We have successfully adapted to our Organic Diet. Some days are harder than others... birthday parties, festivals, eating out, and some days grocery shopping. The items we would like are not always available - but we make do with what we can find. It has helped to make the food aesthetically pleasing. The boys are pretty good about eating the strict diet, but look forward to the completion of their commitment. We have come to the agreement the house will remain organic at the end of the year, but they can participate in birthday parties & school celebrations without as many restrictions.
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Our cleaning products are eco-friendly and many of them are homemade (more info under Green Review). We have met many of the goals. Including socially conscious buying. We regularily use freecycle facilities and on-line forums, as well as second hand stores. When we do buy new we make sure it is an item that is needed, will be used efficiently and consider what will happen to that product when we are finished with it. Here is a neat short to help you consider the impact of your purchases www.storyofstuff.com
Regarding our goal to get off the grid we have yet to install the solar panels & solar hot water heater, or a wood burning stove. These have been added to next years list of things to do. So in the mean time we have opted for the green energy choice, that others can easily choose as well... BULLFROG POWER.
Many people do not have the luxury of greening their lives while only working part time. Though this does provide the time to garden, visit freecycle centres and research best consumer habits, it certainly is not financially sustainable. To take the project one step further I am starting to work full time. This of course will change some dynamics... grocery shopping ever 2-3 days will be more difficult. Participation in green events will become restricted... but there are always green choices available... the largest one I will face is transportation. With any luck my position will be local or on a train route.
There are many changes you can make... but you only need to make them one at a time, at your own pace. Choose something that makes sense right now for you and your family and MAKE THE CHANGE!