way forward - going green

What is the way forward? Everytime I go for my weekly shopping, I think I should carry cloth bags like we used to carry when we were children. But then,I will have to separately buy plastic bags to throw garbage, see. So I have told myself that I will go for regular carrybags that department stores give and reuse them as garbage bags. I will definitely say no to the small and inferior quality plastic bags which are used by the vendor when I buy flowers and vegetables from the roadside cart vendor. I will take them with me in the big plastic bag which I already have and sufficient space in them for these add ons. Yes, I am thinking and contributing to the environment in this small way, during my weekly shopping.
Am I a discerning 'green' buyer when I do the actual shopping inside the stores? No, not really so far. But I do restrict myself to buying the stuff I actually feel the need. I make a list during the week as and when I feel the need and mostly stick to buying from the list. I do go in for larger packaging even though it is more convenient to go for smaller packaging, for storing and use.
I go for local brands, like in Nilgiris stores I go for their brand items.I believe the carbon footprint is less this way.I buy locally produced fruits most of the time and also the seasonal ones. In Bangalore I always opt for locally grown banana, the small sweet variety. I usually do not buy fruit juices in cartons except during travel. On such occasions I carefully select the brands which specifically mention ' no chemical or preservative used'.
Have I gone the organic way completely? No, I am afraid not. Some years back when organic was becoming common lingo, there were lots of misinformation, that the organic tag is a misnomer and we are cheated by being charged a hefty premium for a non existing benefit to the environment and our health. So I never really got started on the organic front. Yes,I do patronise a shop selling exclusive organic products. They cost atleast twice what similar products cost in stores. But I think it is an investment worth making.
At home I have switched over to cfc bulbs and am quite keen on using electricity and water very carefully, studiouly.
But do I use public transport when I can. The waiting and the uncertainty of public transport is not making me opt for it when I travel within the city. Let me see with metro and mono rail being commissioned I might make a change.
With rising incomes, travel has become the cause for increasing global warming. I am restricting myself to travel only when it is essential. Yes, truly.
Before signing off I recall our travel by train when we were kids. We carried food, but constantly replenished water from the station tap in our 'koojas'. We did not fall sick drinking out of the station tap. But now it is unthinkable. Everyone of the passengers carry a plastic waterbottle!