CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH

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These days I'm trying to make a move toward a more environmentally conscious life-style. One great thing about being back in California is that it's pretty easy and even encouraged to be "crunchy."

Some changes we've made lately:

• We've started to compost.
• We're taking re-usable bags to the grocery store now. Actually Monterey does not allow plastic bags to be used - way to go Monterey!!
• I'm looking at ways to re-use and recycle more of our garbage (see my new Pinterest board for some great ideas). I'm currently working on some pretty sweet tin can planters and lanterns :-)
• We're using environmentally friendly cleaning products and using cloth or compostable wipes for cleaning.
• We're buying more organic and locally grown/produced foods. We're so lucky to have access to Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, and the local chain Nob Hill - all of which carry lots of organic choices. PLUS Monterey County has tons of Farmer's Markets to choose from and it's home to Earthbound Farm organic foods.
• I've opted out of credit card pre-screens - such a huge waste of paper! You can do that here.
• And I'm trying to be more conscious of what I buy - before buying anything new I try to use what I already have (go "shopping" in my own closet/home, if you will) or hit up Craigslist (the greatest website ever created!) or local thrift stores. 

I'm really loving the Radical Homemaking series over at La Maison Boheme. She's also a great artist and her home is amazing.

Plus, I really need to get my hands on the book Radical Homemakers: Reclaiming Domesticity from a Consumer Culture by Shannon Hayes and re-read Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver.

You can find advice on ways to be more Green here, here, here, here, and here.

I'd love to hear about what you're doing to be more Green!