Seriously though, it’s a new year and some of you may be considering a new car purchase. When you go looking at cars, color choices, do matter to the green factor of your purchase decision.

Color comes down to where you live. Example, if you live in a warmer climate choose a light colored car. This goes for exterior and interior color. Dark colors absorb heat and hold it, while light colors reflect the light and thus the heat. Light car color in a warm climate = less air conditioning = less gas. The equation works the same even if it’s super cold in winter because heat (in a highly simplified sense) comes from your car engine, not directly as a result of gas use. The heat is already there no matter if you use it or not. So, for example, New Mexico is a great place to buy a light colored car. Believe me.

Also for hot climates consider cloth upholstery over plastic or leather (don’t consider leather period please — we don’t need animals dieing for cars). Cloth seat covers heat up much slower than plastic.

In super cold-often climates go the opposite way. Choose a dark colored car to stay warm longer.

Before you buy a new car: I also suggest that you head on over to Eco Friendly Driver where the always delightful Hilary shares her eco-car and eco-driving knowledge daily. Wait, that was two small steps. Consider it a bonus.

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

1. Get rid of more stuff: Here’s the thing; I don’t have that much stuff because I never wanted clutter taking me over in the first place. Yet somehow (I semi-blame the boy of mine) our house has more than we need. One day I’d like to pack up and travel the country with Cedar in a travel trailer/rv / airstream of some sort. Too much stuff is going to put a damper on this. The biggest problems by far at my home concerning stuff are books, toys, and art supplies. It almost kills me to give books away so it’ll be tough but that’s my goal.

2. Be present: Maybe this doesn’t sound too green but it is family related so it’s a good resolution to note at this blog. I’ve been thinking a lot about where my mind is when I’m with my son and it’s not always fully on him. I’m going to regret this later. I’m going to change it now. The best thing we can do for our world is raise smart, happy, children who value time over money, peace over disruption, and kindness over wants. The only way to achieve this is to be present in the lives of those close to us. Going about time spent in a half-cocked way won’t cut it.

3. Cut down on food packaging: I used to be really good at this. Lately work has been crazy busy and I’ve been bad. It’s easy sometimes to buy quick-to-make food — which often comes with more packaging. I won’t put less packaging ahead of Cedar time so this one will be hard. I’m going to have to make a cooking plan of some sort I think.

So, these are my three major resolutions. Maybe my only three that are not work-related. I don’t think we should have too many resolutions though. Small steps remember. Everything counts.

What are you thinking about goal wise for 2008?

Post from: Tree Hugging Family