Resolutions are as much a part of many people’s New Year as presents are their Christmas and Hanukkah. Resolutions often come in the form of difficult to attain goals that we give up on within a few weeks or months. Here are some ideas that are less daunting but can have a big impact!
There are many steps that we can take to help us live a greener, and more environmentally friendly life, which can also help us save money and energy, be healthier, and benefit our communities. Here are just a few:
1. Instead of bringing home all of those plastic bags when you go shopping, bring reusable bags with you to the store. Many stores sell bags made out of recycled plastic, or perhaps over the years you’ve collected canvas bags from local events such as Public Radio drives and networking events. These are a great alternative to the plastic bags you get from the grocery store, plus, they’re much less likely to rip and tear when the contents of the bag are heavy! You can find reusable bags near the check out lanes of most grocery stores.
2. Use a reusable lunch bag instead of brown bags to take your lunch to school or work.
3. Buy locally grown and organic produce. Not only is it better for you, it’s better for the environment because it does not use toxic chemical anti-pesticides and also doesn’t require needless use of gasoline to transport it across the country.
4. If you’re planning to purchase new appliances this year, make sure you buy ones that are EnergyStar rated. New appliances use much less energy regardless, however those that are EnergyStar rated take the energy saving to a whole new level. You will be reducing your carbon footprint, while also decreasing your monthly energy bill!
5. Buy products made from recycled content. The easiest step is to purchase bathroom tissue, napkins, and other paper products made from 100% recycled content, such as those made by Seventh Generation. But, there are also plenty of other household products, cleaners, and even clothing made from recycled content.