How Green Are You?

Judi Kaminishi | Personal Legacy

Who isn’t concerned with ecological, environmental or energy issues? We are seeing more products from companies that seem to be making greater efforts toward a “greener” way of life, more home expo shows and advertisers pointing in the same direction, but what is the real truth? In my opinion, if truth be told, it appears that the greater populace really doesn’t seem to care to any degree. I mean, yes, many communities have recycling bins and many homeowners are recycling newspapers, cans, plastics, some electronics, but can’t we all do more?

Individually, yes, we can do a great deal more. First, I want to share a short story with you.

The president of a company called all of his managers together to discuss ways in which the company could increase sales. The product was Accent, a food flavor enhancer. One suggestion was to simply increase usage by enlarging the holes in the shaker top. What a simple, brilliant suggestion… done!

This little story/incident has been with me for many years and it has forced me to be acutely aware of how consumers are being constantly manipulated. Currently we are aware of the indentations on the bottom of the plastic jar containers, which means that the consumer is receiving fewer ounces less of peanut butter, etc., but still paying the same price. Or how about those commercials that show someone squeezing enough toothpaste to cover the entire length of his toothbrush, rather than a small dab, which is more than enough? Are you catching my drift?

Let’s get back to how much more green each of us can be as individuals, not to mention how one can choose to not be so manipulated as a consumer. To be more succinct, being greener can save money.

Let’s take issue with the many personal care products in every bathroom around the world. I challenge each person to utilize the least amount of product necessary to achieve the results necessary. For example, one really only needs a very small dab of toothpaste for brushing one’s teeth. Add to that, when the tube is pretty much squeezed out, if you cut the tube in half and continue to use the residual toothpaste from both halves, I guarantee that one doesn’t have to buy a new tube for at least another week or two.

I offer the same hint for any plastic bottles of shampoo, conditioner, etc. I’ve been experimenting with these suggestions for myself and am always amazed at how much more use of product I am able to get. If you can’t cut the container in half, for sure turn it upside down to insure that every single drop of product is utilized. Most people use way too much shampoo, etc. than is necessary, which only means that it takes much more water for a thorough rinsing, which points to a waste of water usage.

I suppose I should also mention that there are several natural products one can purchase for one’s personal hygiene as opposed to the chemically laden ones. For example, let’s take the “crystal stone” for underarm deodorant. One crystal stone container lasts for over five years easily, how much money does that save? What about baking soda over toothpaste? The list is endless, one need only to become more consciously aware and proactive. Let’s not forget the better health benefits by choosing to limit the amount of chemicals exposed to one’s body through not only ingestion but also through topical absorption.

Of course one can begin in the bathroom with the number of products used on a daily basis, so the obvious next step is to “attack” the kitchen area. How much more efficient usage, less waste, and more money saved can be achieved in this one room alone also? I think you will be very surprised and experience a great deal of personal pride in achievement if one simply becomes more acutely aware of practicing these “pinching penny” areas. Remember, the more pennies pinched, the greener you become simply by reducing overall waste.

My last suggestion is a really big one because it saves such an enormous amount of water, which we all know is our most important life sustaining resource. Are you ready? STOP using your large bath towels and switch over to the standard hand towel size for after showers/baths. (I trust that baths are a rare occasion nowadays, for obvious reasons.) Think of how much your weekly laundry load will be diminished and again, the quantity of less water usage.

After you turn off your shower, use the palms of your hands to wipe down the excess water from your hair and body. Think of how much your body will appreciate the remaining dampness, which not only gives a refreshing zing upon emerging from the shower, but also how much that excess moisture is immediately absorbed to help with overall hydration. One can use the hand towel to lightly pat down and then wrap around the hair (much like they do in salons or barbershops). That’s it! I dare you to try it and then adopt into your regular personal practice.

So… I repeat my original question. How green are You? Doesn’t it make sense that one’s Better Self also demand a greater awareness of how to participate in the greater community for the good of All?