The Green Buddhist

Buddhist
As much as I speak of loving kindness and compassion, I think this is my first post that has to do with compassion towards our planet.
Shame on me for neglecting this topic for so long.
Caring for the environment is a natural part of the Buddhist path. The Buddha encouraged us to understand more deeply the underlying unity and interconnectedness of life. Values such as simplicity of lifestyle, sharing with others, taking responsibility for one’s actions, and compassion for all living things have always been at the heart of the Buddha’s teachings.
I am very conscious about our Earth, and being kind to it. But I think mindfulness dictates that I share my thoughts about it with you.
I mean, how compassionate of a person am I if I do not recycle? How compassionate and loving of all living things, if I drive a gas guzzler of a vehicle? And these are only two small areas that each of us can effectively make a difference.
Here is a small collection of other ways we can all show love to each other by honoring this place we all call home:
1. Cheap and Easy Cleaning Product!
If you want a really easy, inexpensive, and all-natural way to get clean this Spring, make your own cleaning products using white vinegar, salt, oil, and water.
2. Get Rid of Dryer Sheets.
Dryer Sheets are made from toxic synthetic chemicals that are not safe to use on clothing. And you definitely don’t want them touching your skin! Clothes should never be washed or dried in chemicals. Use natural alternatives that you can actually make with vinegar. There are a slew of natural clothing detergents and dryer sheets. Try Seventh Generation, Whole Foods 356 Brand, or Mrs. Meyers.
3. Whiten Teeth Naturally.
We all want white teeth. Thankfully you don’t have to fill your mouth with dangerous bleaching agents in order to obtain that pearly finish. Whiten your teeth naturally without the use of chemicals by mixing 1 ripe strawberry with 1 tsp baking soda. Spread the pinkish paste on your teeth and leave for 5 minutes.
4. Forget about Antibacterial Soap.
Antibacterial soap is a toxic cocktail of chemicals designed to kill. It also harms people, especially children, who should be trying to build up a healthy immune system. Use natural soap or make your own all-natural essential oil antibacterial concoctions and let your child’s immune system fight off the bacteria itself- that’s what it is meant to do.
5. Try giving up meat for the day and eat only Vegetarian/Vegan foods.
6. Turn off the TV and go play outside!
Visit your local parks and plan a family picnic; go on a family bike ride around your neighborhood; or go on a garbage walk with your family and pick up all of the trash you find along the way.
7. Go for the full load before running the dishwasher.
Wait until you have a full load (same rule of thumb for the clothes washer). This will help make the most of the energy, water, and detergent the machine uses.
8. Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer to save on heating and cooling costs.
9. Buy locally raised, humane, and organic meat, eggs, and dairy whenever you can. Purchasing from local farmers whenever possible.
10. Manufacturing stuff takes an enormous amount of energy.
Every object you own – your furniture, your clothing, your beer cans, your stuff – comes from somewhere; every object has an environmental impact. Nothing simply comes from “the store”. To help mitigate the footprint of your material life, choose goods made from green (or greener) materials, such as sustainably harvested wood, organic cotton, or repurposed and recycled materials. Your choices will help protect forests, habitat, clean water and biodiversity; ensure sustainable land-use practices; and reduce the amount of waste clogging up our landfills. Buying less stuff and second-hand stuff helps achieve this goal, too.

So there you have just ten suggestions out of possibly thousands.
We all make a difference, and just by doing a few things, create a huge ripple effect on all living things.
I hope you will consider some of these choices. And please know that I, and every other living thing, appreciates your loving kindness.

May you be well, happy, green and peaceful.