Trying to be green…a mom's journey

I have thought about blogging about what some of my closest call a “weird obsession” for a long time. I guess, just as it had been to decide to try and be a more eco-responsible human being.

My name is erin, and I am an at-home mom to a five-year-old…the one who truly led me on the path to my “new” so-called obsession. I had watched good friends and former neighbours, Deb and Ian, recycle, use a water barrel, and compost for years. They would also talk to me about different cleaning options to be more ecologically responsible. I have to be honest…and Deb and Ian – I LOVE YOU GUYS! – I thought they were a little bit nutty at the time! So much time I thought, wasted on doing all of these things. I had waaaaaay better things to do with my time, energy and money.

Well, after a few years of listening to it from across the fence and experiencing infertility, the seed was planted. We were finally blessed with a little boy who was, and is, a true miracle in every sense of the word. Then, about two years ago, my husband and I were watching a David Suzuki episode called “The Disappearing Male”, and our household was turned upside down!!

I was petrified to think of what I could be doing to our son and to ourselves. I hadn’t thought even for a minute about what the baby bath products I was using, the carpet fresheners, air fresheners, detergents, dryer sheets, hand soaps and lotions that we enjoyed the scents of so much could be doing to us!

Out went the dangerous plastics, air fresheners, harsh cleaning products and other common household plagues. This was just the start. My friends, Deb and Ian, introduced me to a book, which is now my “bible”, to which I refer to for many things. It is called ECOHOLIC by Adria Vasil. The author has been writing her “Ecoholic” column for NOW magazine since 2004, and has been an advocate for the earth since her teens. www.ecoholic.ca.

At first read, I was entranced. I just couldn’t put the book down! It covers everything from beauty products to clothing, to outdoor living and everything in between. The beauty of this book: It’s CANADIAN!!!!! The book is full of product and store recommendations, websites and references – most of which are in/from Canada. I suggest, if you want to make your home a safer and  healthier place for your family to pick this book up through amazon.com or take it out at the library.

I am rambling, as the excitement is rising in me that I can share things revolving around being an “ecoholic”.

Please note, I am a MOM [after having spent the better part of my life in Corporate Communications]. I am not a doctor, scientist, or researcher. Nor am I an eco-guru. I am passionate about reducing my eco-footprint to give Mother Earth a bit of a break. I am expressing personal opinions only. You will have to do your own research and form your own opinions. My household and life is not completely green, although every activity we partake in, everything we eat…it’s all done with an informed decision. If this gets you to think about things a different way, that’s a start! As Adria Vasil states in her intro: “Start small. Start by leading by example.” Touché!

From hereon in, I will be trying to make the effort to post on a weekly basis which will include: eco-tips, product reviews, product suggestions, website references and the lot. I am excited to have finally done become an official blogger. Many thanks to Lisa of familynavigation.com for giving me that final kick in the pants I needed to begin.