Smoking and Living Green

This month we've been focusing on clean air. Our first Change The World Wednesday challenge of May asked participants to stop smoking and/or not allow smoking in their homes.

So I wondered if "greenies" actually ban smoking from their lives. Here are the results of this month's survey:

Comments

• I became a smoker when I was about 19 (my hubby at that time was too) but when I became pregnant at 20, I stopped cold turkey. He didn't smoke in the house but did think it was ok to smoke in the car if the window was open. My ex has stayed a smoker all these years while I never went back to the nasty habit. I had a few friends that smoked but no one ever did in our house. If they wanted to smoke, they were more than welcome to go in our garage or sit outside. It's always been the rule. No ifs or butts. Haha. I have two friends that use the e-cigs that I don't see very often but when they visit, they go outside, sit out on the porch, smoking the e-cigs while enjoyng the scenery and fresh air. ;)
• When I was 18, I became a social smoker, as I called it. I smoked with my best friend, but that was it. Then I did start buying my own packs, but I'd only smoke 1 or 2 cigarettes & then throw the pack out. I'd always feel a huge amount of guilt, & I was also sick the next day after smoking a cigarette. I also have asthma - so this affected my breathing. I'd smoke once every month or two. Then in '94, when I was 24, I quit suddenly & haven't gone back to it since. I'm so very glad about that! It's a gross habit that makes everything smell & makes people ill. I can't even stand to be around cigarette smoke. I don't allow smoking anywhere near my doorway, although my friends can smoke elsewhere in the yard if they smoke. No one I spend any amount of time with smoke, but when I am with my smoking friends, they understand my need to not be with them when they smoke. :)
• Although I've had cigarettes to my mouth when we were young and impressionable and thought it was cool, I can't say that I really inhaled--my lungs just didn't want to be bothered. I have an inordinate number of friends who smoke and they like nothing more than sitting in my yard, lighting up a few. I like hanging with my friends, but I always pay for it--the nicotine I breathe keeps me up at night, no question.
  My least favorite expeience with cigarette smoke has to be at restaurants with outdoor patios. I care not for the smell of smoke while I'm eating, or worse, having enjoyed a delightful meal in a restaurant, to be assaulted with smoke immediately upon exiting the establishment, as smoking is allowed out on the patio (and the only exit way).
  It's a habit I never acquired and surely don't understand. I am grateful that a couple of my friends are trying to quit and I know how hard that is for them. Now to work on the rest of them...
• I was incredibly lucky - when I was about 15 and probably about to start trying cigarettes, my father was told to stop smoking for health reasons. I saw how difficult it was for him to stop, and so decided not to start. I'm glad I never did.
  I hate smoke, and won't have it anywhere near my home. I smell it a mile away.
  Plus, cigarettes contain formaldehyde - and who wants that around? http://www.ecofriendlylink.com/blog/avoid-formaldehyde/
  Not to mention that the very same argument methods that were used to dispel the "myth" that smoking is bad for you and may cause cancer, are being used today against the dangers of climate change.
  Ugh.

My Thoughts

100% of the 15 people who participated in this survey have banned smoking from their lives. That's great and I applaud them, especially since some of them tried smoking when they were younger and/or grew up in households where a parent smoked.

Are their responses typical of the green-living community? Maybe not!

I realized a flaw in these questions ... smokers probably didn't answer them. Since smoking is generally viewed as a "negative", there wasn't a motivation to participate in this survey. After all, no one is going to congratulate them for their actions and admitting their habit opens the door to a lot of bad "vibes".

In all fairness, the questions were one sided!

Not long ago, I met a man who was very involved in establishing alternative energy sources. He was passionate about the environment and cautioned everyone that "our" abuse of nature would cost us dearly. He admonished people to make changes now ... otherwise nature would fight back to our peril.

I learned that this person is a smoker. It boggled my mind that an environmentalist could be so passionate in one area but totally negligent in another.

My Conclusions

Living green is about educating ourselves and doing the best we can to protect the environment. Their are some grey areas. For example, many "greenies" struggle with buying Eco-friendly products which aren't made locally. And do we toss out a usable item because it isn't green and buy something new which is? Our choices aren't always clear cut.

In my opinion, however, smoking doesn't fall into the grey area. It's pollution ... period! And I further believe that true environmentalists embrace all green-living concepts ... not just the ones that suit them. Does that mean that we are perfect? Not at all! It means that as we learn about what does and doesn't hurt our world, we make every attempt to live by that knowledge.

Smoking hurts the environment. A true environmentalist will make every effort to ban the practice from his or her life!

Thanks to everyone who participated!

Thoughts on Composting

Most people talk about composting as a viable alternative to tossing things into a landfill, but I was curious about how many people actually make the effort.

I was also interested to learn about the reasons why folks don't compost.

That was the focus of April's survey.

Let's take a look at the results:

Comments

• COnstantly traveling.
• Why NOT compost? It's great for the garden, it reduces our amount of garbage, and it's good for the earth to put food and yard waste literally back where it originated ! We had an old plastic "earth machine" one for years but it always filled up too fast so this year we built one out of old repurposed fenceposts and chickenwire, with one half for current garden and food waste and then when it fills up, we'll let it settle and start filling up the second one. They say more than 20% of our garbage dumps are filled with food - crazy!!! Every city should have mandatory curbside composting like our big cities here on the west coast - it just makes sense (economically as well!).
• Because it reduced how much trash we were throwing out, it's good for the environment and for our garden, and we get free soil.
• I compost because food waste is such a problem in the landfills, plus it's free fertilizer. I don't use bins though, I bury mine right in an empty garden plot to decompose.
• We don't have anywhere to use the compost we'd make.
• I've had a garden my entire adult life. My current one is my toughest, here in the American desert Southwest. It's hot. And dry. To manage water usage and keep vegetables comfortable through hundred-and-teens, I have to have compost (and mulch, which is sometimes the same thing)! Besides, it's the right thing to do--perfectly good coffee grounds and vegetable peelings certainly don't need to clutter landfill.
• To nourish my soil and recycle my green waste
• I am studying here and I live in apartment, thus I don't have place to plant or cultivate. In my hometown, my family lives in city and has the same situation.
• Because it good for the soil and keeps the balance of nutrients naturally. We also should be recycling everything we can and this is a great way to recycle your food scraps and make use of the that nature provides us. It is also very economical.
• Less waste, though we don't know how to make it compost faster and just put it into a bin we got at a hardware store, so any tips would be great :)
• Because it makes sense! :)

The majority of people, who participated in the survey, do compost. Reasons included things like reducing landfill waste and nourishing gardens. Some folks use commercial composting containers, others make their own, and still others simply bury compostable materials directly into an empty garden plot.

