We're in the home stretch of 2007. I don't know about you, but I always feel like new year's day is a clean break. It drives my husband nuts, because really, we should be able to make a clean break anytime, but there's something about hanging a crisp new calendar that inspires me to make some changes.
Although the protection and respect of all living creatures was my main incentive for going veg, another major aspect of my decision involved the environmental benefits of vegetarianism. Consequently, one of my resolutions for this year is to keep up green living where I can, and to make even more changes to my routines and lifestyle in order to respect the environment more fully.
I came across this list at greenliving.com, and wanted to share it with you. Resolutions don't have to be huge. And don't have to be all encompassing, like "I'm going to be more environmentally friendly". There is nothing wrong with just taking on a couple of green activities to start with, and expanding them as you become comfortable with them. It's the little changes we make in our lives that amount to the biggest benefits. Here's a few ideas, courtesy of GreenLiving.com:
(*) Vow to eat an entirely local meal at least once a week.
(*) Boycott at least one non-green product all year. Make it something that you like and would purchase if it were more eco-friendly. Write to the company that manufactures this product and tell them why you now choose not to buy it.
(*) Give up using paper napkins, paper towels, or both. Buy a few sets of decorative organic cloth napkins. Clean up spills with old towels cut into smaller squares and then toss them into the laundry.
(*) Change to low-energy light bulbs.
(*) Cut down on the power that your electronic devices use by plugging them into power strips you can conveniently switch off when you’re not using them.
(*) Don’t drive when you can walk.
(*) Turn off the faucet while you’re brushing your teeth. Also take shorter showers or turn off the water while you’re soaping up.
(*) Buy less stuff and really give thought before you buy something. Sometimes it helps to leave the store and think clearheadedly about whether or not you truly need the item(s).
(*) Pledge to actually remember to bring your own grocery bags when you go shopping. Hang a prominent reminder (maybe a picture of a tree stump!) from your rear view mirror to help you remember to grab your bags when you get out of the car. (*) Don’t hesitate to run back to your car if you find you’ve forgotten them again. Have someone hold your place in the check-out line and take advantage of the opportunity to burn some calories.
This shopaholic is working on her addiction and trying to shop less in the new year. It's disgusting how many clothes I have in my closet that (excuse me while I hang my head in shame) stillhavethetagsonthem. Tomorrow I plan on nursing my hangover by cleaning out my closet and donating all the misfits to a local charity, and for 2008 I plan on putting the axe on my all-too-often shopping adventures. It's good for my favourite planet, and it'll give my poor little pocketbook a break.
Have a safe and joyful new year's eve, all.
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