Elena helps her readers understand what it means to live green over at Life The Green Way, a site focused on “bringing green mainstream”.
How long have you been blogging and what inspired you to start?
I have always been passionate about taking care of the environment because I was taught to do so at such an early age. Growing up, many things, such as repurposing items, shopping at thrift stores and recycling were commonplace in our home.
I started blogging in March 2009, so that I could share tips with everyday people, like me, on how to “go green” while saving money, too! Blogging seemed to be the best way to reach a vast amount of people at the same time, so I went for it!
What can readers expect to find when visiting your blog for the first time?
They’ll see my logo, which I designed myself and am very proud of! 
I hope they will also see how passionate I am about the environment through reading my posts. Besides sharing information, such as the toxins that lurk in cosmetics and fragrances, the versatility of vinegar and how often you should change your pillows, I also share “how-to’s” like: 7 Ways to Reuse Your Old Pillows and 12 Tips For Doing Laundry A Greener, Cheaper Way.
How long have you been living the “green” life?
I had what I call a “rurban” (rural-urban hybrid) upbringing. I was very blessed in being able to spend a lot of time on our family farm in “L.A.” (Lower-Alabama). My grandfather, a retired farmer, took the time to teach me and my younger siblings how to manage and care for our land. We learned how to use everything and waste as little as possible. We planted, cultivated, harvested and processed our own food- sugar cane, peas, corn, sweet potatoes, broccoli, tomatoes and so much more. We even learned how to make syrup from the sugar cane we grew! At home in the city, my mom (a stay-at-home mom) showed us how to make spending money by saving aluminum cans and taking them to the recycling center. We’d spend most of our summer days at the neighborhood pool taking swimming lessons, which was big fun for us. Little did we know, we were saving on cooling costs at home by spending time away during the heat of the day. I could go on and on about the many ways we were “green” but didn’t really call it that at the time.
Why do you think it is so important for people to live “green”?
I believe that taking care of our environment is a responsibility that we should all embrace. We only have a finite amount of natural resources. In the words of Ralph Nader, “We must strive to become good ancestors.”
What first steps would you encourage people to take who want to live a greener life, but feel overwhelmed by the lifestyle changes?
Start small! Don’t fall for the many green myths that are out there! Small changes do matter- use the power in your wallet to make a difference in the green movement by making greener choices. For instance, when you buy paper goods for your home, e.g., paper towels, toilet paper and napkins, look for products that use high percentages of recycled or post-consumer waste.
Here’s what a spokesperson from the Natural Resources Defense Council said that really drives this home: “If everyone in the U.S. elected to buy one package of 100% recycled napkins instead of the non-recycled variety, that act alone would save 1 million trees!” Now that’s powerful!
To get started on your “green journey” take my quiz, “Just How Green Are You?” in my post, 8 Easy Ways to Save Green.
Other popular posts from Life the Green Way:
My City Rocks: Birmingham’s Railroad Park Nominated for “Best New Park”!
Do You Know When To Buy Organic?
Sustainable 1000: Shane Chats With Me About “Green” in the Magic City
About Kat
Love ‘bringing green mainstream”! And funny my post today is about a fashionable way to be green – repurposing luxury car upholstery into one-of-a-kind jackets.
Michelle recently posted..Platinum Dirt
Happy SITS Day!
Vi Nguyen recently posted..Mom for an Hour
Love this – This is not a strong suit in my home, so I love simple tips and how-to’s that make the task of turning our home greener something I can baby-step!
yay for eco bloggers!
off to stalk your blog
cupcakemummy recently posted..sirens and photographs
Happy Sits day! Off to read more
Happy feature day!!!
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Happy SITS day – I love your blog!
The Falconer’s Wife recently posted..The Windhover Falco Tinnunculus
totally excited to look around!
♥ theMRS.
the MRS. recently posted..The thing is- I like being right
Inspiring and kudos on designing your own logo!
Heather recently posted..Portland Oregon Jewelry Haul
Love it. We need all the tips we can get
Kimberly recently posted..Our 1st Video Review! 2 New Fisher Price Toys
Love it! I am currently switiching to a greener lifestyle for my family and me. I blog about my journey. It is so important for the planet and our quality of life.
Twitter: sandsapps
says:
Happy SITS Day!
Thanks for reminding me to” be green”, I can always use a reminder about this!!
Angie recently posted..Jesus Arrested Judas Betrayal- Day 6
Agreed… I’ve found, also, that some 90% of what comes in my house can be recycled in some way. Between that and composting, we generate just about a grocery bag full of trash a week.
