New Year+Simple Changes=Sustainable Resolutions
I'll be honest, I love New Year's resolutions. I like a fresh start full of possibilities. I think I've always been more inclined to make resolutions because January 1st is also my birthday. So not only do I start a new calendar year when the clock turns midnight, but I also get to have a fun little party to celebrate my birthday!
So step back a couple of years ago when I thought up this idea to start making cloth napkins. I really began using organic cotton because it was such a dream to work with. It's strong but soft, just the kind of thing you want in a cloth napkin. I figured the word "organic" meant that it was good for the planet, but it wasn't until I started learning more about sustainability and eco-friendly choices that I knew what a positive impact that choice would have. I've got to tell you I'm so glad I made that initial decision.
I've learned a lot in the last year or so about leading a low waste lifestyle, and I think the most important takeaway is simple.
No really- I strongly believe that simple changes are the best way to have a positive impact on our environment.
It's easy to get wrapped up in all the Instagram posts demanding huge lifestyle changes, but I think it's important you know:
It doesn't have to be that hard!
Simple little changes are all you need to make a difference. Just think about it as you go along your daily routines and look for ways to reuse things or just use a little less. Get the family involved- kids love to look for new and different ways to do things!
A couple of simple changes I've made? I skip straws, I started bringing a reusable cup to work rather than using disposable, and obviously we use cloth napkins. Just with these tiny changes, I know I've kept some plastic, styrofoam, and paper out of the landfill.
So if you made a New Year's resolution to produce less waste and a more eco-friendly lifestyle, I'd like to encourage you to start with just small steps. If you go in to overhaul mode, it's going to be a lot harder to keep up with it and you have a solid chance of reverting to all your old ways by March!
Let me know a small change you think you can make starting today to make a difference- I'd love to hear your ideas!
Carly
Open Sky Organics