Erin: Of course Kermit the Frog said it first “It’s not easy bring green”. Our culture presents a number of challenges and obstacles in trying to live a green lifestyle. But I think we are up to the challenge. There are also a number of resources and more and more people are finding ways to live “green” while maintaining a certain level of style.
I look forward to the conversation here. Especially since I get to be in this with my sister Rachel. It won’t take you too long to figure out that Rachel and I come at this challenge from very different perspectives.
The first time I saw The 11th Hour I could not sleep for days. I thought I had to go out and change the world on my own. That is a daunting task. I am a big picture person. Rachel does better with the details.
Another difference is that I am the sister you might more likely find living in a yurt or playing in the dirt. Not that I will in this lifetime – but I like to imagine I would. Or what would it be like to live off the grid. I imagine that is possible as well. I can’t really see Rachel getting excited about any of that.
So this is all really exciting for me. Tangible ways to change the world. But don’t worry – I only have those really unrealistic expectations of myself.
Rachel: Yes, Erin, you will NEVER find me playing in the dirt. Even when I can bring myself to garden … which I really want to like … I will be wearing fashionable gardening gloves and shoes (albeit organic made from recyclable materials), they still will look cute and maintain my manicure and pedicure! ☺ As far as living off the grid, well, I can see giving up many creature comforts, but you will not find me living in a yurt. Plus, I wouldn’t want to stop communicating with you!! And, although I have a loud voice, I don’t think that you would hear me all the way in San Diego. So, Erin, yes, this will be an interesting journey!! One that I am glad we will be taking together – I with my fragrance-free, natural nail polish and raw food based moisturizer that promises to make me look years younger and you in your yurt!!
The one issue that I have been struggling with lately is how to live car-free. I really hate having a car – and not only for ecological reasons. I hate everything there is to do with having a car ….. buying gas is the most asinine things I can think about doing and getting an oil change is a close second – well, tied with washing my car. The problem with not having a car in MN is biking in the ice and snow. I suppose taking the bus is the option, but, well, living in MN which is not a bus friendly city is difficult for me. I know this is not the topic of the month, but something I have been thinking about for a long time.
I am looking forward to the first Gorgeously Green Girls party here in MN next week. I am certain that I will learn a lot from my smart and sassy friends and it will be fun to share this cross country. And, as a small, but growing G3 community we will start to change the world in our own small ways.
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Conversations on living a gorgeously green lifstyle
Somewhere between Rachel and Erin is the mom. The things you talk about are what I grew up with, washing bags, composting, using natural products, getting "new" clothes in a box. I am interested in being more aware of ingredients in what we use and making the environment a good place for all living things. Coming from an agricultural upbringing, I thought I was good at appreciating and respecting nature. However, I realize that it is easy to slip into a zone and not think about what it means every day.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to hearing the journey from everyone and learning from each other.
Mary
P.S. I am not giving up my car!
As I sit in my green wool sweater sipping green tea, I’m feeling like its very EASY being green at the moment. :) That said, I love the challenge of continuously learning about daily ways I can be gentler to our planet, so I’m looking forward to our very hip book club under the leadership of the ever-stylish Ms Rachel. :)
ReplyDeleteOne of the things I’ve pledged a few years ago was not using plastic bags. It’s a very fun (albeit small) challenge which comes with some strange looks and raised eyebrows at times. One thing Beth gave me for C-mas last year was a few bags from : http://www.rumebags.com/ - they are absolutely fun!!! They fold up and I toss them in my pursue then I never have an excuse to use a plastic bag. Plus, Rach, the patterns are super fun and can match any outfit…even your pink cowhide heels. :)
Looking forward to our conversations…and let it be known that this is my very first blog ever in my lifetime. Love, Ang (the one that’s slowly tossing the quill and ink).
All, a friend gave me this book over the weekend and I'm just in love with it: http://www.betterworldshopper.org/book.html
ReplyDeleteIt fits in your purse and gives great data on the best through worst brands for many products (like ice cream) - based on social and environmental responsibility. I just love it....such an easy thing to refer to when chosing your purchases. I love it because it is one of those really easy things I can do to voice my opinion. :) -Ang