Last week’s blog for Part 1, I talked about 1) “Real Food” and 2) Recycling. 

To recap what it means to be “green”, it is also known as eco-friendly or environmentally friendly, a way of living that reduces harm to the earth’s environment/ecosystem. Side note, on the subject of recycling, I came across this website recently called Art of Recycle. Be sure to check it out! 

I named my business “Live Positively Healthy” to encompass an overall way of living healthy (beyond just nutrition), including taking care of the planet. It’s something I’m very passionate about. I have personally transitioned to a “green” lifestyle (and it’s a continual work in progress) over the last decade or so. I have to admit, it’s not easy being “green” (and thus the title of this article). It takes more effort, but in my opinion, it’s worth it for my overall health, the environment and impacting future generations. 

There are limitless options to be “green”. Every person is different and can find things that work in their lifestyle. 

To continue part 2, here are some more “green” things I do at home:

3) Cleaning Products 
Holy cow, where do I begin? I could talk forever about this! Let’s start with some reading about why to switch:
7 Benefits of Green Cleaning
EWG’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning

What I use at home to clean:
Norwex – silver (naturally kills germs/bacteria) is woven into the microfiber cloths so you can clean with just water! Plus so many other products for the laundry, bathroom, etc! 

Vinegar – I use white vinegar for so many things! I add a cup of vinegar to my dishwasher (we have hard water) and use it instead of fabric softener in my washing machine dispenser. I use it to clean my stainless steel pans to get off any water spots or stuck on food. That’s just a start; so many uses for vinegar! I buy the large jugs of vinegar at Costco. 

Make sure to check out my Pinterest boards for Gardening and It’s Not Easy Being “Green”. 

4) Health and Beauty Products 
Again, another topic I could talk forever about! More reading material, this time about safer health and beauty products:
Top tips for safer products

I’ve switched almost everything except some of my cosmetics.  This is a continual work in progress for me looking for better products that function the same as my old favorites. I like to use this database to help me. 
EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Database

Check out my Pinterest board on Natural Health and Beauty Products!

5) Compost 
I personally compost to cut down on the amount of trash we have per week and also use it to add to my vegetable garden and other plants/flowers (compost = “black gold”). Plus my dad has always composted so I figure it’s in my genes. 😉  For more information about that, read my blog post called Compost “Smoothie”. Wait, What?

6) Lawn and Garden
No more “5 step” program or pesticides on my garden. Yes, I admit, we have dandelions (hey, we’re feeding the bees) and are now starting to get broad leaf weeds in our lawn, so I’m in the process of finding an organic form of lawn weed control. 😉 I just started using Neem oil so I will be seeing how that works to control a host of diseases and pests in my vegetable and perennial gardens. 

Phew, there you go, part 2 of what I do personally. Another long post, so thanks for sticking with me again! Usually I like to keep my blogs shorter than this but when it’s something I’m passionate about, it’s hard to stop writing about it! Like I mentioned in the last post, all of this is a work in progress and it does take effort, but think long term impact for the earth’s environment and future generations! Even the small steps you do every day can make a difference!

What ways are you “green” in your life? Please comment below! Thank you for reading!