My sense is that those who do compost, use it in their gardens rather than participate in curb-side pick-up or donate it to a neighbor or community garden.

One participant asked for tips on how to make a compost pile work faster. I found a great article on the subject which you can read HERE. Suggested methods include shredding, turning the pile often, and ensuring that the carbon to nitrogen ratio is appropriate (they include the ratio of common items like grass clipping, food scraps, etc., and give you an easy way to approximate the ratio).

A few people don't compost and their comments got me thinking about situations that make the practice difficult (or impossible) and how we might comes up with solutions.

Composting while traveling

Many of our green-living practices suffer when we travel. Certainly composting seems to fall into that category. Still, we need to eat and that means generating usable waste. Here are a few tips which might help:

• If you eat out, choose restaurants which compost kitchen scraps. To find out, call ahead and ask.
• If you prepare food while traveling, bring along a bokashi composting system which can be carried back home for use in the garden. Or, carry a container with a good lid, fill it with scraps and bring it home to your bin.
• Ask the hotel, campground, bed & breakfast, etc., if they compost and, if so, how you can add scraps to the bin.
• If you are staying in a rented home, find out if curb-side collection is available or if a neighbor might be able to use scraps.

Composting without gardening

What if you don't garden and have no use for compost? Here are some ideas:

• Participate in curb-side collection if it is offered.
• Donate your compost to a local community garden, a neighbor, or offer it on Freecycle or Craigslist (I'm guessing that someone would be happy to pick it up and use it).
• Use a bokashi bin and then use the fertilizer on house plants or a lawn ... or, again, give it away. And if you don't have house plants, get some ... they are a great way to clean indoor air.

Composting in an apartment

So here's the scenario ... you live in an apartment which doesn't have a deck or patio. There's no space for a garden. There's no curb-side compost pick-up. Of all the reasons not to compost, this one is, in my opinion, the most difficult to find solutions for. But let's see what we can do. How about these ideas:

• Consider the bokashi system. Use the results on houseplants or offer it up on Freecycle. Perhaps the apartment management would appreciate a bit of fertilizer on their landscaping ... just be sure to ask, first.
• Collect scraps in an air-tight container and donate them to a community garden.
• Find out if a college or work facility has composting. If they do, ask about adding your scraps to their bin.
• Contact the city waste management department to discover options. If they have no options for you, ask them to consider providing some in the future.

A few more thoughts on composting

When we think about composting, we tend to consider it from the end results. While free, green fertilizer is appealing to those of us who garden, it really doesn't mean much to people who don't grow things.

So perhaps we need to look at this activity from the other end ... the beginning. If we consider it as a viable way to divert usable materials from landfills, it becomes a practice which all people can take part in. Yes, there's still the question of what to do with the end results but that seems relatively easy. There's always someone who could use free soil enhancements.

With the many, easy ways to recycle our food waste, composting is no longer a labor-intensive, stinky process. In fact, anyone with a counter can compost. It takes no more effort than tossing those scraps in a trash bin. Yes, perhaps it means coordinating with a neighbor or driving to a community garden but protecting our environment is worth the effort.

If you're not already doing so, I encourage you to compost. It is one way to keep "stuff" out of landfills and protect the earth.

Thanks to everyone who participated!

How we keep ourselves healthy

Our last survey asked about all the ways we use to keep our diets nutritious. Here are the results:

How do you maximize nutrition?

Here are the comments listed under "Other":

• I cook at home and eat unprocessed, low fat, whole organic foods much of the time. I drink water to keep hydrated from a stainless steel water bottle instead of plastic when I'm on the go. At pot lucks I bring my own plate and utensils so I won't have to resort to using plastic. I am mindful about eating the rainbow of fruits and veggies, as I know to get all the nutrients I need I have to eat a wide range of colorful foods as well as nutrient dense foods like tempeh, beans, legumes, and dark leafy greens. I read a lot of food blogs and often adapt recipes so they contain less fat, salt, and no sugar. I use fresh herbs and spices so the meal is tasty and high in nutrients. Thanks for doing such a great job at Change the World Wednesday. Warm regards, Nancy Andres, Health & Lifestyle Writer, Author of "Colors of Joy: A Woman’s Guide for Self-Discovery, and Bliss," Blogger at http://obloggernewbie.blogspot.com and http://www.nancyandreswriter.com/colors-of-joy-blog/
• Juicing
• Wow, feeling good about how we eat. Just taking the survey makes one feel validated. Could also see a check box for eating/adding more plant based entrees to your diet.
• Wish I could grow more food! I'm working on that.

My Thoughts

I wasn't surprised that eating more fruits and veggies, and drinking water, were the top methods of staying healthy. In fact, the top 50% answers seem to indicate that we primarily look to a variety of natural, whole foods as a way to ensure good nutrition.

It was a bit surprising that supplements and vitamin-fortified foods were low on the list. Advertisers spend a lot of money convincing us that we can't get our daily requirements of vitamins and minerals via natural, whole foods alone. Seemingly healthy products, like fruit juices and whole-grain cereals are fortified with "essentials". We're told that we need these added ingredients to develop strong bones and resist illness.

In thinking about it, however, I really shouldn't be surprised that green-living proponents view supplements and fortified foods as a last resort to improving nutrition. Those foods are processed, and processed foods use a tremendous amount of natural resources to produce. And in truth, it really makes no sense that a variety of organically grown foods wouldn't contain everything we need for optimal health.

Conclusion

The best way to maintain good nutrition is to eat a wide range of organic, whole foods. If we remove things like processed foods, pesticides, and GMOs from the equation, we are left with healthy food. Food which will sustain and nourish us. The rest is not only unnecessary, but unhealthy.

Thanks to everyone who participated!

