Due to the technologically-advanced society we live in, where many “conventional” solutions to common household issues may typically involve finding the latest and greatest artificial product that has come out and been extensively marketed, many people may feel that these “conventional” methods are the only way to cure whatever problem exists.
Now there is an extremely wide range of things that this could involve, many of which I will discuss throughout a new regular feature on my blog:
“There are alternatives to…”
Many of these alternatives can save you a lot of money! Now that may not be true for each and every scenario I present in the future, but in general, I will bet that a lot of them may turn out to be a bit less expensive than their “conventional” counterparts.
So what exactly am I referring to? Well, it can include many common issues related to, or may involve many products found around the home, in the yard, in the kitchen, in the pantry, etc. Pest control, plant fertilizer, cleaning supplies, building supplies, cooking ingredients, and many, many more areas will be discussed.
Like I mentioned, many of the alternatives that I will talk about may save you some money, but not necessarily all, and the savings aspect is not intended to encompass the full point of this.
The aspect that I feel is most important is the notion that there are so many more solutions to things than are typically found on the shelves of the grocery, drug, hardware, or department stores. In many ways, the technological “advances” and new products that exist, and the marketing that goes with them, have basically trained us all to think that these are the only and best remedies for the problem or necessity at hand. I want to look past this notion, and examine the wide variety of other solutions that are available that may be more effective, easier to use, less expensive, or merely less toxic to your family and the world around us.
But why should all this be important? Isn’t it easiest to just run to the store and buy the product that everyone else uses? Aren’t manufactured products safe to use and the best options that money can buy?
Now my intention is not to merely just tell everyone to “go green” and shout to you to save the whales. Although saving our natural species is vital and environmental-consciousness incredibly important, I want to look at different ways to explore these essential aspects of our existence. In no way will this be intended to bemoan the efforts of environmental organizations or anyone who takes pride in green lifestyles. Believe me, I try to be as green as possible and caring for the environment is very important to me. Every environmental organization plays an essential role toward helping create a more sustainable world and better quality of life for the species which reside in it. I commend all of their efforts, and wholeheartedly support what they do.
But that is not the area I want to focus on. Personally, I don’t care much for labeling things as “green” or “environmental,” in the way that is seen by many companies jumping on the bandwagon. Unfortunately, I feel that these terms have almost become stigmatized and can be a turn off for people. Additionally, they sometimes imply that something may not work as well, or may be more expensive.
It is a shame that in many ways, this has become the case, and that many environmental or green efforts seem to be on the fringe, not embraced by the mainstream, almost like they’re partisan entities separate from each other. It’s like you’re either green, or you’re not.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. Heightened awareness of the natural world around us, and the need to care for it to the highest degree, can be something that is embraced by the populace via their actions.
I feel that through education about how to apply new ways of going about things in people’s daily lives, and showing them how easy it can be, without primarily focusing on how it will save the planet, but instead showing them how it can benefit them and their family, might help change people’s purchasing habits and direct them toward alternatives that can have less negative impact upon the earth.
Additionally, by learning more about different ways to go about things (that still fit into the busy and hectic lives of people), people may gain an increased understanding of the natural world around them, which can help attune them more to the importance of nature, and its needs.
Furthermore, individuals can establish a better relationship with the innate world around them, and see just how fascinating nature really is! When they rediscover the treasures that the cosmos and Creation have bestowed upon us, then it follows that more and more people will heighten the value they place upon care for it.
Stay tuned for regular installments of this series, “There are alternatives to…”
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