The Red, White, and Green

Photo via Flickr: Plindberg

Well, it all started with a rant about shrink-wrapped magazines. Three hundred and sixty-five days and 205 blog posts later, I’m thrilled to wish my little green baby a happy first birthday. I don’t see it as coincidence that my March issue of Marie Claire (the very one I complained about one year ago today) arrived yesterday without a plastic sleeve and with the address stamped on the cover — the world has become a lot more environmentally aware in the past year, and so have I.

I receive a lot of emails from people who think I know all the answers, but this blog has been a learning experience for me, too. I always considered myself an environmentalist, but sitting down and writing about it on an almost daily basis has forced me to take a much closer look at the way I live and the products I buy. Every day, I learn something new about how I can be a better steward of the earth; and inevitably, I say the same thing: “Why didn’t I think of doing this before?”

So, in honor of making it successfully to this milestone, I thought it’d be fun for me to share with you how I’ve personally become greener in a year’s time. Here, 12 things I’m doing now that I wasn’t doing this time last year — one for every month since I started this blog.

1. I’m meatless on Mondays. Actually, I now eat vegetarian about 75 percent of the time. When I do buy meat, dairy, or eggs, it’s organic and grass-fed all the way.

2. I bring my reusable water bottle with me everywhere. I used to grab the occasional bottle of water if I was out and about, but now I’d sooner go thirsty than buy a bottle of Dasani. If I forget my bottle, I find a water fountain or wait till I can have a glass of water at a cafe or restaurant.

3. If I have to buy packaged foods, I choose ones that are BPA-free. That means canned beans from Eden Organic, tomato paste in glass jars from Bionaturae, and soups in aseptic packaging from Pacific Foods and Dr. McDougall’s.

4. I collect vegetable scraps to put in my curbside compost collection bin.

5. I’m shopping more at the farmers market. I’ve been buying organic since 1994 (well, or guilt-tripping my family into buying organic, since I was in high school then). After reading The Omnivore’s Dilemma this year, I realized that organic alone is not enough; supporting local agriculture is just as important.

6. I try to avoid buying genetically modified foods and products whenever possible.

7. When it’s time for presents, I try to give experiences over “stuff.“ Take anniversaries: My husband and I have cooled it on the tchotchkies and opt for a romantic dinner out or treat ourselves to a couple of massages instead.

8. I only buy wine with a real cork.

9. I’ve replaced all the lights in my apartment with CFLs. It’s ugly, but my electricity bill is really low. I’m working on finding better looking alternatives.

10. I canceled my gym membership. And I haven’t gained a pound. I walk or hike outside, ride my bike, and hit the yoga studio a couple of times a week. No electricity required, and I get my daily dose of vitamin D.

11. When there’s a new book I want to read, I don’t buy it — I borrow it from the local library.

12. I’ve finally given up the Pantene (or hair crack, as I like to call it). The closest eco alternative I’ve found so far is Giovanni’s Smooth as Silk shampoo and conditioner. My hair doesn’t look quite the same, though, especially since I’ve been testing solid shampoos.

Thanks to all of you for your comments, insight, and support along the way. I couldn’t have made it this far without you! OK, I’m going to go bake that cake now…

–Jennifer Grayson

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