Chemistry wk2
One slap of reality is looking at my own carbon footprint. I thought I was doing ok, until I took a closer look at the food I'm eating and the items I'm buying. I made a trip to the farmer's market the following Saturday and bought the locally grown vegetables. That made me feel better and I believe it will stick in my head the value of buying local. I hadn't thought much of the trucks and planes that carry food into the grocery store. I wasn't looking at a big picture, I was in my own little world without looking around. I also became aware of using Amazon to buy things. I wasn't thinking of the airplanes and trucks used to bring me my items, I was just happy with my convenience. Convenience at a high cost. Maybe convenience is like carbon monoxide- odorless, colorless and deadly! I started really thinking if I needed the items that I buy, or is it something I can do without. This brings to mind the practice of living simply. I certainly can do more of that. I should list my own principles of green chemistry, but for now, I will start with the first principle; Prevention- It is better to prevent waste than to treat or clean up waste after it has been created. Overall, I think the most important point that I am reminded of is that my power is where I put my money. I hope to keep improving on old habits. I feel better about my choices when I'm living green.
wow, you bring up so many great points and have so many wonderful analogies! Doesn't it feel good to go to the farmers market? The food tastes better, you feel good supporting locals and truly there is no waste. I saw this video circulating the internet on the amount of waste a woman created in a year when she tried to be more aware of her carbon footprint. I was amazed and inspired! Since watching that video I have shopped in the bulk section and bring all of my own jars and bottles not only for food but for beauty products when I can. I also have really enjoyed composting! Not only do i feel good about less waste but I absolutely love the recycling factor and getting my hands dirty in soil that I have cultivated! Being a part of the process between food to table is really gratifying. I just recently have gotten into amazon after becoming a prime member and I honestly do feel guilty. It is wayyyy too convenient and the packaging is ridiculous. I love the analogy you made about carbon monoxide and the quote about "it is better to prevent waste than to treat or clean up waste after it has been created". I honestly used to be a hoarder, especially of beauty products and clothes. 3 years ago I had 2 closets, probably 100 pairs of shoes and a bathroom + of beauty supplies. Things would go bad before I could even wear it. Now, I'm content having the same 5 outfits that I wear that I don't have to match, my basic product go to's that I have simplified to minimal waste and convenience. It can be boring at times but when I realize how much I am saving and minimizing my footstep I am very content with expressing myself in other ways. Its all about the big picture!
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