Make Going Green Your New Year’s Resolution

Have your whole family make a resolution to go greener this year. Not only can you save money in some areas but you can better your lifestyle and that of the environment with a few simple tips.

1. Eat organic food, buy from the farmer’s market, or grow your own.

Organic food can be more expensive but the cost is lowering. You may look at adding a few organic foods to your grocery list, such as organic milk, which often lasts longer than non-organic anyway. Visit your local farmer’s market to support your local growers and cut down on the emissions it takes for the food to end up on your table. Grow your own organic food if you find it is too expensive. Everyone can grow something even if it just herbs in your kitchen window.

2. Recycle

If you aren’t already, recycle everything you can. Recycling can take a few forms, you may take everything to a recycling center in your town or you could find other uses in your own home for items. For example you could use glass jars for small item storage or design a lamp out of old tin cans. Ask around the artist areas in your town to see if someone uses household items in their art and may want your extras.

3. Throw less away

Recycling will reduce your waste but so will making food from scratch instead of purchasing all pre-made meals or snacks. Purchasing less will also help. If you drink a great deal of water then get refillable bottles instead or purchasing a large amount of plastic each week and reuse your ziplock bags. Once you begin to look at things differently you will be amazed at how much you can reduce the amount of trash your throw away each week.

4. Lower your carbon emissions

Walk, carpool, and use public transportation if you can. If this isn’t possible then plan your errands for one day instead of getting out every day. Make sure that your car is running well and that your tires are at the correct pressure so that you get the best fuel efficiency possible.

5. Borrow and barter

Instead of paying someone for a service you need look to your friends, family, neighbors and co-workers. Perhaps you could trade babysitting with a friend or you can borrow your neighbor’s chain saw rather than purchase your own, especially if you only need it for one project. Have a furniture or clothing swap and invite everyone you know. You just may find the outfit for your next party or the entertainment center you’ve been wanting without having to go out and buy a new one.

6. Natural cleaning can save you money and give you a less toxic home

There are many natural cleaning products you can purchase or make yourself. Items as simple as cleaning with vinegar and baking soda can do a lot of things. These cleaning products are healthier for your family and often are much less expensive than purchasing products. Make sure that you dispose of items, such as batteries or compact fluorescent light bulbs as directed in your town.

To help you stick with this New Year’s Resolution, involve the entire family. Most of these are so easy to do that you will find having a greener life much easier than you thought!