A start of a new year is the perfect time to assess your goals as they relate to Mother Earth. Is what you are aiming to achieve this year going to do a small part in creating a greener earth for future generations?
8 Green New Years Resolutions
1. Recycle More
Beyond the obvious recycling of aluminum, cardboard, paper, plastic, and so on – what items around your home or facility can be re-purposed or given to someone else who can use them instead of putting them in the trash? Think simply, but creatively (i.e. composting, art projects, etc) and you may find the perfect fit! Try to reduce the amount of trash you throw out.
2. Buy (or Grow) Natural Foods
Eat more seasonal fruits, vegetables and whole grains, preferably locally grown when you can. Avoid the “boxed” processed foods and lean towards foods that come from the earth. Local organic foods will be free of pesticides and also don’t take so much energy to get to you.
3. Use the Re-Usable Shopping Bags
In order for the reusable shopping bags to do any good, they have to be used! Find a way to remember to bring the earth-friendly bags with you to the store (keep them by the door or in your car) and reduce the number of plastic bags that you waste.
4. Think Local
Doing business locally not only helps our local economy to bloom, but also reduces the carbon footprint we are making on Mother Earth. Lessening your commute can save money, as well as provide more opportunities for walking or biking and getting in touch with the outdoors.
5. Do Second-Hand
Instead of buying books, borrow them from a friend or use the library. Second-hand clothes are money-savers and earth-friendly, especially for growing kids. When your kids outgrow their clothes, pass them on to a family in need, a thrift store, or find another way to recycle the clothing and textiles.
6. Teach Kids
Teach your kids about why it is so important to take care of our earth by leading by example and getting them involved. Sometimes they may teach us new things about the environment too. Be open to their ideas.
7. Do Green Business
Employees can put all their day-today environmental goals into hyper-drive at work too. Retail stores or factories may even consider purchasing a vertical baler for managing their recyclables or a busy mall or fast food restaurant may install an automatic trash compactor to minimize waste.
8. Be Water Smart
Buy a nice reusable water bottle and pledge to stop buying bottled water. Other ways to be smart about your water usage include collecting rain water, and simply minimizing water usage while brushing teeth and taking showers, etc.
Start with small easy tasks that can make a big impact when becoming a lifelong habit. Your 8 Green New Years Resolutions should be something that you can start simple, and build on.
What green New Years Resolutions are you aiming to achieve this year? What else would you add to this list?