At a time of year when everyone is thinking about personal resolutions such as losing weight or quitting smoking, why not include a green resolution? Committing to sustainable changes in our personal lives can be accompanied by thinking about the environment we live in.

Often times New Year’s resolutions are set with idealistic expectations. Resolutions can include lifestyle changes such as healthier eating, consuming less alcohol, reducing stress, reducing our environmental footprint or managing one’s money better. So how do we keep our intended commitments? The reality is that we need to be flexible and forgiving with our goals. Commit to small, realistic resolutions and don’t underestimate the power of achieving those small resolutions, they may be the ones you actually keep.
Start with your own small green steps. For example, make the commitment to no longer throw recyclable containers into the garbage no matter where you are. When you finish a beverage hold onto the bottle or can until you can properly dispose of it in a recycling bin.

Choose green actions that are convenient for you.

• Participate in your city’s in-home recycling program
• Carpool with friends/neighbours to work, parties, or sports events
• Purchase locally grown produce and products
• Take reusable bags grocery shopping and when shopping at the mall
• Use a Brita filter at home for filtered drinking water
• Use aluminum water bottles for drinking water
• Don’t accept single use plastic bags
• Bring coffee from home or a reusable mug at the coffee shop
• Shut off lights and electronics when leaving your home

There are so many small actions you can take to be greener. You do not have to participate in all realms of green. Just do what works for you!

Some green actions Mac’s is taking this year include expanding our Mac’s Recycling Program, powering stores with green energy from Bullfrog Power, and selling Mac’s Reusable Bags.

A small green step today will help keep the world green tomorrow!

Best,
Eva