As much of a buzz word as it is, "Green" is becoming an increasingly important focus in my life. Just like "yoga" has been a bit of a buzz word and considered the latest trend so has become "green living" and anything "green." I'm all for trends like yoga and the green movement that shift our awareness and move us into greater consciousness with our thoughts, words and actions. For those of us who have dabbled in such trends as yoga and green lifestyles, we have discovered these are too important and powerful to be just trends. They're not going away! Here are just a few suggestions of the myriad opportunities to become more aware:
Start by checking out www.storyofstuff.com. This 20 minute web video just may change your life. It brings to light ways in which we consume that have a grossly negative impact on our world and of which we may be totally unaware. It is certainly an eye opener of information that simply cannot be ignored.
We all know to bring our own reusable bags to the grocery stores. You may also consider using those same reusable bags at other stores as well. Take them into Target, Wal-Mart, pet supply stores, retail stores, etc. You may not get the 10 cent refund offered at Whole Foods and other natural grocers but the amount of emissions and waste you are refraining from contributing to is priceless. Check out what Whole Foods has to say about plastic bags and why they have commited to discontinuing the use of them by Earth Day 2008 http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/byobag/faq.html.
What about batteries? It may seem a small thing, but it is the small things that add up. Think of how many batteries are in use in your home currently. What do you do with them when they're all out of juice? Well, I recently discovered a brilliant ready-to-use rechargeable batterey called eneloop! Eneloop batteries, once charged, can be used up to 1000 times and, once exhausted, can be fully recycled. That's only just part of how great these batteries are. Go to www.eneloopusa.com to learn all about them and where you can buy some yourself.
Keep checking this page for more green recommendations as well as insights into books, movies and events of the yogic nature! Namaste.
photo courtesy of Shauna Intelisano