Image by Tony the Misfit (via Flickr)

Well, we’re approaching the end of the first week of 2010. If you are like me, you probably have both big and little green resolutions for the upcoming year. One of the obstacles we can run into, in accomplishing our resolutions, is not laying out some of the smaller steps needed to reach the bigger goals.

Along that line I thought I would lay out 7 little green choices that could help you in your resolution to be more environmentally-aware and eco-friendly this year.  And…if you didn’t make a resolution along those lines, maybe these little steps will help encourage you to do so.

1)  Turn off the running water. When you wash dishes, turn off the water while you scrub them. When you brush your teeth, turn off the water while you are brushing. When you take a shower, turn off the shower while you soap up or shampoo your hair. Did you know that a four-minute shower uses approximately 20 to 40 gallons of water? There are many water conservation tips that can begin with turning off the running water.

2) Adjust your thermostat. Adjusting your thermostat by just 1-2 degrees could potentially save you over a hundred dollars in heating and/or electric bills over the year.

3) Eat healthy. That little statement can have many green aspects from buying and eating organic fruits and vegetables, to eating less meat or even cutting meat out of your diet all together, to eating less fast food or processed food, to eliminating sweets and more. No matter which one is right for you, each one is a green choice that helps not just you, but the environment too.

4)  Stop buying plastic plates, cutlery and straws and invest in re-usable and/or nature-friendly supplies. Did you know there are disposable plates made from fallen leaves? Or have you ever thought of switching to glass straws? GlassDharma has a line of microwave- and dishwasher-safe glass straws.  So rather than using and tossing plastic straw after plastic straw, you can have a strong, sturdy straw build to last. Both are greener choices.

5) Take proper care of your vehicle (if you have one). Regular maintenance is something we don’t always consider a necessity, but if you expect your vehicle to run properly, it is a must. Getting regular oil changes, rotating and keeping your tires properly inflated, using a proven fuel additive, etc. are all steps that can help prolong the life of your vehicle as well as improve fuel economy and lower emissions.

6) Recycle/Re-use or donate. Now is a good time to look around your home and see if there are any items you don’t use, need or want anymore. Whether it’s old toys the kids no longer play with or clothes you no longer wear or even a Christmas gift you know you’ll never use. Be smart and get rid of them…but if you can avoid it, don’t trash them. Donate them, recycle them, re-gift them, even sell them. Just do yourself the favor of getting them out of your hands and into the hands of someone who could find good use for them.

7) And finally, make your own natural cleaning supplies. One thing you definitely don’t need more of this year are toxins. You get enough from car exhausts, existing chemicals already in your home, pollution, etc. Don’t make it worse by cleaning with chemicals/toxins. There are many simple recipes out there for effective, natural cleaners, try some.

In our busy day-to-day activities, simple choices are often what we need. I hope these simple, green choices can help get you on your way to a greener, more eco-friendly year! What little, green choice are you going to make today?

Photo by Optical illusion (via Flickr)

First of all, what is a New Year’s resolution?  A New Year’s resolution is commonly defined as “a promise that you make to yourself to start doing something good or stop doing something bad on the first day of the year” .  Therefore, when it comes to making New Year’s Resolutions, you probably aren’t surprised to learn that some of the top resolutions include losing weight, traveling, buying a house or a car, finding love and making more money. But how did New Year’s resolutions start anyway? And what about resolutions that are also good for the environment?

Well, the history of making New Year’s resolutions it is traditionally believed to go back all the way to 153 B.C. when Janus, a mythical king of early Rome was placed at the head of the calendar.  A two-faced god, Janus was able to look back on events of the past and also look forward to events of the future. Because of this, Janus was regarded as the ancient symbol for resolutions.  The Romans also named the first month, January, after Janus since he was considered “the god of beginnings and the guardian of doors and entrances”.

So with the start of a new year came the start of new decisions, the resolving of old disputes and the determination to somehow improve one’s life over the coming year.  These days many people’s resolutions are based on their actions over the past year….what things do they feel bad about? What things do they want to change?  What things do they want to start doing that they didn’t do before? It is a chance for each person to reflect on themselves and their actions and make decisions to improve their life.

If you are looking to make some New Year’s Resolutions that can be good for both you and the environment, here are some of my favorites:

1. Grow your own organic herbs/vegetables.  This can also be tied into eating healthier.  If you grow your own herbs and vegetables you don’t have to worry about chemicals put on them, you know what you are getting and you couldn’t ask for fresher produce.

2. Cut down your vehicle’s harmful emissions. Get an electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle. If you can’t afford to get a new vehicle, do something to cut down your vehicle’s harmful emissions like using a proven fuel additive t0 lower your emissions.  Also, if you have never used public transportation, make a resolution to leave your vehicle at home a few times a week and give it a try.

3. Be more aware of your water usage.  Just resolving to be more aware, will probably help you cut down on your water usage.  I know when I pay attention to my water usage, I use less.

