Super Eco

Photo credit: Trenttsd on Flickr

You love your man dearly, but not as much as he loves his harsh chemical cleaners, degreasers and paints. There may even be a shed or garage that's a shrine to the worst petroleum-based, eco-killing, allergy-causing chemicals that have ever been devised by morally questionable international corporations. What's an environmentally conscious wife to do? I have three tips to help you pry those extra large bottles of environmental death out of his hands and replace them with eco-friendly alternatives that still get the job done.

1. Reward him. Men are simple creatures really. Give us what we want and we'll give you what you want. And what do we want? Sex tops the list. Sex in a new room, in a new position, at a new time a day, it's all good. Other incentives that will work include: allow us time with our guy friends (without guilting us that we aren't spending enough time with our own family); no-distraction sports watching; and letting us win an argument. Ok, that last one was asking a bit much, but you get the idea.

2. Make him feel smart, not stupid. You already know mens' egos are delicate, so avoid yelling at him for using his beloved harsh chemical cleaners. Any hint of judging, rolling eyes or exasperated sighing will make him instantly shut down. Instead, let him know that the alternative you would like him to try is not only just as effective, but smarter. Also, don't brag to your friends in front of him about how you made him change. That's a recipe for instant resentment and defensiveness. Tell your friends how impressed you were in the way he made everyone in the house happy.

3. Don't expect him to give up all his chemical darlings. Just like having cheat days built into diet plans or that stash of chocolate you hide from the kids, don't be surprised if your husband holds out on dumping all his environmentally unfriendly cleaners. There will always be a few that he will never give up because they are so effective. Live with it. Marriage is about compromise and this is one of those times to strike a deal to get things done.

Remember your husband's ego is what you are up against. Make sure to approach him in a positive, loving way and not with lectures and disapproving looks. Believe it or not, he wants you to be happy, too, and if he can feel like a hero doing it then it's win/win for everyone. Not only will you see him take a step closer to ecological awareness, but your relationship will improve as well.

Next up: Green your woman.