One small change makes a huge difference

Now that you have eased into 2011, time to think about making a small change that can result in a really huge - and positive - difference to you, your family and community.
Here's a few ideas:

• Subscribe to the email newsletter from the Ethical Consumer Group, it's fascinating reading and is chock-full of good information
• Sow some bean seeds, step back before they shoot up and enjoy the harvest
• Get your bicycle serviced, check your stack-hat and get peddling! I read somewhere that most car use is for travel of less than 5km, so unless you are taking a mob of kids to their evening judo class or picking up a 20kg bag of spuds, get peddling! You'll get fitter, reduce your carbon footprint and enjoy the ride
• Declutter your house - have a garage sale or take it down to the local opshop
• Join your local library and check out all the wonderful books on permaculture
• Keep a couple of chooks - you'll become enchanted with the gals, their eggs are so delicious and their poo makes great compost
• Join your local community garden and meet like-minded souls, swap growing tips and yummy produce
• Smile! It's easy, free and will boost your spirits.

And in between all the work and family stuff, take time out to smell the roses, leeks and garlic!