Sustainability: business, life, environment

Now that it is December, the Christmas spirit of generosity, kindness, and peace is buzzing about.  The holiday spirit is contagious.  Songs of joy, holiday music of cheer and the reaching out to loved ones is warm, rewarding, and heartfelt.  The holiday spirit has the ability to uplift others while offering a means to be generous in ways we are not during the year.  
 
As a sustainability consultant, I can't resist making the connection of being kind to others during this time to also being kind to our planet.   The obvious course of action is to be mindful of sustainability concepts during the holidays: reduce waste, practice responsible purchasing, travel, and energy efficiency.  However, the true gift is not just in taking these eco actions now, but also extending these efforts into the New Year, our daily lives, our work, and our communities.
 
The easiest way to be kind to our planet and live a sustainable lifestyle is by sharing with friends, neighbors, and in the community.  Sharing is a genuine expression of the value you find in the sustainability concepts that you embrace in your life.  Linking kindness with sustainable or green actions is one way to subtly introduce sustainability concepts to others.  Here are some ideas:
 
•    Pick up litter you see as you are walking on the sidewalk.
•    Turn the lights off after someone else has forgotten as they left the room.
•    Collect scrap office paper and bring it to the recycling center.
•    Bring an organic meal to friends after just having a baby.
•    Treat a friend to organic fare at a local sustainable restaurant.
•    Teach a child how to ride a bike.
•    Invite a friend on a nature walk.
•    Share your favorite green blog with friends.
•    Volunteer to clean up the break room and use eco friendly cleaning supplies.
•    Feed the birds from a park bench or feeder.
•    Adopt a pet from your local animal shelter.
•    Donate a bag of organic coffee and share with your office.
•    Make a contribution to your favorite charity.
•    Volunteer your time for a worthwhile organization.
•    Notice and compliment the sustainable efforts other are doing.
 
With this in mind, I encourage you to explore holiday eco actions that you can do this holiday season but also going into the future.   It is inspiring, uplifting, encouraging to others when others see you living a sustainable lifestyle - and see that you are enjoying it!  Give that gift to all this holiday season.