Published on December 30th, 2008 | by Stephanie Evans

9 Green Resolutions for 2009

There is nothing that inspires us to start doing everything better like the prospect of starting the new year afresh.

And the promise and excitement of a new year provides the perfect opportunity to pledge your allegience to greener living.

Eco-Resolution: Savor Moments Spent in Nature

Vow to eat an entirely local meal at least once a week.
Boycott at least one non-green product all year. Make it something that you like and would purchase if it were more eco-friendly. Write to the company that manufactures this product and tell them why you now choose not to buy it.
Give up using paper napkins, paper towels, or both. Buy a few sets of decorative organic cloth napkins. Clean up spills with old towels cut into smaller squares and then toss them into the laundry.
Change to low-energy light bulbs.
Cut down on the power that your electronic devices use by plugging them into power strips you can conveniently switch off when you’re not using them.
Don’t drive when you can walk. Take time to appreciate the glimpse of beauty and vibrant life that the natural world offers. Savor the moments spent away from the rushed hustle and bustle tempo of our schedule-oriented world.
Turn off the faucet while you’re brushing your teeth. Also take shorter showers or turn off the water while you’re soaping up.
Buy less stuff and really give thought before you buy something. Sometimes it helps to leave the store and think clearheadedly about whether or not you truly need the item(s).
Pledge to actually remember to bring your own grocery bags when you go shopping. Hang a prominent reminder (maybe a picture of a tree stump!) from your rear view mirror to help you remember to grab your bags when you get out of the car. Don’t hesitate to run back to your car if you find you’ve forgotten them again. Have someone hold your place in the check-out line and take advantage of the opportunity to burn some calories.

Also check out The Daily Green’s 7 New Years Eco-Resolutions for 2008 for some great ideas.

Be sure to write down your resolutions and talk to everyone you know about them. You’ll be much more likely to stick to them and you’ll probably inspire others to adopt similar green practices. Happy Green New Year!

Article Contributors: Julie Reid