Step One

Buying

First we are re-examining how we buy things. Everything from toothpaste to carrots, socks to light bulbs. We have come up with some questions that we ask ourselves each time we are thinking about buying something.

1. Can we make it?

2. Can we buy it from someone who has made it? ( www.etsy.com )

3. Do we really need it?

4. Do we love it and will it still be something we use in the years to come or even pass on to our kids?

5. Can it be re-used or recycled?

So far, food has been the easiest transition. We buy only whole foods, no processed foods, with some exceptions. 90 % of our food comes in the form of fresh produce. We bake our own bread, and crackers, when available we shop at the local farmer's market and buy local produce. We use raw sugar, whole wheat flour and whole grains whenever possible. We don't eat meat, so that makes not buying meat easy. We use butter not margarine, and Extra virgin Olive oil for all our oil needs. We love to eat well, so we spend a great deal on quality, fresh ingredients, and enjoy the extra time it takes to prepare food from scratch. We don't feel like we are missing out, or reducing the quality of food in our house, in fact we have never eaten better.

There are certain things though, which we have not been able to give up, chocolate for me, and tortilla chips for my husband. Our kids are able to pick out their treat as well. Although the last time we went shopping, my three year old daughter chose a mango for her treat, I unfortunately do not have her discipline and couldn't wait to eat my German made dark chocolate!