I'm psyched to start this exciting experiment and hope you will join me! The No Impact Project was started by Colin Beavan aka "No Impact Man" after the success of his film, book and blog -- all inspired by his family's year long experiment living a zero-waste lifestyle in NYC. After much success including improved health, financial savings, a strengthened relationship with his wife and family and less waste, Colin came up with "No Impact Week" to give people greater insight to their daily habits.
No Impact Week begins October 18, 2009 and is sponsored by the Huffington Post. Upon registration, followers are provided with a day to day plan that hand holds them through the experiment. Each day prepares you for the next day's challenge to get you in the habit of thinking ahead. Here's a quick overview:
Sunday/Consumption: You must cut down on consumption! Prepare one bag of garbage to be used for the week. Help make this happen by making a list of things you "need" for the week and limit your shopping. If you MUST shop, limit yourself to eco-friendly and locally grown foods.
Monday/Trash: Analyze your garbage from the day before and see what you can cut down on. Prepare a "no trash kit" including a handkerchief, tupperware, water bottle, etc.
Tuesday/Transportation: Make a list of where your day's activities are and figure out alternate methods of transportation. Carpools, biking, walking, etc.
Wednesday/Food: Calculate your "carbon foodprint." Make sure all of your food comes from within 250 miles and make the next few days a bigger challenge with 100 miles. Make sure all of your food is locally grown!
Thursday/Energy: Make a list of what requires energy usage in your household and highlight what you can eliminate or mitigate for the remaining days of the experiment.
Friday/Water: Figure out your "water footprint." Make note of how much water you use and try to cut back. Take a sponge bath, soak your dishes and don't run water while brushing your teeth.
Saturday/Give Back: Think about what you do for your community and what better ways you can give back. Start today!
Sunday/Eco-Sabbath: Rest! Think back on your week and make a mental note of how you feel. Happier? Healthier?
You can download the complete 17 page day-to-day manual at http://big.assets.huffingtonpost.com/noimpactweek.pdf and get started with me on October 18th. This is a great way of testing your lifestyle with thousands of others to see how you can make a BIG difference! Can't wait to hear how you did.
- Elaine La Personerie - www.winkpr.com
Click here for more of Elaine's posts.
Comments