Where do I begin?
Life is confusing enough on its own.
Add in toxic chemicals and rampant consumerism and it gets even more confusing. Do you ever think about what is in the products you use? The food you eat? The drinks you drink? The clothes you wear?
Just yesterday, I was watching TV with my mom when a commercial aired about stain resistant carpet. I turned to my mom and said, “It makes you think, what is in that carpet that can make it so stain resistant?” I always think the same thing when I see foods advertised with “Real Cheese.” Like what where they using before? Gross.
I think about these things and ask these questions to no one in particular, but I know a lot of people don’t. Hopefully I can help change that.
Here is how this is going to work. Every week I am going to pose a question, and then find the answer for you, providing guidance and supplemental information. For instance have you ever thought to yourself any of the following questions:
- What exactly is in this makeup that I put on my face everyday? What else can I use?
- What chemicals are these cleaning products? Is it cheaper to make my own?
- How much waste do I create in one week? How can I decrease it?
- What is going to happen to my hair if I don’t use conventional shampoo?
- How can I convince my parents to start composting?
I want to clarify that I am not an expert, but I am going to try out sustainable, eco-friendly actions and basically let you know how it goes.
Changing your behavior is hard, especially when that behavior has been crafted over a lifetime. It is all you know, until you realize there are other options beyond the standard plastic bags and drugstore makeup.
I am a 20-something year old trying to make a change for myself and for others. I live in the Midwest and went to school in Indiana. I lived in Washington DC for a while, but now I am back to my beloved Land of Lincoln, while I try and figure how to change my behaviors and attitudes for the better.
My habits are not extreme, but they are decently normal. I drive a car (since I currently live in the suburbs), I eat red meat, and I sometimes like to leave all the lights on when I am home alone.
But on the other hand, I think I have a bit of a leg up on the average person. For instance, I lived car-free for a year and a half in DC, I use power strips and CFLs, and I make my own cleaning products.
If you have any suggestions for ideas and things I can try please reach out to me!
waste not want not 