Inspired by a heated conversation I recently had with my highly conscious tree-loving roommate, Marina, about whether or not we should rinse plastic stuff before throwing it to a recycle bin, I came to realize that no one is going to change the world (ugh, sounds so cheesy, thanks, Hollywood) tomorrow, it is us who have to begin doing things differently today, starting right this second. We have gone so far away from our parents, judging by how different our mind set became, comparing to the previous generation, how different our outlook on things are, how conscious we become of political propaganda, financial manipulations in the world, etc. I think it is not a secret to anyone now that we have drastically depleted our planet’s resources are by careless consumption and greed. So today, a lot of attention is turned to saving and restoring The Earth’s ecology, and I bet you are nodding enthusiastically, imagining that somewhere in Uruguay people are re-planting the trees that they have chopped out to produce tobacco. But you will be surprised how little it takes to make your apartment more eco friendly, and how much it is going to improve the global environment in the long run.
Recycled paper goods and green cleaning supplies like toilet paper, paper towels and facial tissue cost as much as the 
white paper goods but mean so much more. And yes, just like everybody esle, I am not too happy about how thin and non-absorbent the Seventh Generation paper towels, that my roommate has stocked us with for two years ahead, are, but the good thing is, we started using microfiber kitchen towels more than paper towels, and, by doing this, reduced the paper waste in our household, which makes me really proud of myself.
Beauty and personal care products not tested on animals will become a nice addition to your bathroom shelf and cabinet, as they will not only mean that you take care of yourself, but also, that you care about the planet, and are an animal lover. Search the web to find a list of companies that don’t use animals for testing their products. Since I became aware of it I gradually switched all my products to all organic and natural brands that are cruelty free, like Kiss My Face, Jason Natural Cosmetics, MillCreek Botanicals, and Artistry.
First I wanted to post a video of an actual animal testing the beauty products but then decided not to go hard core saving your fragile mental health. So here is a nerve racking video of a human undergoing the test that is usually performed on animals.
Food suppliers, like Newman’s Own Foundation, who donate part or even all of their profits to charity. How does helping the world to change tastes? Good? That’s right, enjoy. As matter of fact a lot of big companies are giving backto the community, just pay attention to what the labels say, in the store.
Recycling.
Interesting facts about recycling in the US:
-Americans make more than 200 million tons of garbage each year, enough to fill Busch Stadium from top to bottom twice a day.
-We generate 21.5 million tons of food waste each year. If we composted that food, it would reduce the same amount of greenhouse gas as taking 2 million cars off the road.
-Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to listen to a full album on your iPod. Recycling 100 cans could light your bedroom for two whole weeks.
-The Container Recycling Institute (CRI) estimates that the 36 billion aluminum cans landfilled last year had a scrap value of more than $600 million.
-In 2010, paper recycling had increased over 89% since 1990.
-A glass container can go from a recycling bin to a store shelf in as few as 30 days.
Saving energy
I think we all know how to save energy, but I could never understand why is it so important. Now I finally realiazed that energy production not only deplets the planet’s resources but also pollutes the air, producing harmful emmisions, everytime the electricity is used on a large scale.
Things that I still have to improve.
I need to start carrying a fabric tote for groceries, so that I don’t have to use plastic bag. Marina has been trying to guilt me into doing it for the past two month (since she moved in with me).
I need to start setting my A/C in the eco-mode instead of a non- stop 69 degree cool, but I’m not sure if it is ever happening, because i just feel cosier sleeping under a thick blanket, and I have setup a unique microclimat with the ideal temperature in the room for myself, so…
I am seriously thinking about excluding meat from diet, but now, honestly, it seems like too big of a commitment to make.
It is true that all-organic green products are more expensive than the generic ones, but I guess this is more a question of your own priorities in this case, what are you ready to save on, and what is so important for you that not a dime should be spared to get the best possible? My own personal list of no-sparers is: my food, my health, my future (including the environment I am going to be living in tomorrow) and my family.
Things on which I refuse to spend more than average price are my clothes, my bags, my jewelry and accessories, my home decor elements and my rent. That is exactly why I have rented out a spare room in my apartment and did not regret doing it so far.
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