Striking a Balance

When it comes to going green, we sometimes hit the challenge of what I consider a balancing act. How do I decide what is best for me and my family? Do I buy organic products shipped from South America on a big jumbo jet or food grown locally with conventional methods? What sacrifices are worth making? Which aren’t? Striking a balance is so important when it comes to making the change to a greener lifestyle. You are going to have to make compromises not just with yourself but with your partner and family too.

This means not beating yourself up if something you do isn’t earning you hippie cred. I know it can be harder than one might think, especially if friends and family know you are trying to live greenly it can at times feel like there is an added pressure to fit a label of sorts. That’s because you are more likely to be scrutinized for your efforts. And that’s okay. In fact I personally encourage it because it forces me to look at my own habits objectively. But don’t ever feel like there is some checklist  you need to be completing.

My point is don’t get worked up if you don’t feel you are “doing as much” as the next person. I know that for me, as much as I can appreciate vegan food I could never go back to those dietary restrictions. Also on the list of “I’ll pass”? Family cloth.  But to each their own! And who knows, your opinion might change with time (as you join the Green Dark side, ;) ) 

I think the biggest battle many folks face with trying to adopt greener lifestyle choices is often with their partner. I know in our household certain things will definitely warrant a raised eyebrow and cloth diapering is one of those. I have no remedy for clashing views except this piece of advice: be willing to make compromises. And be willing to make changes gradually. Everyone needs to be on board.

How little or how much you decide to commit to going green is completely up to you and your family. Bottom line? Even the tiniest step will have a positive impact.