Green Living and the Philosophy of Simple Changes

If you want to go about adopting a “green living”  lifestyle, I believe that simplicity wins out over anything else. Change one thing at a time. This is a gentle approach, like a stream. If you coax too many changes out of you at once the dam will break. Make changes slowly and they’ll effortlessly fit into your life. Besides, if we try to do everything at once, it can get overwhelming.

Let’s Do a Bit of an Exercise

I’m not talking about fitness. Grab a pen and paper and make a list of at least ten things you are doing right concerning the environment. Do you drive a hybrid? Are you an avid recycler? Do you eat organic foods? Chances are you’re doing more than you think. Read through the list when you are done.

Now, make a new list and it’s time to be honest. What do you think you can change? Your list may not be very long and that’s okay. Do you put synthetic fertilizer on  your lawn? Do you recycle but are you still throwing some recyclables in the trash? Just think about your habits and be honest. This is a good starting point for change.

After you come up with your list, choose one item to work on. For the next week, really think about that items and start to blend the change into your life. You can work on it for longer than a week if you like.

Sneak Peak at My List

Here’s what I’m working on:

• Shut off the lights when I don’t need them or aren’t using them

• Instead of turning the heat up during the winter, try putting on another layer

• recycle all plastic that has the recycle symbol on the bottom (it’s more than I think and I may be missing some!)

• Change all the bulbs in the house to energy saving bulbs

• Make sure the sinks aren’t dripping

These changes are simple and easy to make. The list is small so it isn’t overwhelming. And, if I’m consistent with this it not only conserves resources and helps with adopting a green living lifestyle but it also helps save money.