going green?

I have recently become fascinated with the term "going green".

I have never been one to particularly care about the environment. I've always been one of those old fashioned, God-gave-us-animals-to-eat, fur-is-for-wearing, trees-are-for-paper kind of girl.

However, (maybe it's just living in LA, around a bunch of new age liberals?) I have recently been more aware of how much people waste. Not only that recycling is important, and I intend to be better about that (I go thru ALOT of water bottles a week), but putting less crap into your body and your home is also important.

I'm not sure what "Going Green" means. But, having just watched an Oprah earth day special, I am inclined to blog about it!

First, Recycling. Recycling has been around for a long time, and you can make money doing it! I used to save all my water bottles and soda cans and recycle them at Ralphs parking lot, along with bringing all my spare change I'd find in my room and my car, and make about 20 bucks just cleaning out my car! I do it about twice a year, when things really accumulate. You should try it if you ever have a day for cleaning and whatnot. It doesn't take long and you can make a major dent in land fills. 

Next, Organic! What does organic mean?

Organic foods are produced without the use of conventional pesticides, artificial fertilizers , human waste, or sewage sludge, and they were processed without radiation or food additives. The livestock are reared without the routine use of antibiotics (which i think is a little weird) and without growth hormones (what woman needs MORE hormones!?) Organic food is better for you, and actually better for the livestock. Even though it is a little bit more expensive, it could be worth it just for the taste and quality. Studies show that organic apples are sweeter than regular apples, because there was no chemical ripening. (gross?!)  

There are many things you can do to help the environment. Most of them are expensive, like Whole Foods, and Hybrid cars. But if you care to pick up your trash and show big companies that your money would rather go to environmentally friendly and healthy products, they will listen. Already, you cant go to a supermarket without seeing "organic" "less sodium" and "made from recycled paper" on lots of products. The market listens to what you spend your money on, so *IF* you have the luxury of choice, make the right one.

Hope this was helpful... I kinda feel like I'm just rattling now...

And yes, I'll still be having bacon for breakfast, my turkey sub for lunch and steak for dinner, because I there are some things a girl just can't give up. (fancy chocolates, manicures and a great shoe collection, just to name a few...)

xoxo