Now that it’s time to ring in 2012, it’s time for New Year’s resolutions. What are your New Year’s resolutions? I’m trying to get greener. I’m really going to stick to my eco-friendly New Year’s resolutions:
New Year’s Resolutions: A Green Home
If your New Year’s resolutions include having a heart for the Earth, better make your home green! There are tons of green home tips out there, but here’s a sampling:
Opt for natural light from windows and skylights before turning on electric light.
Keep any construction or upkeep green by reusing as much as possible and using green items like lumber certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and low-VOC paints.
Use kitchen waste to start composting.
New Year’s Resolutions: Green Transportation
“New Year’s Resolutions: Get more exercise.” Has that been on your list? You can combine it with your green New Year’s resolutions! Walking and biking will fulfill both of these New Year’s resolutions.
You can also go green by taking public transportation or carpooling. If you must drive, keep your car serviced and smog-certified. Or opt for a hybrid/electric/vegetable oil car!
New Year’s Resolutions: Green Meals
New Year’s Resolutions for this category involve just being smart about your food! Try to get organic, local food so that you avoid pesticides and chemicals and cut down on transportation eco-costs. For non-local items, make sure it’s fair-trade!
For meat-eaters, be conscious of your food’s impact. For seafood, only buy fish approved by the Seafood Watch program. For poultry and meat, “organic,” “pasture-raised,” and “grass-fed” are all good terms to look for.
New Year’s Resolutions: Green the Little Things
There are a ton of little things in life that we never think twice about. New Year’s resolutions: start rethinking how to green those little things! Bring your own tupperware to a restaurant to avoid styrofoam take-out boxes. At the office, use 100% recycled paper and print on both sides. Avoid bottled water by using reusable bottles. It’s the little things that matter.
What are your New Year’s resolutions? How do you go green? I’d love to hear about your green New Year’s resolutions in the Comments section!