tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5218215652328409330.post5461912079988751773..comments2024-02-25T04:19:51.451-06:00Comments on Connected Mom: Green WashingUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5218215652328409330.post-44732338356497526202010-10-28T08:08:54.835-05:002010-10-28T08:08:54.835-05:00Green washing drives me crazy! It's frustrati...Green washing drives me crazy! It's frustrating because if you're buying "green" chances are you're trying to make an effort to make the better choice, but these companies pray on us and to make the beeter choice you really have to be a savvy consumer sometimes. It shouldn't be that way.<br /><br />To avoid green washing I try to use as many natural cleaning products as possible (i.e. vinegar, baking soda, tea tree oil). I also try to use things with a good reputation like Dr. Bronner's soap for example instead of choosing the "new cool thing" that I saw for the first time in a TV commercial trying to get me to buy it. And I also try to maintain some common sense as far as not getting sucked in to organic processed foods - it's still processed! <br /><br />Unfortunately, I know that although I try to be as savvy and contientious as possible there are still chemicals I'd like to avoid sneaking into my house in unassuming packages. I was just reading an article the other day about hazardous chemicals being found in proucts claiming to be green. *sigh*Stephaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01281152742477496810noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5218215652328409330.post-35254122946906028882010-10-26T23:08:41.898-05:002010-10-26T23:08:41.898-05:00Green washing is a big issue these days...I'm ...Green washing is a big issue these days...I'm super vigilant about most of the products we use but it can be easy to fall into the 'green is the new black' trap. My Mother, knowing my preferences, kindly bought me an 'eco' baby wash for my babies. When I looked at the ingredients I didn't find anything different than the regular soaps (sls, fragrance etc...)It was crazy - what right do they have to call it eco and natural when clearly it is not. So I had to go and get a different one made by a company I respected. I also find the term eco friendly on a lot of toilet tissue these days when it's not recycled, probably bleached and wrapped up in plastic - arrgh!!!Terrihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09684698960387428709noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5218215652328409330.post-8635687128872860082010-10-26T22:06:35.923-05:002010-10-26T22:06:35.923-05:00@Carla I totally know what you mean about being on...@Carla I totally know what you mean about being on a budget. I think the best thing I've found is that the really truely honest to goodness eco-friendly and sustainable choices are usually cheaper than the alternative. <br /><br />The home made non-toxic cleaner I've switched to costs me less than a penny per liter, and cloth diapering, breastfeeding, whole foods, and energy saving habits & products all save us LOADS of money. <br /><br />and like Jaemama said, all of the money that gets saved on freecycling or home making and repurposing can be put towards other things that may cost a little extra, like organic local produce and the like. <br /><br />It is overwhelming at times though. I like to break everything down into small projects that I can focus on one at a time. This last week it was my cleaning routines and supplies. The week before it was finding more local ingredients and resources and recipes. Next week I plan to better organize my recycling system. <br /><br />Baby steps mama!Pocket.Buddhahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01181014900452502117noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5218215652328409330.post-41490440089160199252010-10-26T17:54:05.784-05:002010-10-26T17:54:05.784-05:00What I'm finding is the most difficult is to g...What I'm finding is the most difficult is to gradually switch to a healthier diet AND to more sustainable living, especially on a budget. A little bit at a time I guess. :DCarla Schmidt Hollowayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12947846629735463824noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5218215652328409330.post-63859539238273508352010-10-26T16:43:57.557-05:002010-10-26T16:43:57.557-05:00I should also mention hat all of my nonspending t...I should also mention hat all of my nonspending then affords my family more locally produced and organic goods.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5218215652328409330.post-55935856274275878152010-10-26T15:26:33.850-05:002010-10-26T15:26:33.850-05:00I definitely agree. I try to buy from small local ...I definitely agree. I try to buy from small local businesses as often as possible. But I have run across a few local 'eco-friendly' mom & pop businesses that are themselves, a total green wash! but in terms of environmental sustainability small local businesses are usually a safe bet.Julian@connectedmomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12934165855070000724noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5218215652328409330.post-55601322589957484572010-10-26T15:24:40.806-05:002010-10-26T15:24:40.806-05:00Great post. I truly believe in nonconsumer-activis...Great post. I truly believe in nonconsumer-activism. Gandhi's first step in his peaceful movement was to inspire the Indian people to produce and wear their own, nonBritish, garments. Granted this would mean their clothin g was sans color and a little less stylish, but it meant it shifted the benefactor and empowered his people. I use my "dollar votes" by repurposing, reusing (thrift, craigslist, mommy circles), and making my own (cleaners, bath products, and food.)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5218215652328409330.post-45685273142552220142010-10-26T14:44:47.640-05:002010-10-26T14:44:47.640-05:00I also think when we buy products from companies t...I also think when we buy products from companies that produce other questionable items, we give their entire operation a rubber stamp. For instance, I can't get behind the Dove campaign because Unilver produces products like Axe. Bit of a mixed message.<br /><br />I think this is an area where buying small and handmade is the best way to go. A mom who makes natural products in her home is something I can support. I really can't get behind big corporations and all their washing techniques.Jen Albinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15334829308218078837noreply@blogger.com