Help Getting Green

How can we help the environment? Most people want to do something but don’t know how to get started. It is tough to break old habits, so if you had some items readily accessible you could get started and maybe pick up some new habits.

To help every individual get started on the green path, a new company that launched in October, Greensender, sells “green” gift boxes that contain a reusable aluminum water bottle (to help you kick the habit of buying bottled water in plastic bottles), a reusable organic cotton grocery bag, and an energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL), for $39.99. If you want show the world you are taking the first steps toward a greener lifestyle even while not grocery shopping then add $10.00 for the organic cotton T-shirt. The goal is to give everyone easy ways to integrate eco-friendly practices into their lives.

The kit is a little pricey because many supermarkets are now selling reusable bags for as little as a dollar, compact fluorescent lamps aren’t very expensive and neither are aluminum water bottles, but Greensender kicks the value proposition up a notch with its offering of logo-emblazoned versions of their items for corporate uses such as giveaway items at conventions and tradeshows.

Offering a similar green “starter kit” is GoGreenGift, which sells a reusable bag containing a low-flow shower head, a CFL bulb; organic fruit leather, organic coffee and tea, an assortment of herbal body care products; and a copy of the GoGreen EcoGuide. Price: $45, or $63 for the deluxe version.

Also in on the game: Virginia-based Green-kits, which offers several different green starter kits with products focused on cleaning, the kitchen, and baby care. Prices start as low as $10.

Might be a good way to add some green to your Christmas gift-giving.

Personally, I am not at all inclined to pay higher prices for anything just to get a logo that proves I am green. I know I do my part. But, it is way of capitalism to make money off of what people want, and these companies are participating in that goal. If you want to help feed their capitalistic ways, then by all means give them your support. And if you actually use the items faithfully, I congratulate you and you have my undying support. But, if you feel you don’t need the status-like logos and want to show the world you are a grass-roots ‘greener’ then recycle items you have laying around the ole homestead and make your own statement.

None of these items offer anything you haven’t thought of before but maybe just reading this might help give you the idea to get started.