Going Green Is a Process
2:13 PM Posted by Mommy Is Green
Going green doesn't happen overnight. As much as I would like to have everything I own switched in one week, even one year, that's not possible. Maybe if I had an enormous amount of money or endless time. The truth is, I've been working on changing everything over for almost two years now. It started when I was pregnant and I'm still finding better products to replace the stuff I already have.
When I first started out green it was due to reading about the dangers of parabens and phthalates in a pregnancy magazine. I was concerned about my son's development in the womb so I began searching for safer products. That's what started it all. I wasn't necessarily setting out to go green at the time but I'm glad it started me on the path.
The first items I switched over while I was pregnant were Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash, and Lotion. I also changed my Eyeliner, Eye Shadow, and Blush. In one day it cost $80 to buy these safer products. It definitely wasn't cheap but well worth it!
I used EWG's: Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database as a guide. Since there are not that many places in my area that carry more "natural" (I take the word natural lightly) items, it was difficult to use the database completely. Plus, the database is just a guide. You have to read labels anyway. It's the most important tool to use when deciding what to buy.
After a while, I realized that looking for items without parabens and phthalates alone was not enough. There are so many other toxic chemicals in products. I set on a path to finding even safer items for my family to use. Although I did use an organic baby wash for my son when he was born it truly wasn't the best one. I realized it contained alcohol. It was irritating to his skin so I found something that was gentler and contained yet more organic ingredients.
Then I started learning about cleaning products and how toxic they can be. That of course was followed by realizing more and more about organic food and sustainability. I've also given up plastic grocery bags in exchange for reusable ones. I look for USDA certified organic food and bath products. I now even have a section on this blog dedicated to my USDA certified finds.
I learn about harmful chemicals daily and I do research weekly. I'm always checking to make sure my family uses the safest products available. Even if I change one thing a month (preferably more that that) it's progress.
March 10, 2010 1:41 PM
I agree, it is a long process, and each person has to decided what they are and are not willing to give up. While I use 99% green cleaning products, I have yet to find anything accept bleach that kills the mildew in my shower!
Diane
March 10, 2010 2:32 PM
Victoria, I need to look in to things you mentioned, such as make-up and hair products. Very interesting post, thanks.
March 10, 2010 6:07 PM
Being truly green means replacing things that need replacing with better things anyway so you are doing the right thing. To completely get rid of everything and start over is not good for the planet so we have to allow ourselves to not feel guilty for taking a slower route to get closer to green. I sometimes wince when I think of where I was a year ago compared to today and I am sure next year it will be the same thing.
May 4, 2010 5:51 AM
Nice post. It is not an easy journey in this super commercial and greedy world in which we live. Most companies care much more about the bottom line and very little about how the chemicals in their products are affecting consumers. Great post.
July 22, 2010 8:04 PM
I completely agree with you. My husband and I started 'going green' almost 3 years ago and it kills me when people say that its too much work. Its a slow process - not an overnight process. I have had so many friends say they can't do it and then I watch them slowly change into more 'green' when I show them how easy it can be.