It’s easy being Green!

Since Earth Day is a few days away, it’s got me thinking about how “green” I really am.  I know there’s room for improvement but I think I’m doing pretty well.  The best thing is, a lot of these things have become habit for me..so I don’t feel like I’m sacrificing.  I don’t consider myself an extreme “tree-hugger”.  I’m just a normal person trying to do my part while teaching my kids to be conscious and responsible.

Here are some things we are doing:

- Recycling (my city has a great program & the kids love to help out) I’ve become pretty obsessive & do pick out of the trash whatever DH “forgets” to recycle.

- using compact fluorescent light bulbs

- installed programmable thermostats (making a huge difference in our energy usage)

- use rechargable batteries & recycle alkaline batteries, printer ink, cell phone batteries, etc

- set a timer for the kids’ showers (can’t quite do it for myself yet!)

- use Shaklee’s Get Clean concentrated, biodegradable cleaners (www.shaklee.net/jenniferbarry/getclean )

- buy local produce whenever possible

- filter water rather than buy bottled

- don’t use paper plates & have switched to cloth napkins

- re-use gift bags

- use a drying rack for many of our clothes

I’m sure there’s some things I’m forgetting but really this is not hard to do.  I always tell people to start out slow, change things one at a time and pretty soon you’ll forget your old ways.  It is easy to be Green!

 

Spring Time…always great for a fresh start!

I am going to be overloading myself with trying new things..but it’s about time!  I’ve been doing pretty well on my 5K training program and it has energized me enough to tackle all those other nagging things that I know I need to do.

I don’t like having every minute of every day scheduled, but I’m seeing that  I need to be a little more disciplined and a little more accountable to really get things done.  Housework & Laundry— I hate them both!  With a family of 5, it seems like the laundry never ends.  I can get it done, but it never gets put away.  I know it drives my husband crazy..and it’s starting to get to me too.  Last night, I was on the www.flylady.net website.  I’ve been there before but never thought I really needed it.  Well…I do now!  I signed up and am following her on twitter.  I think it’s just what I need to get things in order for my house.  I definitely need quick, easy steps to keep me going.

So besides housework & laundry, I will be working on planning more of our meals, learning about & blogging more, & trying to be more efficient with my time on-line .  With all this falling in place, I’ll have even more time for my growing business and I won’t feel like I’m running around like a mad woman.

I’d love to hear any suggestions that keep you organized and efficient!

 

Ultimate Blog Party 2009

  I am thrilled to be a part of the Ultimate Blog Party 2009!  Thanks to www.5minutesformom.com for hosting such a great event.  I am new to blogging and am going to learn a tremendous amount of information in being a part of this week long party!

Thank you to those who are stopping by to view my blog.  A little about me…. I’m a wife and Mom to 7, 5 and 4 year old kids.  My blog will be focusing on how families can make small, easy changes to live a little smarter, healthier and greener. 

Be sure to check out the many prizes being offered at the Ultimate Blog Party 2009.

I hoping to win:

# 89— $100 gift card to HomeGoods
Provided by: HG Openhouse

# 71— flip flops for Mom & Daughter from Top It Off
Provided by: Top It Off

#22— $50 gift certificate to Target Stores
Provided by: Beginner Baby Blog

I’d also love #86, #11, #56 or any of the great prizes offered.

Have fun partying….and stop back by!

 

Eggplants, Apples, Carrots…Oh My!

I just had to share this picture and my excitement for a produce co-op I found in my area.  Every other week I will get an assortment of produce for $22.00.  I’m always trying to get more fruits and veggies into our meals, so I thought..why not?

I have to say, seeing this bounty of produce was like Christmas morning!  I was giddy at how much we got for the $$.  Also…the best part is, someone did my shopping for me!  All I had to do was go pick it up.

I think it’s fun to be surprised with what we are going to get.  Oh yes, it will be a challenge for me to use 3 eggplants, but I’m up for it.  I guess that means I’ll be trying some new recipes!  For some reason, I’m also feeling a little pressure to be sure nothing goes bad.   Looks like we’re forced to eat healthy….sounds good to me!

I’ll keep you posted with how it’s going and will share a few recipes.

 

What is Smart. Healthy. Green.?

Smart. Healthy. Green.  This is the lifestyle I want for my family. 

Smart— well I think this is the desire to never stop learning.  I’m all about pursuing interests and growing personally.  I’m also obsessed with being money-smart.  I am the queen of shopping for bargains but also appreciate paying for quality.

Healthy— O.K. I admit it, I am the mean Mom who won’t let my kids have soda and I won’t buy foods with certain ingredients or too much sugar.   But I think the best way to teach them about health is to lead by example.  So yes, that means I have to eat the brussels sprouts too and go for a run when I really want to stay in bed.

Green— This just happens to be my favorite color but it’s not the green I’m talking about.  I’m sure you’ve heard this phrase few million times lately…  “How are you Going Green?”  This doesn’t have to be intimidating…it’s something that can be done in small steps.  I started by changing my cleaning products–one of the easiest things to do.  

Stop by this blog often…I plan on offering tips, articles and help to those looking to be Smart. Healthy. Green.