PLANTING SEEDS BLOG: Happy New Year!

I love a fresh start and a new list of eco-minded resolutions. Here's what I'm thinking about for 2010:

1. Take a hike -- Compile a list of kid-friendly hikes and go on them. I want to get my kids hooked on hiking.
2. Go kayaking -- Take my kids on a kayaking trip on the Hudson. We were never able to accomplish that last year, and I am thinking this spring/summer will be the perfect time.
3. Go biking -- Okay, lots of sporting adventures, but I have highly active children. We all can bike now, and I'm dying to go on the ride along the Harlem Valley Rail Trail from Millerton to Wassaic and back. Promotional info on the ride boasts "…smooth asphalt, scenic farm and valley views, and flat terrain…great for beginning cyclists and families with younger children." The other place I want to go biking is Governor's Island.
4. Take the bus -- Take public transportation or ride a bike when you can't walk.
5. Go local -- Frequent the local farmers market and continue to participate in my local Community Sponsored Agriculture (CSA). Encourage friends to check out here to find a CSA they can enjoy.
6. Go meatless -- Not everyone in my family is ready to go meatless, but we are planning on eating less meat. Time for more beans, vegetables and fruit.
7. Visit the library -- My bookshelves speak volumes on how much I like to read. Remember that there's no need to buy every book I want to read or my kids want to read. I love visiting the library and better yet, my kids love the library.
8. Get political -- Write letters and call my local senators, Congress people and state officials to tell them about what I want my city, state, country, and world to be. Make my voice heard.
9. Practice Integrated Pest Management (IPM) -- Get my neighbors to support the use of IPM to combat unwelcome little critters in our building. I'll suggest my neighbors check out the Beyond Pesticide for the whole scoop on the harmful effects of spraying pesticides in your home.
10. Spread the word -- Talk to people about what I'm doing. Spread the word and get others on board to make healthy choices for the environment.

Let's be honest—some of these were on my 2009 list. Wasn't quite able to accomplish all of them. But no need to give up. I have just added them back on the list and will try again. Like I said, there's nothing like a fresh start.

In 2006, Francesca Olivieri co-founded the company, sage baby an online eco-friendly baby store offering everything from organic clothes and skincare to furniture. She also writes a monthly blog for The Family Groove as well as contributing articles to Daily Candy Kids, Citiscoop, and NRDC's simple steps. She continues to watch her green business grow, while seeking to apply her values to her own home and family. Francesca lives in New York City with her husband and three kids, ages 9, 7 and 4

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