How often do you walk out of a store or restaurant with a few items in a plastic bag. I imagine the answer is 'pretty often'. Using plastic is a common habit, a mode of convenience. But with the growing threat of Global Warming, continued pollution of our rivers and streams, and seemingly endless urban sprawl, more and more folks are making changes in their daily lives that could help to protect and preserve the environment in the long run. Using fewer plastic bags is one of those 'small daily changes' that could really benefit the environment over time.
It's Friday, Tip Day for ways to 'Give The Boot To Our Carbon Footprints'. In 2008 my New Year 
Resolution is to 'show gratitude' for my blessings by 'giving back' and the environment is one of my recipients. I dedicate three columns each week to news and information about small, daily steps we can take to reduce our Carbon Footprints. Consider the huge, positive, long-range impact on the environment if each one of us performs 'habitual' actions - like driving fewer miles, using more energy efficient light bulbs, and turning off lights when we leave rooms. My goal, as an individual, is to urge others to follow my lead, and take a few small steps each and every day toward protecting the environment.
Plastic bag use has become a hot topic in recent years forcing more and more of us to re-think our habits. Does it really make sense to walk out of a store with one item in a plastic bag that doesn't bio-degrade in a landfill, and will outlive each one of us, perhaps for centuries? This year, I decided that it doesn't make sense, so I'm striving to drastically limit my plastic bag use, eventually working toward zero-use in time. When you start researching the impact of billions of plastic bags on the environment, it really is sobering. With that in mind, I want to share some informative links and articles in the hope that more folks will join the march toward 'zero plastic'.
- AlterNet, The Great Plastic Bag Plague - AlterNetPlasticBags.pdf
- Portland Business Journal - Whole Foods Market Bans Plastic: PortlandBusinessJournalPlasticBags.pdf
Remember: I Resolve To . . . Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year. It's your choice. Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps: Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good! Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey! Let's Go For It!
Need More Inspiration? Wear Your Resolution! Make Every Day New Year's Day. Make Every Day Count. Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link: http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto
Kim M. Simpson - May 9, 2008
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