Going Green

Going Green is something I think about on a regular basis, and a theme that shows up in my stock photography as well.  On a personal level I see several challenges in the process of leading a greener life.

1.  Education
2.  Cost
3.  Availability

In the news we are constantly bombarded with stories about greener living, but they do not always give us the tools we need to make a lifestyle change.  The simple things like using energy saving light bulbs are obvious, but the benefits of using organic cotton sheets are more elusive requiring some personal research.  I am a researcher by nature so I take going green one thing at a time.  If I am shopping for cleaning products I will do some reading on that area.  I keep going green top of mind, and over time I become more and more educated, and able to make more changes in my lifestyle.

Cost is always a factor!  When considering organic foods I am very price conscious.  I chose to spend extra on organic produce and dairy, while purchasing other goods in the grocery store that may have more preservatives then I would like.  Food is something I am very conscious of, while I wouldn't necessarily spend extra money on eco-friendly paint for some home improvement even though I know the benefits.  I do not have the means to entirely transform my life, but I feel good about making small changes.

Lastly, is the availability category.  If I can buy something at Target or Whole Foods I am much more likely to make the purchase for the environment then if I have to order it on-line.  For me I like to shop in as few trips as possible, and searching out goods online is more of a chore sort of like paying bills.  As time progresses organic and eco-friendly goods are becoming more available, and as a result push my buying tendencies in that direction.

I would be hard pressed to say that I am 100% anything.  I enjoy taking what I know about the world around me and applying it to my lifestyle as I see fit.  I am also a believer that keeping certain aspects of life like eating healthy and going green top of mind helps me move in the right direction.  So I will continue to research, and implement my discoveries in my day to day life.