It’s a New Year, and for a lot of people that means a fresh start! I’m typically not the type of person to put a lot of pressure on January 1st; I prefer to set and re-evaluate personal goals as they come to mind throughout bouts of inspiration. But when inspiration is lacking, structure and discipline can go a long way. Alas, I will abide this age-old tradition and write some New Year’s Resolutions. Since this is an ocean-themed blog, and you’re probably not interested in my annual resolutions to eat healthier and floss more, all of these resolutions will be ocean-themed.
- First I’d like to renew my oath to eat only sustainable seafood. I think this is the EASIEST and most effective commitment consumers can make. I’ve rambled on about sustainable seafood a many, many times, so check out my Seafood section or contact me with any questions.
- Read my favourited blogs more frequently. It’s a big world. There are a bigillion things happening every. single. second. It’s exhausting to try and keep up, which is why I no longer try. However, I do need to make more of an effort to keep tabs on issues I know I’d care about, especially when highlighted by writers I know I enjoy. I can’t read everything, but I can definitely read more. (If you’re also looking for more reading material, some blogs and sites I follow are: The Marine Detective, Blue Ventures, Deep Sea News, Speak Up for The Blue, David Suzuki Foundation, Ocean Minds, Hugh’s Fish Fight, The Beacon – Oceana)
- Watch the documentaries I tell myself I’m going to watch. I’ll see a trailer, bookmark a link, or get a recommendation from a friend for a great documentary, but often I’ll forget to make the time for it. There are so many great informative films out there that would probably benefit me more so than a marathon of Criminal Minds… I need to use my downtime more effectively.
- Reduce consumption of single-use plastics. This should be on everyone’s list, obviously. I don’t want to get worked up and go into an angry rant about it, so I won’t. I know the majority of plastic consumption is entirely unnecessary and I’m going to use my purchasing power to avoid unnecessary single-use plastics. And the keyword here is reduce, not reuse or recycle. Just don’t… from the beginning.
- Carefully monitor ingredients in household products. This will be sort of a new one for me. I try to buy the “green” dish soap (when it’s on sale…), and I love the idea of using all natural beauty products, but I’ve never enforced it on myself. Well, 2013 will be the year! Especially after researching Canada’s wastewater systems, I know it is imperative that we monitor what we flush down the drain. The drain isn’t a black hole where toxic substances magically become unicorn dust, the drain is the pathway to the changing compositions of our streams, rivers, and ocean bodies. Here are naughty ingredients to look for when purchasing products, and if you’re up for it here is a great blog to help you make your own cleaners. Also, my new Pinterest addiction (late bloomer, I know) has led me to uncover some aweeesommee DIY beauty products. One thing I’m dying to try: homemade deodorant!
Have any green, ocean-conscious resolutions you’d be willing to share? Email, tweet, comment… share the inspiration!
(Sidenote: Speaking of news and headlines, my hometown made national news this week! Read for a laugh: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2013/01/03/can-parry-sound-sausage-theft.html)