Sharing Resources via Second-Hand Stores

This month we asked how you share resources. Let's take a look at the results:

Other:

• The Little Free Library movement lets you share with passer's by by simply placing a waterproof place for books to pass around.
• Picking up furniture being given away on the street
• We love Nextdoor.com for our neighborhood and also use the "Free" section on Craigslist a lot - it's amazing what kind of stuff people want, from bubble wrap to old paint and more :)
• When I buy things at the store I try to buy those with containers that can be used and re-purposed in my home. I have also gotten some containers like old crates and painted on them to be sold in my craft business.
• Giving hand-me down clothes to friends & neighbors children. trading excess produce from our garden craft supply swap
• Share backyard garden bounty with friends, neighbors, and people in need (depending on how much excess I have).
• Swapping with friends and relatives clothes, childrens toys and everything you can think of

Second Hand Stores

Thrift stores offer a pleasant
shopping experience

The top way that we share is via second hand stores, both donating to and buying from.

I remember a time when people looked down on thrift stores. For many, it was a symbol of poverty. The stores seemed to share that belief, as well, because they accepted any donations, even broken items, and didn't make shopping a pleasant experience. The general belief seemed to be that something, even a torn or broken item, should be gratefully taken by those who couldn't afford better.

These days, things have changed. Thrift stores are picky about what they accept, saying no to unusable items. Products are neatly, and often attractively, arranged so that the shopping experience is a nice one.

Second hand stores, today, are a mixture of boutique, consignment shop, and garage sale. They are fun!

Attitudes have changed, as well. I'm sure that there are still folks who wouldn't step foot in a Goodwill, but most see it as a practical way to reuse items and avoid the need to manufacture new things. And yes, it's also a way to make our money go further.

Other Ways to Share Resources

The survey showed that we use a lot of ways to share resources. We blog and use social media, we offer things on Freecycle, and we both lend to and borrow from friends.

Many people mentioned using the library. In preparation for several posts this month, I learned that libraries offer more than just books. In some communities, libraries loan art, tools, and even seeds.

I learned about a new way to share, Nextdoor.com, which I'll be looking into as a way to, perhaps, start a seed swap.

It was no surprise to find out that many readers generously share garden vegetables with friends and family.

Conclusion

Sharing resources is good on so many levels. It helps avoid the over-consumption of natural resources. It builds community and encourages compassion. It's a way to reduce waste, avoid toxins, and protect the earth.

Who could ask for more?

Survey says that "greenies" will conserve ...

Earlier this month, I asked you about solar power.

The question came up because someone told me that rather than conserve, they would just add additional solar panels to their home.

So I wanted to know what dedicated "greenies" would do if all of their power came from the sun.

The answers are interesting and complex:

Survey Results

Survey Comments

• Of course I would still conserve if I were getting all my energy from solar. To do otherwise would mean I had used more rare earth minerals and other elements by buying more panels than I actually needed.
• The answer is, it depends. If i was 100% solar and was attached to the grid and they were paying me for the extra i was producing then i'd make the attempt to save as much as i could. But, i'd still turn off lights when not in use, because your affecting the longevity of the bulbs. The thermostat? no. again if i wasn't being paid for the extra energy then that is being wasteful. The sun is giving you the energy use it.
• Why? If the solar power had to be used just for my own home there's no reason. If a traditional power company purchased the unused solar power and in return lowered the cost of energy to its other customers, I probably would. But from what I understand that doesn't occur.
• I still think everything in moderation is key. I don't think anyone should over consumer anything...take only what you need.
• I would be donating unused energy to the grid thus saving fossil fuels
• Solar is not technically 100% renewable energy, given that it takes a tremendous amount of energy and materials to extract, manufacture, distribute, install and eventually, replace/repair/dispose. There are statistics that it takes approximately 4-8 years of 'free, renewable energy' to pay back the energy that it takes to get it to your home. While I am all for renewables, we MUST reduce first. Otherwise, renewables will never be affordable or desirable to the masses. You might enjoy this post: http://greengirlsuccess.com/2014/06/03/green-tech-or-low-tech/
• Well, I already do which wasn't an option on this questionnaire :). I wouldn't be changing my current habits. As a side note, solar for my small small home costs about $13-15,000 upfront to have it installed - which for me is not something I have lying around and would take 20 years for me to recup the cost since my electric is only $40/mo averag. While there are incentives and tax breaks, yes, you still have to come up with the whole chunk in advance, which makes it still close to impossible for most working class folks to afford. In Australia it's a microscopic cost in comparison...
• You know what, I have actually never thought about this before. I guess I'm kind of ashamed to say "no." But I guess society is sold the idea that if something is renewable (or plentiful) then you don't *have* to conserve. Conserving isn't good in its own right, it's only good if the resource in question is limited. But all energy use by me is energy I'm taking from something else. For example, if I power my TV from a power station that's a square mile of solar panels, those solar panels are blocking the sun from reaching the soil, and the bacteria in the soil, and the seedlings that would otherwise be sprouting. The earth is a zero-sum game, it seems. Maybe the idea behind conservation needs to change. Maybe the way it's sold to the public needs to change. Maybe instead of conservation, it could be use-appropriate consumption, or resource sharing, or something that implies balance and cooperation, instead of just staving off the next shortage until the next boom comes along. Thanks for making me think about this question! :)
• Absolutely! No need to be wasteful, especially if the energy is being stored in a battery for future use. If there's an emergency or a long stretch of cloudy/stormy days that backup power will come in handy.
• As we are 100% on solar power, and not meaning to be aggressive in my reply, responding to your question from our personal experience the answer depends entirely on what power input you have from your solar panels and what battery storage capacity you have. On cold, but sunny days our panels produce more power than on hot, sunny days. If you are aware that you are in for a couple of days of overcast weather, you tend to use as little power as possible in order to eke out the power that you have available. Once you reach float or absorb stage with your batteries (in our case our batteries are at that stage from +/- 12 noon onwards), you can use whatever power is being produced by your panels freely as your batteries cannot absorb any further charge. I, therefore, tend to switch on my washing machine then ;) One has to plan for those days of minimal power input, more than for the days where power is freely available. Investing in double glazing, manual kitchen / household gadgets, low watt (3 watt) LED lights, A+ (or better) appliances you can live your life quite normally. (Switching off 3 watt light globes when you're not in the room is still a good idea, but if you had ten on at the same time, they combined would only use 30 watts of power / hour, which will hardly make a dent on your battery power during a 4 - 5 hour evening. Basically, getting back to basics and ditching power guzzling air-conditioners / heaters / electric stoves, you shouldn't have a problem. A broom cleans as well as a vacuum cleaner, and a dishcloth in a sink of good hot, soapy water vs a dishwasher, etc - it just requires more effort from the human wielding the appliance :)

My Thoughts

I've thought a lot about this question.

