As we start the New Year many of us will have resolutions on our mind. People tend to focus their resolutions on self-improvement and often forget to consider the world we live in. Last year at PopEd, we started creating “eco-resolutions” that would serve as not only lifestyle changes but would also have positive impacts on our environment.
Here’s what some of our PopEd staff have to say about their 2015 eco-resolutions and their favorite eco-change of 2014.
What is Your 2015 Eco-Resolution and How Do You Plan to Keep it?
Lauren B:
“My eco-resolution is to incorporate more local produce into my diet. Eating local allows me to eat seasonally, support local farmers, and reduce the distance my food travels from farm to table. I was inspired by Alisa Smith and James MacKinnon’s book, The 100-Mile Diet: A Year of Local Eating, which chronicles the couple’s attempt to eat foods within a 100-mile radius from their home. While I don’t plan on limiting 100% of my purchases to a strict 100-mile range, making a conscious effort to incorporate more local products into my diet is a good place to start. Baby steps, right?”
“There are so many amazing farmers markets and local grocery stores within a few miles of my house and I hope to take advantage of them. I also plan on researching what fruits and vegetables are in season, so I can make smarter decisions when shopping at the supermarket.”
Isabelle:
“This year I want to focus on sustainable lifestyle changes. I hope to start growing some of my own seasonal vegetables in order to avoid purchasing produce grown abroad and harmful pesticides. We’re already composting in my house so that’ll be a bonus for my garden soil!”
“Motivation can be a struggle with resolutions so, I plan on recruiting a couple (if not all) of my roommates into my efforts. This way we all have delicious, truly organic, homegrown produce and, best of all, motivation to go around.”
Carol:
“My eco-resolution is to decrease the number of single-serving plastics I buy/consume – especially yogurt cups because I eat them every day! According to EcoWatch, 50% of plastics we consume are used once and then thrown away”
“It’s a pretty simple plan – buy the half-quart tubs of yogurt and other larger-serving items instead on the single use containers.”
What is One Eco-Change You’re Most Proud of this Year?
Lauren B:
“I started walking to work from my house. I takes a bit longer than my old metro commute, but it is such a nice way to start my day. It feels good to know I did something good for my body and the planet!”
Isabelle:
“This year I moved to Washington, DC and shed my car in the process. I’m really excited to live in a very walkable city with excellent public transportation options. Walking to work and around the city has had a noticeable positive impact on my health and on my ecological footprint!”
Drew:
“Over the latter half of 2014 I actively began eliminating meat from my diet. This has not been easy, especially for someone from Kansas City (three letters: BBQ). What has made the transition a success was the expansion of my cooking repertoire and knowledge of food items that would fill the void. Whole grains, lentils, beans, and falafel have all been increased and when I have “cheat” days I’ll incorporate a local fish/shellfish option. The most rewarding part of this change has been the fun discussions I’ve had with friends and family as to how positive of an environmental impact even one individual can make by eating less meat. It’s amazing how little conversation is spent on the resources consumed and pollution produced by eating meat. Here’s to taking it another twelve months at a time and being proud of finally checking off a New Year’s resolution.”
Eco-resolutions and eco-changes can have multiple positive benefits on our planet and on our personal lives. They can help us save money, cut our carbon footprint, and improve our health. What is your eco-resolution for 2015?
