Making Organic Living Convenient

There’s always that one mom in the playgroup that just makes the rest of us feel like we’re not green enough – you know who I’m talking about. Her kids only wear clothes manufactured from sustainably harvested, fair-trade hemp. Her mini-van runs on used vegetable oil. When it’s her turn to provide the weekly snack, she brings veggies picked fresh from the garden growing underneath her solar panels. Most annoying of all, even though she only showers once a week to conserve water, she always looks completely put together and amazing, probably from all of those exercise classes.

So, even though you sort of hate this woman, you still kinda want to emulate her green creds. It’s not as if you want to give up your daily shower and build a wind farm in your backyard, but it would still be nice to go more organic. After all, organic is healthier and better for the environment: Studies show that an organic diet can shield children from exposure to pesticides and hormones; provide more nutrients; and contain more cancer-fighting antioxidants.

Luckily, there are a few simple ways to incorporate organic living into your lifestyle. From composting to grocery delivery, frozen organic foods to passing on chemical-laden cleaners, these tips can help you green up your lifestyle without breaking the bank or driving yourself -- and everyone around you -- nuts in the process.

You Are What You Eat

Though browsing at the farmer’s market is fun, it’s not always the most convenient way to do your shopping. For those days – or weeks – when you just don’t have a minute to spare, check out the frozen foods section in your local supermarket. As organic enters the mainstream, more companies are offering healthy – and budget-friendly – frozen foods.

The easiest option, though, is having organic foods brought to you. Some grocery delivery services now offer organic options, saving you both gas and time.

Home Grown

For a seasonal source of fresh fruits and veggies, start a garden in your yard or even in containers on your porch. Make it easy on yourself by:

• Planting the garden where you can easily access it
• Organizing all the tools and supplies you need in one convenient place
• Spending a bit of money up front to create infrastructure that’ll keep your garden – and you -- happy

The Big C

Because you care about the environment, you probably already practice the­ three Rs – reduce, reuse, recycle – but what about the big C? That’s right, composting! Not only does is composting easy, it reduces the amount of trash you create and it helps your garden thrive, too. You’d be surprised at what you can compost; everything from tea bags and coffee grounds to shredded paper, dryer lint and kitchen waste is fair game.

Keep It Clean

An organic lifestyle is more than just food; the cleaners, pesticides and fertilizers you use around your home also matter. Many household chemicals are easy to replace with sustainable choices that work just as well. For instance, skip the store-bought weed killer and pour boiling water, white vinegar or rubbing alcohol on weeds. Instead of harsh bathroom cleaners, make a paste from baking soda and water. Skip the insecticides and kill bugs with a combination of Borax, sugar and water.

Going organic isn’t as difficult as you might think. A few simple changes make a big difference – and you don’t have to drive all the other parents in the playgroup crazy, either!

About the Author:

Jessica is interested in health and fitness. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors and blogging on behalf of MyGofer and other brands she trusts.

Composting Ideas

Composting Ideas - Pinterest