Step #9: Experiment

Since I was a kid, I refused to eat yogurt. I didn’t like the taste or even the smell of it. However, after reading over and over again how good it is for you, I decided to really give it a try. I tasted several brands and found one the whole family absolutely loves. I make a smoothie almost every morning with plain yogurt, frozen fruit, a banana, and raspberry jam (made with fruit only no sugar added). I had never heard of almond butter until a few years ago. I love the nutty taste on warm toast. It is now a favorite standard in our house. So go ahead, don't be afraid...try it, you might like it.
© The Everyday Organic

Step #8: Educate Yourself

Read. Read. Read. The information is out there but it won’t come looking for you. However, thanks to the internet, the information is literally at your fingertips. Whenever I find an ingredient I don’t recognize or understand, I jot it down and look it up before buying anything with it. Compare your findings with several sources to ensure accuracy and always consider the source to avoid biased opinions.
© The Everyday Organic

Organic cotton? Not exactly...

We're headed to a party tonight and as I was ironing my white linen pants, I thought "I wonder who's gonna ask, 'so are your clothes organic cotton?'". A simple "no" isn't gonna fair well with The Everyday Organic fans so, here goes: "My budget doesn't allow for organic clothing just yet. Until then, I do the best I can by wearing clothes made from natural fibers such as this linen for instance. In addition, I NEVER have my clothes dry cleaned so my desire for clean pressed linen isn't destroying the ozone layer either." You see, it really can be easy being green.

Purchase clothing made from natural fibers and stay away from chemical dry cleaners. Another Easy Go Green!

Step #7: Value Overall Health

We need to value our overall health and well-being. In the United States, 15% of children are obese according to the American Obesity Association. At the same time, anorexia is still a great concern. This is evidence that overall, we have conflicting and unhealthy beliefs about eating. We should love and respect ourselves enough to care for our bodies from the inside out. As parents, we have to model good habits for our children; from eating healthy, exercising, and more importantly not complaining about our bodies, but caring for them. Live a life of moderation versus one of extremes (I'll have to credit my Dad for that advice-thanks Dad!).
© The Everyday Organic

Step #6: A Better Choice

When you can’t make absolute changes, make better choices

I'm not gonna lie to you, organic eating has been financially challenging for our family. There are times when we simply can't afford the organic option. Many people quit the whole concept all together because they think it has to be “all or nothing”. If you can’t make the absolute best choice, making a better choice is still beneficial.

For instance, if you can’t purchase organic fruits and vegetables, at least stick to buying what's in season and locally grown. That way you know you're getting the freshest produce available. Avoid the “dirty dozen”, those fruits and vegetables known to be high in pesticide residue according to The Environmental Working Group. That list includes: peaches, apples, sweet bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, pears, imported grapes, spinach, lettuce, and potatoes. And by all means, avoid buying non-organic produce imported from countries without strict pesticide guidelines-if you're not sure, I wouldn't buy it.

Here's an example of making a better choice:
You really want a soft drink. Instead of reaching for your traditional diet cola filled with artificial sweeteners, a better choice would be to drink the full calorie version sweetened with corn syrup. Better yet, is to avoid the high fructose corn syrup in regular soda and choose a drink sweetened with evaporated cane juice with no caffeine. Even better still, is to opt for a drink of all natural fruit juice and filtered water. Every step toward the best option is a step in the right direction.