9 Baby Steps to Start Living Greener

Eggs and animal products are a great way to start being organic. The

difference in flavor and quality is enough to convince any naysayer.

Photo source/riganmc

1. Shop farmers markets. Not only do farmers markets sustain the local, organic agricultural economy, but the food also uses significantly less packaging. Less packaging equates to less waste.
2. Pick one thing to start buying organic. Take note of how different it makes you feel ethically, and health-wise. [Personally, I recommend starting with cage-free, organic eggs. They're more than twice the cost, but the flavor and texture are well worth it.]
3. Wash laundry in cold water, instead of hot.
4. Replace all the light bulbs in one room with energy saving bulbs.
5. Don't just turn off appliances. Unplug them completely or use an extension cord that you turn off unless using the appliances in it.
6. Line dry your laundry. OR dry two loads in the same cycle.
7. Eliminate paper in the kitchen. Use rags or sponges for the counter, and fabric napkins instead of paper. Instead of disposable sponges, use brushes, which are reusable, don't smell and work better at getting off the grease and grime.
8. Eat less meat. I'm not one to preach about how everyone should be vegetarian, but eliminating meat for one day each week helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions generated by the meat processing plants.
9. Start your own herb garden. Not only does it liven up your living space and taste great, but it serves as a constant reminder of where your food comes from. [The ground, not just the supermarket]

Need inspiration? Read a book or watch a movie. There are lots of mediums that investigate the "green scene" and why it's beneficial to be environmentally sustainable. I just started (re)reading The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan, which traces four meals back to their source, but Goodreads.com lists numerous good green reads.