Did you make a New Year’s resolution? And, if so, was the Earth in some way a recipient of your good intentions?

We asked our RadJoy community about their Earth-based resolutions. Here are some of their very good intentions:

“My resolution/intention/prayer is to continue to deepen simplicity in my life, specifically with regard to consumption. The less I take in, and the more I offer, the freer and happier and more in alignment I feel. By ’taking in’ I mean taking what I don’t truly need in order to be of benefit to others. Every movement towards taking anything, food, clothing, etc. is informed by my inquiry into the effect of this action on the welfare of the living earth. What is revealed is how fulfilled and rich I already am.”

—Anne Stine, Ashland, Oregon

“I will do everything possible, including what I eat, the containers I use, and in any daily actions, to honor and respect our Beloved Mother.”

—Chief Phil Lane, Jr., Ihanktonwan Dakota and Chickasaw Nations

“My resolution is to pay more attention to the birds in my area. Many birds are threatened by climate change, so I want to know the identities and learn about lives of those who remain.”

—Gail Johnson, Omaha, Nebraska

“I have marked my 2023 calendar to remind me to contact quarterly my federal representatives in congress regarding animal welfare bills. The Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) has a webpage where they list current and past legislation regarding animal welfare bills. I use this resource to give my representatives the numbers of the bills I want them to support or not support. Here is a list of animal welfare-related bills.”

—Anonymous

“I am a poet. I resolve to find a way to express the emotional side of climate change, instead of only focusing on what still thrives.”

—Dan Schroeder, Syracuse, New York

It’s not too late to resolve to live more mindfully here on our lovely planet. Several blogs and websites offer eco-friendly New Year’s resolutions. The Center for EcoTechnology’s list has suggestions that aren’t quite so predictable as some.

Happy New Year, Earthlings!