With the holiday season behind us, it’s a great time to reflect on the past twelve months and set new goals for the coming year. Sure, there are tried and true New Year’s resolutions – join a gym, read the classics – but what about a resolution to be kinder to the Earth?
There are many small changes each of us can make. If you haven’t embraced energy-efficient lighting, now is a good time to start! Or how about reducing the amount of trash you produce by saying goodbye to plastic bags and water bottles once and for all? Just invest in a set of canvas shopping bags and a sturdy reusable water bottle, and you’re ready to go.
For a classic diet-based resolution, join the ‘Meatless Mondays’ movement. Forgoing meat just one or two days a week significantly reduces your carbon footprint. While you’re shopping for those vegetarian meals, you could strive to buy fruits and vegetables that are in season – it’s greener than buying produce shipped from far off lands. Speaking of produce, how about resolving to finally start composting your discarded fruits and veggies?
If changing up your diet isn’t appealing, consider a resolution to walk or bike to work. If that’s not practical, try taking public transportation or carpooling with friends and neighbors. And it’s more than just rides you can share with neighbors; resolving to share goods – from snow blowers to extension ladders – is not only more sustainable but helps foster a sense of community – good for both our souls and the Earth.
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Photo, posted February 16, 2010, courtesy of Kirsty Hall via Flickr.
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