How green would YOU go?

By Milena Viljoen

We all know that there are small changes each of us can make to help create a more sustainable future. But small changes can take on new meaning when you commit to them for a longer period of time. Across the U.S., people are challenging themselves and their friends to make big, green commitments… one day at a time.

In late 2007, an anonymous blogger began challenging herself to reduce her consumption of items packaged in plastic, both to help the environment and to protect her health. Almost one year later, she’s living almost plastic free, and has inspired many readers to do the same. Her blog includes the history of her quest, including informative plastic waste statistics, what she’s done personally to use less plastic, and how she’s failed but kept on trying. It just goes to show that a commitment doesn’t end with just one slip-up.

Like A Life Less Plastic, the blogger at No Impact Man decided to reduce his impact one stage at a time. His goal: no net impact, which means doing less bad while doing more good. From reducing solid waste (by cutting down on disposable products and useless packaging) to trying to make more sustainable food choices, No Impact Man has spent the last nine months becoming more and more earth-friendly. His quest reminds us that going green doesn’t have to come all at once!

In an effort to simplify his life (and his stuff), David Bruno has created a personal “100 Thing Challenge.” The challenge? To pare down what he owns and live life for one year with only 100 personal items (although common goods like household furniture don’t count, nor do two boxfuls of personal mementos). Friends have spread the word, and Bruno now has a group of followers taking the challenge with him. But what’s the point? Says Bruno (via his blog), “[S]tuff is not passive. Stuff wants your time, attention, allegiance. But you know it as well as I do, life is more important than the things we accumulate. Challenge stuff!”

The Compact is another challenge that is gaining popularity. Originating in San Francisco in 2004, the Compact was just that – an agreement between a small group of friends to refrain from buying anything new (except food, health items, and underwear) for six months. The group grew by word of mouth, and the Compact today has chapters all over the U.S. and even overseas. Each year, members reaffirm their commitment to shop less, driven by the environmental benefits of demanding less stuff and producing less waste. The Compact also offers great social benefits, with groups keeping blogs and holding social events. There’s even a friendly sense of competition, as members see who can get what big ticket items for the least amount of money (or even free!). The best part? Participants can choose their level of commitment. Whether you simply adopt a reusable grocery bag or completely give up shopping, the community is there to cheer you (and your smaller eco footprint) all along the way.

Have you challenged yourself to go green? Tell us your story!

The Compact

The 100 Thing Challenge

The No Impact Man

A Life Less Plastic