Now what? After observing the products in your cupboard you are probably wondering what's next. Like me, you have discovered that your chemical consumption falls somewhere on the scale between "Holy S*&#, that's a lot of chemicals" and "Not one harmful chemical to be found!"
So, next we need to discuss a key factor in greening your life...motivation. As with all tasks, if you aren't motivated you will not do what needs to be done. So, this week the focus will be on reflecting on why you want to make this change.
What Motivates Eco-Families
Concern for personal health
Perhaps you live with a chronic condition and are looking for alternate ways to deal with the symptoms. Check out this link to read about research into the association of environmental factors and Diabetes. Take a look at this link to read about the links between air pollution and increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Or, maybe like me, you grew up next to a nuclear power plant...and are a little concerned about the long-term impact that might have on your health. Can't forget about those genetic factors...thanks Mom and Dad!
Concern for family health
When looking into your children's eyes you can see the hope for a healthy future...slightly idealistic...but a mom can dream! Seriously, times have changed. With the addition of antibiotics in our meats, genetically modified fruits and veggies and the onslaught of super powerful cleaners...we have to wonder what the impact will be on future generations.
Concern for the environmental impact
How can changing your lipstick impact the environment? Lots of ways. When you think about how that tube of lipstick is manufactured, what the lipstick is made from and how the lipstick is disposed of. Every step impacts the environment.
Curiosity
Sometimes you just want to try something different. Educating yourself about the world around you, diet, and lifestyle changes are interesting...that simple.
Personally, as I have said in my previous post, I was initially motivated by my environmental science teacher in high school, and then by the thought of having a baby growing in my belly. However, it was when my mom was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer at the age of 52 that I cleared my cupboards. I knew that cancer was out there, it just hadn't ever been so close before. Quite honestly, it scared the sh*# out of me...still does. So, my motivation is fighting this killer of all things healthy and lovely with everything I have. What motivates you?
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