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Like most people I’ve always had trouble keeping New Year’s resolutions. A recent survey showed that a lot of women have “do-over” resolutions each year.
Yet, when it comes to green New Year’s resolutions, I’ve never had a problem. It’s the exercise more and stop eating as many desserts resolutions that hang me up!
One trick to keeping a green New Year’s resolution is to make it really specific and then make a plan, including obtaining any items you need to make it happen. Since I like to bake, a few of my resolutions have revolved around greening that habit.
For example, a few years ago I made a resolution to stop buying paper baking cups. I’ve never broken that resolution. I simply stocked up on silicone baking cups. I never had paper baking cups around, so I couldn’t use them. Another resolution I made a couple of years ago was to only buy eggs in recyclable containers. I made that happen by changing where I shopped. The store I was going to before only had Styrofoam containers for eggs. Last year, I decided to only buy organic flour. If the store where I was shopping was out, then I’d just wait or go somewhere else. I refused to compromise.
These goals may seem silly to some, but it’s the small things that add up. Over my lifetime, I’m keeping thousands of Styrofoam containers out of the landfill. I’m also saving a few trees and supporting organic farming.
If you’ve had trouble keeping green resolutions, ask yourself why that’s happening.
- Are your goals too complicated or vague?
- Are you making immediate plans?
- Have you researched how your resolution will help the environment if you keep it?
Coming up, I’ll share my green New Year’s resolutions for 2010. Feel free to share your green resolutions here.
(Image via Peggy Rowland)
828 days ago
[...] for the baker on your list, don’t forget about reusable silicone baking cups. They don’t cause heartache to use, I promise. I’ve had some for years now, and love [...]
and thanks!
Hi! I was browsing Google, and I typed recipes kids will adore, your was the first on the list and so far the greatest! I am thirteen and I am trying very, very hard to be green. my little brother eats only McDonald type food (chicken nuggets, hot dogs, pizza etc.) so I was wondering if there was anything that he would like that is vegetarian, and I was wondering how I could start a garden because I live in Texas and we do not have that much room for a garden, I was thinking about a window box, but I want a REAL garden that doesn’t have to be contained in a box… could ya help me out?
859 days ago
[...] FIRST STEP: Before you commit to a green resolution, especially a big one, I highly suggest reading Keeping Green New Year’s Resolutions, in which my pal Peggy goes over how to succeed when you make a green resolution. Her main, and [...]
861 days ago
[...] my post, Keeping Green New Year’s Resolutions, I talked about some of my cooking-related green resolutions of years past and offered tips on [...]
One of my green new years resolutions is to make a weekly meal plan. This way food wont go bad and I wont have to resort to takeout at 6pm!
I would love to stop using paper towels! My hubby might not know what to do without them. But seeing as how I am the one who does the shopping I just might “forget” to buy them. We have plenty of rags.
My resolution for 2010 is to can my own home grown veggies. This way I can be sure what my family is eating. My mom and I are even going to try making our own dill pickles! YAY!
Last year I made the green resolution to not use any plastic grocery bags. I managed pretty well with a flip n tumble in my purse at all times. This year my resolution is to not use any paper towels in my kitchen. I gathered my rags together yesterday and I am ready.
Thank you for reminding me!! I make muffins all the time and I need to get some of those silicone cups. Sometimes I feel like I’ve made tons of changes already but then I read your blog and remember there’s still other things I can do…