I tried. I really did. I took the train to Connecticut to visit my family instead of driving. Let me repeat. I took the train to CT from Chicago with my three kids. That's 20 hours on Amtrak, folks, and I recommend it highly. I did start to get that caged animal feeling after about 16 hours, but on the whole it was pleasant and so lovely to be able to stand up, read my book and drink water with abandon. Speaking of which, I bought two plastic water bottles at the train station when I realized I had forgotten reusables - but Amtrak has water spigots in each car and we reused those bottles the whole weekend until I dumped them in my recycling container at home this morning. I know, I know, you're not supposed to do that, but there were no wild temperature fluctuations and aside from the fear that we'd all catch Dylan's fever, we braved reusing plastic bottles.
Failure began on the train, ten hours into the trip, when I ordered a cup of coffee. Paper cup, paper tray, four-fold paper napkin. I dispensed with the napkin and the tray, but guiltily accepted the cup, in which I emptied a disposable container of half and half. By the time I ordered our breakfast I had resigned myself to green failure- we had muffins, egg sandwiches and scones, all individually wrapped in plastic and served in, you guessed it, cardboard trays with four-fold napkins.
Once we got to my parents' house we were able to keep our waste to a minimum, largely because my parents do the same. But on my first visit to Walgreen to get supplies I realized I didn't have a reusable bag, (my mother later said there were several in the trunk) so guiltily accepted plastic. First time since March. It got worse. Shorehaven's delicious beverages were served in plastic cups. And the Circle Line Tour serves its beer and water in disposables only with no recycling on board. Toss. And in central park's Leap Frog Cafe every single utensil and serving piece was disposable. Toss.
So the question is - is it possible to have a green vacation? Ironically, had I driven I would have had more control over my immediate environment while sending significantly more carbon into the atmosphere. I would have brought my cold and hot portable cups and reusable bags for that quick run into the store.
On the positive side, the experience made me realize that many things that used to seem like a hard habit to break or form have now become rote for my kids, my husband and me. We compost. We don't use paper napkins. Our town recycles everything so we produce very little trash. But once I got outside of my little green cocoon, it all fell apart. And it was depressing to realize that my family's efforts are such a drop in the bucket.
What's the answer? Short of traveling only to recycling friendly cities, I have to plan better or just do the best I can under the circumstances. And next time I'll at least bring a Green Homes coffee mug.
Jane
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Challenges and Suggestions
The most common response I hear to the plastic bag challenge is "I have the reusable bags, but I forget to bring them." Habits are hard to break, harder to form, but with a little persistence and some practical tips, we know it's doable!
Here's what I suggest. Cloth grocery totes are everywhere now. We sell them (shameless promotion - they're cute and cost $7/each or 3 for $20) but so does every major grocery store now, usually for about a buck each. I have at least ten in the back of each car. Many times I've gotten to the register and realize the bags are in my car. I simply leave my cart for a minute and run out to get them. Two minutes, no guilt!
I find it's easy to remember them at the grocery store but harder to remember to bring a bag in to the drugstore or bookstore. The key for me is leave at least one bag in between the front seats, right where I put my purse. When I grab my purse, I grab my bag - it's as simple as that.
So keep fighting the good fight. If you forget, just aim to remember the next time. Habits are hard to break, harder to form, but it's worth it.
Here's what I suggest. Cloth grocery totes are everywhere now. We sell them (shameless promotion - they're cute and cost $7/each or 3 for $20) but so does every major grocery store now, usually for about a buck each. I have at least ten in the back of each car. Many times I've gotten to the register and realize the bags are in my car. I simply leave my cart for a minute and run out to get them. Two minutes, no guilt!
I find it's easy to remember them at the grocery store but harder to remember to bring a bag in to the drugstore or bookstore. The key for me is leave at least one bag in between the front seats, right where I put my purse. When I grab my purse, I grab my bag - it's as simple as that.
