Think Green Live Clean

Photo Credit: Feliciano Guimaraes

As we bid farewell to 2009, it’s time to look forward and think about how we want to bring in the New Year. As January 1^st is closely approaching, let’s reflect on the environmental changes we want (or most likely need) to see in our near future with these Green New Year’s resolutions for 2010. Here are just a few resolutions and useful tips on “being green” all year round. Do your part this year to help our environment, and commit to making these changes a part of your life.

1) Make sure to change all of your light bulbs to energy-efficient models.

Every time you replace a burned-out light bulb, you’re making a decision that affects the environment. Energy saving, compact fluorescent light bulbs help improve the quality of the environment and they reduce business and home energy bills. Did you know that lighting accounts for 15-20 percent of a home’s energy use and 5-8 percent of the total energy bill? Substituting compact fluorescent energy saving light bulbs for standard incandescent bulbs will use approximately 70 percent less energy for nearly the same amount of light output, and, the energy efficient light bulb will last about 10 times longer.

2) Take reusable grocery bags to the store.

Can you believe that the average family accumulates 60 plastic bags in only four trips to the grocery store?! These plastic bags end up as litter that pollute our land, and kill thousands of marine mammals (that mistake the floating bags for food) every year. Most plastic bags get buried in landfills, where it may take up to 1,000 years to break down. The solution? Use high-quality reusable shopping bags that are made of materials that don’t harm the environment during production and don’t need to be discarded after each use. Check out Reusablebags.com.

3) Wash your laundry in cold water.

Washing machines use up a lot of power so using cold water is a great, easy way to reduce your energy use. Other ways to save energy while washing is to only wash when you have a full load and to air-dry your laundry instead of using the dryer.

4) Reduce, Reuse, and RECYCLE.

Obviously, the best way to reduce your carbon footprint is to consume less, overall. But when the time comes to replace your gadgets, make sure you are continuing to learn how to recycle them. Were you aware that used batteries, old cartridges from your printer, computers, and cell phones all can and should be recycled and disposed of properly? Be conscious of everything that you throw into your trashcan this year, and ask yourself, “Can I reuse this,” “Can someone else reuse this?” And of course, “Can it be recycled?”

5) Go Local.

Most produce in the US is picked 4 to 7 days before being placed on supermarket shelves, and is shipped for an average of 1500 miles before being sold. Buying locally not only provides sustainable community business, it also cuts back on transportation costs and pollution. Local purchasing allows the consumer to possess all the facts about where their food comes from, instead of relying on potentially misleading packaging. When you are able to trace who produces the food it is possible to understand how it is produced. This means that you can be confident about exactly what, if any, additives and preservatives are in your food and its overall nutritional value. This year, think globally and do your part for our environment by living locally!

Want more resolutions this year? Sign up for Green Resolutions, and receive one Green Resolution each week, with information, tips and links for achieving the specific resolution.

Cheers to a Green 2010! Happy Holidays.