Changing the way we do things

This post has been a long time coming.  I likely won't get everything out that I would like to, but that will just give me more posts in the future, right?

I'm a little frustrated by the commercialism of, well, so many things.  I watch t.v. and see ads for lotions, air fresheners, deodorants, feminine products, laundry products, baby products - and I want to scream.  Sometimes I do - ask my husband!  I just don't get how soo many of the items readily available to consumers ever got onto the shelves to begin with.  The more I learn about what is in the products we buy, the angrier I get at the companies that make them and the government agencies that give them the OK pass those chemicals on to us.

If you've read my blog for long, you know that I make a lot of my own things.  I do this for a few reasons.  Usually, homemade is cheaper and I have most everything on hand already (gee, I want playdough, but don't want to run out to buy some. Oh! I have flour and salt, I'll make my own!).  Also, homemade is typically healthier.  If Alex puts a glob of playdough into his mouth, I know exactly what the ingredients are, so no biggie!  Granted, he shouldn't eat the playdough, but I'm not going to freak out and call poison control.

Many of you are also aware that I am a Norwex consultant.  I discovered these fabulous products and figured I could be a part of educating others about this great line.  I could go into a full spiel right here and now about the benefits, but I'll try to contain myself.  Basically, you can clean your living space with just water and their products.  The solutions they do offer are infinitely better for the environment and your personal well being.


Today, I spent the bulk of my afternoon researching making my own yogurt (here is one recipe, which uses your crock pot and tells how to add in flavor, and here is another site - this one goes into a bit about why yogurt is so healthy and gives a couple recipes).  Biju is bringing home the ingredients as I type, so I will be giving this yogurt-making thing a whirl tonight or tomorrow.  I'll let you know how it goes!


When it comes down to it, I think there are many things we all can do - some big, some small - that will make an impact in our lives.

Here are some things we do (along w/ links for those who want more info):
Cloth Diapers w/ cloth wipes and homemade solution (these diapers are a great system)
Norwex cleaning and personal care products
Essential Oils to treat headaches, hiccups, skin issues, etc.
Make my own Lip Balm and Deodorant
I've used the Diva Cup for 4 years now (no need for men to click on that link)
Planted our own garden last year, and will do the same this year (I can't wait!)

There is so much more that we can do, and I intend to make a few more changes in 2010.  In fact, I just located a recycling center that is less than 2 miles from our house.  I'm looking forward to making a couple trips there a month and seeing less go into the trash bin! 

I have one more link to give you all.  This is just a 3 minute video that makes you sorta sit up and think about what you bring into your house (or yard).

What kind of changes have you made?