The events of 2011 tested the resolve of environmentalists everywhere. The year was full of reminders of the kind of resolution it will take to continue to gain small environmental victories in 2012, but it was also full of events that should inspire us as we consider new resolutions and environmental goals we want to meet in 2012.
The bad news first:climate change, these events send a warning sign regarding the freak weather events that could take place in a warming world. The global climate talks that took place in Durban, South Africa this past December did nothing to make me optimistic about changing the direction we are headed. We are still on pace to heat the planet 3.5°C by the end of the century, a risky prospect given what scientists know about the link between climate change and natural disasters, as well as about feedbacks like melting permafrost in the Arctic.3
Now for a more positive note: there is plenty of good environmental news to celebrate as we enter 2012! Even though 2011 was a very slow year for energy and environmental policy in Congress, the Obama Administration’s new rules on mercury, smog, acid rain,4 and the fuel-economy of cars and lights,5 along with the recent boom in Keystone XL Pipeline, all helped spurn environmental change.
I recount these 2011 events because I believe that 2012 will have a remarkably similar landscape. As an election year, it is unlikely that any major climate change legislation will be passed. Most change will come from investment in renewable energy, and citizens standing up for what they believe in and making changes in their day-to-day lifestyle. For this reason, I have made a list of 2012 New Year’s resolutions that help me focus on things that I can do as an individual, and help me turn my resolutions into habits that I hope may inspire further change in others.
In order to make New Year’s resolutions into habits, sometimes it’s necessary to break down larger goals into smaller, simpler ones. Here is my strategy—identify one thing to focus on each day of the week:
Meatless Mondays
Trashy Tuesdays
Take Tuesdays to reflect on what you throw away everyday. You can learn a lot about how you’re wasting money, as well as energy and natural resource, if you examine what you’re throwing out each day. Why not start at home, with a composting ☺
Wacky Wednesdays
Set aside a few minutes or hours on Wednesdays to give yourself time to create and work on DIY projects. This is a great time to making gifts, turn trash into crafts, or do some projects around the house. Check out some Greeniacs Guides to get some fun ideas!
Thankful Thursdays
Take the time once a week to relax and appreciate what you have. Spend time with family or friends, write a letter – or reflect on all the progress you’re making on those other resolutions.
Find-out Fridays
Take a minute to catch up on what’s going on in the world relating to environmental issues. An informed citizen is one who can make better choices about their own life and help convince others that we are all in this climate change mess together.
Get Outside Saturdays
Most of us start the New Year with some sort of exercise goal, but it’s hard to find time to get to the gym. One way to make sure you stick to your exercise goals is to get outside: bike a new trail, or hike at a forest preserve. Adding an element of exploration to your week will deepen your connection with the outdoors and improve your health at the same time. Here are some more ideas for working out in the elements: Working out Green Style No Gym Required.
Good Samaritan Sundays
Make generosity a habit by doing one new good deed once a week. Maybe it’s volunteering, donating an old cell phone, piece of clothing, or other item, or just lending a hand to a neighbor.
Whatever you choose for your resolution/s, you can make being environmentally conscious a habit by focusing on it once a week. Good luck and happy New Year
