The Challenge

For the past six months I have worked to minimize the "stuff" in my life and it has inspired me to become greener. The problem is that there are so many things I could be doing, I get overwhelmed and don’t know where to start.  I’ve read about people who do it all for one year: no TV, no eating out, only local/organic, and recycle everything so they produce no waste and live off the grid.  For me, this is excessive but I want to do something big.  So, I thought I would give myself this year-long challenge. For each month of 2012, I will complete a different "activity" that challenges my current habits.  I hope I can make some positive changes throughout the year that benefit my life and the planet.  I am sharing this experience through blogging to hold myself accountable and hope that some of you will join me and participate in a month or two. 

January- I will abstain from meat, dairy, alcohol, caffeine, and sugar.  The most difficult for me will be cheese, wine, and chocolate. This may be the hardest month but I thought it would be a great cleanse for the New Year.

February- The only money our family will spend this month will be on bills, food, and other necessities.  This means no dining out, movies, books, clothes, toys, etc.  Too much time, money, and resources are spent purchasing needless 'stuff' and then that 'stuff' takes our time, money and resources to maintain.  If we are desperate for something, we will have to make it, borrow it, or wait.  

March- Start a small garden.  Finding a spot will be tricky but I hope to at least grow some tomatoes, herbs, cucumbers and peppers. 

April- Start a compost bed.  I hope it doesn’t stink. 

May- Eat only local/organic food.  We are lucky to have a farmer’s market every Saturday just around the corner and we’ve got a Whole Foods not too far away.  This should be fun and expensive!

June- Get better at recycling and find ways to reduce the amount of paper and plastic that we use.  I am queen of paper towels and Ziploc bags so this one is really important to me.

July- Exercise every day this month for 30 minutes.  I am lucky to be one of those crazy people who loves to exercise so I usually get it in at least four days a week.  I will, however, be traveling a lot in July and it is hard to keep up while on the road so I thought this would be a good incentive. 

August- Reduce the amount of water and electricity our family consumes.

September- Make my own household cleaners.  I’ve always wanted to make some soap and natural cleaning products so this should be fun.

October- The family will watch no TV, movies, etc. for the entire month. Being a stay at home mom, this may mean no showers and my death.

November- This month will be spent making homemade Christmas presents.  I apologize in advance to family and friends!

December- Meditate everyday.

Pick one that sounds like fun and do it with me…you know you want to!