Phon Baillie is dreaming of a green Christmas. After living an eco-friendly lifestyle for the past seven years, the 34-year-old mother from Abbotsford says it’s become a way of life for her family and hopes the eco-savvy mind-set will be part of her son’s frame of reference as he grows — during the holidays and around the year.

As one of an increasing number of Canadians opting for greener homes, cars, clothes, food, household items and vacations, she’s not alone.

According to Laurie Simmonds, president and CEO of Green Living Enterprises and www.Green-Living.ca,the preference for all things green is mounting, and much of that has to do with media awareness, individual concern for the earth and personal health, and continued education on how easy it can be to make environmentally conscious decisions.

“When eco-friendly living was first introduced, many people had the notion that in order to improve the environment, they would have to completely overhaul their lifestyle when really it’s small steps that, cumulatively, can yield big results.”

Port Moody resident Alison Ferguson, co-founder of the green gifting site www.EveryLittleBitgreen.com,says the growing preference for greener versions of everyday items proves how easy it is.

“In a lot of situations, choosing ecofriendly products isn’t just gentler on the earth, it’s a matter of smart spending and convenience, too,” said Ferguson. (more…)