Problem: Article: While bottled water is convenient, it is also really bad for the environment. Not only does it create trash, but it also uses more resources because it’s shipped to the store. To be more eco-friendly, make it a habit to carry a reusable water bottle with you everywhere so that you can drink water on the go.  Plastic bottles are usually the lightest and most convenient. Look for one that says it’s BPA free. You can also find aluminum and glass water bottles that are a great option if you don’t like using plastic. Shopping bags make it easy to carry your items home, but they also pollute the planet. Skip the store’s shopping bags and bring your own instead. Use a backpack or tote that you already own, or purchase a couple of reusable bags from the checkout area at your local grocery store.  You can use your reusable bags at most stores, including clothing or bookstores. Keep your bags in your car so that it’s less likely you’ll forget them. Before you throw something away, look for ways you might reuse it. Try re-purposing items or making green crafts. This will help you keep trash out of the landfill.  For example, instead of throwing away a jar, you might use it as a glass, vase, or storage container. Similarly, you could use a piece of cardboard to make a wreath. You can find ideas for green crafts by searching online. While electronics are really fun and likely help you feel connected to your friends, they also use up a lot of energy. Schedule breaks from your electronics so you can use them less. During your breaks, do something fun like going for a walk, playing a game with your friends, or pursuing a hobby. Invite your friends to connect with you in real life. For instance, instead of playing online video games together, go to a local park. Products that come with a lot of packaging are bad for the environment because the packaging is waste. Even if you recycle the package, it’s still an unnecessary waste of resources. Do your best to pick products that have as little packaging as possible. This can keep more trash out of landfills and save natural resources.  For example, let’s say you’re buying a notebook for school. If you’re choosing between a notebook that’s wrapped in plastic and one that isn’t, pick the unwrapped notebook. Buying stuff generates more waste and pollution, so try not to purchase things you don’t need. When you do need something, shop local thrift and second-hand shops or use online resale shops. If you can, borrow items that you don’t use often, like tools, from a friend or family member. To get stuff that’s new to you, organize a clothing, toy, or home items swap with your friends. For instance, you might host a neighborhood back-to-school clothing swap before you shop for school clothes. You don’t have to sacrifice your sense of style to go green, but it’s best to avoid cheap, trendy clothing. Instead, buy clothes that are made well and will last you a while. Similarly, research the brands you buy to make sure the clothes aren’t made by underpaid, mistreated employees.  Choose clothes that fit you well and look great on you. This way you’ll always be in style even if you aren’t following every trend. You might spend more money on new items when you buy better clothes. However, this typically saves you money in the long-run because the clothes will last longer.
Summary: Carry a reusable water bottle so you will not need bottled water. Use reusable bags while you’re shopping. Reuse items to save them from the landfill. Reduce the amount of time you spend using electronics. Skip products that have a lot of packaging. Buy second-hand products or borrow items instead of buying them new. Buy sustainable and ethical clothing when you need something new.

Problem: Article: Each diet plan may require you to change some habits, stop others and possibly begin new habits.  Make a list of all the things you're going to change and slowly begin incorporating them each day.  Give yourself set, timed goals.  Having a deadline to stick to will help motivate you to start and stay on track with your new diet plan. Making small changes over a longer-period of time is easier to do and you're more likely to stick with the program. It may also be helpful to keep a journal.  You can track your progress, your challenges and successes as you transition to your new diet plan. No matter which diet plan you choose, make sure your home and work environments are set up to support your new eating plan.  A good start would be to clean out your refrigerator, freezer and pantry.  Make sure any junk food or treats are removed so that you don't have any temptations. Also have other activities or hobbies that you enjoy outside of food.  When a craving hits, it is helpful to have a project to distract you and keep you on track. If your diet plan suggests focusing on certain types of foods (like lean protein or 100% whole grains) or certain products (like protein shakes or bars), take a trip to the grocery store to stock up on those items.  If your kitchen is full of healthy options, you'll be less tempted to stray from your new plan.  Purchase foods that are healthy swaps for your favorite treats.  If you love a sweet treat after dinner, try keeping fruit, quality dark chocolate (80% cocoa and above with no artificial ingredients), or low fat yogurts on hand when a craving strikes. It may also be helpful to purchase portion-controlled plastic containers.  It makes brown-bagging lunch easy and convenient. Some diet plans may also suggest measuring portions with a food scale or measuring cups.  Food scales are relatively inexpensive and are easy tool to measure exact portions.
Summary: Write out your plan of action. Set up a healthy environment. Purchase necessary foods and products.

Problem: Article: Many liars are suddenly distracted by a need to smooth down their hair, align a pen on the desk, or push in a chair at a table. These actions can be indicators that the person is lying. Sometimes this is just a sign that the person likes things in order, so consider their personality and habits. Someone who is lying might clear their throat more frequently or swallow significantly before answering a question. While many liars are not fidgety, they may still bring their hands to their face. Under the stress of fabricating a story, a liar may experience some level of anxiety. This may cause blood to drain from the extremities, including the ears. Sometimes, this can cause tickling or another sensation, and the individual might bring their hands up to touch the ears. Liars often press their lips together more firmly and frequently when not telling the truth. Sometimes, this might indicate concentration, which a liar often has to have in order to fabricate their story. Lying requires more cognitive energy, since the liar needs to concentrate harder while exerting mental energy. People tend to blink less frequently when they are expending cognitive energy, so look for decreased blinking if you think someone is lying. The same can be said for fidgeting. People often fidget less when they have increased cognitive function such as when they are lying. Many people who are lying tend to stand very still. Some attribute this to the body’s reaction to a threatening situation. Similar to the fight-or-flight response, the body stands still, ready to fight. Defensive body postures can indicate frustration, the desire to be left alone, or the fact that the person feels chilly. But sometimes they indicate that someone feels threatened. If the person acts defensive during a casual conversation, then something may be off. Defensive body postures may include:  Arms folded over their chest. The tighter their arms are folded, the more defensive they may be feeling. Clenched fists. Tight, white-knuckle clenched fists indicate a more defensive posture. Crossed legs. Sitting with their legs crossed can be a relaxed posture, but if they are displaying any other defensive posture signs, then they may be lying.
Summary:
Notice if they are grooming or adjusting something. Listen for throat clearing and swallowing. See if their hands keep touching their face. Watch for lips pressed firmly together. Look for decreased blinking. Monitor the person’s body movement. Note any defensive body postures.