You’ve likely made, and perhaps already broken, a New Year’s Resolution or two in 2010. Set an environmental intention instead. An intention is an invitation for transformation.
Here are 10 suggestions to consider:
1. Spend more time in nature. There’s nothing like an expanding appreciation of nature to fortify other environmental intentions. Take a walk every day, ride your bike, start an outdoor sport, take a hike once a month, go camping, plant a garden, visit a garden or volunteer at a park. Breathe deeply.
2. Vote and campaign for environmentally aware candidates. This is important on both the local and national scale. Let them know that their environmental record is why you support them. Follow their actions and send both praise and censure as it’s earned. They hear you.
3. Think before you throw anything away. There is no “away”. Can you reuse, repurpose, re-gift, recycle, or donate this unwanted thing to keep it out of the landfill? Watch “The Story of Stuff” if you need further inspiration.
4. Buy less new. Browse thrift stores, charity shops and antique stores before resorting to the mall. Check the newspaper and online resources like Freecycle and craigslist. You can find great bargains on unique household goods, furniture, clothing, accessories, and even building materials.
5. Become more aware of sustainable materials. Think of natural fibers, organic cotton, bamboo, hemp and other sustainable materials, as well as recycled and salvaged materials when you purchase clothing or items for your home.
6. Investigate solar and wind energy options and/or a gray water system. Technologies have multiplied, costs have come down and tax incentives have improved in many areas. The first step is to see what your options are and do the math. If you rent, do the research and present it to your landlord, who may not be aware of the recent developments and ultimate savings.
7. Eat less meat, more vegetables, more organic. Consider adding vegetarian meals to your weekly menu. Reducing meat consumption is a significant step you can take to reduce your personal carbon footprint. According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, raising livestock and poultry generates more green house gas emissions than transportation!
8. Use less paper. Start somewhere:
- Give up paper towels and/or paper napkins by substituting cloth.
- Switch your monthly bills to e-billing.
- Stop receiving unwanted catalogs by visiting CatalogChoice.org.
- Read your newspaper online.
- Don’t print unless you have to. Single space and use both sides.
9. Avoid excessive packaging. Take packaging into consideration when you shop. Have you ever pondered the minimal packaging on light bulbs and wondered why an unbreakable item is swathed in an impregnable hard plastic shell? Don’t buy it. Tell your merchant or write to a manufacturer stating that you avoid excess packaging.
10. REALLY give up single use plastic and paper bags. Most of us already own a few cloth shopping bags. Intend to actually take them with you, keep some in your car, and make it your routine.
We’d love to hear about your environmental intentions for 2010.
