Small Changes For A More Healthier Living

Thank you all for liking my last blog "Recycling and health tips from mom". Encouraged by your feedback I am writing this follow up. This one is more of a list of things I came across while trying to make lifestyle changes.

When I switched to a greener and healthier living, I was overwhelmed and struggled with the thoughts like: this is a lot of work, this will take all my time and leave me no time to do my chores.

In time I am realizing first this is important, even more important than other things so that I have energy to do all that I want to do. And most importantly no matter how little I do, it is better than doing nothing. 

Every time I skip a restaurant meal or preprocessed food to cook my own, or have my reusable cloth bag for groceries, or I remember to carry my glass bottle and I do not have to buy the plastic bottle, it feels good. And every time I miss or slag in doing above I am subconsciously reminded I got to remember it next time.

What used to be an effort is now a part of life and I am slowly untying my need for comfort and inability to change and now its a push to see what more can I do while still keeping the balance.

Here are things that I am trying to make part of everyday life, some succeeded some failed but the goal remains unchanged. Sharing is another aspect I am trying so more of us can do our part. And hopefully our experiences inspire more people towards a healthier lifestyle. 

i) Using Organic household cleaning products and wearing gloves while cleaning.

Non-organic cleaning products expose us to chemicals which not only cause allergies and skin reactions in short term but also compromises our immune system in longer run. These chemicals are also considered "hormone disruptors".
 

Recommend reading the article How Toxic are cleaning supplies 
http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_279.cfm

From my personal experience I have used: Ecover for dish-washing soap and Seventh Generation cleaning products. They do a pretty good job.

ii) Using cold water to wash clothes in machine: Today's detergents are very effective and we do not need warm/hot water for most loads. Do try this, I was surprised to see the result were the same between warm/hot and cold water wash.

iii) Never use heavy equipments dishwasher and washing machine during the day this reduces strain on the electric grid during peak hours 9am-7pm.

iv) Phantom Power Load: We shouldn't leave cellphones plugged in the power sockets, they continues to draw power even when they have been charged. Use power strips that turn on and off or easier remove the plug.

v) Buy local products and make your own: It cuts down on packaging and transportation cost and supports local community. 

Plus home cooked food is healthier and low in sugar and salts to begin with. Interesting information on supermarket food gimmicks: http://health.yahoo.net/articles/nutrition/photos/15-most-pointless-foods-your-supermarket#0

I love soda but do we really need that much sugar. 4.2 Grams of sugar is 1 teaspoon. Rest is simple math  http://www.sugarstacks.com/beverages.htm

vi) Use water filter and carry reusable water bottle in a backpack/purse. Life factory glass bottles easily fit in a small bag and yes they look cool:). 

Use filter that removes particles and chlorine and does not make water acidic. Some research suggest that RO systems make water acidic. Currently I am using Brita filter.

Why not take it a step further an bring our own mug to get coffee/ water at work. The coffee/tea tastes so much better when not in a paper cup. All you coffee aficionados you know what I am talking about.

vii) Never put plastic containers in microwave and dishwashers. At the very least check if its safe to do so. I prefer not putting them at all, can't go round checking every plastic container. I recently purchased Pyrex glass containers from amazon. Best is to avoid microwave altogether, it alters nutritional content in food.

Non-stick cookware: don't even know where to begin here. I am using stainless steel for everything, yes its hard but I have no intentions of eating teflon. If you do choose to use it please check the usage instructions very carefully.

viii)  Reusable cloth instead of paper towel. Try being on a pledge to not use paper towels in kitchen, I am trying and so far  in 2 months I have not felt the urge to pull the paper towel for cleaning.

Keep a napkin handy in purse to avoid using paper towels and hot air blowers (source of germs) in public places.

Keep the reusable cloth bag in the car, so you always have it for groceries. Reuse is better than recycle.

ix) Give an experience as a gift rather than a product: Holiday, Movie or Show tickets make for a much enjoyable gift, instead of things.

x) Ah...those lovely crystal glasses and plates - They are pieces of beauty and not for eating food in:). Crystal glassware usually has lead. You can research on California's Proposition 65 to know more about these chemicals. These should not be used to keep edible for long hours.

Another key thing I am realizing: Just because everyone around us is doing it, it does not make it safe. Please do the research, somehow these things don't tend to be highlighted in fancy commercials and we often miss it. Adiós! See you in the next blog. 

Disclaimer:
The author is neither a spokesperson nor an endorser for any product mentioned in the article. She assumes no responsibility for any damage/loss of any kind/form related directly/indirectly to the information found in this article. The reader is solely responsible for any action including, without limitation, to any kind harm/ destruction caused by/due to information found in this article.