Guilty

I am admitting for March a very small act involving this guy. I am guilty for not always recycling the toilet roll, yes it is true. See sometimes I am lazy by nature- when we finish a roll I will leave the empty roll aside and say " I'll recycle that later" well later turns into usually never. The roll is usually missing from where I last left it or tossed in the garbage.

Believe me I know how useful these guys are, really. My colitis gives me plenty of time to daydream about possible toilet paper roll projects I could make with Hazel when she's 5. In limited space I can't save them- but sometimes my inner hoarder speaks "c'mon what is a few paper rolls? You need them, You need them!" Then I snap out of it, leave it by the sink and forget it all till my next bathroom visit.

March will be the month for recycling these guys as well as cleaning out my car- getting the trunk almost empty. The weight I carry in the car isn't good for gas mileage or the environment in the long run. Besides who really needs 2 strollers on any given day?

What will be your One Small Change?

New Year, New Me

Let's not put too much pressure on myself, right? This last year has been a total whirlwind. Hazel was born on the 2nd of December, so 2009 was the year of the baby and unfortunately the year of my colon. Watching her grow- so far has been amazing. Everyday she learns something new and makes us laugh, while turning into her own little person.

I do believe my colon is still intact, we have a love/hate relationship. My medication has been increased and I am trying to use what little computer time I do have to research everything & anything about colitis. But after a slight breakdown this weekend- due to stress of the holidays,being sick and our house-or lack-there-of I lost it. We are running out of space and right now I am grateful that Hazel's birthday & Christmas are not for another full year- which will give us time to make room for the things we have now.

With all of that said.. like Fawkes, I will rise. (We all know I am a dork, right? OK glad that is settled). So today with the babe down for a nap, Zach out running errands before the snowfall and a fresh mug of hot cocoa I wanted to share a few things.

I am going to start
this project. Although I am really proud of how are family has reduced our footprint, there are still many things I personally need to work on and things as a family we could work to change.

Here are a few of our green initiatives we've accomplished in the last year:
switching from tissues to cloth hankies
switching from our brief roll with disposables to a cloth-wearing babe
leaving the thermostat lower and just layering our clothes
recycling more heavily. There are more- but this is what I think of off the top of my head.

My goal for this month is in 3 parts. One, is to always use a reusable mug at coffee shops. I have them, I even make adorable cuffs to decorate them, I just don't always remember to carry it!

The second is to try and ease up on my consuming of certain fancy soy chai lattes. I can make this drink at home. It is taking up precious time I could be creating- spending quality time with Hazel and not in a car (I usually go to a further one that is a drive-thru.. so not to bother the sleeping babe).

Lastly, if I am not driving to get a chai- I am saving money, gas and lessening my footprint. So it is a win-win. Now I just need to really focus and see that I am buying into a ridiculous habit. I guess because there are so many things I can't eat- I get comfort out of one thing that doesn't bother me and is so widely available. Either way, I know I need to lessen this habit.

As for our family, I spoke with Zach while Hazel quietly listened and we've agreed to try and not buy anything new for a month. Of course food and essentials, but clothing or toys all must be hand-me downs or thrifted (which really is fine b/c I do love a good thrift store). I also will be following the 1 in 1 out theory as well. So watch out!

I hope you will join me on this journey to try and make a change for the earth. One small change is a great idea! Happy New Year!