40 Day Eco Challenge

We are aware that it’s been said time and time again that it takes 30-40 repetitions to turn something into a habit. So we invite you to join our 40 day eco challenge, which can also be found in this month's issue of SNAP magazine. Your 40 days can start whenever you wish just remember to write it down in a calendar to keep track of when you started. We have 5 simple things that you can do for 40 days in a row, after which we are confident that at least a few of them will stick as a habit and become second nature. We invite you to go for it and don’t judge yourself when you slip. We’d love to hear all about your progress, please leave comments.

Here we go:

#1 Pick one product that you use frequently, such as laundry detergent or shampoo, and replace it with a natural/organic version. Remember to read the ingredients in order to avoid ‘green washing’. Check out the safety of different cosmetic brands: www.cosmeticsdatabase.com. Not only is this healthier for you, you will also prevent harmful chemicals going down the drain and into our waterways.

#2 Drink water ONLY from re-usable bottles. For 40 days skip plastic cups and bottled water. The easiest way to accomplish this one is to plan ahead, get a water bottle and have it with you at all times.

#3 Simplify your life by donating all the stuff that you don’t use. After you do that the 40 day challenge here is to only buy things that you will use on a regular basis. This will most definitely save you some green while reducing waste and pollution that is created by our mass consumerism.

#4 When it comes to energy consumption there is the obvious – turn off the lights. However a less obvious one is: whenever possible unplug appliances when not in use. This is especially true for phone and computer chargers, even when not in use but left plugged in they are still sucking back electricity.

#5 When buying any paper product always choose one with at least 50% post consumer content. This goes for toilet paper, paper towel, printer paper ect. By doing this you’ll be supporting the recycled products market which will send out a strong message to all manufacturers.

Have some fun with this and remember to keep us updated on your progress.

Just for some extra motivation the first 10 people that e-mail us info@greenlavender.ca and let us know that they accomplished all 5 for 40 consecutive days (we'll take your word on this one) will have their name put in a draw to win a basket full of some awesome eco products. The deadline for this contest is September 30th/2010.