Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Hello!

My name is Rocheal and I am one of the hosts for this week. I figured I could start a new topic for those of you that are interested.
Ms. Chapman said we could talk about anything so I will post about something that I am very interested in which is natural living. For those of you that don't know what I mean when I say natural living, here is a definition I found on www.naturalfamilyboutique.com :
"A lifestyle choice that includes using products that are in as close to their natural state as possible; reducing or eliminating chemicals used in personal care and cleaning products; supporting healthful living through minimal chemical and medical intervention; reducing consumption of non-renewable resources; and raising children in a way that is biologically logical for humans as a species."
Natural living can mean various things for different people depending on how "crunchy" they are. The crunchiests of the crunchies, for example, recycle nearly everything, do not use any disposable products, and only buy 100% organic foods. I do not consider myself mega crunchy but I do try to recycle, eat healthy, and re-use products that can be re-used.
My three week old son is in cloth diapers http://www.cottonbabies.com/product_info.php?cPath=98&products_id=954, we breastfeed only (no formula), we use soaps with the least amount of chemicals in them as possible, we buy organic foods when possible (they're so expensive!), and we drink water, milk, juices, and rarely buy sodas. (but who can live without the occasional coke?!)
We, as a family, choose to do this because it's better for the environment, ourselves, and it's cheaper!!
What do you think of natural living and how far would/wouldn't you go?

16 comments:

Michelle B. said...

I think that natural living is a very awesome way to live. the only downfall is that Organic food is too expensive. I think that should change because the Government is all talk about making the lives of Americans healthier so why not take it a step further by reduceing the prices of organic foods. I also think that organic foods should be added to the school lunches instead of junk food that they serve. As for me i try to eat organic and when I have my own household I will try to use organic cleaning products. As for right now I will try to keep my life as healthy for the environment as possible

Anonymous said...

I think that natural living is a great concept. The only bad thing is that until it catches on more it's going to be expensive. You know how CD players were like $900 when they first came out? It's the same concept. lol

But I think what you're doing is great and big things sometimes start small! Everyone can do something to reduce their waste and help save the environment. People just have to be willing to start somewhere. :)

Clinton said...

Natural living is an idea that seems to be very healthy and if it's healthy it's fine with me. On the other hand I myself really don't take part in organic food but my daughter has organic products for time to time. Firm believer in recycling because it is essential to the preservation of the land that is threatened by the excessive amount of thrash accumulated each day.

LatanyaF said...

I have never really given this much thought. I recycle at work, but not at home. You have given me alot to think about. For those of us new to the idea of organic and natural living, where can we find more info?

Rocheal said...

Michelle, I completely agree. I don't think the famers that pump up their meat with chemicals and steroids should get as much money as they do from oblivious consumers (or the consumers that don't have enough money to get organic meats.) and I think the government should make buying organic stuff more feasable to the average income family. It's better for us AND the earth.
Lizzie d, I am in high hopes that the price will eventually drop some considering all of this natural stuff is a relatively new concept.
clinton- Yes! Even when one person recycles, it helps so much. Imagine all the stuff you recycle in a big pile. Fortunately, it's not in a big pile, it's being re-used!
latanyaf, What kind of information would you like? Here is a link with some information about non-organic foods: http://www.holisticmed.com/toxic/pesticides.html
There is also information out there aboutnatural cleaning products. My husband and I frequently use baking soda and vinegar to clean with. We wash our clothes with an environment-friendly detergent... The list goes on and on. Whatever you'd like more info on, just ask! :)

LatanyaF said...

rocheal, thanks for the info. I will start with that and let you know if I have any questions.

Mrs. Dutton said...

I am like Latanya, I hadn't really given it much thought. But after reading the posts, I realized that I actually do more things toward living a natural life than I thought! I too recycle, I buy organic when I can afford too and I use environmentally friendly cleaning products. If you are interested: www.methodhome.com.
I actually learned about this brand of cleaning products on Oprah and they are awesome!

Cindy Smith said...

I love this topic! After having a son diagnosed with cancer at 18 monts old, I can really relate with this. I have seen first had what the world full of toxins we live in can create. My family and I avoid prescription medications, we recycle, use natural toiletries, eat as much organic food as possible and virtually avoid all processed and fast food, as well as sodas and artificial sweetners.
I feel that all of these products have so many substances that are horrible for our bodies and are produced just to create revenue without reguard to the well being of others.
I'm with you and hope to go all the way one day.
To a brighter and cleaner tomorrow!
Cindy

DC said...

I think Imus's commitment to children is admirable. He and his wife have dedicated their lives to the Imus Ranch (for kids with cancer), autism, and they back that up with their cleaning products.

Too back he can't edit what comes out of his mouth!!! I don't think he thinks before he speaks.

I think in the end, I'd say that his actions speak louder than his words.

What do you think?

Rocheal said...

Who is Imus, dc?

DC said...

Rocheal,

You're not kidding when you say you don't watch the news. . . .

Rocheal said...

lol It doesn't interest me! There's usually only depressing stuff on there.

Anonymous said...

I think natural living is almost ideal. The only problem i see with it is that if you go to the grocery (or whereever) and look for natural products or organic products they always seem to have a higher price tag than the other similar items. I dont know about the financial situations of everyone but for me it hasnt become "worth it" to spend the extra money on a product that may have not been treated with chemicals, antibiotics, hormones, etc.

Lauren B said...

I think natural living is a great way of life. (I don't have children but I don't know if I could do the cloth diapers though. lol) I do love the idea of eating healthy/organic and I do recycle. I also like to use products that haven't been tested on animals. In addition, we have our own garden; the food not only tastes better and is fresh, it doesn't have any pesticides or chemicals and is very economical.

Rocheal said...

I'm so gald to hear that more people than I thought are also into healthy alternatives!

cMurray said...

Hi, I think Natural Living sounds great. I just recently switched my 11-month old daughter to only organic baby food and my husband and I are only buying organic fruits. I agree with the others who say it is pricy and I would probably buy more if it was less expensive. I know we are all getting too many chemicals in the foods we take in. I wish we had more fruits/veggies grown locally and organically. I am not sure though that it is our government's role to bring down the price of foods. Doesn't the market drive itself? I think the organic market is getting better and better. We as consumers just have to bite the bullet and keep buying organic and eventually the prices will come down.