‘The Green in…‘ Is a series of interviews with people who are nurturing green ideas within their daily lives, without giving up their day jobs.
The Green in…Karla Courtney - Q&A
What’s your personal elevator pitch/introduction?
Hi, I love Michael Jackson and my goal is to have an exhibition of knitted portraits. Want to be my friend?
(Oh and I’m also Online Editor-in-Chief, ACP Custom Media at ACP Magazines and mum to Marshall (above), aka the {tiny} sartorialist)
Tell me about an interesting green initiative you’ve heard about or worked on.
I like simple initiatives that are easy to add into our lives but can make a big difference – the Bokashi Apartment compost is a product I really dig. So many of the “biodegradable” things we throw in our bins will sit in landfills for years and years taking up space. I think this is a great way to reduce our household waste. I need to stop talking about them and get one. I am going to right now.
How are you green in your daily life?
No car – we walk or take public transport. My husband and I have made a conscious decision to go as long as possible without having our own vehicle. We live in the city centre, it really isn’t necessary.
Nappies – I did a lot of research into my nappy solution. I use some cotton but I am also concerned about the amount of water waste. I have found some great biodegradable nappies that also adopt an eco-certified manufacturing process.
Household products – eco friendly as much as possible. My cleaning arsenal is all from Cinderella Cleaning Products - they are chemical-free, plant-based and biodegradable – and while I am sure they don’t recommend ingesting, you don’t need to call poison control if you do. Toilet paper, etc, always recycled and I avoid overly packaged options whenever I can.
Little things – turn off power points, recycle, take shorter showers.
Be nice – I don’t like to be preachy to people who aren’t as “green” as I am because I know that there are about a trillion people who live much more eco-friendly lives than I do. I think the important thing is to encourage everyone to try and focus on as many small things as possible.
How often do you think about green issues?
I think a bit of green is embedded in my habits always. Consciously, at least a few times a day. I want my son to be respectful of his surroundings.
Who inspires the green in you?
Everyone else who has to share the same resources I do!
Green Articles, blogs or books you recommend…
How about eco-store? I really like www.ecobabe.com.au - that’s where I get my nappies, cleaning products and inspiration for other household items that could be greener.
