Un-intentionally Green...

Recently someone deemed this blog to be green. I guess I never thought I was very green. Upon further reflection, I realize that, indeed, I am. But not so intentionally. 


Probably it was my small addiction for fluffy cuteness covering my daughter's derriere that started me down this road. Initially, we chose this option to off set living expenses as I am in graduate school to become a nurse practitioner and this kind of school is not inexpensive. We found we could save thousands of dollars by doing so. Later we learned about all the health benefits. However, we were not trying to be green. This has had a trickle down effect and introduced me to some more comfortable options during my normal time of the month. This option and this option were chosen because of the reusable nature and comfort. It just so happens they are considered green.


As I was making cloth wipes for diaper changes, I found myself also making cloth napkins for the kids and later the adults. Now we rarely use paper napkins. I've even taken some of my old cloth diapers and turned them into paper-less towels for the kitchen. This has significantly reduced our use of paper towels. Not entirely, but significantly. What about TP? Well, we have not departed from that entirely. However, I do have reusable "family cloth" for use with the kids when they use the facilities for number ones.


What about our eating options? We've been acquiring our beef for several years from a local farmer who feeds all organic grass and gives no antibiotics or hormones. If we eat beef, this is where it comes from. Additionally, any kind of dairy product we purchase is also hormone-free, free-range and organic. And the rest of our foods are about 85% organic. We choose this for our family because we do not wish to expose our kids to added chemicals, antibiotics, and hormones. We feel blessed that we are in a situation to do so.

When possible we purchase locally. All our canned items from this past year were local purchases - yes, organic, too. I had several people ask me for my canning recipe or wanting me to teach a canning class. I did teach a couple canning classes but honestly, I believe it was the organic fruit that makes the preserves so tasty. 

I've even noticed my crafting projects are taking on a green hue. I've recently gotten into upcycling clothing and my latest projects are made from all organic cotton yarn. Did I choose the yarn because it was eco-friendly? Gosh, I wish I could say I did but I chose it because it was the softest and I knew it would be safe for our little guy.

Clockwise - penguin, seal, and lion.

I made the seal and penguin at T Rex's request - he's really into marine animals at the moment.

So that's how we ended up so green. We do it because it makes sense and cents. I would love to say that we are out here trying to save our planet but honestly, at the moment, we am more concerned about making wise parenting choices for our family than letting carbon emissions dictate those choices. 


I'm not sure how much money we've saved - at least $100 just not having to buy diapers and wipes every month. What I do know is how nice it is to not load the Costco grocery cart with diapers, wipes, paper towels, and napkins every time we go shopping. 


(P.S. The dentist visits went great. You can read about T Rex's visit here.)


What kinds of intentional or un-intentional green behaviors do you practice?