New Years Resolutions: Going green for our well-being
Why not do better for ourselves? Share your tips!
posted almost 12 years ago
I know I can do better! From taking care of myself, to being the best I can be- no more excuses (yes, I do say this every year, and yes I often have to start over)
I'm sharing some of my resolutions, but if you have any tips or advice you can share on going green for your well being, please do share them!
Eating Well:
Eating, fresh healthy options now, not only makes me feel more energetic and focused, it's an investment for a healthier future for me, and my favorite place- Earth! I also intend to steer clear of packaged processed foods and cut back on my waste by buying in bulk! Savings all around, making me feel better all over, from my pocketbook to my belly!
I know I can feel better, and look better if I just drink more water. So, I am not t going to carry my reusable around with me, I'm going to fill it up every time I pass a water fountain or hydration station here on campus.
And if it's not empty? I'm going to finish the contents, and then refill before moving on. Just because I refuse to pay for those plastic water bottles (they are just an unnecessary waste of my money and resources) doesn't mean I can't keep water with me!
Getting Outdoors:
There are so many natural and green spaces I love on campus. From random stairways that just lead to a stream overlook in the woods right by the AOK library, to a rope bridge crossing a stream to the CUERE research center, to a tire swing where a field and forest meet past the res halls, the campus offers a lot of hidden rewards for exploring the nooks of green tucked, right along side our well beaten paths.
Not to mention we have trails and archeological sites just past the Research Park and we can walk to Patapsco State Park, one of the most beloved parks in the state. I've already mapped out my favorite spots but I would love to hear about your adventures and discoveries around here! http://umbcsea.wordpress.com/hikes-bikes-onnear-campus/
Giving Back:
Volunteering is more than just service to others, it's a service to myself and to the community I live in. I want a better Baltimore for me and my neighbors, and I want cleaner greener healthier food to eat, air to breathe and water to drink and swim and paddle in, and it's up to me to see it through!
From the Shriver Center, to the Office of Student Life, to me, your sustainability coordinator, we can help you get involved, get experiences, and get connections both on campus and in surrounding community! It's not only fun, but also rewarding to build positive connections all around you by giving back. So, I intend to do more of this in 2013!
Unplugging:
Now, why don't I have the time to eat well, give back, go outdoors, and be the best I can be? The lure of entertainment, social media, internet content, always sucking me back and wasting my time. I know these aren't my priorities, but they are a lot easier to sit down and get started on than the things that really matter, things I believe are worth doing. So I am going to stop at that first step- no going online once I get home and no plopping on the couch rotting away, my life is going to be lived more fulling once I start acting on this intention!
Maintaining Calm & Order:
The ugly truth is that I when I'm stressed and rushing out the door I don't do the little things. I don't flip out the lights, unplug the electronics that are on stand by, I don't walk/bike to the stores nearby, I don't even sort my recycling if I'm rushed and stressed. I'm going to start managing my time better, and by doing so making sure I managing my stress better too- by setting aside time for relaxation and mindfulness techniques like yoga, quiet time, deep breathing, creating art, and being active (outdoors!).
I'm so glad UMBC offers places like the rock garden, preserved green spaces like the knoll and CERA, has a pond tucked in the woods, plus we have yoga classes (at the Women's Center, RAC, and as a 1.5 credit course)!
Please share your resolutions and tips with me as I strive to reduce my environmental impact, while working to expand my positive impact!
I'm sharing some of my resolutions, but if you have any tips or advice you can share on going green for your well being, please do share them!
Eating Well:
Eating, fresh healthy options now, not only makes me feel more energetic and focused, it's an investment for a healthier future for me, and my favorite place- Earth! I also intend to steer clear of packaged processed foods and cut back on my waste by buying in bulk! Savings all around, making me feel better all over, from my pocketbook to my belly!
- Catonsville has a farmers market! http://www.catonsvillefarmersmarket.com/
- Dining Services places stickers on it's offerings letting us know which options are local, organic, and sustainable! http://www.dineoncampus.com/umbc/show.cfm?cmd=sustainability
- My favorite spots to eat well on campus, Wild Greens Salad Bar and Fresh Fusions Vegetarian station in the Commons, both now offer compost-able containers! Plus all the clear "greenware" containers can go into our compost bin too!
I know I can feel better, and look better if I just drink more water. So, I am not t going to carry my reusable around with me, I'm going to fill it up every time I pass a water fountain or hydration station here on campus.
And if it's not empty? I'm going to finish the contents, and then refill before moving on. Just because I refuse to pay for those plastic water bottles (they are just an unnecessary waste of my money and resources) doesn't mean I can't keep water with me!
Getting Outdoors:
There are so many natural and green spaces I love on campus. From random stairways that just lead to a stream overlook in the woods right by the AOK library, to a rope bridge crossing a stream to the CUERE research center, to a tire swing where a field and forest meet past the res halls, the campus offers a lot of hidden rewards for exploring the nooks of green tucked, right along side our well beaten paths.
Not to mention we have trails and archeological sites just past the Research Park and we can walk to Patapsco State Park, one of the most beloved parks in the state. I've already mapped out my favorite spots but I would love to hear about your adventures and discoveries around here! http://umbcsea.wordpress.com/hikes-bikes-onnear-campus/
Giving Back:
Volunteering is more than just service to others, it's a service to myself and to the community I live in. I want a better Baltimore for me and my neighbors, and I want cleaner greener healthier food to eat, air to breathe and water to drink and swim and paddle in, and it's up to me to see it through!
From the Shriver Center, to the Office of Student Life, to me, your sustainability coordinator, we can help you get involved, get experiences, and get connections both on campus and in surrounding community! It's not only fun, but also rewarding to build positive connections all around you by giving back. So, I intend to do more of this in 2013!
Unplugging:
Now, why don't I have the time to eat well, give back, go outdoors, and be the best I can be? The lure of entertainment, social media, internet content, always sucking me back and wasting my time. I know these aren't my priorities, but they are a lot easier to sit down and get started on than the things that really matter, things I believe are worth doing. So I am going to stop at that first step- no going online once I get home and no plopping on the couch rotting away, my life is going to be lived more fulling once I start acting on this intention!
Maintaining Calm & Order:
The ugly truth is that I when I'm stressed and rushing out the door I don't do the little things. I don't flip out the lights, unplug the electronics that are on stand by, I don't walk/bike to the stores nearby, I don't even sort my recycling if I'm rushed and stressed. I'm going to start managing my time better, and by doing so making sure I managing my stress better too- by setting aside time for relaxation and mindfulness techniques like yoga, quiet time, deep breathing, creating art, and being active (outdoors!).
I'm so glad UMBC offers places like the rock garden, preserved green spaces like the knoll and CERA, has a pond tucked in the woods, plus we have yoga classes (at the Women's Center, RAC, and as a 1.5 credit course)!
Please share your resolutions and tips with me as I strive to reduce my environmental impact, while working to expand my positive impact!
(edited almost 12 years ago)
