“Green” consumers lead the path to environmental change.

Are we really debating in the Green world whether the Earth (yes I like to capitalize it) is our “home” or our “mother”? In my opinion we have bigger fish to … save! The Earth is my home and yes the essence of my origin so therefore like my “mother”, but are we really anthropomorphizing the Planet? While I let the more philosophical environmentalists figure this one out, let’s go back to shopping! Shallow?! I don’t think so. The “Green” industry is big; 83% of consumers considers themselves a shade of green (From The New Rules of Green Marketing, a must read!). Individual consumers are demanding environmental products and leading the crusade to save our home, or Mom, or how about Planet?!

I am very supportive of events like Earth Day New York. It is important to showcase large corporations like Home Depot and smaller grassroots companies like Mushana,-selling apparel made by women in Uganda- that are practicing environmental, and sustainable business models.  Sustainable food suppliers like Silk Soymilk, LaraBar, Cascadian Farms & Zico coconut water are equally integral. Lets not forget our oil addiction; the cure is alternative fuel vehicles such as the Chevy Volt, Nissan Leaf, Toyota Prius, Novozymes, and e-Star Trucks, all shown in the CO2 Fashion Show (Times Sq. Earth Day 4/22). Consumers have massive power. Imagine a world free of toxins, where everything was organic and had a cradle to cradle lifecycle…where cars and cities ran mostly on sunlight, wind power and bio-fuel…this could happen, all we have to do is ask for it- no demand it. Corporations and small businesses are listening, so lets educate them and ourselves. Knowledge could not be made possible without environmental charities and non-profits.  Nor would it be possible without investments in green technology by corporations, like Toshiba, and also smaller businesses, like Green Mountain Energy, taking the chance on new innovations. Check out the AnvilKnitwear PSA for inspiration and tell me I’m wrong about consumer power.

Do this, not that. Really easy ways to eco-fy your home!

1. Buy recycled content paper products! Trader Joes offers a lovely line of very affordable options. In this day and age there’s really no excuse and it’s not so cool that certain manufacturers haven’t gotten on this already! Better yet, use cloth napkins and microfiber cloths to clean.
2. Use a filter or buy a Bobble, I mean really. For god sake don’t use bottled water!!!  If you must buy into the “spring water” ploy make sure it really is spring water, not just re-processed, including adding artificial flavoring, municipal water and buy it in bulk, aka large, reusable jugs.
3. Check out supplies like Method and Seventh Generation for some good house hold cleaners that won’t make you worried about getting cancer every time you clean your bathroom. Ditch the sponge for something biodegradable or has a longer lifecycle than a couple weeks.
4. Unplug! The toaster, the computer, hairdryer, phone changer when not in use. A plug left in an outlet still captures electrical charge and is like leaving the faucet running, which brings us to…
5. Use less water. Take slightly shorter showers, turn off the water while you brush your teeth, only run the dishwasher and washing machines when full. If you have a yard, consider using drip irrigation and collected rain water to hydrate it.
6. You’re cold, so tempting to turn up the heat right? Reach for a sweater and a hot beverage instead, or better yet install a wood burning stove or gas fireplace. You’re hot? May I suggest just getting as naked as possible and turning on a fan!
7. Install Energy Star products when it’s time to replace old items. Consider going the whole 9 yards by getting solar panels or exploring waste water recycling methods that are permitted in your area.
8. Eat organic, vegan and local as much as possible they all help to lower your carbon impact on the earth.
9. Use the dryer less, it’s a major energy waster!
10. Compost if possible! It’s a great way to cut down on household waste and I put my paper towels & bio-degradable utensils in it too!