The Beginning

Before I begin discussing my future plans I want to describe what I have done over the past two years that have gotten me to where I am today.  Two years ago I was in grad school taking a basic Bio course, which totally opened my eyes to environmental issues.  It made me begin looking at what I am doing to help and hurt the planet.  I took the quiz that determines your ecological footprint (Footprint Network) and began working on some of those items.  

First reevaluated my diet.  At that point I gave up red meat 5 years prior.  I knew that completely giving up meat was my next step and I wondered why it took me so long to come to this realization.  I later gave up dairy for more health reasons, which has been one of the best things I have done for myself.  In regards to food, I no longer eat products with HFCS and limit my overall sugar intake.   

I started to use natural cosmetics and beauty products for most things.  More recently I started using natural cleaning products and reducing my plastic use.  I still have a long way to go with reducing my use of plastic (future goal).  So far I bring a canvas bags shopping, use a cotton lunch bag , sandwich Wrap-N-Mat and a Sigg Water Bottle (all which I bought at www.reusablebags.com). 

 I am also more conscious of my electricity use and am working on using less.  

This list is not intended to pat myself on the back for things I have done, it is merely for me to evaluate where I am and where I need to go next.