BETTER LIVING: 5 Easy Eco-Resolutions for 2012
Thursday, December 29, 2011
If I’m lucky, you’ve been religiously following my Better Living column this past year. You may remember that I “on camera” stated that my New Year’s Resolution for 2011 was to run a marathon. #Epic Fail. Note to self; don’t set yourself up for failure by trying to do something that is really difficult if not impossible with aging hip joints and hamstrings.
I am going to put that all behind me, admit my error in judgment and stick to the subject matter that I know best. If you are looking to make some positive changes for your home, health and the planet in 2012, I would like to share 5 very doable eco resolutions.
Reduce the use of traditional cleaning products in your home
This is a simple step that goes a long way in improving your indoor air quality and reducing your chemical exposure. Non toxic cleaners are available is almost every store. My favorites: Better Life “Whatever” All Purpose Cleaner and “I Can See Clearly Wow” glass cleaner also by Better Life available at Whole Foods.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTReduce your overall waste
On average, the amount of waste one person produces in a week is 29lbs. (according to the EPA) or 1500 lbs per year. That’s a lot of waste. With a couple of adjustments you can reduce that number significantly by replacing plastic wraps, paper towels, napkins and other disposables with their reusable counterparts. My picks: Fit & Fresh reusable food containers and Bamboo reusable utensils found at WholeFoods.
Get an Energy Audit
Let’s face it the cost of heating your home has gone up significantly in the past 2 years. No one wants to spend more on energy than they have to so now would probably be a good time to give National Grid a call and schedule your free energy audit. Save some green and keep your home toasty by following their comprehensive suggestions.
Eliminate at least one unhealthy skincare product from your daily regimen.
How do you know if it’s unhealthy? Plug your product info into the Skin Deep database, which evaluates more than 69,000 skincare products on a scale of 0-10 for toxicity. Also, check out local girl Ava Anderson Nontoxic for a complete line of personal care products.
Shop local
Cut down your weekly trips to the big box store. I know I have said it a thousand times, but there is no easier way to have a positive impact on your community then by supporting the people who live in it. Less consumption of natural resources getting the products you want plus keeping your money in the neighborhood equals good.
Wishing you a New Year of Better Living!
Candita Clayton is the founder of Your Life Organized and author of Clean Your Home Healthy. Visit her online, here.
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