- What one eco-friendly change has made the biggest difference in your life personally? (Something you really enjoy or take pride in.)
- In terms of greening your lifestyle, what do you think has had the biggest impact, environmentally?
- For those of us seeking education on green matters, what one resource would you suggest?
- What are you resolving to change in 2009?
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Inspiring Green Resolutions?
I'm working on my list of green resolutions for 2009, and I'm looking for inspiration.
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Ooh. Tough questions, but good ones. Ok. Let's see...
1) Biggest difference personally - I've tried so many different things for the first time this past year that it's hard to say. But the thing I take the most pride in is probably my veggie garden. I just planted it in October and everything has grown so beautifully (I was sure I had a black thumb). Now I love showing off photos and already have plans to add two more beds. Who'd have thought?
I also learned to can this year (with a water bath canner and a pressure canner) and also learned to bake my own bread. Those are a close 2nd and 3rd.
2) The biggest environmental impact - We've done a lot of things, but as far as the BIGGEST impact. I think it's choosing NOT to consume (and when I have to, I try to buy used).
Most of our expenses are food. We just don't buy anything else. We don't have cable, we get all our books and movies from the library, and I make all our greeting cards. My hubby and I don't exchange gifts, rather we treat each other to a meal out (and we try to frequent small local places). We keep things simple (and frugal).
3) Green educational resources - the best place is to read people's blogs. Bloggers are real people just like you and me who are trying to make simple, sustainable changes in their own lives. Read about what others are doing and get inspired!
4) 2009 resolutions - I guess I don't really have any. I mean, I make resolutions all year long as it is. I do have two things I've started working on recently though.
At the end of October, I went vegan. I'm doing it for both environmental and health reasons. I thought it would be harder than it has been, but really, after a few weeks, it's super easy (well, other than eating out, which can be complicated).
The other "resolution" I'm working on is transferring most of my bix-box grocery store purchases (flour, salt, toilet paper, etc) over to our local natural food store. It's a little more expensive sometimes and it's a bit further away (I have to bike it), but I love the fact that I'm supporting a local business and enjoy speaking each week to the wonderful people who work there.
1) I too am most proud of my veggie garden, but probably most proud of my diet change. I eat more vegetables than I ever have before. Mom would be really proud. But Barbaraingsolver was right, veggies just taste so much better from your own garden. We also stay to eat sides of the grocery. We've greatly cut down the processed food we eat.
2)Biggest impact, our waste reduction. We've cut out almost all disposables. But the best is our gDiapers for our daughter. She makes almost no waste. We're also composting and making our soil so much better.
3)I, too, learn so much from bloggers. I never would have tried a Diva Cup without encouragement from "real" women. BUt I've been moved the most by great authors like Michael Pollan and Barbara Kingsolver and Sophie Uliano.
4)In 2008, I focused mostly on removing chemicals from my life. In 2009, I want to focus on buying local. We've found great local resteraunts, now I just need to explore farmer's markets and eat in season.
I just wanted to let you know I have awarded your site the Lemonade Award. You can read more here. http://www.greenfitnessworld.com/blog-awards/the-lemonade-award-special-thanks-to-chasing-the-wind
I've really only just started putting together my green resolutions, but a couple of big shifts in attitude have made the biggest difference for me. Firstly, we are making do with one car. We walk or bike to as many places as we can. Secondly, we have consciously chosen to consume less. The amount of waste produced every day is horrendous and I want to do my bit to cut back. In the new year I hope to dedicate a bit more brain space to it all, and make some good leaps forward.
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