Want to know what you’ll find in the Accidentally Green eBook? Here’s the Table of Contents and Introduction:
Introduction
Chapter 1: My Normal Kind of Life
Chapter 2: Pregnant with a New Purpose
Chapter 3: Lessons Learned as a New Mom
Chapter 4: Motherhood, the Second Time Around
Chapter 5: Transitioning Through Tough Times
Chapter 6: My Accidentally Green Kind of Life
What’s next?
Disclosure
About the author
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Introduction
For thirty years, I lived what many Americans could consider a “normal” life. When I went to a store, I bought whatever caught my eye or stayed in my budget. When I ordered food at a restaurant, I chose whatever sounded good. I didn’t read labels, I didn’t think about my health, and I certainly didn’t make purchases based on the environment.
And then I changed. Once I got pregnant my life rapidly morphed into a healthy, environmentally friendly one. My long-time friends and family members wondered why I had gone off the deep end. I was still politically conservative and an evangelical Christian – what was with all of the granola, green changes? If they invited me to their homes, what could they feed me? Would they clean the “right” way? Would I judge them for their unhealthy choices?
My changes seemed perfectly logical to me – I had no idea I was turning green. What my loved ones failed to consider was that deep down I was the same Hilary I had always been – but now that I knew about preventable dangers, I needed to make healthier choices for myself and my family. I knew that not everyone would make my same kind of choices – or even find an importance in avoiding toxins. I was still down-to-earth, understanding old me. And I still craved the taste of fast food burgers and fries, (especially with an icy cold soda pop) even though I tried to limit how often I splurged on the unhealthy treat.
I started writing my blog, Accidentally Green, and this book as a non-threatening way to explain many dangers to other people. I’m a journalist. I’ve spent the past seventeen years educating readers through my writing. To me, communicating the information is what I need to do.
I recognize there’s currently a lot of legalism in the green movement – “If you’re not doing fill-in-the-blank you’re not doing a good enough job.” Forget about good enough. Start making small but healthy choices. They will truly make a difference.
Once you’re comfortable with one change, then make another. I’ve spent the past six years making small changes in my family’s daily routines – by now, they’ve all become good habits. We’re living a much healthier, more environmentally friendly life, but it’s not a stretch for us. And it certainly doesn’t seem strange. In fact, it feels like we’re living a lot like my grandparents and great-grandparents did. We eat real food and reuse our belongings. However, I believe the comfort, stability, and ease has come from making one change at a time.
In the end, every change and choice boils down to stewardship. Am I being a good steward of what the Lord has blessed me with? I’m so thankful for His gifts of my family, a healthy body, and an abundant Earth. What am I doing each day to take care of these treasures? When I look at my decisions in light of this perspective, making changes – no matter how small or big they might be – cease feeling like they’re uncomfortable or difficult. They’re simply necessary.
This book explains my process of turning from “normal” to “green.” I explain every step of my beliefs and behaviors – whether they were misguided or accurate. And I detail my metamorphosis as I became acutely aware of my need to become a better steward of God’s precious blessings. I still consider myself to be a normal person – please feel free to apply whatever lessons might pertain to your life. Because I don’t have all the answers and I have such a long way to go, remember this is a snapshot of the process of one practical family.
For people who have been making healthy, green, and responsible choices for decades, this book may seem too simplistic. But hopefully it will enlighten readers who have no idea how or why to start making healthier decisions. Please keep in mind, this is just my story. But I hope it can make some sort of a difference in your life.
I’ve divided this book into six different chapters, as they explain six distinct phases of my life. I’ve included links to past Accidentally Green posts if you’re interested in reading additional information. After each chapter, the Pull Up A Chair section will share nitty gritty details that work for me – imagine you’ve pulled up a chair in my living room and I’m sharing exactly what I do. In the Things To Think About section, you’ll be able to look into your own life and answer several questions. Hopefully, by the end of this book you’ll be able to start making healthier decisions that honor God and happen to help the environment.