1. Get rid of more stuff: Here’s the thing; I don’t have that much stuff because I never wanted clutter taking me over in the first place. Yet somehow (I semi-blame the boy of mine) our house has more than we need. One day I’d like to pack up and travel the country with Cedar in a travel trailer/rv / airstream of some sort. Too much stuff is going to put a damper on this. The biggest problems by far at my home concerning stuff are books, toys, and art supplies. It almost kills me to give books away so it’ll be tough but that’s my goal.

2. Be present: Maybe this doesn’t sound too green but it is family related so it’s a good resolution to note at this blog. I’ve been thinking a lot about where my mind is when I’m with my son and it’s not always fully on him. I’m going to regret this later. I’m going to change it now. The best thing we can do for our world is raise smart, happy, children who value time over money, peace over disruption, and kindness over wants. The only way to achieve this is to be present in the lives of those close to us. Going about time spent in a half-cocked way won’t cut it.

3. Cut down on food packaging: I used to be really good at this. Lately work has been crazy busy and I’ve been bad. It’s easy sometimes to buy quick-to-make food — which often comes with more packaging. I won’t put less packaging ahead of Cedar time so this one will be hard. I’m going to have to make a cooking plan of some sort I think.

So, these are my three major resolutions. Maybe my only three that are not work-related. I don’t think we should have too many resolutions though. Small steps remember. Everything counts.

What are you thinking about goal wise for 2008?

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

Like maybe all those knick knacks or an extra set of dishes just because they’re half off. I can’t guess your’s or your family’s comfort level when it comes to “having things” but I do know that if you want to go green the first big step is to limit your belongings to a more necessity based approach.

That’s not to say you can’t buy a beautiful piece of art or a new album or book or even lots of art supplies but there are some green shopping guidelines to follow.

When I first started thinking green I used to carry a little slip of paper with me that had notes on it to remind me to use more eco-sense when shopping. My slip of paper looked something like this:

Ask yourself these questions before you buy:

1. Do I have one already?
2. Do I need more of this item?
3. Can I borrow this from someone else?
4. Can I use something I already have instead?
5. Is it recyclable?
6. Will I make good use of it (honestly)?

Sometimes I still make a purchase even after asking myself these questions because it turns out that it would be a good purchase for me or my home or son. To a much lesser extent I will sometimes simply buy something just because I do really want it; like art, a dress, or candles. I try to keep pure want purchases to a minimum though.

After asking yourself these questions you may decide you really do need the product try to buy a green version of it from a green company. If you honestly aren’t positive you need it simply write it down and use a seven day waiting period. If you still need it after seven days go ahead and get it. If it’s not worth a trek back to the store than you likely didn’t need it in the first place.

What are you doing to keep your shopping habits more necessity based?

Post from: Tree Hugging Family