I was talking to some colleagues about New Year’s resolutions and one said his resolution was to try to not use any plastic bags.
This surprised me in that he isn’t the sort of person that you would readily identify as the “tree hugger” type. But then on further reflection I realized it actually made sense because the “plastic issue” seems to have gone pretty mainstream. I myself blogged about it last May in a post, “The Scarlett P.”
I’ve made a few resolutions myself this New Year and, I am happy to say, I am doing pretty well at keeping.
Except one.
The one that’s turning out to be the doozy is to drink less bottled water.
The problem is that my bottled water reduction goal seems to be in direct conflict with my other resolutions which are to lose weight and get more exercise.
My cupboard is cluttered with Sigg bottles and other plastic reusable water bottles. Some I’ve purchased, some I’ve gotten as various promos and give aways.
But none of these environmentally better solutions work for me as well as my bottled water.
None fit in my purse as well, are as leak proof, fit in the cup holder in the car or on the treadmill.
I guess I am turning out to be a classic example of someone who says they want to make better environmental choices, but won’t if it means sacrificing on product quality or experience.
I feel very badly about this every morning as I continue to reach for my convenient (yet evil) bottle of Poland Spring.
What’s your twist?
Have you had similar issues keeping “green resolutions”?
While I haven’t made it a resolution, I love the idea of only eating seasonal and local foods. However, but my daily banana and peanut butter habit and love of apples all year round mean that a lot of my food also comes with a large carbon footprint. Maybe if I could see more tangibly just how large their footprints are, I would be less apt to buy them. Perhaps a carbon footprint label similar to a nutrition label in a language that is relevant to me? Nothing overly complicated or science jargon-y or else it might as well not be on there.
@Lauren thanks for the great comment. I agree having a more tangible reminder of the consequences of our decisions would really help. something simple, yet powerful.
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