Sustainable in the New Year

Sustainably Sadie

Create Sustainable Resolutions

Here comes 2012, ominous Mayan calendar apocalypse looming, elections, full of possibility.  Take the sensationalism with a grain of salt.  Plan for life as usual for twenty-twelve…remember Y2K? 

Is it too late to make a resolution for 2012?  I don’t think so; it probably shouldn’t be limited to once a year to resolve to make positive changes in one’s life.  Whenever we need a tune-up; resolve to be happy. 

You can always make a resolution to lead a more sustainable life.  Perhaps looking at the family budget and evaluating what you can cut out in order to save.  Perhaps start setting aside money for Christmas 2012.  Plan ahead to stay out of debt.  Set aside extra cash for a monthly massage, special dinner out, or weekend get-away.  You could resolve to make all your own cards for 2012 instead of buying birthday, Valentine’s, Christmas cards, etc.  You may save more than you could imagine. 

The easiest way to stick to our New Year’s Resolution is to be realistic when setting one.  If you are a 3-pack a day smoker, don’t resolve to go cold turkey starting Day One, but do enlist the help of the Quit Line:  866 485-QUIT.  If you are resolving to be healthier in 2012, perhaps lose weight, look for a program that suits your personal needs.  If you’re not a morning person, don’t sign up for an early work-out class.  If chocolate is your weakness, allow yourself a special treat of small amount once in a while.  It is better to allow yourself a small portion of what you are craving then to deny yourself to the point of breaking. 

In yoga, we set “intentions.”  We are not attached to the outcome, but we intend to be more forgiving, to be brave, to be strong, be gentle (for example).  If you want to make a change that will last the whole year or a lifetime, be forgiving to yourself, stick to a routine that will lead to happy results, and set realistic goals.  If you’re back on the chocolate before Valentine’s Day, forgive yourself.

Sustainable Gift Giving

By Sustainable Gift Giving, what I really want to talk about is Re-Gifting.  Re-giving a gift is a delicate matter.  For us, it is a big part of running a sustainable household.  I have a box (or two) of items that we have been given that can be saved for a last minute gift idea.  The largest contribution of gifts to save for another deserving receiver comes from our daughter, Eva.  Eva is my step-daughter and in addition to her birth parents, almost every one else in the family is divorced, resulting in twice as many people to give gifts.  And her relatives want to show their love so they send clothes that may be too big or not her style; she ends up with three brand new jump ropes at her birthday; and she’s lost the keys to the six diaries she has.  So without much fuss, and quietly, I put brand new items away.  And I save the pretty gift bags to re-use as well.  With the kids, there is always that chance that a friend is going to have a birthday party coming up or gift exchanges at school and it is family-budget friendly to reach into that box, pull out a brand new gift and re-wrap it so it can be passed along.  I think with good intentions in mind and trying to avoid hurt feelings, you can be quite successful with re-gifting.  Just avoid re-gifting to the person who originally gave you the gift. 

I know that you’re already doing it, Montanans are notoriously self-reliant.  You’re already making sustainable choices for your family.  I would love to hear from you.  Email sustainbablysadie@hotmail.com, check out the blog www.sustainablysadie.blogspot.com.

Twin Bits

The GRVCCA Buy Local group is looking for local businesses to host Business After Hours in 2012.  Host an event at your business to advertise new products or services, inform the public and network with other Ruby Valley Business people.  Email me, Sarah Miller, at above email or call my cell, 531-1422

The TBCA will meet at The Old Hotel 8:30 am Friday January 6. 

Friday January 6:  TB Basketball w/ Whitehall at Home, 2:30 BGBG

Saturday January 7:  Speech & Drama at Loyola; BB at Lone Peak, 4 pm

Monday Jan. 9:  2^nd thru 5^th grades BB practice @ Lunch recess

Tues. Jan 10:  JV BB @ Three Forks, 4 pm GB

Thurs Jan 12:  BB @ Shields Valley & Wilsall, 4 pm; JrHi BBB @ Lima, 4:30 pm

Friday Jan 13: BB w/ Lima @ Home, 5:30 pm BG

Saturday Jan 14:  Speech & Drama @ Three Forks; JrHi BBB TB Tourney @ Home; BB @ Sheridan, 2:30 pm BGBG

Monday Jan 16:  Trailblazers 4-H mtg 7 pm in TBS Lunchroom.