It’s been nearly a month since the champagne bottles popped and the ball plunged from the sky. If you’re one of the 50% of Americans that declared a New Year’s resolution this year – it’s time for a check up!
I know you weren’t part of the 22% who dropped their decree after a week, and you certainly won’t become part of the 40% who falter after a month. No, not you.
Ok…if you’ve already tossed that good-intended goal, I’ve got your back. Here are 5 simple resolutions you can adopt to make a healthier, happier more eco-friendly you in 2011!
Meatless Monday: Meat has a bigger carbon footprint than any other food in the world. Do your part to shrink that print by planning one, meatless meal a week. Swap chicken for tofu. Beef for beans. Pork for eggs. You’ll never miss the meat, and you’ll also be reducing green house gas emissions by creating vibrant, healthful, meatless-meals like Stir-Fries, Frittatas and Chili.
Buy in Bulk: Opt to buy foods like pasta, grains, beans, nuts and dried fruit in bulk. Not only does it cut down on packaging waste, but it’s usually much cheaper too.
Waste Not Want Not: Continually throwing out leftovers and uneaten produce is a huge waste of food and money. Keep a white board on the front of your fridge with a list of all the fresh produce and leftovers inside, then check them off as you’ve eaten them. Being able to see what’s in your fridge at a quick glance is a great reminder to use everything up, plus you’ll be able to keep track of what most often goes to waste.
Read Up: Change is hard unless you understand the whys and hows. Start expanding your knowledge on becoming healthier by picking up books like Michael Pollan’s In Defense of Food, which educates readers about making thoughtful food choices and re-defining what it means to be healthy. Or make up your own mind about buying from small, organic farms after renting the eye-opening documentary Food, Inc, which takes a peek behind the curtains of the nation’s industrialized food system.
In the Bag: One of the easiest ways to help the environment is to use re-usable bags when shopping. Most are $.99 or less at the grocery store and your use will help cut down on the 100 billion (with a B!) plastic bags Americans throw away each year. Go one step further and use re-usable bags as gift or tote bags!
What was your new year’s resolution this year? Have you been able to stay on track?
I love the meatless meal idea! I often feel a meal isnt complete unless a meat of some sort is present. I had no clue that it had such a large carbon footprint– thats really interesting. I am really looking forward to buying a home within the next few months, so I can finally get to compost! The amount of food that goes to waste in our house is such a shame.
Great post!
I know I feel absolutely terrible wasting produce and leftovers! The whiteboard on the front of the fridge has definitely helped. Good luck with purchasing your home!