Happy New Year’s Resolutions!
Photo by NordWood Themes on Unsplash
Aren’t New Years great? If you screw one up, you get another one just 12 months later to give it another go; hopefully not making the same mistakes…hopefully.
Sometimes, New Year’s resolutions involve things we want to tick off our bucket lists – like that trip to Machu Picchu. They can include goals for fitness, finding love, or that perfect job. I like looking back on my list at the end of the year and seeing how much I’ve ticked off despite all the ebbs and flows. It gives me a sense of accomplishment.
This year I have a couple more general concepts I’m adding to the top. The first is to just be happy. Smile more and laugh. Breathe deeply. Love the ride, whatever it brings. After all, we are all just temporary visitors on a planet that is hurtling through the darkness of space. No need to take it too seriously. And since I am here anyway, why not love the journey completely?
The other is to consume less. Primarily this year, I plan to focus on food waste. Did you know that up to 40% of the food in America is never eaten? That’s an incredible statistic.
In conjunction with reducing food waste, I’m planning on avoiding foods that are individually wrapped or create plastic waste that inevitably makes its way to the oceans. I think the oceans (as well as our animal friends who inhabit them) have taken enough of our crap.
Start by saying “no” to that straw. Straws are some of the most common plastic waste that I pick up when I walk with my dog. One of my New Year’s resolutions is to bring a sack on those dog walks, so I can pick up more trash. You can get involved in a a campaign to reduce plastic waste in your community as well. Check out Strawless in Seattle.
Wishing you a peaceful and happy New Year along with less waste;
and more joy for all the living creatures we share our temporary home with!