A Twist on New Year's Resolutions

January 1 marked the beginning of a new year. But it was also the beginning of a new decade, a new month, a new week and a new day!

On New Year's Day, many of us make resolutions - usually a laundry list of impossible goals we plan to achieve in the coming year, such as working out, saving more money, etc. I say let's toss out those New Year's resolutions and make New Month resolutions instead!

By creating resolutions each month, we're more likely to achieve our goals, even if we repeat the same goal month after month. The shortened time frame (30 days instead of 365 days) helps because it allows you to achieve short term goals that may be pieces of a larger goal. For instance, instead of making weight loss your New Year's resolution, why not focus on adding more fresh produce to your diet in month one, walking for 20 minutes each day in month two, and so on and so forth.

One of my lofty resolutions for the year is to take better care of my body. So in January, my goal is to get a health assessment/screening and/or a physical. (I've been putting off a cholesterol test for months!) Once I know what kind of shape I'm in, I'll tackle different goals each month that will hopefully lead me to optimal health! (By the way, I'm adding "saving myself" as one of the focuses of this blog...I need to get in shape!)

***UPDATE 1/16/09***
I finally took my cholestorol test. The results? My cholestorol is low, and I have a low risk of getting heart disease. Woo-Hoo! :)
*** END UPDATE***


So....

What's your New Month's Resolution?

Go Green to Save Green!

The experts at SavvySugar share their ideas about how to Resolve to Go Green to Save in 2010.


My favorite tip? Quit your paper habit! In the past three months, I have refused to buy paper towels or napkins. I'm using cloth napkins and washable, resuable cloth towels for cleaning and wiping up spills. I've definitely noticed the difference in my wallet...paper towels were expensive!

The least you can do is recycle....that's so 1990's anyway!

Check back tomorrow when I share my green achievements of 2009 and goals for waste reduction in 2010!

My Thermostat Emailed Me...

I don't usually communicate with my appliances, but my thermostat emailed me the other day and asked me to turn him down. I'd turned him down to 70 degree a few months ago, but it's been colder than usual, and I can't function when I'm freezing....either I'm wrapped up in my blanket or I turn the thermostat up so I can get some things done. But since he asked, I turned him down to 68 degrees this weekend. We'll see if I can handle it!

Here are some other winter heating tips to keep in mind, courtesy of Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E):

1. In the winter, reverse your ceiling fan motor so that the blades drive the warm air back down around the edges of the room.
2. Close drapes, blinds and shades at night to help retain heat.
3. Keep your thermostat set at 68º F during the daytime and 55º F at night to stay comfortable and save gas or turn it off if you’re away for more than four hours.
4. In the winter, open your window coverings on sunny days to help warm the rooms.

 Visit PG&E's website for more winter gas saving tips!

Alternative Christmas Trees

No...I don't mean Christmas trees that smell like teen spirit...

CasaSugar recently shared a list to 10 Stylish Reusable Christmas Trees that are alternatives to the traditional tree, especially for those of you who can't decide between getting a real or fake tree. Some of them are also eco-friendly! :)

My favorite?

Aaron R. Thomas Lucite Acrylic Christmas Tree

Unlike most of the other alternative trees, this one sits on the floor, comes in three standard Christmas tree size - 4 ft., 6 ft, and 8 ft -and has room for tons of ornaments. It's made from recyclable acrylic and is made in Orange County, CA. It has a hefty price tag - $678 - but man, what a cool looking tree!

Read more about Aaron R. Thomas and the company's acrylic recycling program.

Which alternative tree was your favorite?

Real or Fake? The Christmas Tree Debate

I'm sure many of you went back and forth about what type of Christmas tree to get this season - real or fake? While there are pros and cons to both, the most eco-friendly choice to get a real Christmas tree from a tree farm.

According to the National Christmas Tree Association - a group that provides a great comparison chart on their website - real Christmas trees are the best option because they are:

• Grown in the US
• 100% biodegradable
• Carbon Neutral
• Lead and Plastic Free
  

I've been trying really hard to be eco-friendly, but this year I committed Christmas tree-son (treason) and bought a fake Christmas tree. In my defense, "a one-time purchase of an artificial tree can save gas otherwise used for annual trips to the local tree farm." (Robert Lilienfeld, co-author of Use Less Stuff: Environmental Solutions for Who We Really Are) The tree is also reusable and the lights are LED lights.

I also believe I made the most sustainable choice, given my situation. Sustainability isn't only about being eco-friendly or green. It also takes people, culture, and economics into consideration. As a single mom with limited financial resources, the $35 pre-lit 6 ft. tree I bought at Walmart totally fit my budget. A real tree of the same size would have cost more than that! I also saved time and money by not having to rent a truck and ropes to transport the tree (or having to schedule time with friends to help me). I also avoided the frustration of having to string lights on the tree. My tree is easy to transport, store and assemble, which is more important to me. And just look at the smile on my son's face...that's all the justification I need! :)

 Which type of Christmas tree did you get this year? Is it eco-friendly and/or sustainable?

Learn Energy Efficiency from the Japanese

Japan: A Model of Energy Efficiency?: The California Report | The California Report
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I just heard this story on the way home from work. The Japanese are a great model to follow when it comes to ways people can become more energy efficient.

The Sakakis, the family features in the radio story, show us that it's very possible and easy to have a more energy efficient home - even if it means sharing bath water with your family!  (Not sure if I'd be willing to do that though...)

You can find out more about the Sakaki family here.

What do you do in your household to save energy?

The Lush Life

 ***UPDATE 12/07/09***

I'd like to officially state that I LOVE this antiperspirant/deodorant. It actually works better than any other product I've ever used. Every time I put it on, I think I smell a bit like nature, but after a few minutes, it's hardly noticeable. I would definitely recommend this PLASTIC FREE product to all. (And hey, if the scent bothers you, you can always cover it up with perfume!)

During my Seattle trip, I went shopping at Lush - one of my new favorite stores. Lush sells fresh, handmade cosmetics that are mostly in bar form and plastic free! The products seem a little pricey at first, but when you consider the fact that they last for a long time, the cost per use ratio works out really well.

Before making my final purchase, I asked tons of questions, and I found the staff at Lush to be very knowledgeable about their products. They are even willing to give you samples and do in store demonstrations!
 
So what did I buy? The Aromaco Deodorant. Out of the whole Lush deoderant line, this is the only one that is an antiperspirant as well. It features witch hazel, which helps absorb sweat and eliminate bacteria associated with bodily odor.

I'd heard stories about other similar types of deodorant where the product either didn't work or only worked for a couple of hours before the person was sweaty and stinky. But this one actually works...even better than my regular deodorant! I'm a believer and I can't wait to buy more Lush products in the future! :)

Do you live the Lush life? If so, what are your favorite products?