There are plenty of green-minded New Year’s resolutions you can make for 2010. Some green goals are totally easy, which is cool if you’re new to green living. However, there are also some heftier resolutions that pack more of an eco punch. If you’re up to the challenge choose one of the bigger green resolutions below.
THE FIRST STEP: Before you commit to a green resolution, especially a big one, I highly suggest reading Keeping Green New Year’s Resolutions, in which my pal Peggy goes over how to succeed when you make a green resolution. Her main, and most important point, is to “Make it really specific and then make a plan.” Good advice. If your focus is too broad green living can get confusing.
RESOLUTION 1 – DITCH PAPER TOWELS: This is a biggie resolution and not a particularly easy one either. Commercials and other people will tell you over and over that you NEED paper towels plus they’re an easy fix. Got a mess, just grab a paper towel and be done with it. However, paper towels, as you know, come from trees and even if you’ve got the money to pay premium prices for 100% recycled paper towels, they still take energy to make and often come in packaging you don’t need.
If you can realign your thinking though you can ditch the paper towels. They’re not necessary and by not using them you’ll save an untold amount of resources over your life. I haven’t purchased paper towels for my household for years and we don’t miss them.
You’ve got two options when it comes to ditching paper towels. Quit cold turkey like I did or take a more subtle approach and ween off them. Both are good choices because the end result is the same. If you’re ditching paper towels make a plan. How will you clean up messes? Old cloths, a reusable sponge, a mop? If you’re using paper towels for meals stock up on cloth napkins. How will you cook in the microwave – a plate?
RESOLUTION 2 – DITCH PLASTIC BAGS: There are all sorts of plastic bags to ditch. Store grocery bags, little plastic snack baggies, bulk food plastic bags, and more. Ditching them is smart because plastic, made from non-renewable resources is terribly un-eco-friendly. Plastic bags pose huge threats to the planet and wildlife, will not decompose, and you have plenty of other better options.
Luckily changing to reusable bags is much easier than some big green challenges. If you need some help take a look at everything you ever wanted to know about ditching plastic bags.
RESOLUTION 3 – DITCH CONVENTIONAL FOODS: Going organic is a big deal but it’s also a hefty objective, especially if you are currently eating mostly conventional foods. That said, it’s a great goal because organics are healthier for you and the earth. To get started take a look at the most important foods to eat in organic form. Then sort out what to look for. Always check for the USDA Organic Seal which means food is at least 95% organic, does not contain genetically modified organisms, was not irradiated, and comes from a farm that practices sustainable farming methods.
You can also look for products that note that they are “Made With Organic Ingredients” which means the products are at least 70% organic and are also free from genetically modified organisms and food irradiation. If you think organic means more expensive, no worries because there are plenty of ways to save money on organics.
Are you making any biggie green resolutions this year?
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Post from: Blisstree