Happy New Year

The year 2007 has come to a close and as I sit here on the second day of 2008, I think about the pledges I made last year...and failed... and what I can do better for the coming year.

We just moved houses, and our goal is that we don't have to move again for a very long time. I was temped the other day to buy a new table for our outdoor patio, so that we could dine outdoors. I thought better of it for two reasons, first, I should save the money that it would cost to purchase it new when second hand ones are plentiful and don't involve additional deforestation.

I have also purchased new furnature for other parts of the house, including a new Kitchen island, a desk for my office and a TV console. While I would have loved to buy teak, I really don't like the fact that most teak harvested today is not done sustainably and is often done by way of illegal logging. So, while I felt a little bit like Edward Norton's character in the fight club, it was all IKEA for me. I appriciate the fact that IKEA at least tries to work enviromentally and packs goods flat, uses renewable resources, charges for plastic bags... and is consitantly ranked one of the world's most environmental companies. Ok, heritage quality probably not, but at least I can feel good about the purchase.

One of the good things that I strive to do is to work continullly on sourcing local produce and food, eating within the season, purchasing more organic and eating less meat. My gift from my husband for Christmas (in addition to the furnature) was a copy of Jamie at Home, Jamie Oliver's new book on eating fresh grown, seasonal food. While not totally applicable for life in the tropics, inspirational it is. Oh, and did I tell you... since I now have a real patio... a place to grow... I have started some cilantro and basil and will go get myself some peppers, brinjal(that's eggplant for the US folk) and a PAPAYA tree. I can't wait to walk out to the patio and pick my own fruit!

So, no promises, no pledges, just an honest post from someone who is always conflicted, always striving and always learning.

Peace on earth and to you.

Happy New Year!

K