Want to live more organically next year? Lauren Shapiro suggests some New Year’s resolutions that anyone can keep
Make 2014 the year of
AT THE start of each year, most of us resolve to be better, nicer, more balanced people. Many of us also promise to take better care of the environment, to be healthier, and to live a “greener” life. And, inevitably, we’re all disappointed when February rolls round and our lives haven’t really changed that much.
The fault often lies in the resolutions themselves. They’re usually very idealistic and often impractical. They’re too vague, or too vast, and we don’t give ourselves an infrastructure within which to achieve them.
This year, take a different approach and set achievable, realistic resolutions that you will actually be able to keep, benefiting both yourself and the environment.
Be specific. Instead of resolving to finally install a geyser blanket, for example, make a specific goal to call an electrician for a quote. Better still, set a deadline and attach a phone number. Rather than saying: “I will stop using chemicals around the house”, make or purchase a month’s supply of organic cleaning agents so that you have them on hand the next time you need them.
Be selective. Don’t be surprised if you don’t manage to lose 10kg, quit smoking, double your income, run a half-marathon, get a degree and go carbon-neutral by February 1. Choose one or two goals that are important to you, and focus on those.
For example, resolve to take a long family walk or active outing at least once a week. It’s a manageable commitment, and it combines goals for fitness, family time and spending time outdoors to nurture your spirit.
Reinforce. Write or print out your resolutions and put them somewhere you will read them often; on the fridge, the bathroom mirror, or next to your bed. Let your resolution become your mantra (just don’t start chanting “I will remember to turn the water off when I brush my teeth” in your yoga class…)
Follow through. Star charts aren’t just for kids. Track your progress by giving yourself a star each time you cycle to work or share a ride instead of driving alone. Use stars to tally each plastic bag you keep out of landfills by taking your own to the store. You’ll be shocked – and proud – at what a difference one person can make.
Incentivise. Reward yourself when you reach specified goals. Indulge in a new haircut or body treatment once you’ve changed every last light bulb in the home to compact fluorescents; treat yourself to lunch each month after you’ve dropped off the recycling.