New Year's Resolutions

Many people have asked me what my New Year's Resolutions are at Heart of Green. So here they are, in all of their embarrassing glory, the green ones. And the progress or lack thereof in the first month:

Starbucks Coffee Cups: I resolve never to go to Starbucks Coffee again without bringing my own cup. I resolve this because Starbucks coffee cups are neither recyclable nor compostable because they are paper with a plastic liner. They have to be trashed.

How Doing So Far: This has been tough because there is a Starbucks lurking on every corner calling my name, “Get your hot chai latte here!” But I have gritted my teeth and resisted thus far. Instead, I have been frequenting Tully's with their 100% compostable cup (bio-liner) and Peet's Coffee which has ceramic mugs for here, genius! It is a nice experience to drink coffee and tea out of a ceramic cup European style. I wish that Peet's would promote this civilized eco-friendly option more.

Made Here Not There, or Made Last Century: I resolve to buy things that are made locally in the United States first and foremost. I resolve to try not to buy things made in China because of the associated toxins, environmental pollution, carbon footprint, and probability for tanker oil spill disasters like the one that devastated the San Francisco Bay this fall.

How Doing So Far: This has been an interesting experience to date. When shopping, I have been asking the question, “Where was this made?” For example, I discovered today that Simon Pierce makes their glass and pottery in Vermont. Nice. They didn’t know whether any of their wood was sustainable or reclaimed though. For groceries, I am striving to buy seasonal from local farmers. It was shocking to learn that Whole Foods brand frozen spinach was made in China. (It has been pulled.) Vintage and antique are my first choice now wherever possible as they are the most eco-friendly, and they don’t make cocktail dresses like that anymore.

EMF Be Gone: I resolve to limit my exposure to unnecessary electromagnetic (EMF) waves, especially those coming from computers, Wi-Fi networks, and cell phones. EMF is not just for UFO watchers anymore. I believe that we are conducting a grand experiment on ourselves with all of this electromagnetic radiation that we may live to regret. The good news is that there are simple steps we can take to reduce our guinea pig status and regain some control over the situation.

How Doing So Far: This has been fun and empowering. First, I stopped using my laptop in my lap. Talk about irradiating oneself. Doh! My legs are much happier now. They really shouldn’t be allowed to call them laptops, as that sends the wrong message. Second, I now turn off my indoor Wi-Fi network when I am not using it. Who needs that EMF cloud over your head all the time? Third, I replaced my Bluetooth headset with a wired headset for the cell phone, and I try to use my landline whenever possible. I am also encouraging my male colleagues to take their mobile devices out of their pant pockets. Buzz. Fourth, I invested in several anti-EMF shields and devices, and I have absolutely no idea whether they are working or not. More on that in 2008.

Going Green in 2008

Here are a few of my favorite ideas for Green New Year's Resolutions:

1. Bags: Bring your own cool bag to the store. Collect your bag credit.

2. Bottles: Carry a stylish reusable water bottle like a Sigg and fill with filtered tap water. Give plastic water bottles the boot.

3. Reduce Toxins in your life by buying organic food, organic drinks, organic cotton, organic flowers, organic skin care, non-Teflon pans, and green cleaning products.

4. Energy Bill Game: Try to lower your electric bill as much as possible. Unplug chargers, and put electronics on power strips and switch to off at night. Install compact fluorescent light bulbs. Turn off lights in the other room. You will be amazed at how low your electric bill can go.

5. Recycled Paper: Switch to recycled paper products with 100% post-consumer content. Help to save trees and our majestic, carbon-absorbing, animal-friendly forests. Ask your favorite furniture company if their wood is sustainable or reclaimed or bamboo.

6. Travel Green: Maximize the average miles per gallon on your car. The Prius hybrid is still one of the most fuel efficient cars on the market 10 years after its debut. Cruise control, fully inflated tires, going 70 mph or less, and easing up on acceleration can save a lot of gas and a lot of money at the pump. If you can, try taking public transit or walking more, and breath in the fresh air. Ahhh.

7. Going Outside: Get out into nature once a week. This is probably the most important resolution for personal rejuvenation. Let’s get in touch with the beautiful planet we are trying to save and heal ourselves in the process.

These are just ideas. Try one, try none, or try them all. There are many other exciting possibilities like saving water, recycling more, starting to compost, eating wholesome whole foods and sustainable seafood, offseting your flights, planting a tree or a garden, and/or supporting your favorite organization because we can't do this alone. Happy New Year from Heart of Green!