So keep fighting the good fight. If you forget, just aim to remember the next time. Habits are hard to break, harder to form, but it's worth it.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
No Shopper is an Island
The challenge continues. And what a challenge it is turning out to be! I was feeling quite virtuous about declining all plastic bags when Peapod delivered and deposited 15 plastic bags in my kitchen! When I asked the delivery guy if he could take them back to be reused, he told me he could take them, but didn't think they would be reused. I decided to keep them to pick up dog poop - at least it's one way to reuse! A Green Homes client told me that he was informed by his Peapod delivery person that returned bags are reused. Further research is needed...
Another problem we've been hearing is what to do about the plastic bags in the produce department. We recommend going bagless or using a reusable string bag. You really don't need a bag to carry your produce. But if you don't like the idea of lemons rolling around your cart, or your bunch of grapes brushing up against your chicken breasts, why not try a cotton string bag? These allow the produce to breathe and let the grocery checker see the number she needs to ring up your purchase. There are many great options. Check out the ones at http://www.greenfeet.com/ .
So back to the title of this blog, "No shopper is an island". Are any of you having trouble getting the rest of your family on board? Are interlopers bringing plastic bags unbidden into your home? Take heart! Even if the rest of your family hasn't gotten with the program yet, you ARE making a difference! People will get used to seeing you with the canvas tote and start thinking about their own behavior. Whether you realize it or not you are serving as a role model. You never know who is noticing you at the grocery store and resolving that next time, they too will use a reusable bag.
We appreciate your comments and would love to hear more about your experience with the Green Homes Challenge.
Plastic Bag Fact #3: The average American family of 4 throws away about 1,500 plastic bags every year. Each bag can take up to 1000 years to decompose.
Monday, May 5, 2008
The Challenge Continues...
How has the ban on plastic bags been going for you? We had a big family event this weekend with extra shopping to do, but managed to avoid receiving any plastic bags!
My achievement did however, cause great consternation to the Jewel worker who just couldn't believe that I REALLY didn't want a plastic bag for my eggs!
Have you faced any resistance in your attempt to shop without plastic bags?
If you need more encouragement to continue the challenge, check out:
Plastic Bag Fact #2: It takes 12 million barrels of oil to produce the plastic bags used by American consumers each year!
My achievement did however, cause great consternation to the Jewel worker who just couldn't believe that I REALLY didn't want a plastic bag for my eggs!
Have you faced any resistance in your attempt to shop without plastic bags?
If you need more encouragement to continue the challenge, check out:
Plastic Bag Fact #2: It takes 12 million barrels of oil to produce the plastic bags used by American consumers each year!
Thursday, May 1, 2008
GREEN HOMES' MAY CHALLENGE- No Plastic Bags!
Are you ready for the first challenge? Here it is: JUST SAY NO! - to plastic bags that is. This month we challenge you to forego plastic bags completely. When you buy a bottle of shampoo at CVS, just say, "No, I don't need a bag. Thank you." At the grocery store, bring or buy reusable bags.
It may take a little getting used to. You're bound to find yourself at the checkout counter with an armful of items and your reusable bag in the car. Don't be embarassed. Ask someone to hold your place and go get them!
With a little practice it will become habit. Just keep your reusable totes in your car and they'll be ready whenever you make a quick stop at the store.
There are plenty of options available for reusable totes. Jewel, Dominic's and Whole Foods all have them. Plenty of on-line vendors offer a variety of options. Green Homes sells large reusable totes for $7 each or 3 for $20. Just drop us an e-mail at yourgreenhome@aol.com and we'll get them right out to you.
It really doesn't matter what reusable bag you use. But please, JUST SAY NO to plastic bags!
PLASTIC BAG FACT #1: Each year Americans use 30-100 billion plastic bags; of which only a tiny fraction are ever recycled.
It may take a little getting used to. You're bound to find yourself at the checkout counter with an armful of items and your reusable bag in the car. Don't be embarassed. Ask someone to hold your place and go get them!
With a little practice it will become habit. Just keep your reusable totes in your car and they'll be ready whenever you make a quick stop at the store.
There are plenty of options available for reusable totes. Jewel, Dominic's and Whole Foods all have them. Plenty of on-line vendors offer a variety of options. Green Homes sells large reusable totes for $7 each or 3 for $20. Just drop us an e-mail at yourgreenhome@aol.com and we'll get them right out to you.
