I’ve spent a few brief moments in past posts on the whole “green” movement. While I cannot say that I am exactly an environmentalist, I can say that if you want to get involved in it, you have to be careful. Companies have discovered that words like “natural,” “environmentally-friendly,” and “green” are on most peoples’ minds at the moment, and it doesn’t take a fool to recognize what a great marketing opportunity has arisen from them. Unfortunately, it also doesn’t take a fool to get swindled by these marketing practices. Let me take a few moments to shove those of you looking for answers amongst the fray in the right direction.
1) Do Research
I can never stress this enough- as with most things in life, the answer isn’t always staring you in the face. You have to look for it. The market is laden with words and gimmicks aimed at making you believe a product is good for you or good for the planet and a significant amount of that is totally untrue. If you truly want to live healthier and be a good steward for the planet, you have to really look for real answers. The truth, as Mulder would say, is out there.
2) Live Minimally
The second biggest thing one can do to essentially live healthier, cheaper, and cleaner is to buy less stuff. It’s a really simple theory, is it not? By buying fewer things you waste less, you discard less, and when it comes time to move for the 4th time this year (maybe that’s just something I do), you have less to worry about. Simple concept, but in today’s consumer driven society, it’s difficult- especially when your inbox is stuffed with emails boasting that beautifully sinister word sale.
3) Buy Locally
This one is a smidge more difficult- at least for beginners. It’s not always easy to recognize where a product came from. Plus, local enterprises have to compete with giant national corporations, so one can definitely see a difference in the prices. Food products, I’ve come to find, are the most difficult to buy locally without forfeiting your wallet. Don’t get discouraged- the benefits tend to outweigh the negativities. For instance, buying locally reduces the amount of transportation, thereby reducing emissions. Also, buying locally stimulates the local economy and supports small businesses, both of which have impact on the negative economic climate we live in.
Now that you have some beginner’s tips that have nothing to do with buzzwords like “CFL” and “organic,” let me introduce you to some of my favorite resources to kick start your search.
Treehugger – Boasting a vast array of news, science, health, and fun, Treehugger is, in my opinion, the end all, be all of environmentalist websites. If you can’t find it on Treehugger, chances are you’ll find a link to whatever it is you are looking for in its archives. Pay special attention to the Green Guides, those of you who are n00bs (or sometimes even those of you who are seasoned environmentalists), they are fortified with tips on how to make everything from your home to your holidays more responsible.
Local Harvest – This website is a guide to all things local. Well, really it’s aimed at food, but still, it’s useful. From CSA’s (community supported agriculture) and other local forms of food harvesting, to produce, eggs and cheese, to even chocolate and treats, Local Harvest’s database helps you find agriculture in your area, making buying local that much easier. It’s a great way to support your local economy, reduce your food impact, and enjoy organic foods.
Environmental Working Group – According to their website, the EWG is a group of engineers, scientists, policy makers, computer programmers, and lawyers who band together to inform people on environmental and health issues. The website has loads of information, including a database of cosmetics and household products so you know exactly what it is you are putting on yourself, your kids, your furniture, etc, and exactly how safe it is. The list of common chemicals and their effects on your health is especially informative as well.
Really, when it comes down to the nitty gritty of this whole business, what being an environmentalist depends on is you. You, the consumer, can choose what to believe, what to buy into, and what you personally would like to do to contribute to creating change- or not contribute for that matter, I won’t judge. It can be intimidating, my friends, but the answers are out there for those of you who are willing to find them.