I am always impressed, and at times a little overwhelmed, by all of the sustainability related information out there.  Internet sites, newsletters, books, industry publications, blog postings, magazine articles, conferences, etc. are all bursting with information on the latest and greatest green trends.  You no longer have to dig to find helpful information on just about any environmental concern.  I personally enjoy learning more about the everyday changes individuals and even businesses can implement to make a difference, live healthy and be more of an environmental steward.  Some of my favorite resources include Body + Soul Magazine, Environmental Leader’s e-newsletter and Net Impact.

When it comes to being more sustainable, there is always more we can do.  But talking it one step at a time and learning to form new habits (actually remembering my reusable grocery bag when I go to the store!) is doable and doesn’t have to be time consuming or expensive.  In short, you don’t have to be an expert in everything green to start making change happen.  This new year, start with one thing you can do differently and then build off of that commitment each month.  Share your new goals with a friend or colleague to keep you accountable, or better yet encourage them to take on new challenges with you.  Some of my favorite “easy to implement” actions include:

• Carry a reusable grocery bag with you at all times
• Recycle plastic bags when they are unavoidable
• Just say no to bottled water and invest in a stainless steel bottle
• Share a garbage can with your colleagues (rather than having one at each desk)
• Calculate your personal carbon footprint and make a commitment to reduce your impact (Community Energy will be re-launching our carbon calculator in the near future – check our homepage for updates)
• Share your green ideas at work
• Bring your own to-go containers to restaurants

Happy Greening!