One one hand, if we invest in enough solar panels, and they can supply a lavish lifestyle, then why not use liberally?

On the other hand, those panels aren't made out of air ... they require materials. So living large (power-wise) means that resources are being used to build additional solar panels for our lavish use. That seems wrong.

Our new home (a passive solar home) will be equipped with solar and photovoltaic panels. We are installing a net-zero system. That means that the total amount of energy we use, which will come from "the grid", will roughly be equal to the amount of solar energy we create (which will be sold back to "the grid").

You might be wondering why we chose this system as opposed to an "off grid" system.

Batteries which store solar energy are, at this time, expensive and have a short lifespan. Simply put, they are not cost effective for us. Hopefully, one day, they will be less expensive and more efficient. At that time, we'll upgrade and become grid free.

As I mentioned above, we are building a passive solar home. The house's orientation, along with the materials used to build it, will allow us to use nature to both warm and cool our home. With the net-zero system, we have the potential of generating more power than we use. That means that the grid will use less energy from other sources (in my area, most energy comes from coal).

I will continue to conserve so that the solar energy we generate will go that much further in reducing the need for "dirty" energy. If we generate more power than we use, then "the grid" benefits. That makes it very appealing to conserve.

Thanks to everyone who participated and left a thoughtful comment. As always, I learn so much from you!

Six Reasons why cooking at home is Eco-friendly

Earlier this month, we asked how many days of the week you cook at home.

Results

Comments:

• I eat out MAYBE once a month. And it's an organic restaurant!
• we eat out about once a fortnight
• Eating out is for special occasions, with the once in a while take-out when too busy to cook. Seattle has a fabulous vegan restaurant Cafe Flora!

Discussion

Everyone who answered the survey cooked at home for the majority of the week (at least 4 days out of 7).

Most people ate at home every day of the week.

Since most participants are "greenies", I wasn't really surprised by the results. After all, cooking at home is very Eco-friendly. Why? Here are some reasons:

1. 
   We typically drive to and from a restaurant. Meals at home require a quick few steps to the table.
2. When we cook, we can control the method of cooking and choose energy-efficient ways to prepare a meal. These would include things like counter-top appliances and using the residual heat of an oven instead of cooking for the full, recommended time.
3. Most of us use "real" plates and utensils at our table. Restaurants, especially fast food establishments, often serve in single-use, plastic containers. Even up-scale restaurants use plastic or Styrofoam containers to send food home.
4. 
   Have you noticed the huge portions served at restaurants?
   
   Even if we take the leftovers, there's a good chance that the food will be wasted.




5. Some establishments are serving fresh, local products ... they are the exception. When we choose ingredients, we can be sure that we are buying local, sustainable foods.
6. Did you know that, to meet FDA sanitation guidelines, restaurants use either bleach or ammonia (quaternary sanitizers) in their washing procedures? Both products are hard on the environment. At home, Eco-friendly detergent works just fine!

Bonus Reason:

• Have you ever noticed how you feel after eating in a restaurant? Eating establishments are in the business of making our food taste good. They are not, necessarily, trying to provide healthy food. Generous amounts of fat, sodium, dairy, etc. are included to give us that "over the top" experience. So, while this is not an environmental reason to cook at home, it is a health reason ... foods cooked at home are better for us!

Conclusion

Eating out, once in awhile, is a treat. We can make the experience more Eco-friendly by walking to the restaurant, choosing establishments which cook local foods in appropriate amounts, etc.

In the end, even the most Eco-conscious establishment is no match for a meal made in a "green" kitchen at home.

Are there exceptions to green living?

Earlier this month, we asked if there are times when you ignore your green living rules. Here are the answers:

Survey Results

Individual Responses

• When dealing with hospitals, which is what we do all to frequently,We are given plastic plates covered in cling film with plastic cups etc but we are not allowed to take in food and drink from home. Also all the medical gear and cloths are disposable. All tablets come in blister packs , in the EEC this or disposable weekly trays are all that are allowed. Also unfortunately we can not afford organic food but we try to grow as much as we can.

• there are certain convenience items, like feminine products, that I refuse to give up. I try to make up for it by reducing my carbon footprint in other areas.

• Peer pressure when I'm at an event

• Traveling by plane I buy bottled water, but bring my own snacks. - Occasionally use compostable paper plates for large parties as water is a valuable resource in the PNW

• I do take flights when we go for holidays

• During home clearouts due to a death or during housemoves, things mostly gets binned rather than sorted for recycling or charity shops.

• When I'm tired I get lazy with taking my bags into the grocery store and just use their plastic ones. Then when I'm feeling energized I take the plastic bags over the road to the kindergarten

Discussion

The results are interesting! I felt that three exceptions to living green presented themselves: 1) The use of Eco-UNfriendly items which are either mandated by laws and/or company policies or convenient, 2) air travel, and 3) emotions. Let's take a closer look.

Mandated and/or Convenience Items. Plastic is hard to avoid. Sometimes, we have no other choice but to use this material. For example, in my area the county mandates that recyclables be placed in a clear or blue plastic bag. Independent trash collectors require the same.

Convenience items can be much easier to deal with than green alternatives. Hygiene products are especially difficult because of the "ick" factor. Reusable toilet paper, menstruation products, diapers, and handkerchiefs fall into this category.

While our green ethics can be compromised in these areas, they do present us with an opportunity. Often, official policies can be changed when an individual suggests an appropriate solution. Thinking creatively can result in a method which removes the "ick" factor in using certain reusable products.

Air Travel. My family lives across the country from where I live.

Driving, taking a bus, or riding the train would be more environmentally friendly but it would also take more time ... time which, with work schedules, is limited. So, like many folks, I fly.

In addition to the fuel used, air travel generates a lot of waste. Refreshments are served in single-use containers, and things like pillows and earphones are wrapped in plastic.

To mitigate the large Eco-footprint of air travel, patrons can buy carbon offsets ... it's not ideal but it does help. Travelers can also bring their own refreshments, pillows, and earphones. Here's a tip for bringing reusable water bottles onto a plane ... carry it empty through the security checkpoint and fill it once you're at the gate.

Emotions. I had a recent conversation with a person who was having a last will & testament drawn up. The lawyer doing the paperwork suggested that nothing personal be left to beneficiaries because, in most cases, personal affects are tossed into the trash. In thinking about that, I wondered if the emotions of losing a loved one are too intense to deal with "stuff". It's often easier not to have to look at personal items.

