It Is A New Year! ...A New Year for the Planet
Dear Partners in Green,
The fact of Climate Change has the ability to alter our worldview.
We may see a storm as not just a storm, a hurricane as not just a hurricane, a hot day as not just a hot day, but rather as warnings, as reminders of the reality of our troubled planet—a planet in peril due to our very species, due to what we had believed was progress. Wrapping our heads around this reality is painful, difficult, and for some it seems, impossible.
And so we worry, give way to anxiety, allow ourselves to dwell on the anticipated future that our children and grandchildren will have to endure.
But there can be a benefit to worry if it motivates us to work to prevent that which we fear, that which we have been assured will be the future if we do not alter our way of living.
As this New Year begins, take some time to reflect upon the actions you have taken to better the chances for the survival of this planet. Have you…
- had more meatless meals
- curbed your shopping
- limited your travel
- reduced the use of plastics
- planted a tree
- begun composting
- donated to environmental organizations
- shared your concerns with others
If your personal assessment is positive, congratulations—keep going.
If less than stellar, there is no time like the present to adopt new habits, new ways of living.
It’s a New Year!
Some Planet-Saving Ideas for the New Year
- Shut down your computer when not in use. The average desktop computer, not including the monitor, consumes from 60 to 250 watts a day. Compared with a machine left on 24/7, a computer used four hours a day and turned off the rest of the time could save about $70 a year. The carbon impact would be even greater, reducing CO₂ emissions by approximately 83%.
- Invite friends over for a closet swap. Everyone brings a few items they want to trade. It’s easy on the environment—and your pocketbook. Every item of clothing you own, from cotton to synthetic textiles, has an environmental impact.
- Ask the experts for an energy audit of your home.
- Introduce yourself to the bus. Public transportation may be common for big-city dwellers, but why let them have all the fun? Take a friend or two and give it a try—you might just like it.
To the New Year
by W. S. Merwin
An encore presentation from John Mayer:
Wishing peace and health to you and your loved ones.
Thank you for being on this journey.
Till next time,
Beth
