January '10

 

The Twelve-Step Blog

 

 

The Twelve-Step Program for a Sustainable Lifestyle.

 

Our Twelve Recommended First Steps....

 

1. Become Mindful of your actions. Believe it or not most of what we do is on a nearly unconscious level.

 

2. Start with small steps. It is a process and it takes time.

 

3. Do not overwhelm yourself with too much change as to become discouraged. We all know how difficult change can be.

 

4. Have a sense of humor about the process. An important aspect of a sustainable life is happiness.

 

5. Make your changes look glamorous and fun so people will follow. Most humans are like sheep.

 

6. Rise above the people that chuckle at you. Always get the last laugh.

 

7. Breath through the temptation to buy anything that is not locally produced. We are very blessed on the East End of Long Island to be able to sustain ourselves with locally produced goods.

 

8. Get support from like-minded friends and businesses: www.ecoeastend.com

 

9. Spend time outdoors and appreciate the small things in your life. Small miracles provide big results.

 

10. Keep a diary of your journey. The written word is a great tool for reinforcement.

 

11. Move on quickly after all set backs. Setbacks are a natural part of change.

 

12. Appoint a Sponsor. Someone who will stay with you on your journey and talk you through your setbacks.

 

Our Twelve Recommended First Actions

1. Have a home energy audit. (FREE)

2. Change your light bulbs to CFL or LED.

3. Unplug all appliances and electronics when not in use.

4. Start using reusable shopping bags at all times.

5. Shop locally.

6. Monitor your trash output.

7. Start to compost.

8. Limit your packaged/processed food purchases.

9. Start a veggie garden this spring.

10. Switch your household cleaners to a non-toxic brand.

11. Switch your cosmetics to a non-toxic brand.

12. Join the community at www.ecoeastend.com