Sometimes our emotions "jade" our commitments. That little voice in our head says that it's okay to ignore or bend the rules. It might be because we're tired or upset. Or maybe it just seems like too much effort.

We are, at times, our own worst enemy.

Battling our emotions is both the easiest and hardest problem to solve. I find that not allowing the negative possibility to enter my head is the easiest way to battle the "devil on my shoulder". I simply refuse to think about the options and take "green" action before I can talk myself into doing otherwise.

Writing down our Eco-rules can be helpful. We can remind ourselves to do the right thing during times when it would be easier to do the opposite.

Talking with a friend may reinforce our ideals. They may point out that, in the time it takes to think things through, we could have taken appropriate action.

Conclusion

If we take a serious look at the obstacles to maintaining our green living ideals, we'll see that they are, in most cases, a matter of choice. Yes, there are situations where it is impossible to be environmental ... where someone else dictates the rules. Typically, however, we simply choose to take the non-green route. Whether it's a matter of convenience, time, money, or emotions, we choose our path. And that offers us a wonderful opportunity to find ways to make the right choice.

Living green may not always be the easiest route ... but it is the one which offers us the greatest benefits.

When you face a tough environmental choice, how do you put green first?

This post is shared at Healthy, Happy, Green & Natural Party Hop

The survey says: Local products are worth the money!

Earlier this month we asked if you would be willing to pay more for local products. Here are the results:

Comments

• Local and organic!
• Imported supermarket food is often absurdly cheap anyway, and the low prices mean that we have very little feeling for the value of food, and feel disconnected from it and its production, buying, eating and wasting far too much of it. Paying a little more not only often means you're getting a 'better' product, but you also value and appreciate it more, and are more imaginative and careful with how you use it.
• I usually don't pay more because it's local - I pay more because it's better quality.
• If they were still of a similar quality/caliber to other non-local products.
• There are several things that I am willing to pay more for because they are local, like produce. But there is a tipping point where it's just not economically an option.
• I already do pay more by shopping locally, but when that balances out with the farmer's market where some foods are less expensive it. It just makes sense to buy locally.
• I seem to live in an area where only a few local products are sold but where I can I always buy British or try to grow my own
• There are some countries where I will avoid buying.
• I pay more for local food products because I like fresh food.Fresh food tastes so much better than food that has traveled across the country or across the Atlantic. I also like the idea of conserving energy and gasoline by buying local food.
• AT the moment I'm lucky enough to be part of a food cooperative that provides very inexpensive local produce, but when certain items are not available I shop at the local farmer's market. The prices are a little higher, but it's worth it to know that I'm buying from and supporting nearby farms. JC
• It depends on both the product and the producer. I'm not going to buy from someone who's a jack-ass for example, just like I wouldn't patronize a local restaurant if the food or service was poor. BUT if the product is comparable in quality to a national or regional brand, I'd definitely give it more consideration.
• I do and will pay more for local, but sometimes it is cheaper. My eggs come from my next door neighbor, better price than at any store for organic..and I know they are fresh.
• I already do! I'm more than happy to take my money to the farmer's market and load up on local produce from people I know--it's higher quality, fresher, tastier and I can always ask about growing practices if I need to! Plus, it's fun to follow the seasons. I also don't mind paying more for handmade/organic/locally produced foods and body care products.
• Though I'm a bit loose with the definition of locally. First, I will always pay to buy something produced in the US (my home country). Then, whenever possible, I do like to drill down to items produced closer to home: in my state (Washington), then in my region (Western WA). I grow a lot of my own food, but love my neighborhood Farmers Market. When it comes time to buy gifts, I shop at the local retail district (lots of small, locally-owned shops).
• Depends on How much more...

Are you surprised at the results?

It's thrilling to see so many "yes" answers. I am especially excited by the idea that we want more from the products we buy. Not only must products serve their intended purpose, they must offer us greater value:

• We look for high quality which translates into a longer life cycle or, in the case of food, better flavor, freshness, and nutrition. That often means that we reduce waste. And, interestingly, over the long run we might actually find that the overall cost is less than buying mass-produced, non-local products.


• We want a connection to both the product and the manufacturer. Talking to the farmer who grew our food gives us an appreciation for how products went from the field to our table. Learning how an artisan makes a piece of furniture, and seeing the care which goes into each creation, ties us to the process and the artist. Buying local gives us those connections to our community ... relationships and friendships which enhance our lives.


• We want products which support our local economy. Buying local means that our money stays in the community. We can see it at work when our favorite farmer can afford to buy new equipment after a successful harvest or when a local restaurant expands because business has been good. On a more personal level, perhaps contributing to a healthy local economy is rewarded by higher personal income, giving meaning to the phrase "what goes around, comes around".

When we consider all that buying local can do for us and the world around us, paying a bit more seems like a great deal!

Do you consider your Eco-impact before buying?

This month, we asked a question about purchases.

Here are the results:

As always, our surveys aren't scientific and, quite frankly, most participants are already "greenies". That said, I believe that it's part of a trend ... people are thinking beyond the immediate and are considering their actions in terms of the bigger picture. Along with packaging, ingredients, and locality, we are adding another criteria to our shopping decisions ... the far reaching impact of a purchase.

I once read that the problem with green living is that people tend to only adopt the lifestyle if there's something in it for them. The article maintained that, until we protect the environment because it's the right thing to do, we'll never be successful.

Perhaps we are moving beyond the "what's in it for me" mentality and living green because we care about the earth and future generations.

Every time that we think before buying, we take one more step towards a healthy earth. It seems like such a small thing ... but it is powerful!

Thanks to everyone who participated.

Join us tomorrow for another interesting Change The World Wednesday challenge!

Why are whole foods healthy?

This month's survey asked "How do you maintain health?"

Here are the results:

Other:

• yoga
• Eat lots of fermented foods.

The #1 Answer

The body can distinguish between
whole foods and supplements

Eating a variety of whole foods was the number one answer.

We all know that whole foods are better for us, but have you ever wondered why? After all, processed foods are often "fortified" and supplements can fill in the gaps. So what's the deal with whole foods?

Read on ...

• Phytochemicals ("Phyto" refers to the Greek word for plant) can only be found in whole plant foods. There are over 25,000 phytonutrients found in plants and they help protect us from cancer, reduce inflammation, encourage eye health, reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, etc.


