It’s time

December marks the end of my first full year writing this column, and as 2009 approaches, it’s the perfect time for reflecting back and looking ahead.

Before I began writing this column, even though I was deeply concerned about environmental degradation, I wasn’t much of a green warrior. Over the course of the year, however, I have learned a great deal and consequently have incorporated small but substantive changes in my daily life.

Looking back, locally

Now I routinely bring my reusable bags into the grocery store and adamantly refuse any plastic bags, even for the fish or soap, delivering my mini-lecture on the evil of plastic bags to the poor cashier.

Now I refuse to buy bottled water. When I leave the house, I carry my sleek, stainless steel water bottle filled with filtered tap water.

The thought of unnecessarily piling paper products into landfills sends shudders up my spine, so I haven’t bought paper napkins for months. Now I have a neat and colorful stack of cloth napkins at the ready. I haven’t been as successful at eliminating paper towels, but now I use more rags, along with vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice and olive oil when I’m forced to the odious task of cleaning and polishing.

This past year I did more shopping than ever at the numerous farmers markets that have popped up in the area. I discovered incredible baked goods in Hawley, PA; luscious tomatoes in Narrowsburg, NY; and phenomenal greens in Barryville, NY. On non-farmers-market days, I stopped in at various farm stands for fresh, locally grown fruit and corn.

This year marked the inauguration of my first compost pile. Along with my recycling efforts, I produced very little garbage in the warm months. Recently I threw a party for about 75 people and very proudly served my guests with compostable plates, napkins and utensils. (Thank you Jill’s Kitchen.)

Speaking of warm months, I did not use my clothes dryer at all, hanging out the laundry in an effort to reduce CO2 emissions. I also turn off my computer when I’m not using it and have replaced every incandescent light bulb with a CFL.

And I have made an effort to drive less, planning my outings to combine chores with other activities.

Looking ahead, globally

After Election Day, I felt relief and glee, coupled with the familiar paroxysms of overwhelming dread at the problems that face our nation and the world. But Al Gore, in a November 9 New York Times editorial wrote: “Here is the good news: the bold steps that are needed to solve the climate crisis are exactly the same steps that ought to be taken in order to solve the economic crisis and the energy security crisis.”

President-elect Obama stated in November that “Delay is no longer an option, denial is no longer an acceptable response” to the pressing issue of climate change. Surely now we have an unprecedented opportunity to create a new and thriving economy by building wind farms and solar arrays, encouraging geo-thermal technology, retooling the auto industry to create fuel-efficient, hybrid vehicles and to resurrect the electric car. Surely now is the time for the nation to create millions of green collar jobs by catalyzing private efforts to build a clean energy future.

American ingenuity can be rallied to create new technologies and innovations that promote sustainable practices for our daily lives.

In closing, we are at a turning point as a nation. Either we change or perish.

Finally, a note to those readers who have taken the time to share ideas about sustainable living and to give me positive feedback and encouragement: I am truly grateful.