New Year’s Resolutions? Why is it that we are all compelled to make these silly things? Big goals are difficult and for those who fail at sticking to them (most of us!!), my advice is simple…no new year’s resolutions. Instead, 2009 is the year of the eco-reSOLUTION! Make the best decisions you can each and every time …do the best you can in all you do, always. This includes everything and anything.  From choosing what to buy at the grocery store to purchasing a new pillow, to volunteering at your child’s school or even booking a massage for yourself.  All these decisions are very important! 

Trying to protect your health and save the planet singlehandedly? Not going to happen. Try these 20 eco-reSOLUTIONS - one per day, per week, or simply when you feel like it. They are purely inspiration to get on a different track.  And each time you do, try and get a friend, a family member or a colleague to join you. I’ve supplied you with the action and ultimate solution (ok, that’s just my opinion) for each…so you have little excuse not to at least consider them. Feel free to add your own…there are an infinite number. The other great news: you’ll start off the year saving money, time, your health and the planet…a deal!

The following are just ideas and inspiration and are in no particular order of important or priority to save the world.

1. Take reusable bags on all shopping trips, not just grocery – Nicole Ritchie and Jennie Garth love these ones www.rumebags.com. 
2. Use reusable produce bags…yes, many exist! www.credobags.com are made in Canada.
3. Get rid of all your household chemicals – www.goneshopping.ca offers the Eco-Me home kit. 
4. Don’t buy unnecessary and un-NEEDED toys for your children…and watch for pvc, lead, phthalates…why are they in our toys in the first place? www.beyondlearning.com.
5. Take your shoes off at your front door – why bring that outdoor road gunk inside (lead included)?
6. Turn the water off while brushing your teeth…there is NO reason why this can’t start happening today!
7. Make sure your tires are properly inflated – just ask how to check at your next service call if you don’t know how.
8. Don’t chew aspartame, and certainly don’t give artificial gum to your kids – try www.gleegum.com .
9. Do not give out conventional invitations when throwing your next party (I do hope you have a lot to celebrate) – try www.pingg.com.
10. I’m hoping that you’re excited knowing that this next point was checked off your list ages ago - NO PLASTIC water bottles…disposable or reusable…use a www.kleankanteen.com or a glass bottle.
11. Try packing a waste-free lunch – www.laptoplunches.com –Oprah, Martha Stewart and Rachel Ray all agree.
12. Switch your candles (birthday ones included) from paraffin with possible lead wicks to safe ones! www.organiclifestyle.ca has a wonderful selection.
13. Avoid canned foods – the same scary BPA made famous in baby bottles are in those can linings.
14. Try a little alternative medicine – consult a naturopath and avoid putting synthetics in your body that are harmful in production, to your body and when you pee it back out and it goes into our water system!
15. Source one new and very safe personal care item…maybe a mascara, a toothpaste or a shampoo…wondering why only one? I know once you get started, you’ll keep going. Try www.upurea.ca or your local health food store.
16. Donate something – recycle stuff you don’t use and give it to someone who needs it.
17. Inspire your school or organization to run an eco-friendly, intelligent fundraiser – www.ourbackyard.ca offers a brilliant new program…just email them for details.
18. Don’t idle your car, and ask those that you see idling to cut their engines too.
19. Use an eco-friendly ice melter/traction control – where do you think it all goes once you dump it on your walkways and driveways? Aside from our water system, it travels to our interiors (think cars, landscaping, pets and our children), and it gets taken into our schools. Home Depot has multiple options.
20. Spend a few minutes on the Canadian food inspection website and sign up for their alerts via email at http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/toce.shtml - this will be the quickest way to convince you to buy as local, as fresh and as organic as you can…melamine? Listeria? Oy.

Focus on the positive impacts your eco-reSOLUTIONS will have and remember that every decision you make does have an impact, whether negative or positive…so inform yourself and make decisions wisely.

And, without going back on my first thought (oops), maybe also make the resolution to lead by example in 2009…what better time to start?

Lisa Borden is an eco-advocate and mother of three, whose business is a direct reflection of her commitment to better, more responsible living. She is a dedicated workaholic, admitting that it takes a lot of time and effort to change the world, especially in her non-preachy, fun, engaging and inspiring ways. Lisa consults, writes, engages the media, runs private workshops, and enjoys speaking to large and small groups. Her full-service marketing firm, Borden Communications + Design Inc. is based in Toronto and takes great pride in being an ethical business providing exceptional ideas. You can sign up for Lisa’s rants and raves at www.bordencom.com or reach her directly at lisa@bordencom.com.

© Lisa Borden 2009

Tags: eco resolutions, green living with kids, making a difference, sustainable living solutions