Now that the New Year is upon us many people have already created a list of things they wish to change in the year 2011. If you are like me, this year I completely forgot to write a list of things I wish to change. Yes, I have thought about things but until it is on paper it is very non-binding and easy to flake on. If this is your case, do not fear! It is not too late to write your new year’s resolution. We still have 352 days to act upon these resolutions!
Many of the resolutions that people make are hasty ones that they quickly throw out the window. The top 10 resolutions that people make are:
1. Get in shape
2. Quit smoking/drinking
3. Spend more time with family and friends
4. Get out of debt
5. Get organized
6. Do better at your job
7. Learn something new
8. Travel more
9. Help others
10. Improve yourself
There are many factors to why people break their New Year resolutions. The first one is that you have too many of them. Many people think of this time as a way to fix all the problems in your life. This is a bad idea because you will likely drop many of these resolutions and then see yourself as failing. Stick to one or two resolutions per year. This way they stay manageable. One way that you can help be sure to stick to your new year resolutions is to tell your friends and family. Many people keep them to themselves and then when they break them no one can call you out on it. Make it known that you want support in achieving your goals for the year.
One simple and easy resolution that you can make is to be more earth friendly. This is an easy resolution that will not only benefit yourself but the others around you. This also can be the easiest resolution to stick to throughout the year.
An easy way to do this is to ban paper and plastic from your life. Put a reusable bag in your office, car, and right by your front door. This will remind you when you see one to grab it. One state that exemplifies this resolution is Hawaii. As of January 9th 2011, the state of Hawaii will ban the use of plastic bags in stores. This encourages residents to bring their own bags or carry all their items out by hand. Staying away from paper and plastic bags is a way to help the environment.
Another way you can be more earth friendly in the year of 2011 is to switch your monthly bills to e-billing. You can still print your bill at home but this eliminates the carbon postal footprint and the paper used for the envelope. Most companies now have the option for e-billing so where you can do so, switch!
Some other ways to reduce your carbon footprint include: start composting,
install a gray water system, when buying new appliances pay a little more for Energy Star models, build a rain barrel for gardening, buy a bike!
So instead of creating a list of resolutions that seem unreachable and unrealistic stick to earth friendly resolutions that will improve the way you live on this planet. You will not only feel better about your actions but you will passively encourage others to do so. Even if you have already made your resolutions it is not too late to change your list or update and add one of these earth friendly resolutions!