• Whole foods are complex and contain a multitude of balanced nutrients which cannot be emulated by a supplement. In short, they contain everything we need, in the right proportions. Supplements, on the other hand, contain isolated nutrients. That means that rather than get the right amount, we could, potentially, overdose on a single nutrient, causing health problems. It should also be noted that supplements, considered medicinal products, come with "side effect" warnings ... whole foods don't.


• Fiber, essential for GI (Gastrointestinal) health, helps fight heart disease and diabetes, controls blood sugar, and helps us maintain a healthy weight. When a food is processed, the fiber is usually removed. Whole foods, as opposed to supplements, contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. They also slow down the digestion process allowing better absorption of nutrients.


• Whole foods contain no added fat, sugar, or sodium.


• Fortified foods artificially add nutrition into the product (often with synthetic vitamins). Studies have shown than even after the "enhancement", the food still doesn't equal the nutrition of a whole food.

A "whole" is better than a "piece"

Consider this ... a fragment of a bottle might be desirable in it's own right, but it will never be able to compete with the functionality of a bottle.

In the same way, processed foods and supplements can never live up to the nutritional benefits of Whole Foods.


How do you incorporate whole foods into your meal plan?


Sneak Peek: Have you checked out the latest energy-saving devices recently? Tomorrow we'll take a look at a few of them.

Living Off The Grid - Survey Results

Our last survey asked whether or not we could live off the grid and, if so, what electrical devices we could live without. Here are your answers:

Which of the following items could you
live without (select all that apply)?

Other:

• Hot Water
• Hair Dryers and Hair Care Products

I drew the following conclusions from the results:

• Microwaves are unnecessary (almost all participants said they could do without them).
• All items received at least one vote suggesting that living completely off the grid is a realistic concept.
• Food preparation and storage are higher priorities than "creature comforts" (like heat, air conditioning, and a TV).
• Being connected, via the Internet, is almost as important as the ability to cook and refrigerate our food.
• We are twice as likely to do without a clothes dryer than a washer.

I recently had the opportunity to speak to a woman who is living off the grid, and has done so for the past year. She lives in a simple cabin, in the forest.

Nature provides for most of her needs. A rain cistern provides water for washing (drinking water is hauled in). Rain barrels collect water for the vegetable garden. Her property provides wood for heating her home and for cooking.

She managed to stay warm and comfortable through a very cold winter and shares that it was the best winter of her life. I asked her what made it the "best" and she said, It is total freedom.

I realized, as we spoke, that living off the grid is about prioritizing our needs, living in harmony with nature, and accepting some inconvenience.

In today's world, there are many ways to reduce our dependence on municipal utilities. We can install photovoltaic panels to completely, or partially, provide electricity. Wells can provide our water and it can be heated via solar panels. Eco-friendly septic systems can decompose waste and return clean water to the environment.

We can comfortably remove ourselves from the grid completely, or we can opt for reducing our need through hybrid systems. The choice is ours.

Backing away from municipal services offers us sustainability and independence from the high cost of utilities. It reduces the stress placed on the environment and will be especially important as world populations grow. Yes, there may be some inconvenience involved but it seems a small price to pay for the enormous benefits.

Sneak Peek: Tomorrow begins another thrilling Change The World Wednesday challenge. See you then!

Do you read the list of ingredients?

What's our criteria for purchases?

This month's survey asked the question, "What's your very first consideration when choosing a product to buy?" Most of us factor in many things when shopping, but I was interested in the first thing we look at, the thing which determines whether we give an item a second thought or simply leave it on the market shelf.

Let's look at the results:

It turns out that we read labels and the list of ingredients is our first "filter" when choosing products. That comes before price, packaging, or locality. We want to know what's in a product.

I personally find the results exciting. There was a time when people said that they'd love to buy greener products but they were too expensive. Words like "organic", "non-toxic", etc., were associated with higher prices and were, therefore, prohibitive. Now, people see the value of safe, Eco-friendly ingredients.

Understanding the list, however, is often difficult.

To help us navigate through the maze of information, here are some tips:

• If the list is long and involved, chances are it contains less-than-desirable items.
• Can you pronounce the items listed? If you need an advanced degree in chemistry to figure them out, leave the product on the shelf.
• Words such as "natural" and "fragrance" are not regulated and can mean anything.
• "Antibacterial" typically means the product contains triclosan, a dangerous chemical which is toxic to aquatic bacteria and inhibits photosynthesis in diatom algae. It has also been shown to alter hormone regulation in animals. Look for it in foods, clothing, kitchen tools, and body care products ... and avoid it!



Ingredients matter!

• Does a cleaning solution contain the word "organic"? Only cleaning products bearing the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s “Certified Organic” logo are legally bound to comply with that claim.
• Be aware of what's NOT on the label. It is not mandatory for manufacturers to disclose contaminants. Therefore, look for words like "BPA-free" and "pesticide-free" to ensure that a contaminate is not present.
• Here's a marketing trick to be aware of. The ingredients are organized in descending order. In other words, the highest concentrations come first. So, if all the healthy stuff is listed at the end, it is present in very small amounts and is, most likely, included to make you think the product is wholesome when it's not.
• Watch out for healthy-sounding phrases like "sodium nitrite" and "yeast extract". They are NOT good ingredients. Sodium nitrite is associated with brain tumors and yeast extract is another name for monosodium glutamate (MSG).
• When in doubt, check it out. Use sites like the Environmental Working Group database to check on the safety of ingredients ... or search the Internet for information.

There are many factors to consider when making a purchase. Checking the list of ingredients is one way to ensure that the products we buy are safe ... for us and the planet.

Sneak Peek: What kind of shampoo do you use? On Monday I'll tell you about the hair products that I'm using.

Some images courtesy of Ambro / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Post at Anything Goes

Survey Results and 7 Tips For "Greening" Your Celebrations

January's poll took a look at the holidays and whether or not we were able to keep them green. Here are the results:

How Green Were Your Holidays

We only had 16 respondents which isn't really enough for a scientific consensus. However, I found the answers very encouraging. When asked similar type questions in previous surveys, people rarely indicated that they were doing great. This time, the majority felt that they were either extremely green or very green. No one failed and only a few felt that they dropped the ball mid-way through the holidays.

I believe that we are becoming more aware of our actions. We no longer succumb to advertisements which encourage us to celebrate at the expense of the environment. Traditions and green-living walk together to create wonderful family moments.

