Going leaner, greener in 2009
I’m not one for regrets. While there are notable exceptions (for example, I will never, ever wear bellbottoms with the American flag down the sides), I focus on rolling up my sleeves to change my future rather than wringing my hands over the past. Which is why I love resolutions. Sure I may have eaten too much over the holiday but I can resolve to eat less in the new year. And resolving feels almost as good as doing. Herewith, my 10 resolutions for a leaner, greener 2009:
– While I already “greened my clean” by purchasing eco-friendly cleaning supplies – after all, conventional cleaners not only rely on petroleum distillates to do the dirty work, they release volatile organic compounds, polluting our indoor air to unacceptable levels — I will bow to austerity and make my own cleaning products from white vinegar, Dr. Bronner’s castile soap, baking soda and hot water…and elbow grease.
– I resolve to purchase only healthy makeup…or go without. Even though I know that 89 per cent of ingredients in personal care products are untested, even though I know that many ingredients in North American makeup are banned in the European Union, I have been known to get a little lax – seduced by a gorgeous shade of lipstick or foundation that promises to erase my wrinkles. But no more. What’s the point of a product that may make me look good on the outside, but could be causing harm on the inside? From now on, I’ll stick to products that get the green light from the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep site: www.cosmeticsdatabase.org
– Given that my 10-year-old daughter’s friends routinely eat Doritos and Fruitopia for lunch, I will stage a screening of Two Angry Moms, a documentary that focuses on what parents need to know to ensure that their children’s schools are offering healthy fare. Find out more at: www.angrymoms.org/inner/shop.html
– I will organize a clothing swap in the spring. I’ll invite friends to clean out their closets and bring their cast-offs – to which we’re all invited to dig through and offer second-life. I’ll likely come out with a few new outfits…and an emptier closet to put them in.
– I will eat more fish – but only Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified fish. Fish are consistently a healthy and tasty choice – but not if you’re eating fish high in mercury or high on the endangered species list. Look for MSC-certified fish – they’re getting easier to find. And carry this handy pocket-sized guide when you’re fishing for the right choice: www.montereybayaquarium.org/cr/cr_seafoodwatch/download.aspx
– I will invest my money in businesses that deserve it. While I already insist that my portfolio be comprised of socially responsible companies, I will take some money and invest it at microplace.com or kiva.org, which extend microloans to the world’s working poor and which boast an extraordinary payback rate. You can choose to take your repaid money back out or reinvest. It’s a powerful – and profitable – way to let others know you have faith in their abilities.
– And finally, I resolve to take time each day to marvel at the world. Studies have shown that people who get outside and enjoy the natural world are more motivated to protect it.
r Leslie Garrett is an award-winning journalist, author and mother of three. Her book, The Virtuous Consumer: Your Essential Shopping Guide to a Better, Kinder, Healthier World recently won the Green Prize for sustainable literature. Visit her at www.virtuousconsumer.com.
