I Resolve To™ . . . Live Green This Week - Day 184
You recycle . . . but you'd like to do more to help the environment. A lot of folks find themselves in that situation. Recycle has long been part of our collective vocabulary - so many of us already do things at work and at home to do our part: We recycle newspapers, magazines, bottles, cans, and plastic - but with all the talk of Global Warming and Climate Change, a lot of folks are thinking about 'doing 
more'. If you are like me, you're brainstorming about it, and trying to 'do something' as well. Today is as good as any to put thought into action!
It's Wednesday, Tip Day for ways to 'Give The Boot To Our Carbon Footprints'. In 2008 my New Year Resolution is to 'show gratitude' for my blessings by 'giving back' and the environment is one of my recipients. I dedicate three columns each week to news, information and ideas about small, daily steps we can take to reduce our Carbon Footprints. Consider the huge, positive, long-range impact on the environment if each one of us performs 'habitual' actions - like driving fewer vehicle miles, using more energy efficient light bulbs, and turning off lights when we leave rooms. My goal, as an individual, is to urge others to follow my lead, and take a few small steps each and every day toward protecting the environment.
Periodically, I like to jump start my 'Give The Boot' effort by thinking less about what I can do (research, research, research) and doing more. Today is the day. Here's a quick list of random, easy things that you can do, today, to help the environment . . . Pick one, two, three things off the list and do them!
- When you pick up your 'fast food' bring your own bag and decline the paper or plastic bag.
- Better yet, pack your own lunch in a re-usable mini-cooler (save money and the environment).
- Take Metro to work rather than driving.
- Turn out the lights when you leave the room.
- Turn your computer off when you leave your desk.
- Recycle your magazines by donating to a charitable organization (or a friend).
- Clean your lint filter after every dryer load.
- Use cold water instead of warm water when possible (brushing teeth, washing clothes, rinsing dishes).
- Plant a tree!
- Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs.
- Leave your grass clippings on your lawn (they will decompose and return nutrients to the soil).
- Re-use paper bags, plastic bags and containers whenever you can.
- Use cloth napkins instead of paper napkins.
- Change your furnace/air conditioner filters at least once a month.
- Use a ceramic coffee mug at work and at home instead of paper cups.
- Use cedar chips, cedar bars, or sweet-smelling herbs rather than moth balls.
- Invest in a collection of canvas bags so you can decline 'plastic' when shopping.
- Buy more products that you can use over and over again.
- Buy more 'used' products such as furniture.
- Walk or ride your bike while doing your errands (when possible).
Remember: I Resolve To . . . Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year. It's your choice. Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps: Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good! Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey! Let's Go For It!
Need More Inspiration? Wear Your Resolution! Make Every Day New Year's Day. Make Every Day Count. Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link: http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto
Kim M. Simpson - July 2, 2008
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