Setting green goals for the future

With such a global focus on the deteriorating condition of the environment and how humans contributing to its demise, many people are setting goals to participate in a sustainable lifestyle that incorporates a series of green goals for the upcoming year.
It's not just the oil spills or rainforest depletion that's raising concerns for the environment. Even things like the roads we drive on can prove harmful. For example, according to a Carrying Capacity Network conference held in Washington, D.C., every year in the United States roughly 1.3 million acres of unpaved land is paved over. And what's going on those roads? Cars. There are more than 250 million cars and trucks in the United States, and Canadians are not far behind Americans. According to the World Resources Institute, Canada ranks as No. 8 out of 178 nations in production of carbon emissions.
Although sometimes the environmental outlook can seem bleak, there are many small- and large-scale ways individuals can make a difference. For eco-conscious people who want to start making a difference, here's a list of ideas to get started.
* Raise chickens. There has been a greater interest among suburban and urban residents in raising livestock. Chickens make sense because they are not large and can be a home-based food source, producing eggs or meat if desired. It's possible to get eggs from hens without a rooster, and you may not need a large amount of space to house your bird. They can be kept in a small coop or allowed to roam free in a yard in a bird run. Check with your city or town to be sure it's legal to raise chickens, then do your research on the best breed and space needed for where you live.
* Simplify beauty regimens. In many cases, there's no need to purchase costly beauty serums and washes that may or may not contain harmful chemicals. As it turns out, many things can be made at home from food sources. Dry skin can be treated with a blend of avocado and honey. Cottage cheese can calm redness. There are those who are even proponents of washing your face with pure oil. Chances are even if you don't resort to all homemade beauty products you can significantly cut down on the number of store-bought items you use.
* Look for personal hygiene alternatives. Most people already know about switching from disposable diapers to cloth alternatives (almost 30 billion disposable diapers are used and disposed of in the United States each year). But there are other disposable items that contribute to personal waste. Instead of traditional female hygiene products, choose reusable cups or cloth items instead of disposable pads and tampons. Some advocate the use of bidet-type toilets to reduce dependency on toilet paper.
* Rethink clothing purchases. When shopping for new clothes, choose durable or even sustainable products, such as those made from hemp or organic cotton. Another alternative is to buy used clothing or participate in clothing swaps. Consignment stores and thrift stores are other popular places to find used clothing.
* Give experiences, not gifts. Does that child need another toy that will end up forgotten after a few days? Instead of gifts that need to be bought and stored, consider tickets to a show, lessons for dance or martial arts, trips to a zoo, or other life experiences that can be enjoyable and build memories.
There are many ways to be eco-friendly now and in the years ahead. Think about your lifestyle and figure out the small things you can change that will make a big difference down the road. TF121714