I can’t remember exactly how I found out about the online magazine Sprig. I know it was via Meredith, but I can’t recall if I saw a link to it on her site or if she emailed me about it. But however it was, it was a really great find. I am in love with this “magazine.” I only wish that they would print it up on glossy paper and send it to my mailbox. Although yes, I’m aware that would negate the whole point of a “green” magazine.

It’s a very good read. The tabs are easy to follow and the whole vibe is just very stylish. There are great recommendations for products that run the gamut from beauty to home. And now that being green is so en vogue, I’m glad that there are folks out there that realize that people like me exist. People who want to do better by the environment, but don’t want to toss aside luxury and style to do so. In the past, green was always equated with crunchy for me. Hemp tote bags, Earth shoes, the odor of Patchouli wafting through the air… So not me.

The term these days is eco chic. Some people? Don’t like that. Because apparently designing a product that is earth-friendly but also looks stylish is going to encourage rampant consumerism. But I say, why does one have to cancel out the other? Why does is have to be an oxymoron? Why can’t you leave a lighter footprint on the earth, but do so with gorgeous boots on? Am I a hypocrite because while I enjoy buying my food at the local Farmer’s Market to support local farmers, I also load my family and our ski equipment into my husband’s giant SUV for a trip to the local ski resort? Maybe. But listen, I’m not trying to be anything other than what I am. I am a mom with two kids and two dogs who lives an active lifestyle in the mountains. That means a lot of driving to and from sporting activities, oftentimes with our dogs in the car. That means there’s a lot of gear that needs to be schlepped around with us. And sorry, but the kids? The dogs? The husband? The gear? It’s not going to fit into a Prius. And really? What kind of a goof would be crazy enough to tackle these snowy and treacherous mountains in a Prius? Not this goof. And anyway, my husband’s giant SUV? It’s nearly 12 years old! And we have no intention of getting rid of it. Not until it stops driving. We’re not signing a lease on a new car every two years. Doesn’t that count for something?

Also? I’m a consumer. In the great old American tradition. I buy stuff. I try to buy only the things that we need, and I’d like to pare down what we bring home. But I’m not going to stop shopping. I do prefer quality because in the end? I only want to buy something once. Does that make my attempts at living lighter on the earth any less vital then Miss Sustainable Everything? Because I want my reusable totes to look good?

So, call me a hypocrite if you like. But I’m not trying to change the world here. I’m just trying to do my best where I can do my best. I’m teaching my girls about the importance of shopping for food locally, when possible. And taking our own reusable tote bags to the grocery store. And throwing garbage in the trash, not out the car window. And carefully sorting our recycling every Sunday morning, to prepare it for pick-up on Monday morning. And I’m proud to say that Pea? She knows what material goes in which bin. It’s a start.

Oh, and those hemp tote bags? Just look at how chic the next generation of those old stand-bys has become. And those Earth shoes? I totally want a pair of these to get me through next winter. But the Patchouli? No, thanks. I’ll pass.