It really doesn't matter what reusable bag you use. But please, JUST SAY NO to plastic bags!
PLASTIC BAG FACT #1: Each year Americans use 30-100 billion plastic bags; of which only a tiny fraction are ever recycled.
IT’S SPRING – TIME TO GO GREEN!
It’s that time of year…the days are getting longer, the robins are returning, baseball’s opening day has come and gone, and every so often the weather gives us a tease of the warmer days to come. Spring is upon us! With Spring, comes renewal. In our opinion, it’s a much better atmosphere in which to make resolutions than the cold, dreary days of winter. This season of renewal is the perfect time to commit to a greener lifestyle. Green Homes wants to help you live in a more environmentally friendly way without sacrificing your comfortable lifestyle.
It’s hard to miss the alarm -it’s being sounded by scientists and soccer moms, politicians and pop stars, the Vatican and Vanity Fair! Climate change is real and human activity is the prime cause. So what are you and I to do about it? It’s a big problem and we have jobs to do and lives to live. Who has time to save the planet? And frankly, can we really make a difference even if we tried?
The answer may surprise you. Each of us CAN make a difference and it doesn’t have to be hard, inconvenient or costly. Each of us is responsible for approximately 15,000 lbs of carbon dioxide emissions each year. Surprisingly modest changes in our daily routines can significantly cut our carbon impact. If each of us does our share, the collective effort can be quite meaningful.
Sure, “going green” means making some changes. But it’s really not that complicated. These changes we’re proposing will have a positive impact not only on the environment, but also on your health, and in many cases on your wallet as well.
Okay, so enough with the pep talk. What is it we at Green Homes want from you? Not so much. Why not commit to a small change each month? These changes can be as small as bringing a reusable coffee cup with you to your neighborhood Starbucks; saying, “neither” and handing the checker your own bag when he asks you, “paper or plastic?”; or eschewing bottled water and drinking filtered water from your own fridge. As you make these changes and learn about their environmental impact, we’re sure you’ll want to do more and go further down the road to sustainable living.
Once a month, we’ll offer a Green Homes challenge. It’s a concrete, practical step you can take to start living more sustainably. In addition, we’ll share some of the information and products we’ve found helpful in our quest to lessen our impact on the planet. We look forward to sharing the journey with you and to hearing from you as you face our monthly challenges.
Catherine and Jane
It’s hard to miss the alarm -it’s being sounded by scientists and soccer moms, politicians and pop stars, the Vatican and Vanity Fair! Climate change is real and human activity is the prime cause. So what are you and I to do about it? It’s a big problem and we have jobs to do and lives to live. Who has time to save the planet? And frankly, can we really make a difference even if we tried?
The answer may surprise you. Each of us CAN make a difference and it doesn’t have to be hard, inconvenient or costly. Each of us is responsible for approximately 15,000 lbs of carbon dioxide emissions each year. Surprisingly modest changes in our daily routines can significantly cut our carbon impact. If each of us does our share, the collective effort can be quite meaningful.
Sure, “going green” means making some changes. But it’s really not that complicated. These changes we’re proposing will have a positive impact not only on the environment, but also on your health, and in many cases on your wallet as well.
Okay, so enough with the pep talk. What is it we at Green Homes want from you? Not so much. Why not commit to a small change each month? These changes can be as small as bringing a reusable coffee cup with you to your neighborhood Starbucks; saying, “neither” and handing the checker your own bag when he asks you, “paper or plastic?”; or eschewing bottled water and drinking filtered water from your own fridge. As you make these changes and learn about their environmental impact, we’re sure you’ll want to do more and go further down the road to sustainable living.
Once a month, we’ll offer a Green Homes challenge. It’s a concrete, practical step you can take to start living more sustainably. In addition, we’ll share some of the information and products we’ve found helpful in our quest to lessen our impact on the planet. We look forward to sharing the journey with you and to hearing from you as you face our monthly challenges.
Catherine and Jane
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