Doing my part

I recycle.

I use rechargeable batteries.

I use reusable grocery bags.

I made a feeble attempt at a garden. This year will be better, I declare!

I have a compost pile.

I reuse.

I make eco-conscious shopping decisions (most of the time).

I use plastic containers for my bag lunch instead of ziploc bags.

I (mostly--I won't lie) use fabric cloths instead of paper towels. One roll lasts for months.

I have moved to the funky light bulbs (used up all my old standard ones).

And now, my big (or little) move is to natural cleaning products. My fiance says, "We're out of Scrubbing Bubbles! Put it on the list!" Little did he know, I have a plan. When "natural tub cleaner" is typed into a Google search, this is what pops up first. And as I expected, vinegar and baking soda do the trick. Not surprising since these two products are used often in cleaning. Think of the money saved! Think of the satisfaction gained by knowing crap isn't going down the drain! *sigh*

Now there's something that I've wrestled with for a while. Instead of completely replacing everything (bulbs, appliances, cleaning products), I use them until they're gone and then switch to more eco-friendly options. And boy do I feel guilty! Why is that?? Why, after all the reducing, reusing, and recycling I do, do I feel guilty for using my chemical laden cleaning products that I still have?! I'm blaming it on the media.

I've come to this conclusion: this is what works for me and I'm not changing a thing.

I know that it gets tiring hearing "Green is the new black" over and over AND OVER AND OVER. On Oprah yesterday (she drives me nuts sometimes) she was floored by the massive (size of TX she kept repeating) swirl of trash in the ocean. Really? You're JUST now aware of this? Just like with the puppy mills. She was flabberghasted and swore she'd only adopt from then on! Really? You're JUST now aware of this? Anyway, she has tons of money so I guess it's okay.

I guess I get upset because it seems like being eco-friendly has be done a certain way. Go replace all your bulbs. Go recycle everything that can be recycled...and if your city doesn't recycle it, find some place that will. Create a rooftop garden. Get rid of your old appliances and buy only energy efficient ones. Install a digital thermostat. Ride your bike to work. The list goes on and on. I say screw everything you're supposed to do. Do what you can. Can't remember those reusable grocery bags? That's quite alright...carpool to work tomorrow instead. Can't afford to get all new energy efficient appliances? Buy just one. Or whatever little thing you can do.

It's like trying to become something your not...it just won't work.

Don't want to get rid of all your non-eco-friendly cleaning products? Use them until they're gone, then replace with green options.

Perhaps I have it all wrong...people really are just giving suggestions and really would like to see a minute change and it's my own self that's bringing out this crazy feeling of guilt.

I'm ending it there. Because now I'm all confused and can't make heads or tails of this post. Ha!