find yourself without them, we suggest the “paper” option.  Vistit our friends at http://www.reusablebags.com/ for some sleek and trendy reusable bags
4. Green Your Clean
   There are so many “green” alternatives to traditional cleaning products that it’s hard not to make this switch. These products are not only better for you, your children and your pets but they are also better for your home.  Public enemy #1 is Chlorine bleach… start with that one right away. (Dispose of it properly).  Then, ease into each new product as you finish the other “dirty” ones… funny how something that is supposed to clean can be soooo dirty!!!!
5. Green Your Cubicle
   Start with your own personal workspace… if it catches on, then you’re a true leader!  The average office wastes approximately 1.5 lbs of paper… PER DAY.   Think before you print of that 2nd page of your email that only has your signature.  Place a little blue bin outside your cubicle to start the recycling bug.  Put a plant in your cubicle and water him/her regularly.  Again… we’re not talking a Ty Pennington Extreme Cubicle Makeover… just a few simple steps that will make a big difference.  Oh yeah… pack am organic lunch and eat outside, it saves you money and gas when you don’t have to drive somewhere for lunch.
6. Audit Your Energy Usage at Home
   I know, I know… you’ve already switched a lightbulb or two.  You’d be surprised how many of us haven’t.  Make sure you are using CFL and/or LED lights in every possible fixture in your home.  A couple of years ago, the CFL lights were not the prettiest of glows, but all that has changed. LED lights are even a step better. Granted, they are pricier but they last 10X longer than CFL’s and their light spectrum is amazing.  Also, unplug your mixer, blender, printer and anything else that you don’t use daily.  These items all can drain pennies from your bill and it adds up fast.  I recently switched out my thermostat to an Energy Star approved model and by setting times I have reduced my bill by 10%.  And the simple stuff… seal your doors and windows and consider new eco-freindly insulation if the budget allows.
7. Your Best Friend Is No Exception
   If you’re making an effort to not put pesticides and preservatives into your body, consider your best friend Fido along the way.  Most off the shelf dog/cat food is made up of fillers, chemicals and tons of preservatives.  We have a really funny, but true philosophy in our house… If we can’t eat it, the dogs can’t eat it.  There are also tons of organic cotton and hemp chew toys on the market.
8. Volunteer One Time This Year
   We are all busy, I get that.  But make a conscious effort to donate even one hour of your time this year to a charity or community project.  Whether its a local beach or park clean-up to raising money for a charity by running a marathon… just give a small bit of yourself to something much bigger.  The payoff is huge… spiritually and philanthropically.
9. Lead By Example
   All of the things we listed above did not come from our creative brains.  They were efforts that others made that made that little (CFL) lightbulb go off in our lives.  You can make a big difference and it is infectious!  Don’t do these things for social points, do them because you deserve it and so does the planet.  People will take notice, however, and you will be the talk of the watercooler.  Pretty soon they will be doing the African Ant Eater Ritual at the school dance.

As Ghandi once said… “Be The Change You Wish To See In The World”

Have a safe and propserous 2009!