As if dating is complicated enough, there is now ANOTHER dimension to consider--“The Green Factor" or how eco-compatible two people are.  A recent write-in to the environmental magazine Grist shares one woman’s experience. The writer found herself at a loss as her and her husband’s opinions and commitments to sustainability differed. Take a look at her piece here.

While this might strike anxiety in the hearts of those already skeptical of dating process, I would argue this added dimension is an opportunity! Finding someone you share environmental ethics with can be a fantastic basis for a relationship. There is a whole spectrum of environmental choices. Perhaps you both choose to bike around town together, or to school or work, or even just go on a cruise together.  Maybe you meet at the Farmer’s Market to shop for ingredients for a home-cooked, localvore meal. How you chose to live out your environmental commitment is a great thing to share and develop with a friend or partner.

Take the time to share your ideas with your partner, use it as material for new conversation and see where it goes. Worried about energy use? See what happens when you turn the lights out 😉

Not so long ago, I used to LOVE that new shower curtain smell. You know the one I mean. I remember inhaling so deeply, that I’d sometimes get a bit dizzy. Now I know that the intoxicating smell I once enjoyed was actually TOXIC – and perhaps reaping havoc with my health and reproductive system. In fact, according to the Center for Health, Environment and Justice new laboratory testing found that those innocuous-looking vinyl shower curtains can release over 100 chemicals into the air, some of which can damage the respiratory and reproductive systems, and even cause cancer. (And I thought mold and mildew were the culprits!) The good news is that safer PVC-free curtains are widely available. So, if it’s time to replace that grungy old shower curtain or liner but you’re worried about bringing toxic chemicals into your home, check out this FREE resource: Pass Up the Poison Plastic - The PVC-Free Guide for Your Family & Home. In addition to providing some alternatives to PVC-based products, this comprehensive guide includes info about other plastics to avoid (such as polycarbonate and polystyrene) and tips for what you can do to shop smarter.

Chelsea Green has been publishing books on sustainable living since long before green became the new black.  They also have a comprehensive site featuring articles and blogs about everything from composting, swine flu, grassroots raw milk movement, wind turbines...

In this day and age, when we are becoming increasingly aware of so many scary environmental factors in our homes and environment waiting to pounce on us, Chelsea Green reminds us there is much positive being done.  Check 'em out!