A little "green" research

I know I've mentioned before that I've dabbled in "going green", but lately, I've gotten a little more serious. The more I read about it and the more I talk to friends and family who have done it, the more I realize what benefits it really does have! So, I've decided to do some serious research!

I know that I definitely want to use "green" or eco-friendly cleaning products. I've read about Seventh Generation, Method Home and Mrs. Meyers. I've found that they all carry about the same household products (Mrs. Meyers has more variety and options than the others), but they are significantly different in price. We have access to stores in Wichita that carry all 3 brands, so shopping online and paying shipping isn't necessary. But, here is my problem - where do you save money and go with the cheaper products and where do spend money and use the more expensive products? For instance, Mrs. Meyer's all-purpose cleaner is $11.99 and it is concentrated - you mix it with water to dilute it and clean away, while Method Home has a spray bottle of all-purpose cleaner for $4.00. I've also read that Seventh Generation dish soap doesn't work too well, but I don't know anyone who has used the other brands. So, please, inform me if you have experience with any of these products!!

As far as body products go, I'd like to use as much natural stuff as possible. I've been using Burt's Bees lotion and face soap and really enjoy it. It is a little more expensive than the other name-brand stuff, but I've found that a little goes a long way! Just last week, I picked up some body was at Target called Pure & Natural. I haven't found anything online about it, but I like it so far. It, like Burt's Bees, is not 100% natural, but it's better than nothing at all, right? Some of the other natural body washes seem so expensive for the quantity you get and they aren't concentrated. I also picked up some natural toothpaste, Tom's, to be exact. It is taking some getting used to. It is not as sweet as Colgate or Crest, but we're working through it.

I know there are all kinds of horrible, terrible things in makeup, but I've never spent much money on makeup, so it is going to be very hard for me to transition this part. I've also read that Bare Minerals, which is one of the most popular brands isn't so bare. So, what is a girl to do??

My sister uses Melaleuca products and she has sent me some information, but you have to become a "member" or sorts to purchase and it is all on the internet, which isn't very convenient, and in my life, I need convenience!!

Besides transitioning products, I've also realized that there are so many small things I can do that don't necessarily cost money, such as using glass food-storage containers instead of plastic and avoid heating up those plastic containers, requesting paper grocery sacks instead of plastic, recycle recycle recycle - you get the drift!

So, I'm asking any of my readers who might be "going green" to give me some advice! What have you tried that you've liked or what have you tried that has been a total disaster?? How did you make the transition? Have you noticed any changes in your health? What are some things you've done besides transitioning products?