It's not easy being green

As Kermit the Frog says, "It's not easy being green."

Speaking in terms of being environmentally friendly, it can also feel that way. 

When I was a senior in college my life plan involved: Graduating, getting a dietetic internship, becoming an RD, working for a bit, then going back for a Masters in Environmental Health and combining the sciences of nutrition and environmental health and science.... 

Things did not work out quite as smoothly as that and my plan had to undergo some edits, but I still try to remain abreast and involved in the environmental spectrum. 

Between taking a few environmental and public health classes, and reading books, such as "Slow Death by Rubber Duck: The Secret Danger to Everyday Things" by Rick Smith and Bruce Lourie, and "Not Just a Pretty Face: The Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry" by Stacy Malkan it can seem overwhelming how seemingly EVERYTHING around us is toxic. Furthermore, I realized how much regulations are lacking, and that the chemical industry controls the show. 

For a while, I became obsessive, trying to avoid toxins and to make less of an impact on the earth. Unfortunately, we do not currently live in a world that supports such actions. We are making improvements and options are out there, but you can drive yourself mad attempting to live a "green" lifestyle. There are, however, many little ways you can make changes to decrease your exposure to toxins and be more environmentally friendly. 

Just like any change, like diet and exercise, the most effective ways to change are by making small, manageable goals.  

Thus- I am going be writing a few posts suggesting some simple steps so that "It's not easy being green." Some of them may not apply to you, and some you may just decide you could never do. But just choosing one, or a couple options to start off can have a big impact. Maybe over time you can add in more green habits :)

Check back for the "It's Easy Being Green" series.

If you are looking for more information here are some great websites:

http://ewg.org/ : The Environmental Working Group does research on various toxins, and helps advise you on better options.

http://practicallygreen.com/  Practically Green: Is a large community touting essentially what I am saying here. It allows you to identify how green you are now, and what you may wish to consider changing in order to be more healthy.

http://safecosmetics.org/  Safe Cosmetics offers information on toxins found in common toiletries you likely douse yourself with daily, and better options available.

http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ Is a great collaboration between the Environmental Working Group and Safe cosmetics with a giant database of products with safety ratings.

http://www.good.is/ Offers information on health, the environment, and economy etc. This site features lots of great infographics.

Reasons to pack your lunch

Still buying your lunch at work, or going out most days of the week? Here are a few of my favorite reasons to start bagging it :)

Reasons to bring your own meals & snacks:

·      Economical:

o   Spending $10+ a day on lunch/ coffee and snacks adds up fast!

o   You get much more value shopping at a grocery store and prepping food yourself than you do purchasing convenience items.

·      Saves time and hassle:

o   Yes, packing a lunch can take some time, but will save you the time of having to go and purchase your lunch during your work day.

o   You can eat it anywhere! Save the time and hassle of going somewhere to eat.

·      More nutritious:

o   Frequently “forget” to eat because you are so busy? Regular meals and snacks help improve your metabolism and help maintain your weight.

o   Planning and packing lunch more likely to get well rounded meals.

o   If you wait until you are hungry, more likely to give into temptation.

o   Food companies and restaurants often load their food with salt and unhealthy fats to improve taste.  Bringing your own food allows you to control ingredients.

Versus

·      Eco-friendly

o   All of the packaging associated with buying food out adds up! 

(The Average Office worker uses 500 disposable cups a year¹)

o   You have much more control of the sources of where your food is coming from (organic, local, sustainable sources)