I wrote about New Year resolutions for single girls earlier this month and probably I should write something a bit more “inclusive” today. While I was unpacking the boxes and tidying up my book shelf, I found some U.S. magazines with my published articles on them. This one was published by Trend Magazine early 2011. Today is January 1 and is the perfect timing to share with all earthlings (an inhabitant of earth) who want to show that we care. Make some green resolutions now, not tomorrow, now.
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Resolve to be greener
By: Angie Palmer
If you want to reduce your carbon footprint, it will take a little planning and determination — as with most things in life. But it’s a new year, so why not set a few eco-friendly goals? Here are some ideas to get you started:
Recharge your batteries.
While you are used to charging laptops, cell phones and toothbrushes, why not use rechargeable batteries for all your gadgets?
Eat in restaurants that don’t use Styrofoam.
Styrofoam doesn’t decompose, and while some companies recycle it, they are rare in Ohio. Don’t overcrowd already crowded landfills. Bring your own takeout box and silverware to fast food restaurants and casual diners.
Switch off, turn down and unplug.
This is the simplest solution, yet can seem so difficult. Just visualize money being burnt every minute you leave the lights — or water — on.
Organize your errands.
Save time and gas by grouping all your errands into one day and using an online map to plan your route. Why waste money zig-zagging all over town?
Leave your car at home.
Walk, carpool, bike or take public transportation weekly, and give your car a break. Consider this a great time to socialize.
Use filtered water.
Why pay the same amount for a couple gallons of bottled water when you could get hundreds of gallons of city water? Buy a good filter, and take a plastic or stainless steel bottle wherever you go.
Try vegetarian or vegan meals.
Plants take much fewer resources to grow than livestock. Even if you or your family are not vegetarians or vegans, more fruits and vegetables can lead to a healthier lifestyle.
Invest in a drying rack.
A drying rack — which can cost as little as $10 — will save on water, electricity and clothing wear-and-tear.
Opt for reducing and reusing.
Recycling is not our best option. Since we already generated trash, we now will need more resources to turn it into something useful. Focus on reducing and reusing.
Nullify plastic bags.
How many times have you been prodded to use reusable shopping bags? It’s about time. Choose the cotton, machine-washable variety.
Shop local.
You are not only supporting local businesses, but also are cutting down on transportation — as well as pollution generated in factory farming.
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