4. Involve your whole family in energy conservation.  My 4-yr old loves to make sure lights are off and wants to be sure she isn’t wasting power. She’s even got her little brother turning off lights when he leaves a room.

5. Spend more time outdoors. Go for a walk, take your kids to the park, go camping, go to the beach, go for a nature hike, explore someplace you’ve never been, etc.  Getting outside and enjoying nature is good for you and the more you become aware of nature, the more you will respect it and help ensure others can enjoy it too.

6. Donate items you don’t need/use.  How many items, whether food, clothes, kitchen supplies, etc do you have lying around your house that you don’t actually use?  Why do you still have them?  Try something, go through and donate all the things you don’t actually use.  Holiday items aside, if you haven’t used something in the last six months are you really going to miss it?  If you won’t, then donate it.

7. Volunteer.  Helping a good cause or helping others in need is a smart resolution. Giving to others should be the spirit year-round, not just during the holidays. So much can be accomplished with just a little donated time from each of us.

8. Use natural cleaning products. Instead of using chemicals to clean your home use natural cleaners. Natural cleaners are better for you, your home and the environment.  They are a smart resolution all around.

9. Decide to make at least one energy-efficient change to your home this year.  Whether you just want to do it to save money or you want to do something better for you and the environment or a combination of both, check out the different options available to make your home more energy-efficient.  Then follow through and make your home a little more energy-efficient in 2010.

10. Buy less/use less.  One of the most important ones, from my viewpoint.  Starting with this resolution alone, you could jump-start the rest of your New Year’s resolutions.  It helps when it comes to losing weight, when it comes to saving money, helps be more environmentally-aware, etc.

Have you laid out your New Year’s resolutions? Are any of these on your list?  You know….January 1st, 2010 is only a few days away! I would love to hear what resolutions you have decided upon to help you and the environment around you –  Happy New Year!

There is so much talk these days about “going green” or “being green” for the holidays that some people may wonder how they could ever pull off a great holiday and still have it be environmentally-friendly.  Well, to be honest, it’s not as hard as you’d think.  Your holiday can be just as green as the next guy if you do it right.  Here are a few tips for making your holiday as memorable as ever…and green too!

1) Plan your holiday meal out ahead of time:  Planning your meal allows you the time to pick up fresh produce, fresh herbs and buy locally grown foods for your meal.  For example, rather than running out and buying some canned vegetables, get fresh ones.  Fresh corn tastes great, is good for you and looks just as appetizing (or in my opinion, better) on your holiday table as canned corn.

A fresh salad made with local produce looks great and tastes wonderful.  It doesn’t take much to get fresh instead of pre-packaged either.   If you are looking for high quality, without the high cost, I recommend local growers.

Then after your meal, be sure to package up any leftovers in re-usable containers and have your guests take them home.  Why waste food, right?

2) Get creative on your gifts:  You can give someone the gift of a tree that they can enjoy in their home over the holidays and then plant outside after the holidays.  You can give homemade food – many people love receiving the gift of a homemade meal or dessert.  Make your own gifts; my aunt makes ornaments every year and sends them to the entire family.  She makes them using old pieces of material/fabrics and bits and pieces of things she has around the house.  They are actually very creative and resourceful.  They don’t cost much to make and its one of my favorite holiday memories to be able to see what “new” ornament she sent so we could put it on the tree.

Now as far as the kids are concerned, these types of gifts might not cut it.  Like my kids, they probably want toys and the latest popular ones at that.  But, you can always do what we are doing this year.  I told my daughter that in order for her to get new toys for Christmas, we needed to go through her old toys and find the ones she didn’t use anymore.  Then we could donate her old toys to kids who didn’t have many toys or who wanted some like she had and then we would be able to get new toys.  She was very excited and wanted to ensure good kids got her old toys.

It’s a great solution for parents….cleans out the toys the kids don’t use anymore, gets them into the idea of giving and sharing with others and makes room for any new toys.   And remember their “new” toys don’t need to come from name-brand stores either.  There are many good toys to be found at discount stores and/or consignment stores that may not be 100% new but are clean and new to your kids.  So be smart when you do your holiday shopping.

3) If you are traveling for your holidays take steps to lower your CO2 emissions.  If you have to fly, have a shuttle service take you to the airport. If you are driving, see if you can car-pool with other family members and/or use a proven fuel additive to cut down on your emissions or even rent a zipcar for your trip.  Each of these could help lower your impact on the environment, while still ensuring you have a fun trip!

4) Remember to clean with natural cleaning products.  Especially if you are having family into your home, you’ll want to ensure it isn’t filled with chemical fumes and toxins.  Your home can be just as clean with natural home-made cleaners.  Besides they are usually cheaper and without the added chemicals.  Then fill up your home with the fresh smells of homemade cooking – you’re family will love it.

I could go on and on as I know there are many other “green” steps you could take but I wanted to give you just a few simple steps so you can see it doesn’t take much to make your holiday a little greener.  It may not be as green as it could be, but it’s a good place to start!  What are your tips for making your holiday greener?