We had just talked about “going green” at our MOPs group. I was asked to share a few tips for an impromptu testimonial. Honestly, I was at a loss. My present thinking is far removed from environmental friendliness. Instead, it’s focused on mommy friendliness: things that make my life easier, without hurting my wallet. As I went along chatting, I dug up some vague memories of being thrifty and green. But, it’s a lifestyle that eludes me.
Recently, I found this blog, Kitchen Stewardship, through her guest post on Money Saving Mom. I was immediately intrigued by her site, especially reading all about sprouting beans. I can’t wait to try her tips! Yesterday she talked about antibacterial soap and its main ingredient TRICLOSAN. She is also challenging readers to get it out of the house. Doesn’t she know I’m a frugal shopper with a stockpile of this stuff?I took a quick glance at what I have to see if triclosan is an ingredient. Number one thought in my mind, “Where will all my Dawn soap go?” The wildlife preserve asks for it all the time. So better greasy ducks than my hands I guess. Number two, it’s in my Colgate toothpaste, under the guise of antigingivitis. I’ve been putting stuff that goes into antibacterial soap in my mouth. Ugh… yuck!
That’s all I can handle right now. We do use Method soap which has none of the T word. But only because I got it for $0.50 at Target. What will I do when I can’t find anything comparable on sale? I'll have to use Tom's of Maine or Burt's Bees for toothpaste! I think I’m freaking out! Oh, God help me.
That’s the best place for me to start. There’s no way I can make these changes without God’s help. It’s quite overwhelming. As I thought more about the course of action needed, I’m reminded of this verse:
Nothing outside a man can make him 'unclean' by going into him. Rather, it is what comes out of a man that makes him 'unclean.' …He went on: "What comes out of a man is what makes him 'unclean.' For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man 'unclean.' "" –Mark 7:15, 20-23
God can give me the right attitude to at least consider taking the baby steps without falling into paralysis analysis. After all, He could have Burt’s Bees on deep clearance tomorrow. I prayed about being frugal, and He’s taken me this far. I’ll be on my knees about triclosan too for sure! Have you gone anti-antibacterial? Visit Katie at Kitchen Stewardship to learn more: from baby steps to taking a leap!
Well put! And welcome to the world of Katie... you'll never be the same again. :>) I know I am not - and it's for the better! I've learned so much, and even if we can't do everything right away, knowledge is power, I think.
ReplyDeleteLOL! You are hilarious! I often mourn the loss of my coupons, too, but I do find that there's a certain freedom in not spending so much time searching for the perfect deals. I buy humONgous jugs of vinegar for everything, and the soap I do use lasts about forever because it's so concentrated. You don't need to go all the way to Tom's for toothpaste to avoid triclosan, either - he's too expensive!! I just find regular old on-sale-with-coupon toothpastes that don't have triclosan. They're easy once you're reading labels.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for linking up and cracking me up!
:) Katie