Going greener vol. 1

I have noticed mostly in the past year that "going green" is becoming a fad. People are so proud of recycling and not using plastic bags at the grocery store, but they pay no attention to the chemicals that they are eating or using in their house, where their clothes are coming from, or even how much water they use in each shower. It is not enough to be aware of what is going on. We all need a change of mind and a change of lifestyle. I am in no way saying that everyone should adopt this lifestyle. I am just suggesting some tips based on what I have seen work for myself and others.

1)food-organic/fair trade/LOCAL/grow your own/cook it yourself
I know that organic is a rip. Sometimes you can't trust the FDA when they say it is organic. Don't pay the price..that is why self checkout is there. Start memorizing produce codes. The more we support it, the more we have to choose from. If you are not poor like me, and you honestly have the money to pay for it please do. Fair trade insures that the people who produced your food are not living under slave wages. Local farmers need your help and support more than Kroger and it's subsidizers. They are usually more honest about their products, and you can put a face to the people who produced your food. Having your own farm and building a relationship with your food is even better. Don't have other people cooking for you. You have no control over what you are eating if you aren't cooking it yourself. Plus, its fun, and tastes much better!
2)Drink-water/juice/tea/coffee/organic soda
Clearly water is best for you considering 80% of your body is water. Juice is also good, but look at the ingredients, it shouldn't be much more than fruit and water. Tea is great for your body. It is full of antioxidants, which helps with cholesterol and the reduction of cancer risks. Green tea is best for this! Coffee should be fair trade if you must have it, just watch out for caffeine. They also make organic sodas, if you are having a craving, that don't contain all of those harmful chemicals like high fructose corn syrup.
3)Clothes-take care of the ones you have/thrift shop/organic/fair trade/US made/make your own/trade with friends
You probably have enough clothes right now that if you stay the same size, you won't really need to EVER buy anymore. So why is it that people are so obsessed with shopping for clothing? If you don't over wash your clothes they will not be so worn, if you get a hole in them, patch or sew them up. I f you really need new clothes go to goodwill or a second hand shop, which helps you and the community, and they have cool retro styles! If you must get new clothes there are plenty of hip new websites with made in the US, fair trade, and organic clothing. The coolest thing to do is make your clothes. Then you don't have to worry about every other person wearing the same clothes as you are! DIY rocks! I am sure you have clothes that you want to get rid of, so why not trade them with a friend for something you might like better, or better yet have a swap and trade in all that stuff laying around that you don't need!

I have tons more ideas...more blogs to come!!