I've never been one to make New Year's Resolutions (for various, compelling reasons), but you have to admit, it is the perfect time to contemplate what we can do better - for ourselves, for our families and for our world.
All of the following suggestions can be easily absorbed in our daily routines (much better to absorb these tips than chemicals). Making one change (commitment) each day for the first week of 2010 was my intention when writing this piece, however, you can make all of the changes in one day or choose to dawdle through. Save time, save money, save your health and save the environment…it’s my common theme, and hopefully yours too.
Be an informed eater.
As I maintain, if farmers spray their crops with toxic stuff to keep pests and rodents, etc away, why would you possibly choose to eat it??? Why do we spend time worrying about what is NOT in our packaged food, rather than enjoying what we are eating.
Suggested inspiration: watch the film Food Inc and King Corn, read the book What to Eat or anything by the genius, Michael Pollan.
Lose 23 Pounds! It's easier than you think.
Your morning beverage is truly an eye opener - 23 pounds of garbage can be averted if you simply don't throw out that one cup from coffee or tea each day in 2010! Make your own at home or take a reusable cup to your local coffee shop. Buy a mug that you like made from the healthiest materials. French presses even allow you to brew tea or coffee without the filter or tea bag.
Hint: Klean Kanteen’s new insulated bottle is great for taking your drinks on the go. With a double wall construction and vacuum insulation, you’re drink will stay hot for hours. The bonus: Most coffee shops have "environmental discounts", just ask when you go to fill up. Watch Garbage Revolution to get inspired.
Rethink your drink.
Make sure you have your reusable bottle with you at all times. Make sure that what you put in is all you get out – high grade stainless steel with no lining, no nasties and completely lab tested! While the bottled water companies convey a sense of purity and cleanliness, there is proof that shows the complete opposite. For those of you who bought these reusable bottles over one and two years ago, who would have believed that you would have been setting the trend today? Toronto Tap is as safe if not safer than any bottled water…so drink up!
Interesting website: www.insidethebottle.org
Choose NEITHER. Decline all bags.
I know most of you have mastered the reusable grocery bag, but pick up a strong, reusable bag that folds right up into your purse or pocket for retail shopping! When you always have one or two on you, you’ll never find yourself having to accept bags because you, oops, forgot to bring it in from the car. What do you do with those paper and coated shopping bags anyways??? Remember, you shouldn’t keep buying or taking the $0.99 bags from every retailer…you’ll end up with too many of those and they are even worse than your old bag habit if your cupboard is full of them.
Favourite buy: the fair-trade made, RuMe Bag – it’s washable too!
Get your "tox" knocked off!
Completely clean out your laundry room and under sinks and in cupboards - you wouldn't believe how many toxic chemicals you own. They are not needed. I guarantee this. Make your own cleaning agents the old fashioned way and use in conjunction with microfibre cloths. (The easiest way is to order an Eco-Me home cleaning kit). You'll never buy a cleaning chemical again, not even eco-friendly ones, which means you won’t have to go to the store, and you won’t be buying more and more bottles each time too. This change will save you so much time and money and will have the most positive impact on the health of your family.
Little known fact: The City’s, Toxics Taxi provides free pick-up of “Household Hazardous Waste” (aka cleaning chemicals etc) from residents of Toronto. Call 416-392-4330 for complete details.
Trash the take-out!
Pack your own lunch for work or school. Even start with one day per week and go from there. You’ll eat healthier, it’s much cheaper, you’ll avoid waiting in any lines (a major bonus!) and you’ll soon wonder why you ever thought it was a good idea to embrace any other way of eating. If you still are going to do take-out, bring your own containers and use your own cutlery (easy to stash in your bag or drawer). Also, tell your favourite restaurants and counters to change their packaging to healthier packaging for you and the earth (NO styrofoam for sure!) - It’s now affordable and readily available - if enough of us request it, they will make the change!
Extra support for this change: www.wastefreelunches.org
Try something new, relax and enjoy!
I'm still desperately working on this one for myself! Try indulgent organic spa products, a local organic beer, a new organic lipstick, warmed buckwheat pleasure pillows, a cup of fair trade hot chocolate with a dollop of ricemellow as a treat, a meal out at one of Toronto’s many restaurants supporting local and organic food, taking a cooking class with a friend, and some good old fashioned family time.
A few suggested resources: www.fullynourished.ca, www.millstreetbrewery.com, www.upurea.com, www.ourfaves.com (under eco-friendly!).
Life is all about change. It’s not about the speed of change, it’s about ensuring that we constantly strive to do the best we can, based on the information we possess.
We really can make a difference. It all starts with your continually-new-you.
Here's to a happy and healthy 2010!
Printer-friendly version