Happy Monday - it's 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, information and ideas 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 vehicle 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.
This summer one of my projects has been to increase the ways that I am recycling and reusing things in my day-to-day life. I began a project to donate my used magazines to charities, and I'm working my way through my stacks (still need to stop by the local library, however, to inquire about what is needed). And recently I decided to begin recycling every plastic water bottles that I use every day. I'm in the process of setting up that system (for some folks recycling bottles and trash is easy - their trash haulers offer bins and actually recycle the trash. I, however, live in the country and the trash haulers won't provide the recycling service that I need because it's too far to walk to the house from the truck). So . . . I am creating my own system and I'm going to schedule trips to the local recycling center. It's definitely a bit of a lifestyle change, but one that I can work in gradually . . . small steps.
There are also some really 'easy' ways to recycle. Office Depot, for instance, has a program that allows folks to recycle used print cartridges - you bring in your used cartridge and receive a $5.00 rebate when you purchase a new one. Now what can be better than that? Rather than tossing your old cartridge, you can recycle it and get cash back! I started that new 'habit' this week. Are you ready to start some new 'habits' of your own that could benefit the environment? You don't necessarily have to make major lifestyle changes - start small, pick one or two daily changes that you can make that would benefit the environment, and start today!
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 - July 28, 2008
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