Everyone's going green

Hop on the green band wagon and find fantastic new ideas that benefit everyone!

The idea of going "green" has been around for a while. But, people are actually starting to get excited for GREEN! Green homes, green household products, green clothing... All great for the future of our earth and future generations. I would really like to see green be the basics for every household in the country, but as of now that is a BIG notion.

How does one start to go green within their home? Easy first step, change your cleaning products. Next time you run out of that window cleaner that smells like alcohol, replace it with a biodegradable environmentally friendly product. Super easy! Next step, paper waste. Oh boy, this is a big one in any ones office and home. Good old fashioned dish towels and wash rags! You probably are already stocked up. But, every now and then you need something a little tougher to get off the ick, try washable sponges (available at baregreen.com). One last easy idea, before you're overwhelmed. Replace those awful plastics... EASY to find replacements, grocery bags. Keep totes in your car, trunk, wherever you'll remember to grab them next time you run to the store. Even produce bags can be replaced with small mesh reusable bags (idea: those lingerie wash machine bags you rarely use).

A couple extra fun ideas. Myself and my four year old love the solar/windup flash light. No batteries to replace and includes a radio. We found ours at Cabellas, but they are all over. Great for in the car or emergency kits as well! Fun to entertain little ones while camping!

Office idea, propose going 100% recycled paper products. Everything from labels to envelopes are going green. Too timid, purchase 100% paper products for your own use, write it off, and perhaps the others will catch on. Advertise that you've gone green and while you're at it get your GREEN designation through the Reatlors Association. An great conversation piece!

There you have it. Some super easy first steps. Once those are established, introduce a new green method into your home monthly. Those who complain will have become used to the new ways of life and be ready to take on one more green change!

How does your office or household partake in going "green?"

Annie Robinson

Van Dorm Realty Inc. Olympia, WA