What is your Eco-Resolution?

 Kristen Mertz – St. Louis Regional Outreach Assistant

image provided by: EMSCO

I’ve never really been into New Year resolutions. If I needed to change my habits, I would at any point in the year. This is especially intriguing, because this is my constant battle: being eco-friendly, along with getting others to understand why IT IS IMPORTANT. From what you wear to what you eat, you are making a decision that affects the entire planet. 
My eco resolution is to become more vocal and encouraging, assisting others in creating a more green life for themselves, and remembering why I began mine.

Here are some steps I have taken to become more eco-friendly:

•Re-useable EVERYTHING!! 
I keep a silverware set on hand, along with metal straws, bags, and today I even had Kaldi’s coffee use my own bottle to put my coffee in.

•RECYCLE: plastic, aluminum, glass, paper, electronics….why wouldn’t you?? 
BUT they must be CLEAN in order to be accepted.

•RECYCLE OLD CLOTHES: fabrics can be accepted at Remains in STL, donated to places such as Goodwill, or local clothing swaps.

•BUY SECONDHAND: Before purchasing try looking for it on FB market, or a resale shop. Consumerism is engulfing us.

•Keep your local drinking water clean, ONLY RAIN DOWN THE STORM DRAIN. Limit use of pesticides/fertilizers on lawns. Dispose of old car fluids correctly.

•Call your energy provider and see if you can be connected to a renewable, I live in Alton, IL and am participating.

If you do any of these today because you read this post, my eco-resolution is in full effect. These simple tasks will greatly effect our river’s health as well.

https://www.remainsinc.com  
https://www.ameren.com/illinois/electric-choice/renewables  
https://1mississippi.org  
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/s/ref=is_s?k=reusable+ 

Become a

River Citizen

Yes! The river can count on me!

I am committed to protecting the Mississippi River and will take at least three actions to care for this valuable resource. Please keep me informed about actions I can take to protect the Mississippi River as a River Citizen:

 

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Step 1

Become a River Citizen

Yes! The River can count on me!

I am committed to protecting the Mississippi River. Please keep me informed about actions I can take to protect the Mississippi River as a River Citizen, and send me my free e-book!, Scenes From Our Mighty Mississippi!

 

Step 2

LEARN ABOUT THE RIVER

We protect what we know and love. As a River Citizen, you’ll receive our email newsletter and updates, which offer countless ways to engage with and learn more about the River. You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, X (Twitter) , and YouTube, where we share about urgent issues facing the River, such as nutrient pollution, the importance of floodplains and wetlands, and bedrock legislation such as Farm Bill Conservation Programs.

Step 3

Take Action

There are many ways you can jump in and take action for a healthy Mississippi River. Our 10 actions list includes simple steps you can take at any time and wherever you are.  Check out our action center for current action alerts, bigger projects we are working on, and ways to get involved.