Pause for a moment and consider this: 

Every single purchase you make has either a direct or indirect impact on the environment, human welfare and animal welfare. 

It's true.  One way to shop more ethically or to be a more conscious consumer is to ask yourself these questions before making a purchase:

Was the product grown locally or did it travel thousands of miles to get to me?  Who made this product?  Were they treated fairly and given a decent, livable wage?  What is the impact on the environment from the manufacturing of this product? 

I know, it's not one of the most pleasant topics of conversation but it is important to stop and think about how every purchase we make has an impact on someone, somewhere and most importantly, on the planet that our children will one day inherit.

What are some ways you can be a more conscious consumer?  It's easier than you might think.  According to Shererazade Goldsmith, author of A Slice of Organic Life, here are some simple ideas:

Buy Organic.  Commercial farmers can legally use up to 450 different pesticides.  Pesticides might make your apples look beautiful and spotless but they can be detrimental to your health (not to mention the environment and wildlife).  Conventional cotton farming is responsible for 25% of the world's total pesticide use.  That is a sobering statistic.  Organic foods and organic cotton are safer, healthier and better for the environment.

Buy Local.  Support your local economy and reduce the miles your food and products travel to reach you.  Eating bananas and kiwi in the middle of winter might seem pretty sweet, but consider the carbon footprint made from transporting those imported fruits to your supermarket.  Eating locally grown foods that are in season is healthier and also beneficial to the farmers in your community who depend on your purchases for their livelihood.

Buy Fair Trade.  The term "Fair Trade" means that the product you purchase was made by someone who was paid a fair, livable wage.  Consider for a moment why that $6 t-shirt is selling for such a low price.  It probably cost pennies to manufacture and was made in a factory with poor working conditions and unfair labor practices. 

Reduce Waste.  One easy way to do this is to buy in bulk.  It is often more economical to buy items in bulk and it also requires less packaging--one big pack of something uses less packaging than two smaller packs of the same item.  Choose products made with recycled packaging, use your own bags when choosing your fruits and veggies at the grocery store (or buy them loose) and avoid using plastic baggies when packing your child's lunch.  There are so many reusable food containers on the market these days, there is really no excuse.  My personal favorite are LunchBots.  You can check them out here:  http://bellaandboo.com/_catalog_77292/Gear 

Recycle.  Donate unwanted clothing, books, toys and household items (and anything else, for that matter) to a thrift shop or church.  Reuse glass jars and empty containers for something else instead of tossing them out.  Consider compost--the ultimate type of recycling.  Use your food scraps and used paper products to create beneficial and nutrient-rich "liquid gold" plant food for your garden. 

Reuse.  Install a rain barrel to collect rainwater from your downspouts.  You can use the rainwater to nourish your plants, backyard garden and fill your bird bath.  Rain barrels also save money because you use less water from the household tap.

By pausing to consider how each purchase we make has an impact on the environment, on other people and animals, by making kind choices that benefit our local economy and by recycling and reusing our products, we are being more conscious consumers and ethical shoppers.  And it feels good too!

There is a movement of enlightened consumerism underway....will you join?

Peace and Wellness,

Kate
bellaandboo.com

After 30 days of eating a mostly vegan diet, I have realized that it is harder than it seems to completely give up dairy products. Do you want to know the food that I had the hardest time living without?  Cheese.  Not surprising though, as I was born and raised in Wisconsin and have eaten cheese practically on a weekly basis since childhood.  Ice cream was hard to give up, but in the end, cheese was the first thing I caved on. 

Here's what I decided:  I agree wholeheartedly about the numerous benefits of a vegan diet.  I love the fact that as a vegan you are actually saving lives by not consuming animal products.  I love the fact that by being vegan you tread lighter on the earth and are living a more eco-friendly existence.  I also love the fact that a vegan diet is super healthy and is wonderful for your body, mind and spirit.  The most important thing that I decided while on this journey though was that I would be kind to me, and forgive myself if I gave in and indulged in an ice cream cone or a bite of my husband's gooey macaroni-n-cheese.  I found it difficult to quit dairy products cold-turkey and instead realize now that a smarter way of becoming vegan is to ease into it.  I have 33 years of dairy product "programming" that I am rebelling against!  This transition will take a little bit of time. 

If you are considering going vegan, here is my advice: gradually adjust your diet to eliminate animals products.  You will have a much higher success rate than if you abruptly stop consuming them.  Changing a lifetime of eating habits takes time, resolve and determination. Just as going vegetarian was a huge lifestyle change for me many years ago, going vegan is a huge lifestyle change too.  Be kind to yourself as you go on your vegan journey.

By the way, I do still feel A M A Z I N G and am eating about a 95% animal-free diet.  I have more energy that ever before.  I feel lighter, happier and even a little less foggy.  I've increased my whole grains, legumes, vegetables and greens and have made a really conscious effort to stay away from junk and processed foods ridden with chemicals.  My body is getting stronger, healthier and I feel an fabulous overall sense of well-being.

Peace & Wellness,

Kate
Bella & Boo
http://bellaandboo.com

I just finished reading The Kind Diet by Alicia Silverstone and I am INSPIRED!  This book opened my eyes to the evils of the dairy and meat industries and explained the health benefits of eating a meat-free and dairy-free diet.  Backed by doctors and scientific studies, adopting a vegan lifestyle is not only great for your body and mind, it has wonderful benefits for the planet as well.  Did you know that (aside from being cruel) factory farming is one of the most polluting industries in the world? Whether you are an environmentalist, caring conservationist or just a regular person looking to make a difference in the world, going vegan is one easy thing we can all do to make a positive impact on our planet. How fabulous is that? 

I decided to give it a try a few weeks ago and am thrilled to say it is easier than I thought it would be.  It's been 2 weeks since I became vegan and I feel fantastic!  My skin cleared up, I shed those last few pounds that have been hanging around since the birth of my youngest child and I feel absolutely amazing.  Best of all, I feel really great knowing that I am making a difference in the world.  Aside from the huge personal benefits of living a vegan lifestyle, think of all the lives I'll save this year by not eating meat and dairy!  Check out The Kind Diet.  It's filled with great healthy recipes and a step by step plan on how to transition to a vegan diet.  If I can do it, anyone can. 

I feel A M A Z I N G.  You can too!

Peace,

Kate
bellaandboo.com