Moving towards a greener planet

Going green. Going organic. These are catch phrases that we use in our daily language to help communicate to friends, family and industry that we are making changes in our everyday lives to minimize our foot print on this planet. At Mclean, we know that making these changes isn't easy. In fact, we believe that there is no one simple set of rules to live by but a myriad of ways we can live our lives. The day-to-day decisions we make are usually based on lifestyle, where we live, available resources and disposable income. You may recycle but you don't compost, you may telecommute from home 4 days a week but drive a large SUV the one day you do commute, or perhaps you use environmentally friendly light bulbs throughout your house, but use up excessive energy from all your tech toys and the 2 deep freezers that are in your garage. Our philosophy is that every step counts as long as most of the steps we are taking are collectively moving us forward - towards a cleaner and greener planet.

To help guide the way for our Mclean team, we prepared some helpful tips to remind us how we can make a difference with our own families. We have posted them below to share with you in hopes they inspire change in your daily lives or provoke thought and discussion around your family dinner table.

Tip #1: Do your research. Is it global warming? Or climate change? Is it organic from California or is it grown locally with pesticide?

Tip #2: Prioritize your values. Start with the changes that are achievable within your budget and your lifestyle (ex. Recycle as much you can).

Tip #3: Buy fresh and in season (freeze, jar or pickle for the winter).

Tip #4: Support your local farmers' markets regularly, not just when it feels right. Make a commitment.

Tip #5: Grow your own. Learn how. You will respect the farmer more and it's fun.

Tip #6: Make it from scratch. Cook like a Pioneer!

Tip #7: Bike or walk when you can. Or car pool when you can't.

Tip #8: Invest in GREEN companies that have policy around minimizing pollution, environmental clean up,  and energy conservation. 

Tip #9: Know where your food comes from. Know country of origin. Or better yet, know city and town. If you can, know the farmer's name.

Tip #10: Be passionate and inspire others through your actions.