In the name of all things... green!

I suppose it would be best to start with the motivation behind this blog, since of course I'm a newbie and well... everyone has their own reason for a blog! 


First off, its a creative outlet. Having just finished my English degree at Western I a) needed something to do to fill my time till I have a "real job" and b) thought it would be cool to put my 12 weeks of suffering through Computer Science 1032 (first year course) to work since I did learn how to use html and publish a website! 


Furthermore, I think its important for people do get away from the over usage of Facebook for so called ranting. And blogs are a perfect place to do just that, as well as share information in more depth with people as opposed to sparking some huge debate on Facebook! 
(Of course this being said I'm not expecting to draw a huge crowd in maybe just pass on my advice to you who are reading these words!)


Ok, on with the show! 


My blog post for today is in the name of all things green, which has been the highlight of the past 3 weeks of my life since I currently am residing in the lovely Stratford Ontario home to my step-grandparents. 


They happen to live green, which to me is so wonderful since I myself have tuned into the green movement in hopes to encourage others to do the same and reduce my personal impact on our great green earth. 


It's actually a lot easier then one things it may be. Mind you I feel privileged to have grown up in a household that has always recycled, reduced, and reused. As well as planting our own vegetable garden, frequenting the local market, pumpkin picking, apple picking and all the wonderful local ways that one can lead a low carbon footprint life. 

However, last year some clicked for me. It wasn't until I didn't have access to a compost bin that I realize how important being green was to me. Then for Christmas my friend Lauren gave me a reusable bag. At the time I figured it would be great to have on me in case I needed it, but that was also before the charge was added to purchase plastic bags. Now my cute pink Bath & Body Works bag gets a weekly workout and I've added another to my collection (along with all the re-usable grocery bags we have stashed all over the car/house) made by Blue Avocado (http://www.blueavocado.com/)


The thing is, I though I was eco-savvy... till I came to live in Stratford for 3 weeks. My grandmother takes her own paper bags to the market, all laundry is hung on the line, they only have 1 car, take the train long distances if they can etc. etc. Its caused me to reflect on my own habits. Even something as simple as using a glass for water for a few days before putting it in the dishwasher reduces the amount of times electricity and water have to be used! It's a small thing but can make such a difference especially if you are one (like me) to have multiple cups of tea in a day. 


More on this later, but my parting though of the day is- recycling is one of the easiest forms of being green, so before you put it in the trash consider whether it can be recycled!