Checked out a couple of websites recommended here: Alittlegreener and BuyBlue, both of which are great practical resources for changing buying habits for environmental and political reasons. I learned that I could be looking for organic cotton products instead of focusing on consignment, so that was helpful.

Did our annual giving. Dh and I came up with a budget and a small group of organizations and we're sticking with those, that's it. Cuts down on guilt and wavering when we get all of those solicitations in the mail. (If our resident development MTs toss 'em, that's what I'm going to do!).

Didn't do anything regarding finding a place to volunteer some time, so that's up this time.

RachelD

I did well, but I think I still spent too much and bought too much.

I'm going to give the "Buy Nothing (or a lot less)" for the next two weeks another shot.

Have done nothing at home, except not used cleaning products at my usual rate.

my pet peeve is activism oriented i guess...much of my volunteering has been centered on character education in schools along with better education on the topic of risky behavior, be it underage drinking, drinking & driving, drugs in general, sexuality, etc.  i have long worked to ensure parents have more clarity around their own behavior and become better educated so they can help their children and communities.  i spent lots of time helping campaign locally for better funding in public schools.  

what interests me now is being aware of the many ways i, and my family, can make differences in  daily habits which will conserve resources.  we try to be mindful of using green products.  we just bought a hybrid car which i am quite excited about.  it's a kick to not have to fill up the tank for months --- and to be able to purchase the cheaper fuel.

i have on my list to rent Al Gore's movie...i want to be sure to see that.

that's it for me right now.

this new year i am changing course a bit. i am resigning from all of the high school parent club activities and have ceased participation in the arts council.  i will continue to blog. i have decided to start my own volunteer activities and to organize on my own.  initially this decision was motivated by frustration.  however, now i am focused on activities that are direct and not committee based.  to that end my family and i are volunteering every weekend at Glide Memorial.  we hope others will join us.

we too are enviromentally focused.  i ditched my hot little Infinity G35 coupe and bought a toyota hybrid. i am exploring potential career change that would entail marketing of new environmentally sound products or philanthropic new media ventures. i will continue my democratic party work....hmm although if the Guv here in California keeps it up, i might work for his causes :)

my motto this year is directly helping people and causes i believe in.  i will avoid groups and organizations that are plagued with paralyzing social dynamics and focus on those who can get the job done.

There's a bunch of stuff going on right now, I'm happy to share. Do y'all want to hear about it?

As for my goals -- more ecologically & socially responsible at home and getting personally involved rather than just giving $$ -- let's see:

1.  I'm trying to get us set up to get our chicken and pork from the same local, organic farmer who raises the cattle that we have in our freezer.  We can get eggs in our CSA box.

2.  We're upgrading to a gas hot water heater that's the most efficient we've been able to find.  On demand was just too pricey so we skipped it this time.

3.  We put a storm door on the back door -- aaahhh, much warmer!

4.  I still need to get off my bum on Sundays and head over to the local UU church near us.

5.  Volunteering in person.  This one's a bit tougher as my daughter is still settling into preschool and needing a bit more attention.  We'll be doing two days per week though so hopefully she'll settle in and I'll be able to do some work while she's in school.

We still have some biggies left - especially insulating the attic.  It just seems like a daunting task.

RachelD

Penney's is one of the few clothing stores in my town, but they won't be getting another dime from me if that's the way they run their business.

it's a step out of my "I only work in and for the arts' nine dots and it's a learning curve for me but I think I'm going to like it!