Happy Monday, and welcome to the first full week of 2009!

If you’re anything like me (and 90% of well-intentioned Americans), you are ready to start putting into place some new, healthier habits and rid yourself of others that are no longer serving you. Where I prefer to differ from much of our “New year’s Resolution” making culture, is that I like to think of my new beginnings as setting goals rather than resolving past behaviors. The word resolution in itself suggests bringing the past into the present moment and carrying with us our failed attempts and judgments. Setting goals provides us a clean slate to work from in our new lifestyle ambitions.

As I reflect on the highs and lows of these incredible times we are living in, many highlights come to mind. From the exciting election that reinvigorated our democracy and culminates this month with the historic inauguration of President Barack Obama, to the fear felt in every home and business in the country as the economy seems to be melting down around us.

Following are a number of goals that resonate for me to set forth this new year, and inspire my loved ones and community (ie. YOU) to take a gander at as well. 

 

Get Involved!

As appose to thinking about being the person who makes a difference, get involved and take action on the issues that matter to you. There are a number or organizations that gather monthly to breath life into community issues and seek volunteers for action items as well. Some ideas include Sustainable Wallingford, Seattle Children’s hospital, Seattle Parks and Recreation, and various art museums and public schools. Check out Volunteer Match!

 

Easy ways to go green- and save some while you’re at it!

The Green movement is now household language (especially if you’re a Seattlite), and our actions should begin there as well! Here are a few easy tips to save energy during your every day life and reduce the amount of waste in landfills.

 

-Say no to plastic water bottles! 

     Refilling your Klean Kanteen with fresh, filtered water is a much better way to go!   

-Bring your own stainless steel, spill proof cup to get your morning latte

     You can usually even purchase these at your local coffee shop.

-Unplug it!

    According to Treehugger.com, switched off devices account for 40% of energy consumed by electronics in an average home. Unplug before you go! especially phone and Ipod chargers. 

-Use compact fluorescent light bulbs

     75% less energy lasting 10x’s as long. This is a no-brainer.

-Recycle

     Get into it! Find out your local ordinances around recycling and make sure you are doing your part to recycle everything possible. 

-Compost

      You can now put compost in your yard waste bins if you don’t have a personal garden! These leaves food scraps etc. will be composted and used for local parks and pea patches! I love it! 

-Save your rain water

     Hydrate your garden with recycled water! We sure have enough of it! 

-Grow a small garden

     I read a fascinating article recently that said something like 65% of food eaten during the great depression was grown in small personal gardens. It’s easier than you think. I was pleasantly surprised the first year I grew lettuce in a window box how simple and fruitful my tiny garden was. I am also a firm believer in “you get out of your food the energy you put into it” so expect, energizing, delicious food in just a few minutes a day! It will also help you to cook at home more. Double bonus! 

 

Get Real about your finances

In these challenging economic times it can be beneficial to become a bit more conscious about spending. Track your cash flow for at least 2 weeks, chances are you are spending more that you thought on at least on item.

 

Shop Local 

Or put your money where your home is. Support local farmers markets (Ballard is year round) and co-ops like PCC rather than large national chains. This can mean everything from clothing to pet supplies. Let’s keep our local economy strong lest the charm of our small business communities may not be around when the economy bounces back. 

 

Get organized and educated

-Learn something new- knitting, sign language, yoga

-Clean out a closet

-Get a new wallet

-Get a haircut

-Make your bed

-Read a book- in fact go to the library and peruse a new subject you’ve never checked out before

-Have a “naked lady” party and swap clothes with your friends

 

Keep Your health

I suppose I couldn’t engage in a new year’s post without the mention of healthy lifestyle changes on a physical level. Mine include drinking even more water, cooking at home at least 5 days a week, and come spring eating at least 60% of my food out of my garden! Others for you (otherwise known as a few of the top 10 new years resolutions) may include quitting smoking or drinking, starting a work out regiment, loosing weight etc. 

Well, there it is! Goal setting for 2009! More in part 2! 

 

To Health and Happiness,

Guinevere Amadeo, LMP.