Resolutions, Resolutions.

Well, 2010 is upon us and so is the incessant talk about resolutions for the new year. If you're like me, you may either revolt against this idea and not choose one, or you may adopt a resolution and abandon it a week later. Such is life. Instead of focusing on resolutions, why not set some achievable goals?

For instance, this year, I am pledging to buy local as often as possible. There are some excellent purveyors in the Philadelphia region offering a variety of products. For your groceries, check out Good Food Market or the new Farmer's Market in Northern Liberties. Looking for locally sourced home furnishings? Pay a visit to Iannone Design in Kensington. In the market for a gift? Hana & Posy on North 3rd is a socially responsible boutique and florist.

In my opinion, buying local helps the community, reduces the environmental impact and helps to keep our city unique!

What are some of your goals for this new year?

Green Your IT

As outlined in the article, "Nine ways IT can help organizations 'go green' and reduce paper consumption," from ZDNet, there are simple ways organizations can modify their existing IT practices to decrease waste and increase their "green" commitment.

In short, the recommendations are:

1) Use business analytics software

2) Re-align business processes

3) Move business tasks to an electronic format

4) Monitor and regulate printing

5) Eliminate unnecessary printing of documents

6) Review software code - online

7) Increase Data Center capacity

8) Introduce collaboration tools

9) Use mobile devices

For more, be sure to check out the article here. Thanks to Rumneek for passing along!

Attention Temple Students: share or find a ride!

Need a ride? Want to offer a ride?

Log onto Temple's online "Need-a-ride" forum to find fellow students commuting throughout Philly and the surrounding suburbs.

Currently there are more than 4,100 Temple community members participating.

This holiday season, reduce your food packaging waste.

As we approach the busy holiday season, this post from GOOD reminds us to consider the packaging waste resulting from our food choices.

In short, awareness of your actions is the first step. From there, try to choose items that are free of packaging, or wrapped in paper or glass. It is that easy to control the amount of waste you contribute!

Green your Halloween!

The article, "Turn Halloween from orange to green" from Philly.com illustrates a couple of ways we can control the disposable results of today's holiday. First, try to cut down on the number of candy wrappers you give out to visiting trick-or-treaters. At your local shop, look for options that minimize packaging waste or consider giving out alternatives, such as produce. Sure, kids would prefer the sweet stuff but they will appreciate your efforts in the long-run!

Secondly, skip the elaborate store-bought costumes this year. Look to make your own or to swap with a friend! The third suggestion is to cut down on the number of decorations you use to adorn your home. Look for reusable items and skip the energy-consuming fog machine and strobe lights.

Applying these easy tips will ensure a guilt-free, fun and inexpensive Halloween.

Happy Halloween!