Celebrate Green Blog

Each year, millions of Americans make New Year’s resolutions. And according to a new poll by Tiller, LLC more than half are greening them up with intentions to save energy, recycle and bring their bags to the store. (Hear our radio interview with a Tiller rep here.)

But the most common New Year’s resolutions: eat right/get fit/lose weight, save money, get a better education, go on a vacation, drink less, and reduce stress - while fabulous in and of themselves - can be greened up as well.

That’s why we’re giving resolutions an eco-update… We call ‘em ecosolutions, of course.

1. Resolution: Eat right/lose weight

Ecosolution: Eat whole, organically grown foods. Consume less. Garden.

Tips:

• Gardening- burns calories, saves $, kids more likely to eat right
• Check out TheGreenSmoothieChallenge.com

2. Resolution: Pay off debt/save $

Ecosolution: Use Moonjar to help divide $ into savings/spending/giving

Tips:

• Moonjar is made from 100% recycled cardboard
• John D. Rockefeller kept three jars for his children’s allowances for saving, spending, and charitable giving. This model of managing money, paired with the legacy of her family’s financial management principles, moved Mrs. Scandiuzzi (Seattle native) to create Moonjar.

3. Resolution: Get fit

Ecosolution: Use planet friendly workouts and accessories

Tips:

• Good for you and planet workout gear
  • e.g. natural rubber yoga mat from MatsMatsMats.com
  • Or get used from Play it Again Sports, thrift stores, Craigslist, borrow from a friend, etc.
  • Fair Trade sporting equipment
  • Stainless Steel water bottles
• Self-propelled, get outside exercise – even 1 – 2x per week instead of electric/gym.

4. Resolution: Get a better education

Ecosolution: Educate yourself about eco-issues

Colleges are rapidly adding new majors and minors in green studies, says an article in USA TODAY. “Nationwide, more than 100 majors, minors or certificates were created this year in energy and sustainability-focused programs at colleges….up from just three programs added in 2005.”

• Bainbridge Graduate Institute
  • Master’s and certificate programs in sustainable business/ Sustainable Entrepreneurship
  • launching an Evening MBA program in Seattle starting this spring
• Wilderness Awareness School (non-profit based in Duvall, WA)
  • For children, teens and adults
  • Survival, naturalist training, empowering people to become stewards
• Free – library, internet

5. Resolution: Drink less alcohol

Ecosolution: Drink less/drink organic/choose glass over aluminum

• Drink less, and choose non-alcoholic concoctions made of organic and good-for you juices.
• If you are going to drink – look for organic labels (or biodynamic) especially in wine (grapes have high pesticide loads and many organic/biodynamic lines do not have added sulfides).

6. Resolution: Reduce stress

Ecosolution: Eat healthy, exercise, pamper yourself with non-toxic products

• Green, yellow, orange vegetables like tomatoes, carrots are rich in vitamins for stress and minerals
• Dried apricots also help reduce stress with magnesium and C
• Drink lots of water
• Exercise: Even five minutes of aerobic exercise can have an anti-anxiety effects
• Pamper self with non-toxic products that are good for the planet and help to reduce stress, elevate mood.
  • Lavender is a natural stress reliever
• Visit eco-friendly spas

7. Resolution: Take a trip

Ecosolution: Take a local “staycation” at a local green hotel or resort

• Treehouse Point (Issaquah, WA) - A B&B that has a variety of accommodations and some of the most amazing treehouses you’ve ever seen
• Kimpton Boutique hotels
  • Eco friendly practices (cleaning supplies, in-room recycling, energy efficient lighting, water saving devices, organic snacks, eco-friendly body products, ½ price parking rates for hybrids
• Do what my parents did – camp (even in the house), turn off all electronics and go visit the local sights and sounds you say you’ll go to but never have.

8. Resolution: Get organized

Eco solution: Simplify & organize life while being eco-savvy

• Use 100% recycled bankers boxes (cost 1/2 the price of the non-recycled version at Staples)
• Or, boxes, containers, baskets you already own or acquire used.
• Use people and Earth-friendly cleaning products such as Safeway’s affordable Bright Green line or make your own
• Bring in a green organizer
• Get off junk mail lists
• Store things correctly so they are taken care of
• Set up trash, donate, compost, recycle, craft