Work can change a LIFESTYLE...

 Congrats!

You know that is same for me. Although I'm a huge and always been a recycler (maybe ORD-obsessive recycling disorder) lol. I was on the recycling committee in my hometown for years and was a big advocate for it. I've always been interested in more green ideas.

Then I got a job working for a housing project attempting LEED! I've learned so much, now at home if my soaps/cleaners run out, I buy eco-friendly. I use those tote bags for shopping all the time now. I buy tiolet paper that has recycling content. We use the cfl bulbs lighting. 

I've introduced recycling paper in my office here.I'm thinking why are people taking so long to get into recycling paper at the workplace/schools. ugg.

Its good to hear that your job has had a positive influence on you.  I do several "green" things at my work and always wonder if it has an influence on those around me.  It sometimes gets frustrating to be teased about being a "treehugger" but I hope that maybe my co-workers think twice about things when they go home.

 I have changed too! My company is all about using green products, eating healthy(they're all vegetarians), working out and of course, recycling. When I first started at their small office, I was nervous and confused every time I had to throw something away: where does the paper go, where does a paper cup go, bottles, cans, food leftoves? grrrrrrr....

They noticed my frustration and put up signs with description on what goes where. 

In a few weeks, I even started using the same recycling system at home, this time putting up signs for my boyfriend :-)

I also have started buying earth-friendly products and follow my diet more closely (I dont think I can give up meat yet though).

Great thread. I've commented on this with people a few times. When we first started Huddler, other than a fascination with renewable energy options, I was pretty much a n00b. I'm still no expert, but exactly as you said, I have made a ton of lifestyle changes. I think the biggest is an overall awareness of waste. I'm still not perfect, but I'm infinitely more conscious of packaging, unnecessary plastic bags, recycling, etc. I definitely see the world through a much greener lens now, all through what I've learned from the users of this site.

It's funny how often I read ingredients lists now on food, cleaning, and personal care products. I actually know what the stuff is and why it shouldn't be in there! hah

Great thread! I was blogging about this just the other day. Years ago, I said to myself that I wanted to change my lifestyle to include growing at least some of my own food. But you know, time whizzes by, and with one thing and another ... anyway, this year, completely by "coincidence" (if there is such a thing) I landed a contract writing for VegBox Recipes. Next thing I know, I'm being asked to host a live webcast all about growing your own, featuring an expert special guest. I learned so much in the space of three weeks of planning, and NOW it's my job to actually start growing and blog about it throughout next year. Job changing my lifestyle?! You bet!!

PS If you're interested in growing your own, you can download a free recording of the webcast and some summary information from our blog.

Merry Christmas!

I wish I could say the same. I was at my last job for 6 years, and I was always trying to get them to change habits. I worked for a bridal salon and its much harder to convert a retail opperation than an office environment. At least thats the exscuse I got! Plain and simple they just didnt want to be bothered with making upgrades or changing. Now I work in and office for and Environmental consulting firm. We do our best, but the building we are in does not help. They dont recycle! I dont know what the laws are, if they are required to or not. But I refuse to read the newspaper in the morning at work (even though I can get them for free in the lobby) because I cant recycle it when Im done. Also, at home I drink tap water, at work they have a water delivered. I drink it but i reuse the same bottle that i brought from home everyday. No plastic cups allowed! Unfortunatley because of the type of work we do, we have alot of paper files. There just isnt any getting around it at the moment.

I grew up pretty eco-minded, particularly because my mom is passionate about sharing her love of the natural world and being good stewards.  So my training started early...and it continued on through college where I studied International Relations & Global Environment. 

But since working at Huddler, I've certainly adjusted my purchasing habits, even the smallest ones.  It's in part so I can review all sorts of stuff :-) and in part because every day, I'm increasingly amazed at the chemical soup we're living in.  I used to pop to the drug store to pick up whatever shampoo or body wash looked interesting and not too horrible.  But now I spend a lot more time studying lists of ingredients to consider its effects both on me and on the environment.

I totally agree. My job has made me more aware of the little things that I can do to help the environment. I now recycle, bring my own shopping bags, turn off lights, and ride my bike.

Kudos to you. :)

I agree.  I use to be a manager w/ Origins (and while they are on OrganicGals list of fakers, they did recently take all of the parabens out of their products).  When I started working there that's when my "Green Journey" truly began.  They would send us to "school" every season to learn about the new and/or improved products they were launching.  They would also educate us on environmental issues, healthy, natural living / eating etc.  A great deal of our customers already embraced that lifestyle so I wanted to embrace that lifestyle as much as I could and even share my knowledge with my customers and they would share their knowledge with me.  I learned allot just from talking to the customers.  Working there was inspiring, and so I give allot of credit to them for the green changes I made.