If you’re like me, you make a resolution on the first of January each year and then completely forget what you’ve set out to do by the time February hits. Now, I know I’m not alone in this; there’s a strange dichotomy that exists with New Year’s resolutions. Almost everyone makes a resolution with the best of intentions to succeed, yet, the majority of people do not. So this year, let’s make a pact to be different.
This year, I’m going to be Greener—want to join me? Being Green is something Southwest focuses on every Tuesday, so I think it will be a convenient reminder to keep my New Year’s resolution! It’s also simple. Being “Green” doesn’t mean you have to change your whole lifestyle. It just means tweaking a few everyday tasks to do your part in making our planet a better place to live. Just imagine how much good will come if we all do just a little more, everyday, to be Green. If you read something that seems overwhelming, ignore it until it seems doable. Just do what you can, even if your day’s biggest Green effort is recycling a receipt rather than throwing it away.
Here are my “Top 10 Ideas to be Green in 2013”:
- Walk/bike to work. If you have the ability to skip the car every once in a while, do it for those of us who are jealous we can’t.
- Meatless Monday’s. Did you know, over 18% of America’s meat is wasted? If everyone cut out meat for just one day per week, think of all that we would save rather than waste.
- Reusable water bottles. Bring in your own reusable water bottle to work (BPA free, of course). It will save the Company money, and will keep plastic bottles out of landfills.
- Plant a garden. Using fresh produce from a backyard garden will minimize your intake of harmful chemicals from store-bought produce. Herbs grow like weeds in most climates!
- Buy local foods. Buying local foods and produce supports local businesses, which is always a good way to say thank you to your independent, hard-working neighbors. And don’t forget your reusable tote for your groceries!
- Simplify your life. What do you really need? This may be a hard question to answer, but it’s worth the extra thought. Decide and then consider donating unnecessary or unused items to a local charity.
- Use fluorescent light bulbs. Fluorescent light bulbs use less electricity than the standard type and they last longer! This means less waste. Consider using them one-by-one, to replace old light bulbs when they burn out.
- Buy fair trade. Buying fair trade ensures that workers are paid appropriately for their labor, and that you get the quality you deserve and pay for.
- Use safe cleaners. Eliminate harmful cleaners in your life—from how you clean your glasses, to how you clean your floors.
- Rediscover the library. Instead of buying paperbacks every time you want to read a new book, consider checking it out from the library or on your e-reader.
What are your ideas to be Green in 2013? Let us know by commenting below or by e-mailing green@wnco.com. DING! You are now free to be Green!
