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HAPPY NEW YEAR INHABITAT READERS!
2013 is finally here and we can’t wait to see what the new year has in store for us! But before we get out of holiday-mode and back into the groove of things (*grumble*), we thought that now would be a great time to reflect and set some eco-minded resolutions for the coming months. In the face of pressing issues such as climate change and increasingly weird weather patterns, this year we here at Inhabitat are committed to going the extra mile for our environment and the people who inhabit it. From making a commitment to volunteer more to going vegan to researching the localization of sustainable architecture to help bring it into mainstream practice, read on to learn what our writers and editors are planning to do to help make a difference in world this year. We also would love to hear your eco resolutions — please share them with us by leaving a comment below!
Jill Fehrenbacher — Founder and Editor-in-Chief
In 2013 I had a serious epiphany about the overwhelming nature of stuff – in short I have come to the crushing realization that I have way too much “stuff”. I’ve always tried to be a minimalist when it comes to clothes, gadgets and basically everything I own, but something about having kids (and grandparents who like to dote on them), being an editor (too many free samples), and working from home (piles of paper everywhere), can turn even the most well-intentioned minimalist into a virtual hoarder. This year, the birth of my second child coincided with Christmas (two catalysts for overly-excited grandparents) and I saw my home explode into chaotic mess of toys, wrapping paper, and untouched piles of paper! This year I’m taking a cue from the guy who only has 15 possessions (we published a story about him here), and trying to seriously downsize my life. I’m going to be donating and giving away as many clothes, toys and gadgets as I can, some on Inhabitat and Inhabitots – so stay tuned!
My other resolution is to think seriously about the implications of climate change and prepare myself and my family personally, with disaster-preparedness gear and supplies — as well as focusing my work energy and attention at Inhabitat on climate change and how we can prepare for it as a society with disaster-proof design. It seems quite evident now that our society just does not have the political will or the psychology to stem the tide of rising carbon emissions, and thus we will not be able to stop global warming. Hurricane Sandy really hit that truth home for me as I saw how utterly unprepared my beloved city is to deal with rising sea levels. We’re going to see more and more natural disasters everywhere of Hurricane Sandy / Hurricane Katrina proportions, so we best get ready!
Mike Chino — Managing Editor
I want to dedicate 2013 to digging in and getting my hands dirty by learning new skills that will lower my environmental impact. I’m looking forward to taking some classes in woodworking, fine tuning my soldering and electronics repair skills, and I’d love to learn how to use a 3D printer if the opportunity arises (these days it seems like they’re popping up everywhere.) Design is becoming more democratized every day as technology carries the means of production into the mainstream, so there’s never been a better time to join the DIY movement!
Yuka Yoneda — New York City Editor
After years of writing about the importance of not polluting our air, rivers, forests and oceans, there’s one thing I never thought twice about polluting – my own body! It wasn’t until recently that I saw the irony of spreading the word about protecting the health of the environment while munching on cheese puffs and Hot Pockets all day. So this year, my New Year’s resolution is to be as discerning about what I eat as I am about what I would put into the waste stream. I’ve cut out meat from my diet completely and am making an effort to eat a lot more fruits and vegetables. Because it isn’t always my first instinct to reach for an orange or apple when I’m busy, I’m making it as easy as possible for myself by keeping them in clear containers around my kitchen and living room so that I’m always reminded to have one of those instead of a bag of chips. This simple but effective visual cue has been working so far and I hope it continues to throughout 2013 and beyond.
Diane Pham – Architecture and Design Editor
My new year’s resolutions this year are pretty simple: 1. To volunteer more with New York Cares‘ amazing programs. We often forget that one of the easiest ways to enable change is to act locally. This year I’ll be focusing on providing a good example and helping others achieve the goals they want to achieve but may not have the means or support to. Hopefully these people will find it in them to pay it forward and we’ll see the ripple effect of positive, community-centered actions turned global; 2. Start a compost. Yes, I’m one of those people who still tosses out their organics (hides in shame). I live in a small space in NYC, but I’m hoping that this handy little freezer compost container (and my neighborhood drop-off) will help me get the job done.
Tafline Laylin — Associate Editor
2013 is my year for a deep green transition. Although I’ve always promoted gentle living and shun excess consumerism, my lifestyle hasn’t always been conducive to the kind of habits that we all need to incorporate into our daily lives if we want to leave our children any kind of a livable planet. See, I haven’t had my own home since 2006! For the last six years, I’ve been traveling the globe spreading love and eco-tidings, but do I have a garden? No. Do I have DIY projects to call my own? I’m afraid not. Have I had to put into practice many of the things that I preach on a daily basis? Not so much. Sure, I opt for buses and trains whenever possible and avoid other pitfalls of travel such as plastic water bottles and shopping bags, but there is no question that the planet pays a price for globetrotters like me.
Which is why I’m so eager to enter into the next phase of my life. My new day-lit home constructed of earth-friendly materials is just 525 square feet; it is rural, but a short bicycle ride will take me to a small town that supports local farmers, and I am determined that every single piece of furniture that goes into it will be used, refurbished or recycled – by me. My sister is going to teach me how to grow my own food on a plot nearby and I will have opportunities to become involved with an already ecologically active community. Rest assured that I won’t be going shopping for a pile of new stuff to populate my new abode. Instead, I hope to very slowly add only what I need, so that my living space becomes a cozy reflection of what my heart so richly desires for all of us: creative simplicity and a wholehearted respect for our mother earth.
Join me in making 2013 our greenest year yet.
Alyssa Alimurung — Operations Assistant
In 2013, I hope to get through my reading list (I’ll be happy if I even get through half of it!), volunteer more and commit to practicing yoga. Super long, super hot showers are my eco-sin, so this year I plan to get my hands on the Effergy to help me save water!
Beth Shea — Managing Editor at Inhabitots
This year it’s my goal to go on an entirely vegan diet. I have been a gluten-free vegetarian for many years, and in the last several I have given up milk and eggs — but now it’s time to put the kabosh on cheese once and for all. If anyone reading this knows of a fantastic vegan cheese, please pipe up, as I’ve yet to find one! I also really want to get a secondhand bicycle and start using it as a mode of transport, thereby instilling a love of cycling in my children, and I want to plant a vegetable garden in a raised garden bed and figure out how to outsmart the wild rabbits in our yard so they don’t eat the fruits of our labor! Lastly, this year I really want to stop sweating the small stuff, and to focus more on the big picture.
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