Secretly Converting Your Lover to Green

Four Simple Steps

Although the Green Movement has recently gained international momentum and attention, this trend is truly a grassroots effort.  Even if you are not actively involved in the Green Movement in your local community, you can still become greener by implementing green tactics at home. You may meet resistance from your significant other; some people assume that going green takes a lot of time, money and effort.  By trying the following ideas at home, you can slyly incorporate the green lifestyle into your abode in an inexpensive and timely manner that won’t overwhelm your lover.

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 Grow Your Own Greens

Even if you live in a tiny apartment (like me), or a packed in urban environment, you can grow your own mini garden.  If you live in a warm climate, set up an outdoor window sill box.  If your environment is colder, choose an indoor window area that receives a fair amount of natural sunlight and plant there.  Growing your own food is more sustainable for the environment and cheaper for you.  Having a mini garden is also quite simple and will not only make your home look more beautiful, it will naturally add oxygen and clean the air.  Begin by growing herbs, like parsley and basil, and then move on to vegetables, like lettuce and tomatoes.  Not only will your lover be amazed at the colorful bounty that fills your home, he or she will love eating this delicious fresh produce at all times of the year.

Support Local Green Movements

Many communities hold farmer’s markets in May through October.  At these markets, local growers sell flowers, herbs, vegetables, fruit, and locally produced products like honey and eggs.  Buying at a farmer’s market increases the chance that the products you are buying are organic and pesticide free.  Also, you are contributing to your local economy by supporting your green neighbors.  Look online or in your city’s paper to find a farmer’s market in your area.  If you are a farmer or own a greenhouse and there are no farmer’s markets in your area, go to your local council and ask about starting your own community farmer’s market.  Most farmers’ markets are held in the evening or on weekends, so make a date with your lover to browse the local green goods sometime this summer.  You may be surprised at the delectable and sustainable things that you discover!

Rule of (Green) Thumb

When shopping at a farmer’s market or the grocery store, bring your own cloth bags.  Reusing these bags can reduce the amount of plastic that overflows our landfills.  Buy your lover his or her own cloth bags to encourage thoughtful and sustainable shopping habits.

Spend More Green Time Together

If you and your lover work in the same area at the same time, drive together to use less gas in order to save money and the environment.  Similarly, if you are looking to spend a weekend locally, walk to the nearest theater (if possible) or ride bikes. Whenever you are running errands separately, try to combine these tasks so that you can take one car.  This way, you are spending quality time together and respecting our planet and your bodies.

Cleaning the Green Way

When tidying up your home, always remember: Reuse and Recycle.  If you do not receive recycling pick-up with your garbage collection, take recyclables to the nearest recycling center.  When you are cleaning your love nest, use and reuse cloth rags instead of paper towels or disposable cleaning products.  You can even cut apart old towels or t-shirts to make dust rags.  Band together with your partner to “greenify” your cleaning closet, and then split the cleaning duties to make your job a bit easier!

Rule of (Green) Thumb

Buy and use natural products from companies like Cal Ben Soap Company based out of California.  You can order these products via the internet.  Not only can you buy products to clean your home, like laundry detergent and kitchen cleaner, you can buy natural and luxurious shampoos and soaps as well to keep your body clean and green.  

Two (Green) Thumbs Up

If your shower is big enough, try out these clean green body products with your lover. This way, you can feel good about your relationship and your carbon footprint!