Kermit Was Wrong: It Is Easy Being Green

Kermit Was Wrong: It Is Easy Being Green

Don't get me wrong. I love Kermit the Frog. In fact, several years ago in Los Angeles his was the only star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame that I took a picture of. But, I say, my beloved Kermit was wrong when he sang, "it's not easy being green." 


In fact -it IS easy being green! And this blog is dedicated to fun, simple ways to green-ify your life. For the inaugural post I offer you four easy tips that you can incorporate into your life today to ease your impact on this beautiful earth. Many of these topics will be explored in more detail in future posts, so stay tuned!

1. Recycle! 
This is one of the easiest and simplest ways to help the planet. These days nearly every major city and most towns have municipal recycling programs. All you have to do is get a bin, load it up, put it out on the selected day, and they pick it up! How easy is that?! If you live in a rural area your local landfill probably has a recycling program where you can drop off recyclable items when you drop off your trash. (See that big heap of garbage, the goal is to make it smaller by adding less stuff to it!) Not sure if your town has a program or how to get a bin? Search and find out! 

2. Reusable Grocery/Tote Bags
This one is so easy peasy, I swear! First of all, there are so many cute reusable bags out there, why wouldn't you want to use them? And, you can fit so much more stuff in them and they are easier to carry! Keep some reusable bags near your door or in your car so you have them handy. There are even little ones that fold or roll up that you can leave in your purse. And, because reusable bags are very hip many businesses, banks, stores give them out for free. Although trust me when I say buying a few will be the best few dollars you spend.

 (Look for future post on this topic with more details!)

3. Eat Less Meat
Ok, I know this one is going to stir up the pot, but bear with me. The evidence is out there and cannot be ignored: factory farming is destroying our planet. Not only is it bad for the earth, it is bad for humans and for animals. The agricultural industry produces more methane gas and pollution than any other industry, including transportation. There are so many delicious meat-free options these days that you can go veg without missing the meat -- and you don't even have to eat tofu!  Just reducing your animal protein intake one day a week reduces your impact on the earth and increases your health. Take a small step and give up the beef just one day a week. Check out Meat Free Mondays or Meatless Mondays for more info.  

Side Note: Don't care about animals? Think they are here for us to eat? Well, do you want to eat pesticides, hormones, bacteria, feces and urine? I'm guessing not, so eat less meat and you will eat less shit, literally.

4. Plant a Garden
Growing your own food has so many benefits! Not only does fresh produce taste great, you know everything about it and where it came from because you grew it, you groovy little farmer! No pesticides, all organic and so close by. The best part, you can plant all of your favorites or try new veggies. Don't have a yard? Try a little patio garden. Herbs, tomatoes, and cucumbers are easy to grow in containers and there are many varieties available. Planting a garden reduces your earth impact in several ways (particularly transportation) and reduces your stress too because digging outside in the dirt is good for you! Note: This is also a great way to get kids involved...have them help you plant, water, and watch things grow! Really no room to plant or have a brown thumb? Consider participating in a local CSA or community garden program. 

My (sad little) garden 2 summers ago. 

Editorial Note: In the effort of full disclosure, I will be honest. I have a very small yard. Although, since I live in the city, I am lucky and happy to have a yard at all! I also have 3 dogs who love to run around and dig things up. And squirrels, moles and bunnies who love to eat things right out of the garden. Frankly, I am not the best grower of vegetables, but every year I try. I even had my hubby build me a raised bed a few years ago and I will be adding another this spring. A lot of times my plants die. It sucks. But I do it anyway. Why? Well, for one, stubborn determination. Also, it is a great learning experience and I love to be outside. And finally, because on those occasions when I do succeed it really is rewarding. 

So there you are. Four awesome and super easy ways to help our lovely Mother Earth and be a super groovy better resident on this planet. I know some of you are thinking, "oh this little granola nugget is too much" but I really think if you try even just one of these things you will recognize benefits and reap the rewards. Go forth and be green! 

Did I miss something obvious? Post a comment and let me know.