SPONSIBLE CHALLENGE #2

Periodically we like to challenge corporations to step up to the plate and do the right thing. Whether it's putting an end to overseas sweatshops or simply not doublebagging at checkout, we see a chance for positive change where others see business as usual. This time however, we would like to challenge you, the sponsible reader.

With 2008 still fresh as new fallen snow we figure it's a great time to start the year off on the right foot. Our request to you is to get in the habit of doing one good deed a week. We're not even asking for a daily commitment out of you here, just once a week. By "good deed" we mean any of a variety of things. Here are a few examples:

• Stop and talk with a homeless person/buy them a meal
• Volunteer at an elder community
• Go out of your way to make sure that plastic bottle gets recycled rather than dumped
• Buy CFL bulbs or better yet, LED's
• Power down your computer and turn off your lights when not in use
• Adopt an animal
• Make a donation to a charity
• Ask a waiter or waitress how they're doing and really mean it
• Praise a child on a good job
• Drop clothes and home items off at your local thrift shop
• Volunteer at a soup kitchen
• Recycle your companies used batteries- collect them in a container in the copy room
• Call an elderly relative and just listen
• Plant a tree
• Work with your local elementary school to plant dozens of trees
• Go for a run without headphones
• Love yourself

As you may have noticed, good deeds don't only apply to others. They can be done to yourself, to flora and fauna as well. The point is, the more we treat ourselves, our neighbors and our earth with love and respect the better our world will be, simply by default.

Let us know how you got sponsible and we'll publish your efforts right here, to help inspire others to follow your lead. Consider this challenge a group effort.