I actually just love the picture this post came with... Does anyone have a larger version?

I'm currently in the process of phasing out my chemical cleaning products. I'm not dumping them as that would be wasteful, I'm just not replacing them. Yes it would be great to start fresh but as I've paid for all these items I am going to use them until they are empty or in the case of pans and containers - until I simply can't use them anymore.

I personally think 'going green' is more of a gradual process rather than an overnight overhaul.

I recycled my old plastic containers as they leach chemicals into my food. That was a health consideration for me. I also bought a stainless steel skillet to use instead of my non-stick ones. I didn't get rid of the skillets as they weren't cheap and I do use them occasionally if I'm cooking a lot and need multiple pans. I also got rid of old personal care products containing parabens, sulfates, etc due to the effects they have on the body.

In my opinion, keeping things that can make you sick isn't worth it, but also keep a green mind set. Use what you still can without putting yourself at risk. And always recycle what you can.

Ran across this and know am way late to the party, but just in case somebody comes a-Googling...I rather suddenly stopped using chemical cleaning products several years ago and actually put all my old stuff on Craigslist, in the "free stuff" section. I itemized the list, called it "assorted household cleaning products - 19 items," and included an explanation of why I was getting rid of them and a request that if the taker wasn't going to use something out of the lot, they'd pass it on or take it to the household chemical disposal place [address and phone included]. Got a lot of takers, the first being this nice old retired couple. The lady said that she was used to using "regular cleaning things," but said that her granddaughter was a burgeoning "hippie," and would be glad to hear that Grandma was at least using "recycled" "regular" cleaners. It was adorable.

Anyway. Not always economically feasible, but I was starting to be quite concerned about some chemical sensitivities I was experiencing during and after cleaning, and figured that switching to vinegar/etc. and passing the chemicals on to someone who would've purchased them anyway was the "greenest" way to make the change quickly.

I agree with the previous posts. It's definitely a gradual process. So start with the items most important to you.

When I started to make my transition to more green living, I did little things here and there. I didn't want to just up and get rid of all my stuff and buy new. As I use up my regular cleaners, I'd replace them with green cleaners.
My plastic containers were a big one I started on right away because I didn't want chemicals leaching into my food. So I gave away or recycled all my plastic an started buying glass containers. Now that my bath towels are getting pretty worn and thread bare, I'm considering organic cotton bath towels to replace those.

I think you need to take stock of your home. See what is getting worn out and replace with the greener option. See what is important to you personally (ex: chemical sensitivity or plastics leaching into your food), and change those for the greener option. Do things in steps so it's manageable. Other than that, just make do with the items you already have.

I sympathize. My first instinct was to toss out my plastic containers but I used them to hold small tag-sale items. The best thing to do with unwanted items is to donate them or sell them so they continue to live on and not end up in the landfill.

My new goal is to declutter, so I can think clearly. Then I will make much more thoughtful purchases, I will only buy what lasts a lifetime and stuff I absolutely love and need. And I will buy reclaimed wood, etc so as not to harm the environment. One step at a time, I think a calm mind and soul must be the first step to clear purchasing. :)

this is a great discussion topic and one I hope more people will comment on. I'm in the same boat. I have dozens of plastic food storage containers that my husband can't bear to get rid of because we paid for them - I want to switch to glass. I am phasing our our chemical cleaners and personal care products as we use them up. and as much as I would love a new HE washing machine, our current model is only 7 years old and still works well. Maybe after I save up, I can sell it on Craigslist and buy a new one.