what you can do
Below we have listed several key elements associated with "green" living, along with a small summary. Each piece contributes to minimizing your environmental impact. To make a difference in your own life, simply implement at least one of the elements into every purchase you make, or action you take, over the next year.
organic - wearing clothing produced with chemicals and eating food produced with pesticides has a similar negative impact on our health and environment. 1/4th of all pesticides applied in the US are on cotton. (source: Sustainable Cotton Project) Did you know the average t-shirt manufactured through conventional means uses almost 18 teaspoons of chemicals to produce? And, many of the pesticides commonly used on cotton in the US are listed as possible cancer causing agents by the EPA. Conventional cotton (with chemicals) represents 99.9% of the world's cotton supply, but with your help, this can change. (source: National Wildlife Federation)
sustainable - buying goods manufactured from sustainable materials positively impacts the environment for many reasons. Bamboo, for example, matures in just 3-7 years, compared to oak which takes about 120 years. It also does not need replanting and requires very little fertilization and pesticides. Bamboo also consumes 17 times as much carbon as softwood forests. Need we say more? (source: "Bamboo Building and Culture" by Darrel DeBoer)
reduce - reduce the consumption of resources in all aspects of your life. In terms of clothing, consider focusing in on the items you truly love and will wear repeatedly for years to come. This concept applies to other material purchases as well: knick-knacks, picture frames, toys, etc are all items which we all could purchase more selectively. Fittingly, the reduction of such items in our lives and homes embodies the aesthetics of modern design. Oh, and don't forget to reduce use of energy and fuel where possible...
reuse - the goal here is to lower the amount of disposal into our landfills. Think twice before throwing out items you no longer have a use for. Take the extra step to bring unwanted items to your local thrift store, a friend, family member or neighbor. Also, consider buying reused goods instead of items that have been manufactured from conventionally produced virgin materials.
recycle - not only can you recycle your own personal goods, but now you can purchase products made of recycled materials. Stay tuned to bohmo.com for upcoming availability of recycled products.
Be sure to check out our external links page to find info on all aspects of green modern living. Also, keep up to date with our blog.
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