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From our friends at Healthy Monday…

The No Impact Experiment is a community based project created by the Huffington Post. It started on Sunday, October 18th, and participants gradually reduce or eliminate everyday behaviors that negatively impact the environment. Each day of the week offers a new theme to try (Friday, for example, focuses on reducing water waste), and each new challenge builds on the ones that preceded it. By the end of the week, participants will have drastically cut their climate impact, participated in community service and learned about their individual strengths and abilities. What’s more, Meatless Monday is highlighted as the perfect way to cut your personal carbon footprint!

The creators of No Impact Week do not guilt their audience by providing a long list of figures about consumption and its environmental impact. Instead they offer tips and ideas on how to cut back on climate-changing activities. The week begins on Sunday, with an evaluation of what you consume on a daily basis. We are encouraged to stop buying unnecessary products and to look closely at how much garbage we produce. Monday’s goal is to eliminate unnecessary trash in the form of food containers and convenience items. Tuesday is all about transportation, and participants are encouraged to find a means of travel besides their personal vehicle. Wednesday focuses on food; the goal is to choose groceries that were produced locally with little to no packaging.

On Thursday we are asked to look at how we consume energy. We are encouraged to turn off appliances and lights that not absolutely necessary. Friday is devoted to the reduction of water waste. Saturday is a day of service. Participants can use the time that would normally go to shopping, surfing the web or watching t.v. to make a difference in their community. Sunday is again a day of reflection, only now we can ponder the events of the past week and enjoy the relaxing simplicity we have created.

Each day is filled with tips to get you moving in the right direction. The No Impact Experiment suggests a meatless day to greatly reduce your impact on the environment without a great deal of effort. They recommend Meatless Monday as an easy way to remember to cut back, and as a resource for recipes and tips. Meat production accounts for nearly one fifth of all man-made greenhouse gas emissions and requires a great deal of water to produce. As The No Impact Experiment notes, “there’s no denying it– eating fewer animal products can be the single greenest move you can make.”

Cut back on your environmental impact this week with a Meatless Monday, and check out The Huffington Post for more ideas on how to reduce your carbon footprint. Here are some additional tips on how to eat green thanks to The No Impact Experiment:

• Practice “passive cooking” by using leftover boiling water to softer and even lightly cook (or steam) things. Instead of sauteing or braising beans, massage them with some oil and vinegar until soft and wilted.

• Find your nearest local, sustainable and organic bakery and farmer’s market in the Eat Well Guide.

• Find ways to use your oven for shorter periods. Put food in during the preheating stage and turn the over off early yo let the heated air finish cooking your food!

• Save money and eat healthier by preserving food. You can expand your local food options through the seasons by canning or freezing local produce year round. This is a great group activity.

• Pack school or office sandwiches and snacks in reusable or washable cloth bags. Use glass or stainless steel lunch boxes or To-Go Ware.

• Ask for tap water instead of bottled and only ask for water if you’re going to drink it.