After learning about our planet’s problems, the chart-topping musician and mom switched to an ecofriendly lifestyle. Here’s her no-hassle approach.
“I used to try to recycle my plastic a bit,” Melissa says. “But after seeing a presentation by Al Gore three years ago, I decided to really make a change. When people are considering being ecofriendly, they think, ‘I’m gonna have to give up things.’ But it’s not true. I don’t feel like I do without at all.”
I use Seventh Generation biodegradable, nontoxic laundry and dishwashing detergents. People don’t realize that every time they wash dishes, chemical detergent can go into the ground and surface waters and affect the ecosystem. The products I use don’t break down the environment.
I love Prescriptives products because they’re gentle on my skin. My favorite is the Comfort Cream ($38.50).
For the twins, I use Seventh Generation diapers, which are brown and look kind of like a paper bag. But they fit well, and they’re made from chlorine-free materials.
I drive a diesel Excursion. It’s the hugest SUV, and I run it on 100 percent biodiesel fuel. A guy comes by and fills up the gas tank right in my garage.
After going through breast cancer, I realized I had to eat what I call closer-to-the-ground foods. The bulk of my family’s diet is fruits and veggies straight from my garden or local farmers’ markets.
I use canvas bags for grocery shopping and trips to the mall. I think the world is at a tipping point right now. People say it costs so much money to buy organic. But the more people buy it, the more the prices will come down.
By Jennifer Graham Kizer
Comments (2)
Like everything, the experience of something depends on the attitude you bring to it. Once you make the decision to be a good steward of the earth and all that the earth sustains, there is a joy that comes with making a difference.
I feel great when most of my garbage goes to compost and recycling because I feel in step with the world, not a consumer OF the world. When you are in step, there is a beauty you are blessed with that only comes from serving others. I hope this is a joy and beauty everyone experiences someday.
“You may say that I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will live as one” -John Lennon
One simple action everyone can take is to switch their energy supplier to a green source. Most companies allow you to choose where your energy comes from on their website. For only a few extra cents a month, one can use wind, solar or clean coal- generated electricity. Clean coal, of course, is not as clean as wind or solar, but it can help to reduce oil dependency all the same.
All these tips are wonderful, but some of us need to step up and make the big changes, like switching energy providers or sources. They are just as easy and so much more helpful.