Greenwashed?

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/sweet-dreams-with-a-sprinkling-of-greenwashing.html

This is an interesting site with an article on Greenwashing...which is defined as basically a false claim that a product is "green". So many companies are claiming that their items are "natural" "organic" "green" "eco-friendly"...etc...but often the truth is that there is a shell game going on, or only certain ingredients are natural, or that it is all a marketing scam. So what do we do about it?

The best advice I have seen out there is to remain suspicious, read labels, and don't "buy in" to things that are too good to be true. Do research and stick to items you can trust. Also, don't over spend on items based on these claime. But also, don't get too bent out of shape when the "Green" product you bought turns out to be a rip. Just determine to do better the next time.

I feel cheap...but in a good way...

So I have committed to a homespun Christmas, and the crafting has begun. But as Christmas approaches I find my temptation to shop has also increased. The twinkle lights are up in the mall and the Christmas music is finally welcome to me, although it has been playing for about 3 weeks. And I am in the mood to shop. But I have decided not to, so I am stuck. And I think this brings us to a crux of living verdantly...it is not always comfortable. It is a decision to look temptation in the eye and say "No". Not because one has to (although my committment not to shop is based on some real budgetary limits). But the choice to live verdantly has to do with making some honest choices about life and taking a path, not being swept along where ever the cuture takes you.

So this past Friday I did a little bargain shopping at Gabriel brothers and stopped at Target for a little look, but I did not do the massive spend that I have in previous years. And it felt strange.

So here is a question for you all. What brings you real joy. Because that is my goal this Christmas...less stress and more joy. So what brings you joy?

Family is an obvious one. Loving each other no matter what...even when we don't agree.


Accomplishment also. Setting goals and meeting them.

What else...what do you think?

(I love this picture...there is something so US about it!)