I’ve been thinking a lot lately about all of the things I’d like to improve about myself and my lifestyle. I’m very much a perfectionist and I tend to hold myself to a higher standard than I do anyone else. I’ve always had this burning desire to help change the world for the better (I even tried to start an environmental club when I was in 4th grade).
The thing is, the older I get the more I realize that it’s often the little changes in our lives that add up to big change. Sure, it sounds trite and clichéd, but they often become clichés in the first place because they have some bit of truth in them.
I’m going to try to concentrate more on making the little changes, while keeping the big picture in mind. It’s easier to see actual progress being made with smaller goals, and this will help keep me motivated to make bigger changes as well.
I’m a big fan of writing down goals (my dad drilled this one into my head), and so with that in mind, here are a few of small changes I want to focus on making during the coming months:
* make the switch from regular light bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs
* cut back even further on my meat & dairy consumption
* shop at the farmer’s market and eat more locally grown food
I’m also going to try to stay motivated by learning about what others have already done to help change the world. I’ve been reading 500 Ways to Change the World, a compilation of ideas from the Global Ideas Bank. I’ve found it extremely inspiring, and while some of the ideas are a little far-fetched, there are plenty of brilliant ideas I’d love to tackle.
What’s one thing you’d like to work on changing about yourself or the way you live? What’s something you’ve already managed to change?
P.S. Hi to all of the new people who stopped by thanks to the mention on Boing Boing! The overwhelming response to my post about my FEMA outfit is sort of what got me thinking so much about this topic in the first place.
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Hey Miss M,
Yes, baby steps all the way in ’07. I’m with you 100%. We changed over to compact fluorescents last year, and I share you other two goals too. I’m also going to try to bike or walk more for local errands, only buy vintage or eco-fashion this year, and learn to sew and reconstruct my own cast offs.
What amazes me is how fun these goals can be! Your blog is a place I find lots of inspiration. Many thanks!
An eco-gal pal,
Steph Zhong
Los Angeles
Thanks to you too and welcome! I’m very glad to be a source of inspiration, that in itself is very motivating.
I’m so thankful to live in a community that places a lot of value in sustainable living (Itahca, NY). We’ve been making small changes here and there for the past year, the biggest being the addition of our backyard vegetable garden. We try to grow as much as we can ourselves and purchase the rest locally. I’m going to learn to can and preserve this summer. There’s something to be said for slowing down a bit, eh?
Oh – and last year I started using a clothesline when our dryer died. I LOVE it! Not only does it get me out of the house several times a day, it dramatically cuts down on the amount of energy we waste (5 people = a lot of dirty laundry!)
I would LOVE to be able to take a stab at growing my own veggies. Unfortunately we don’t really have a yard at my current apartment. Just sort of a concrete slab out back. The next time I move though I’d really like to find someplace with a yard, both for growing my own veggies and just so our dog would have a place to run around.
We just moved to a new home and our electricity bill surprised us. I realized that, having previously had heat covered by our strata, I had not been managing our heat very well. That’s not very good for the planet or our wallets! So we installed a programmable thermostat in the main living area and we are now in the habit of turning down the heat in other rooms at night. We also close doors and curtains to keep the heat in.
Small changes make a lot of sense. What about buying organic clothes, at least for your baby? http://www.susiejane.com offers 100% certified organic cotton, organic skin care products and other baby essentials. Buying organic is eco-smart and good for your baby too!