What does Green really mean? What is the first image that pops into your head when you say the word? Green. I visualize a very healthy and robust forest. Where green is more than just what you see, its in the very air that you breathe. Close your eyes, take a deep breath and say the word “green“. What do you see, what do you feel? Ask your Little Steward, what do they see and feel?
Green can be a lifestyle
What does living a green lifestyle mean? I’m sure your definition will be different than mine. That doesn’t mean either is wrong! They are just different, because we are different people.
My definition of a green lifestyle is dynamic. It is constantly evolving as my understanding of it grows. My green lifestyle includes many things. Here are some of the most important ideas
- be minimalistic
- strive for zero waste
- The three R’s
- Reduce
- Reuse
- Recycle
- support local
It can be a mindset
Green can be the lens that you view the world through. Being aware that you actions affect more than just you. We are all interconnected in this world. What you and I do today will affect future generations.
That being said, what are some things we can do to ensure we interact positively with the Mother Nature? Be aware of your carbon footprint, and water footprint. It’s about impossible to strive for zeros but it is definitely possible for each of us to strive to lower our carbon and water footprints.
Some ways my family has lowered our water foot print over the last few years are: not eating meat with every meal, dramatically cutting down on our paper product use, installing a rain barrel, doing our best not to leave the sinks running unnecessarily, taking shorter showers(for me this means not washing my hair every day), and we don’t drink bottled water.
We cut back on our carbon footprint by: purchasing a fuel efficient car, turning down the thermostat at night, wear layers turning the heat up, insulated our windows with the plastic stuff, installed curtains and close them at night, and put door socks down to block drafts.
A method of learning
Teach your Little Stewards to care for Mother Nature and to respect the flora and fauna that inhabit this earth with us. Our Little Stewards learn by watching what we do and listening.
If we teach them that all life is important, should be respected and valued then that’s what we need to practice. This includes not squishing every bug that gets into the house….cue Lucas the spider
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrS6akzR3sk
Now I’m not saying you have to live with the bugs in your house, just put ’em back in their natural habitat. OUTSIDE. I am typically very tolerant of bugs in my house, but I’ve had to learn to draw the line. I only allow them temporary room and board if I can ID them. Last fall I let an UN-known bug wander around, only to find out he was an assassin bug nymph and I shouldn’t touch him…
So my rules are ID first(as you always should before touching something), and small-medium spiders are it. I draw the line in bold at large spiders. They are quickly relocated OUTSIDE, away from my house. Like across the street…
How to relocate our creepy friends without getting friendly? Small tubberware or glass jar and a notecard it how I do it. Simply plop the tubberware down openside to bug, then slide the notecard underneath creating a lid. Carry outside to the desired relocation spot. Place on the ground and gently knock the tubberware over. Let your creepy friend crawl away, then retrieve your tools.
Relocating creepy friends is a wonderful Big and Little Steward activity. Even if you or they (or me!)are grossed out by the creepy friend it is important to show your Little Stewards that all life matters. Spiders are great, they eat lots of other more obnoxious, albeit less creepy bugs. However, they belong outside not in our homes. Contrary to what they may think!
Be aware of Greenwashing
Not every company that says it is sustainable and green truly is. In part that is because there is no universal set standard out there. There are a few: USDA Certified Organic, Non-GMO Project, Fair Trade Certified, and Rain Forest Alliance. These are all genuine and you can check out the standards via the links.
When I do buy things from the store, I aim for organic. I look for the USDA organic and the NON-GMO project symbols. Unfortunately, it is more costly. That’s why growing your own food and buying in season locally is important!
Be wary of labels with lots of green(leaves, trees, flowers ect.). They are not what they seem. The companies think we will buy based on association. The association of a product with leaves on the label as being green and earth friendly. Some say biobased, earth friendly but they really aren’t. It is worth the time and effort to do some background research on the companies you buy things from. Ingredient transparency is a huge deal!
Green
So much more than just a color!
- Lifestyle
- Mindset
- Method of learning
I hope I have given you some ideas and things to think about! Please let me know what you visualize when you close your eyes and say “Green” and your Little Steward! In what ways do you strive to be green?