Greening your resolutions
I have never really been the kind to wait until the new year to act on personal resolutions. However, as the calendar pages get ready to turn and we embark on a whole new year, many people will be looking to use the fresh start to better themselves. This year, however, I extend a challenge to you.
Think not only of how this year’s resolutions can better yourself, but how you can use them to better the world around you.
Taking resolutions one step further gives us options
What would happen if you took your resolutions one step further? You’d be surprised. Not only would you be doing your community a favor, but the resolutions stand a chance of surviving past January.Common resolutions look like the following:
- lose weight/ get fit
- save money
- more time with family/friends
- travel more.
Here are a few one-step-further resolutions that can have a significantly larger impact.
- Curb your meat consumption. Ideally, all of the way down to zero. The word is out that meat isn’t great for you, is anything but awesome for the environment, and the meat that eventually makes its way to your plate is loaded with antibiotics. By moving meat from the center of your plate to an occasional side dish you’ll be taking about 1/3 off the top of your grocery bill. Those 10 pounds you resolved to lose? Dropping meat will definitely drop those. You’ll also find yourself with more energy to do things like, say, exercise! Or be active. Or, ultimately, sleep better.
- Consider the energy. From moving your car to heating your home, we spend a surprising amount of money on fuels. Everything we consume requires energy of some capacity to be produced. Keep this in mind when changing your consumption habits. Take shorter showers, modify your home so it is better insulated, ride your bike to work or consider working remotely a few days a week. I anticipate a lot more remote workers and telecommuting this year, its up to you to convince your employer that it is an option worth exploring.
- Cook at home. Sure, you’re saving money. But you’re also preparing foods that are better for you and you can cook extra to save for another meal. You also have the option of sourcing locally grown and organic foods – supporting your farmers and smarter growing practices. When planning menus and shopping for food, try to think beyond of “what do I want to eat” and more into “what is available?” Eat within reason by eating within season.
- Cultivate communities. Either through participation or facilitation, by just starting conversations about green and sustainable lifestyles works to change people’s minds and habits. This past year I’ve enjoyed hosting a few parties with food-based themes, showing off my garden, and working through this site to show both friends and strangers that living a more sustainable, self-sufficient lifestyle is well within everyone’s reach.
This year, think one step further.
