Part of a series featuring green moms, the new Chief Eco Officers.

Doreen Kukral’s Mom Goes Green is a window into one mom’s journey to green living, from trying to recycle on vacation to what her kids should snack on.

How do you eco?

I simply try to be aware and conscious of the decisions I make and how they affect both my family and our environment. I don’t do anything that’s unrealistic. We recycle and eat organic foods as much as possible. I choose products that are biodegradable, eco-friendly and naturally derived for the good of the earth and my family. I’ve incorporated reusable bags into shopping and try to maintain a zero-waste approach to everything possible. I also simply remember the r’s: reuse, reduce, recycle… and make the right choice.

Why did you go eco?

I have children that will have to live with the effects of my decisions. Why wouldn’t I want the very best for them in terms of their health and the condition of their world? I want them to learn a better way. I want to give them the tools to make the best decisions. And long after I’m gone, I hope they will continue that legacy and respect the world we live in and make good choices for themselves.

One of the wisest things I ever heard is “We don’t raise children; we raise adults.” Children already know how to be children. We need to teach them to be conscious adults. I’m sure they will embrace it…at 3- and 6-years old they’ve already shown me that they want to learn.

What’s your favorite eco tip?

Just start somewhere and take baby steps. Rome wasn’t built in a day. Make gradual changes and it doesn’t seem so daunting. Begin with recycling. Next, buy reusable bags. Then, try organic foods and bio-degradable products. There are so many choices available to us, so take advantage of that. You don’t have to sacrifice anything and I think that’s a misconception of going green. Do what’s best for you, your children and your family.

EcoLinks

• Mom Goes Green
• Chief Eco Officers