Pamela Hazelton recently posted..Social Media is Just a Fad…
I buy all my clothes on eBay. I also get my sunglasses, purses…well, pretty much everything I can. I get my stepdaughter’s clothes on there as well, never paying more than $5 per item (plus shipping). We get great values, someone else can make some money off their used items, and we’re helping the environment. It’s a win for everyone! I also sell mine and her clothes on there when we can no longer wear them…and use the money to buy more clothes on there!
Stephanie Faris recently posted..Places That Still Only Take Cash
A great blog! We should all try to live a little bit “greener”.
Jen @ Our Fine House recently posted..Eye Candy- Home Offices
Happy SITS day!
Looking forward to reading your blog.
stephany recently posted..what did we do today
Happy SITS day! love learning new tips about improving and keeping our environment safe!
Oh I love GREEN! I’m so glad you got featured today! I’m off to check out your blog…I’m a little green this week too.
Thank you.
Sandra recently posted..Why Did This Post Make Me Cry
What an inspiring post! Going to check out this “green” blog!
~Melissa
Reflections on Writing
Melissa Kline recently posted.. ō
I’m glad you were profiled and can’t wait to read your blog! I’m always looking for ways to “greenify” our lives.
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Twitter: myicing
says:
Can’t wait to check her out! What a cool blog to feature! I do love her logo! Very professional
Mimi recently posted..Shop My Closet- Royal Blue Forever 21 Dress
Love the blog spotlight today! I need to incorporate more “green” into my lifestyle!
Heather @ Mrs. Southern Bride recently posted..Cherish
Yay for honest to goodness green living.
Linda recently posted..Its Okay to be an Introvert
Happy SITS day!
I’m always up for more ideas on how to live more greenly
Kimberly recently posted..Kissing a Frog
Twitter: thesatevepot
says:
Looking forward to seeing what great tips and info she’s got on this topic!
The Lucky Wife recently posted..Make a Food-e-Friend Monday 9- Portobello Mushroom Caps Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Prosciutto
Twitter: babybabylemon
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Oh, yay! I’m always looking for ways to get greener.
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Twitter: trish3kids
says:
Looking forward to checking out your blog!
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howdy.
c.c. recently posted..unhappy endings
Happy SITS day to YOU! Slowing making my own family greener…great site.
Liz recently posted..Buzz on by Thursday giveaway!
I’m looking forward to looking around her blog. I love learning more about living a greener life.
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Twitter: sheswrite
says:
Ooooooo! This sounds like yet another good one. I love Going Green themes. It’s something we struggle with in my house. I’ll set up a new system for everyone to follow and my dear ol’ Hubby will circumvent it. I’m thinking I should make him read her blog so he can see ways of going green with ease. I’m raising a glass to you, your cause and your SITS day.
She’sWrite recently posted..A Farewell To Old Friends and Their Twisted Lives
This is a really important time for folks to think about their “carbon footprint”. No matter what your cause, be it Sea Turtle Conservation or just saving the planet for your children’s children, we’re all on the same team and everything we do has an impact. Thanks for keeping up the awareness effort by celebrating green!
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Love this! Hoe appropriate when Earth Day is right around the corner! My family started recycling last year and it’s been the start of a Green lifestyle for us. It’s amazing to see how much doesn’t go into the garbage now that we recycle.
Going to see how much more I can learn!
Tiffany recently posted..Hello and Goodbye
Love love love this blog. To me it is so important to help save our earth and go green so this has a lot of meaning to me! Especially with Earth Day coming up!!
Rorie recently posted..Weekend Filled With Work
Bring Green Mainstream…love that!
Glamamom recently posted..MARK & JAMES
A little late, but I’m here!
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Hopefully we can all be more green!
Sarah Ruth recently posted..MilSpouse Friday Fill-In 37
Repurposing is fun!
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I’m “green-ish” – I use a lot of public transport, walk many places, buy local and/or organic as my as my shopping choices and budget permit, bring my own bags to the store, recycle, and lately have been getting into refashioning/upcycling my clothes and the kids’ clothes. But I’m always looking for more tips on incorporating green habits into our daily lives. I’ve signed up to follow your blog – thanks!
Mommy en France recently posted..Easter decorations
Twitter: annieandisabel
says:
Can’t wait to learn how to live greener!!
Annie & Isabel (Anna & Selena) recently posted..Welcome to Annie & Isabels New Web Site and Store!
We try to be as green as possible in our home, but I have an idea this blogger is going to inspire us to improve our skills!
Lindsay recently posted..Road Trip!
Twitter: teacher_viviene
says:
Love nature! Congrats on being featured!
http://www.theblogforbrides.com
http://www.journeyofawoman.wordpress.com
can’t wait to check out her blog – i’m always eager to learn more tips about how to live a greener lifestyle…
Denine Anderson-Regan recently posted..Kids Craft – Use Old Baby Socks To Make Doll Dresses
Looking forward to finding ways to make our business more green! Great BLOG!!