Can we do better? Of course! Here are some tips:

1. Plan to stay home. If you must travel, choose the most Eco-friendly mode of transportation possible. If flying (one of the least "green" methods of transportation), consider a daytime flight which is more Eco-friendly than "red eyes".
2. Encourage your guests to car-pool.
3. Prepare local foods and minimize the amount of meat served.
4. Avoid disposable items like paper napkins or plates.
5. Use CFL or LED lighting.
6. Decorate your table using natural items such as a bouquet of autumn leaves or a bowl of nuts.
7. If gifts are included, choose Eco-friendly items with minimal packaging ... or make gifts. Wrap them using recycled paper, beautiful scarves, towels or clothing (T-shirts make the most interesting wrapping).

Any celebration can be green. It just takes a bit of thought and planning.

What are your green tips for celebrations?


Sneak Peek: Money talks! Our next post will discuss voting for green, with our green!

Image courtesy of stockimages, / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Also posted at Natural Family Friday

What stops you from taking a green vacation?

When planning a vacation, do you consider the environment? Do you research Eco-friendly accommodations, methods of travel and food? If our recent survey is any indication, then most of our vacations could use some "greening". Let's take a look at the results:

We had some comments:

• I had a great experience WWOOF'ing when I was in Australia in February, working on an organic farm (pictures here: http://ecogrrl.net/2013/02/26/where-i-be-chillin-part-four/) in exchange for room & board. It was great! When I fly, whenever possible I take Alaska Airlines who has the best record when it comes to fuel efficiency (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/alaska-airlines-is-most-fuel-efficient-us-carrier-2013-09-10) and sustainability (http://sustainablebusinessoregon.com/national/2012/09/alaska-airlines-touts-environmental.html), and seek out farmer's markets, vegetarian restaurants, and take public transportation in the cities I'm in. Learning what shade of green different cities are in is really interesting to me. As many know, many European countries, along with Australia, have significantly more sustainable measures built in to their systems, from water savings to solar to reduced packaging in general. We have a lot, even here in Portland, to learn from other countries' practices.
• I prefer staying with friends and relatives.
• We rack up a horrendous carbon footprint getting there (it's where our family lives), but then go car-free, eat local, etc.
• I recently took a trip to Portland with my mom, and we took nothing but public transit the entire time! A small step, admittedly, but I was pretty proud of us :)
• I realize I missed the survey but wanted to say that for me living lightly involves every part of my life, vacations are no different. I use the same amount of water and will even bring recyclables home if I can't find a location to drop it in.

While most of us have greened our daily life, vacations seem to fall through the cracks.

The definition of vacation might be part of the problem. According to Merriam Webster, it is "a respite or a time of respite from something". That typically means a break from our normal routine and includes activities that we don't allow ourselves at other times. We indulge in special foods, travel to exotic destinations and stay in hotels. In preparation, we might buy new clothes or luggage. We might consider disposable items for their convenience ... after all, we're on vacation.

Once at our destination, the indulgences continue. We might allow ourselves longer and more frequent showers. Perhaps we turn on the room's air conditioning. We eat at restaurants ... we drive more ... we waste more.

While Eco-friendly tourism is available, it tends to be expensive. An eleven-day Patagonia trip can be as much as $5,995/Person. Nine days in Costa Rica's rainforests can run you more than $2,000/Person.

Most Ecotourism companies offer a very narrow list of activities. They usually include hiking, camping, and exploring natural areas. Working on a farm or living with local families might be offered. These types of vacations, while rewarding, aren't for everyone.

Of course, none of those reasons mean we should give up on Eco-friendly vacations. Let's explore some of the ways that we can take a break without hurting the environment:

• Plan ahead

  Research destinations which offer activities within walking distance. Investigate hotels and their environmental practices and policies. Consider modes of travel and choose the most Eco-friendly option for your destination. Research restaurants and plan to visit ones offering local foods. Plan to enjoy activities such as visiting a nature preserve, walking the beach, or picnicking at a local park.

• Before leaving home

  Browse second hand shops for "new" vacation clothing and avoid buying disposable products. Need luggage? Borrow from a friend or buy used items. Turn off lights, electrical appliances, heating/cooling, hot water heaters and anything which won't be used while you're away.

• At your destination

  Maintain your green ethics. Refuse disposable items or "free" gifts offered by the resort. Turn off lights when not in use and avoid air conditioning. Keep showers to a minimum. Avoid waste and recycle. Walk or take public transportation. Enjoy whole, local foods. Buy souvenirs which are usable rather than items which will be tossed once you return home.

• Consider all types of vacations

  "Staycations", by their nature, have a low carbon footprint. Don't rule out Ecotourism. Visit family and friends. Exchange homes with someone from your destination of choice. Consider camping.
  

Vacations offer us the opportunity to see new places. They entertain us and provide a break from "normal". With planning and special attention, they can honor the earth as well as refresh our lives. How will you "green" your next vacation?

Posted at Small Footprint Fridays

Survey Results - Is It Too Late?

This month's survey addressed how we feel about the future ... whether we can reverse the negative impact of climate change or not. Let's look at the results:

Comments:

• If everyone was on board, ready and willing to make all the changes necessary today we might be able to reverse the destruction, but there are too many who aren't willing to give up the lifestyle they are accustomed to. That combined with how quickly the ice sheets are melting, which adds to the problem I believe it is too late.
• It's been shown that it can be slowed considerably but not reversed, so my answer is a Yes, but not for reversal. Political action is tremendously important to change laws and make larger impacts, but what we do individually does add up.
• Feedback effects amplify the consequences of every pound of CO2 we emit - or don't emit! Every pound makes a difference.
• No, not reversed but kept at a liveable level

What can we draw from these responses?

While there weren't many participants, I believe that the answers represent the general feeling about the future and climate change. We are torn with some believing we can make a difference and others believing that we've walked too far down the destructive path.

Here's what I find interesting ...

Since most of the people visiting Reduce Footprints, and therefore answering the survey, are "greenies", I have to ask myself why those folks who think it's too late still live in an Eco-friendly way. What motivates us to continue on in the face of such dire predictions?

Caring for our environment is more than the future. Yes, we all would like to leave this world in good shape ... it would be a fine and noble legacy. But we also care about today ... about living the best life we can live ... about caring for the earth and living with respect.

We hope that our actions will make a difference for tomorrow ... we know that they make a difference today.

