Are you half committed to something? Is there such a thing? Sometimes, I feel like I am living half committed to a healthy lifestyle. While I make a concerted effort on the food front, others areas lag behind.
For example, I buy and love Seventh Generation Free and Clear HE laundry detergent. In the grocery basket next to my environmentally conscious laundry detergent, you will also find petroleum based dish sponges. I prefer my bleached ultra soft toilet paper to the unbleached recycled kind. Fail.
I cannot use a lack of alternatives as an excuse. There are multiple economical choices at my finger tips and yet I can’t break the habit. Are you on Pinterest? I am and I have found a number of wonderful Eco-friendly and very economical home cleaning tips there. In fact, what is often best for the environment and health is actually the least expensive option (hello baking soda and vinegar). Have I tried them? No.
I worry so much about what I put into my body but far less about what I put on my body. Liza wrote a great post about an interesting book and the impact of beauty products on health. Your skin is your largest organ and a lot of not so good stuff enters the body through the skin. Nonetheless, I continue to buy the same shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, lotion, and makeup well aware of the risks.
Lately, I have been dreaming about buying a new kitchen table. I want a smaller table that is expandable. I know that there are great vintage deals online and in second hand stores and yet I look for new items first. This makes no sense especially considering I love one-of-a kind pieces that have character.
These are just a few examples of areas where there is room for improvement. It is a matter of choices and, in some cases, convenience and cost. I am not striving for perfection but, rather, questioning why I feel okay about these decisions when I am so fervent about others. Is it merely about maintaining sanity?
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Willa- congratulations on the bambino! About a year ago I finally mixed up my first batch of homemade all-purpose cleaner, and I’m never going back. I waited until a bottle of my caustic 409 was gone, and then just reused the bottle for the stuff I made. It’s made with water, vinegar, borax, and dish soap. It has a nice smell- a clean smell!- and I don’t have to worry about my kids inhaling or touching the stuff if I clean when they’re around. I use the AP cleaner to clean all surfaces of the bathroom, the kitchen counter, outdoor furniture, etc. I don’t buy toilet cleaner anymore either, just use the AP cleaner. And for the shower scrubbing, I use baking soda and vinegar. Works great! No more almost passing out from the fumes of the store-bought shower cleaner.
Anne – thank you! I will give your suggestions a whirl.