Happy New Year! You might not realize that this phrase packs some punch. Wishing people a great start to 2011 means that there is so much to look forward to — a clean slate, more opportunities, time to live, etc. Now that the holidays are behind us, it’s time to start working on those resolutions. It might have been fun to say that you’re going to start composting or recycling in January, but are you really going to walk the walk or just talk the talk?
Keeping your motivation to complete your resolutions is a challenge that you have to meet head on right from the start. Instead of giving a vague resolution like planning to live a greener lifestyle, you need to state specifics. For example, start conserving water by purchasing a water meter monitor or begin reducing your electricity consumption by designating a time for lights out every evening. By resolving to make specific changes, you will be more likely to get on the greener path.
Another helpful way to stay on the right track is to give yourself realistic deadlines. This can make you more accountable. So if you’re going to start recycling, trying doing it in steps. Recycle all items that have a recycling symbol for one week then by the second week educate yourself on more difficult items like batteries and add those types of items to your routine. Making incremental changes enables you to feel some accomplishment and instant gratification.
Continuing to go green throughout the New Year is easier to do when you have support. Schedule monthly litter cleanups with friends or family, or help your spouse save up enough money to install solar panels. The more you work together, the easier the tasks will become. Plus, you can have something to look forward to when you know you will be able to celebrate your accomplishment with someone else.
Reducing your footprint is the perfect way to start 2011. Our planet has been put through so much abuse in the past year, and it’s time we all did a little more to make up for it. Here’s to detoxifying the earth in 2011!
