A New Year, A Renewed Focus

With so many New Year's resolutions to improve yourself, have you considered making a resolution around reducing your impact? One thing that I truly enjoy about sustainability is that it is so addictive. It's a daily challenge - from trying to beat my mpg reading on each tank of gas ( a shout-out to all the hybrid owners out there!), to finding the lowest impact appliance, or cutting out a high-emission activity. You really can make a difference - and you can spread the 'competition' to your friends.

Case in point...

A few of our friends are the center of my sustainable universe...they always are on the cutting edge of research, new solutions (some very low-tech solutions too!), and holistic sustainability concepts. They recently gave up all things cow-related because of the CO2 emissions w/ mass production of cow-related products (milk, steak, leather, etc.) as well as the methane emissions from the cow itself. I appreciated hearing their 'lessons learned' and unique solutions as well as unexpected problems that arose from trying to eliminate this from the daily routine. It's not easy to avoid cow products, let me assure you. But, that's not enough. Now they are going to try and give up the refrigerator for a month to see how difficult it is. The overall goal is to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions - they've identified all these sources of emissions and have systematically made changes to great success.

Some people may think that is extreme, but I think they are adventurous and have a genuine interest in seeing how far they can go to reduce their impact. While I'm not ready to give up the fridge, I am ready to make a more concerted effort to reduce my impact. I do, however, enjoy the challenge.

In my day-to-day routine, I have identified standards I am implementing in work and home life:

• Only buying appliances that have an energy rating on them (Energy Star minimum)
• Any new equipment (e.g. water heater) must compare sustainable options as well as traditional using life cycle cost analysis, not just up front costs
• All office products must have a minimum recycled content - from folders to pens, I am able to support the post-consumer recycled market (thanks, Terracycle!)
  
• When my car finally died, I purchased a hybrid vehicle for work and personal use
• Walk or telecommute whenever possible. Since driving is often a requirement, planning out trips to reduce travel time and the volume of trips has been a priority
• Support local businesses whenever possible
  

By taking a look at sustainable options, setting standards for evaluating purchase decisions, and evaluating life-cycle costs, I am making it easier to make the low-impact decision without compromising on economy. Additionally, I believe it is critical to create demand for products that re-use materials - from an environmental standpoint as well as developing an economic market for municipalities that collect the materials and the producers that use them.

As for this year's resolution? We are going to identify recycling centers that take materials the city won't - styrofoam, plastics, and more. We are also planning to purchase renewable energy credits from NC GreenPower (it's surprisingly cheap!), and low-impact client gifts such as Terrapass. And, since sustainablity isn't just about the environment, I'm also planning donations to my favorite charities and have committed to donating time/services to start up businesses in sustainability.

There is so much that can be accomplished if you make an effort. I admit these goals are not nearly as lofty as giving up the refrigerator, but finding the right mix that makes sense for my business/personal life is also important.

There are a lot of good things that come out of evaluating your energy use, emissions, and purchases. You'll also realize there are a lot of things you can do to reduce your impact while still maintaining a lifestyle you enjoy. What is your sustainability resolution?

If you have any suggestions for me, please drop me a note in the comments or to info (at) springleafstrategies.com. I love hearing ideas I have not considered.

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The Holidays Are Here - Please Spare the Junk

Looking for the perfect gift that will make your clients take a second look? PLEASE spare the junk. There are a bunch of ways you can integrate sustainability into your holiday gifts with some non-junk ideas (i.e. won't hit the landfill and will support your local economy). Don't fall for the misnomer that sustainability choices equate to more expensive. With a little creativity, you can put the 'green' back into sustainability by saving some money, making an impact in your community, and saving the planet while you are at it. Here are a few of my favorite things:

Cupcakes! Visit my good friends at the Cupcake Bar - www.acupcakebar.com and order cupcakes for your clients. Not only are these hands down the best cupcakes I've ever had, they are eye catching and memorable (and downright creative). If you're extra nice, you might even be able to get a branded cupcake flavor.

Give the gift of a donation to your favorite charity. Non-profit organizations do an incredible service for your community, and typically are hard hit during any economic downturn. Instead of giving junk to your client base, why not make a donation to a non-profit that means a lot to you or your company? It is noteworthy on many levels and underscores your commitment to social justice (and doesn't send junk to the landfill!) Looking for a suggestion? How about my personal favorite, www.rebuildingtogethertriangle.org...

Buy local art. Supporting the arts is fun and fashionable. Send a unique gift of work from local artists. If you can't do this for 2008, consider commissioning a piece of work for 2009 for your clients next year.

Adopt-a-Family. This is something everyone can get behind at the office. Contact your local social services department and learn more about very needy families in your own community. You can play santa and make a difference in a family's holiday. You'd be surprised at the list of items and how far your donations can go to help.

Looking for a feel-good activity for you and your employees? Volunteer at a Soup Kitchen, Meals on Wheels, Caroling at a local nursing home, or other community-centric charity. Get involved - your resources span far beyond monetary donation.

Many companies send out holiday cards to the entire contact database. Consider using 100% recycled paper (and for bonus points, select a card painted by a local artist!).

Looking to cut costs with the holiday cards? Consider designing an e-card for the holidays. Not only will this be virtually "zero waste", it can be quite memorable for recipients (and should actually be much cheaper than sending out the real thing). With the flurry of holiday cards cluttering your reception desk, an e-card can set you apart from others.

Consider using an organic caterer for your holiday party instead of the same-ole. One I've been impressed with (and that recently racked up several awards) is Green Planet Catering (www.greenplanetcatering.com).

Looking for the environmental option? Consider buying Terra passes for your clients or employees. www.terrapass.com Calculate your carbon footprint and buy carbon offsets.

Looking for the LOCAL environmental option? Buy Renewable Energy Credits from NC GreenPower (www.ncgreenpower.org). They use the money to support alternative energy sources from North and South Carolina.

Looking for the extra pizzazz for your holiday party? Consider a 'Low Waste' or 'Zero Waste' event by using an organic caterer, limiting/eliminating trash, and buy green power offsets!

If there were ever a year to demonstrate your commitment to sustainability, this is it! Happy Holidays, everyone!
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