7 Simple Steps to Sustainability

1. Use canvas bags---Keep 2 large canvas bags filled with your old plastic produce bags in your car  at all times. Make it a goal to leave the grocery store with no new bags! See "5 reasons to reuse a bag".
2. Eat local, seasonal and organic---Support your local grocery stores. If necessary encourage them to go organic.
3. Buy re-cycled paper products---Save a tree, use either re-cycled or tree-free paper products. Gaiam.com is a good place for bulk Seventh Generation toilet paper and paper towels, for office supply paper try Treecycle.com.
4. Use natural cleaning supplies---Save money by using a mixture of vinegar an d water for almost all of your cleaning needs or indulge in some delicious-smelling Mrs. Meyers products. Seventh Generation makes great dish and laundry soaps.
5. Get a travel mug---Mine goes with me everywhere and with all the green tea I drink saves quite a few paper or Styrofoam cups!
6. Turn off the lights---Not only do you save on natural resources but your body’s nervous system will be more relaxed at night with less artificial light. Try lighting some candles. Turn down the heat and put on your favorite cozy sweater and slippers.
7. Use natural skin care products---Your skin is your body’s largest organ. What you put on it absorbs directly into your blood. Make sure to use only plant-based, non-animal tested products with all natural ingredients.

5 Reasons to reuse a bag:

1. The petroleum in 14 plastic bags could drive a car 1 mile.
2. Americans use 14 billion plastic bags annually.
3. Making a paper bag emits 70% more global warming gasses than making a plastic bag.
4. Paper bags do not biodegrade in landfills.
5. Cities spend up to 17 cents per bag in disposal costs.