I'm trying, Amy!

I've been inspired by Amy. I've always said that I'm going to try and live a greener life, but I've always been more talk than action. So I'm taking baby steps.

I've joined the Gorgeously Green website so that I can participate in the forum discussions and get ideas from others who have read the book.

Quite a while ago, we switched most of the bulbs in our house to CFLs, and we've become more mindful of the items in our house that draw unnecessary power. My husband loves to wander about with his Kill-a-Watt.

About a month or so ago, I purchased Ecos laundry detergent at Costco and Clorox Green Works cleaners. I really like both of them, but I'd also like to try Mrs. Meyer's products, or try and make some of my own cleaners. I'm also finding that Citrus Magic is a great, safer alternative to traditional air fresheners. It lasts forever and makes our house smell nice and fresh (and with preschoolers, fresh isn't always happening on its own!).

I really want to switch the girls over to products like California Baby, but I'm going to use up all of our old shampoos and lotions first. I already use a sulfate-free shampoo, but I need to scrutinize the ingredients list to see if it passes muster.

I'm going to try and get books from the library more often vs. buying them. I already try to buy second-hand when I can. I really don't need a shiny new book!

I've begun recording Sara Snow on FitTv (she used to be on Discovery Health). She has great ideas for living green. My favorite idea this week was a swap party. Rather than going on and buying new things all the time, everyone gets together and brings a batch of things they aren't currently using to see if anyone else needs it or would like to use it, then you donate whatever is left over.

And this is a very good hand-sanitizer. A must for little girls who are determined to see every public bathroom they can.


So, what are your baby steps?