CHOOSING TO WALK THE WALK

A post that @etcmike made about DIY non-toxic deodorant got me thinking about what it really means to be an environmentalist. Isn't it funny how one simple article, one simple recipe, can spiral your thoughts down a road of wondering if you're doing enough? A lot of environmentalists know what’s good for them. But few actually will go full throttle “hippie” as it’s called nowadays. I’m one of the talkers, and a little bit of a doer.

Sure I bring my reusable bags when I go to the grocery store, I buy organic food, I used mineral based sunscreen at work or wear a sun shirt, I use a reusable water bottle, I pick up trash on the beach, and I order almond milk in my lattes instead of real milk. But these are all things that other people can see. When they look at me, they may see me as a good environmentalist. They may assume that behind closed doors, I’m just as good with my home products as I am when I’m out and about.
Well think again! Anyone can play the part.

So here I am, calling myself out as an Environmentalist.

I still wear old spice deodorant, use crest toothpaste, eat meat (I LOVE CHEESEBURGERS AND BACON), and occasionally wear makeup. Many cleansers contain microbeads which are actually tiny pieces of plastic that make their way into our waterways. Producing one cheeseburger takes hundreds of gallons of water; from growing alfalfa for the cattle, to raising the cattle, to slaughtering the cattle, to growing the lettuce, tomatoes, and onions…These are all things we know, but many of us, including myself, choose to ignore.
There are so many people making their own products at home out of non-toxic ingredients, that the resources for me to do this as well are endless. The internet contains Youtube, Pinterest, blogs, Facebook… How could I not take the next step in becoming more earth conscious when the world is at my fingertips?
Here begins my journey to challenge myself in being more health and earth conscious, and hold myself accountable on Steemit for you to follow my journey. In the process, I hope to reduce my waste, and reduce how much I'm buying from producers who make harmful, chemical filled products.

I saw something on Facebook the other day that I loved…

As I’ve been thinking about this over the past few days, and week, I’ve been trying to save any glass jars and containers to put my products in. I’ll be researching shampoos, conditioners, deodorants, face cleansers, and vegetarian recipes. I’ll review how the products work, and add adjustments of my own. I hope this new venture of mine will encourage others to try new things too that are better for our earth. Let’s work together to show producers the kinds of products we want on our shelves; chemical free, no animal testing, and safe for our bodies and earth!

I have talked the talk, but now I'm gonna walk the walk, and you guys are coming with me.

Jill