And we continue on ... we do the right thing, we encourage others to do the right thing, we ask our officials to do the right thing ... and we hope for the best.

We're Doing A Lot!

Feedback is important! It helps us make choices and determine our path in life. When it comes to green living, feedback is in short supply. We recycle and conserve, hoping that our efforts will make a difference. But, in reality, the results can take years to see.

In our last survey, we asked readers to select all the Eco-friendly activities that they participate in. Twenty-four people responded. Here are the results:

ACTIVITY	RESPONSES
Recycling	24
Using Reusable Bags	23
Using Reusable Water Bottles	21
Walking	17
Upcycling	16
Washing Clothes in Cold Water	16
Eating Meatless Meals	16
Eating Beef-Free Meals	16
Growing Food	15
Leaving Your Shoes At The Door	15
Adjusting the Thermostat by 2 Degrees	15
Buying Organic Foods	14
Taking Short Showers	14
Using CFL Lightbulbs	14
Shopping Locally	14
Buying Non-GMO Foods	12
Hanging Clothes Outside	12
Composting	11
Using Counter-Top Appliances to Cook	09
Bicycling	08
Using LED Lightbulbs	06
Using a Push Mower	04

Other (6 responses):

1. I don't like showers. I have a bath in just 3 inches of water every 4 to 6 days, and wash in the wash basin in between times. I also use reusable products rather than disposable (cloth menstrual pads and panty liners, cloth wipes in the toilet, cloth handkerchiefs, cloths instead of paper towels, cloth table napkins, etc.). I have actually adjusted the thermostat by 6 degrees rather than 2, and have also adjusted the hot water thermostat.


2. Making art and craft from waste materials like fool which can't be recycled. Energy-saving, like switching off unused lights, chargers and appliances at the plug and sweeping rather than vacuuming.


3. supporting eco and handmade locally


4. I would hang clothes but am still working on my landlord to allow this, and I gave up my car as well. Good list, it makes me feel good about where I am.


5. Note - I don't take short showers - instead, I take 2 showers a week, which is the same. Also, I don't use LED light bulbs only because I'm still waiting for my 7 year old CFLs to run out before I can do that. A big one that's missing is not owning a car. I'm at 5 1/2 years without owning a car and can't imagine ever buying one again! A complete list of my green practices is at http://ecogrrl.net/2013/05/13/ecogrrl-documented-version-3-0/ .


6. Buying used, going 'no poo', organic lawn care

Are you surprised by the numbers?

In the spring of 2009, we talked about solutions to common green-living road blocks in a post entitled, I want to ... but (Part do ... I mean deux). One road block was about the difficulty of adopting meatless meals. Today, over 66% of respondents are enjoying plant-based dishes. Another problem involved reusable bags ... over 95% of you now use them on a regular basis.

The survey also pointed out opportunities for improvement ... things like using counter-top cooking appliances and installing LED light bulbs. Composting and buying non-GMO foods can also be improved upon. And we learned that some activities are beyond our control when landlords or community rules prevent them.

Reading through the comments, I realized that we are not only succeeding at many activities, we are going beyond expectations. For example, some people have adjusted the thermostat by 6 degrees rather than the recommended 2. Others use non-recyclable materials to create art. When taking short showers didn't appeal, some folks modified baths to conserve water. And more than one of you have given up cars, opting instead for walking, bicycling and public transportation.

My conclusion is that we are on the right path. We educate ourselves and as we learn about new ways to walk gently on the earth, we embrace them. While it may take years to fully understand the results of our efforts, we can compare ourselves to others in the green community and see that we are definitely on the right track.

So pat yourselves on the back ... you're doing a lot!

Image courtesy of gubgib / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Doing The Right Thing!

What motivates you to live green?

Experts tell us that until we choose to live green because it's the right thing to do, we'll never have a positive impact. Unfortunately, an Eco-friendly life can be expensive and when folks are working hard to pay bills, the "right thing" doesn't always top our list of priorities.

Those of us who promote an Eco-friendly lifestyle try to encourage others, often pointing out that green living is also frugal. But that presents a problem because it bases our lifestyle on a precarious foundation; namely, our income.

Our last survey asked the question, If you had all the money in the world, would you live green? I expected that while most would say "yes", they'd also say that they might not live as green. After all, unlimited money would mean the ability to travel more, buy bigger and better and more stuff ... and all of that is tempting.

But wow ... my expectations were wrong!

100% of respondents said that yes, they would live green! Their comments revealed a lot:

Living green saves money and yes I definitely would. It's also healthier and easier to live green.

If I were rich I could buy solar panels, wind turbines and custom green roof applications. I could buy only organic and locally grown foods. I could buy into environmentally responsible cleaning and supply businesses; I would invest in community veggie gardens and advance auto industry technology towards solar and wind models...

As we make money we choose to use it to buy more services rather than products, and look for service providers who are also green in their way. Also we hope to buy more green technologies that are currently expensive but decrease in price as they get out in the market more.

Yes and no. There are things I would find easier to do if I had all the money in the world - eat more ethically for one, with all organic/biodynamic produce. And, I could buy a state of the art electric car, and put in a solar powered car charger. But, i am also aware that however much we might like to think it's not true, we are generally driven by immediate self-interest, and I am no different. So do I want to save carbon and is that part of my motivation for driving to work? Sure. But the fact that it saves me money helps too.

Especially if you had all the money in the world, it is important to live green: it would be so easy for you to spend on whatever you wanted. But on average, for every $1,000 you spend you're causing half a tonne of CO2 emissions. In the long term, frugal really is green. (See the carbon intensity of various countries here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_ratio_of_GDP_to_carbon_dioxide_emissions)

I'd have more money to help fund green projects and especially supporting the work of the NRDC who I believe is the singlehandedly most powerful environmental advocate we have in America.

I have the life I desired I wouldn't live any other way. I was recently asked if I would buy/build a small home or stay where I am in my apartment. I couldn't say for sure, this just feels like where I belong.

Throwing or wasting things have always bothered me. No matter my bank acct.

Are these respondents typical of the population? Probably not. But it is exciting to see this Eco-attitude ... this idea that more money could mean more "greeness". Those who walk gently on the earth lead by example. So I am hopeful that their lifestyle will encourage others to do the same.

Perhaps ... before long ... wealth will be considered an environmental asset rather than the tool of waste.

It's something to think about!

Image courtesy of scottchan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net