It’s that time of year again. Resolutions. We all make them. We all break them.
I’m guessing last year’s resolutions looked something like this:

1) spend more time with family
2) work out
3) lose weight
4) quit something
5) be happier.

This year, how about setting some alternative goals for the year ahead?

1) Learn a neighbour’s’ name…All too often we rush off to work, rush home, give a wave to the person we live across the hall from and never take 5 minutes for a conversation. Getting to know our neighbours is step one in building a strong community. Once a month introduce yourself to someone new-to-you in your neighbourhood. By the end of the year you will have twelve new friends!

2) Community strolls…At least once a week I like to wander around my neighbourhood. After dinner I wrap up warm and spend 30 minutes meandering through the streets near my home. It gives me time to reflect on the community in which I live. Try it, you never know who you might bump into or what creative inspiration lies around the corner!

3) Stop using plastic bags…Over 380 billion plastic bags are used in the USA each year. It takes around 12 million barrels of oil to produce 380 billion bags! With a variety of different shapes, sizes and styles there is a bag for everyone. There is no excuse for “forgetting” your grocery bags. Plastic can be a great material for reusable products, such as FROGBOX moving boxes, however we shouldn’t be using plastic for disposables, such as grocery bags.

4) Take alternative transport…If you typically drive to work or school, why not take public transit twice a week? If you usually take transit, get on your bike or walk a few times a week. This small change is beneficial not only to the environment but thanks to all the walking / running for the bus your toned tush will look fabulous in your favourite pants!

5) Volunteer in your community…Not only will you make new friends and contacts as well as improving social skills and relationships but volunteering in your community brings fun and fulfillment to your life and can help improve your career too! There are many worthwhile causes to which you can donate your time, take a look at your local community centre for ideas or check out http://govolunteer.ca/

We wish you all the best for 2013 and remember…say “Hi” to your neighbour Joe, as you’re walking around the ‘hood with your reusable grocery bags on your way to take the bus to your new volunteer job!

Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.