Two hints to keeping your resolutions are: write them down and broadcast your intentions to others. So here are my Zero Waste resolutions, in descending order of difficulty:
1. Pay more attention to what I buy.
This is not easy to admit, but Zero Waste is not always on my mind. Especially when I'm dealing with something I feel is both IMPORTANT and URGENT (thank you Stephen Covey). When my kid's skin is super dry and I'm out of lotion, my first thought is: get to Walgreens and get some lotion. NOT: take lowest-emissions transport and find locally-sourced lotion in a recyclable tub. I hope this year to make positive Zero Waste decisions as ingrained in my mind as I would on deciding what doughnut to buy (maple with bacon, no wavering).
2. Meal plan or grocery shop on a designated day.
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I shouldn't even have these to begin with. |
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As cute as this is, I hope it's my last season of dirty diapers. |
Ugg. The more I think about this, the more I believe this resolution should be up at the top. It won't be easy at all. My soon-to-be two-year-old is the source of MUCH waste in my home and short of not feeding her anymore, I think moving her back to cloth diapers could be a quick way to lower both my guilt and the amount of curbside trash I wheel out every week.
And perhaps motivate me to restart potty training.
Again.
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'Kind' would be compostable wrapping. |
5. Learn to make homemade protein bars.
I started running again sometime ago and sometimes I need something in my stomach besides three cups of coffee. But Cliff Bars, Lara Bars, Luna Bars - they all have loads of sugar and they all come in wrapping. Actually, the sugar doesn't bother me so much, but the waste has got to go. I think I'll call on Alton Brown again on this one...
I think these resolutions are clearly defined and obtainable; two more criteria for successful goal reaching. People often start blogs with the idea of creating for themselves public accountability. And although that was not my first intent, I think a healthy dose of "crap...people are paying attention" will help me succeed. This spring we'll see how I did.
Happy New Year everyone.
Me, testing my own blog.
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