Five Great Green (and Easy) New Years Resolutions
Ah, it’s that time of year again; time to start thinking about your New Years resolutions. Hopefully this year you’ve got some green resolutions in mind. Of course there are many but here are ten simple resolution ideas to get you going.
Buy boxed food items items in recycled packaging: For almost every boxed food item that comes in packaging there are variables. One such variable is recycled (or not) packaging. Lots of recycled packaging is easy to spot because the package will say so, such as, “100% recycled packaging.” Some will have the little recycled label on it. However, even if it doesn’t say so you can play detective and find out by looking at the underside of a box (like a cereal box). If the cardboard is grat that means recycled. If the underside of cardboard is pure white; and a boxed food item, you can be almost certain that it’s unrecycled.
Boycott one non-green product: Make the product something you like and would buy. Don’t buy it anymore but; and this is key, write the company and tell them why.
Fix one item this year: Broken toaster, camera, car, roller skates, what have you. Fixing an item will save you from buying a new one. One exception may be major appliances. Most new washers, dryers, fridges, etc. are more efficient now than in the past and new ones can save massive amounts of energy. However, if you make a big purchase donate your old item to a cause.
Take a hike: Actually take 12. Make it a goal to get out and see your community at least once a month for the better part of a day. You can’t appreciate something you never see. You also can’t solve problems you don’t know about. Getting out to your local parks and hiking areas can clue you in if there’s trash on the grounds or people burning where they shouldn’t be. Plus you’ll be healthier and happier.
Talk about your resolution: Even if you only set one green resolution for you and your family this year you can still make a big difference. One way to make a bigger difference is to talk about it. If your goal is to make sure all the light bulbs in your home are energy efficient tell your friends, family, co-workers. You may inspire someone else and your one small resolution can spread across your neighborhood, town, city, even further.
Before the new year I’ll likely post some different green resolutions of varying difficulty (plus my own). You can start thinking about your own green resolutions for 2008 as well; and let me know what they are.
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7 opinions for Five Great Green (and Easy) New Years Resolutions
debra
Dec 13, 2007 at 12:18 am
How about: FreeCycling (freecycycle.org), bringing your own bags to the grocery store, buying in bulk when possible. And not using wrapping paper: use cloth or newspaper or old maps.
Peggy
Dec 13, 2007 at 2:48 pm
I’m giving up paper napkins this year. And paper muffin cups! : )
Jennifer
Dec 14, 2007 at 5:11 am
Debra ~ FreeCycling can be cool; depending on where you live. I agree that’s a good goal because we can share through other means as well. In fact all your goals are good.
Peggy ~ Now where did you get those ideas? :D Maybe only use muffin cups with feet! The paper napkin one is awesome. You’ll wonder how you ever didn’t use cloth.
Julie
Dec 17, 2007 at 6:19 pm
I joined Freecycle several years ago when they started a group here in Buffalo. While the idea behind it is great, it really depends on the people. We have way too many ‘wants’ instead of offers. I did get a huge bag of cloth diapers from one nice lady on Freecycle, though.
Teaching my kids to recycle now, too. Even my smallest helps pull the labels off of cans to be put on the curb. The two older kids talk non-stop abut the new things that will be made from our recyclables.
Derek Wall
Jan 1, 2008 at 1:22 pm
My are here…a bit more vegetarian vegan is good for the planet for a start
http://another-green-world.blogspot.com/2008/01/green-new-year-resolutions.html
Melinda
Jan 13, 2008 at 7:33 pm
These are all terrific ideas. The important thing is to take action of course which I do myself and encourage young folks in my care to do the same. Unless we raise awareness among the youth we will be fighting a losing battle.
Thanks for sharing your ideas!
Jennifer
Jan 15, 2008 at 1:41 am
Julie ~ Freecycle does depend on the people. I think it has the potential to be good, or dangerous. It honestly depends on who you’re dealing with. I’m glad even your youngest is into recycling :)
Derek ~ Good resolutions. Vegetarian eating is good for the planet. I agree. At least people could cut out one source of meat; even that would make a huge difference.
Melinda ~ Thanks! I totally agree, unless we spread green living to our kids it really makes no difference what we do. We have to create long-term change; not simply short solutions. Thanks for visiting.
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