Going Green in the New Year

Save money. Eat healthier. Lose weight. Go green. Go green? On your list of New Year's resolutions? Most certainly.

More and more Americans are thinking "green," meaning they are taking the time to think about how their individual actions affect the environment around them.

Even the smallest of actions, done by a large group of people, can make a monumental difference. One of the easiest changes to make with your resolution to go green is in the large amounts of items your family consumes on a daily basis. Making small changes in just this one area can be a goal for the entire family.

In 2008, resolve to be a better environmental consumer.

USE LESS
Did you know that a newer dishwasher only requires one tablespoon of soap? Shampooing hair only requires soap the size of a quarter? Changing a diaper can usually be done with only one diaper wipe? This year take the time to really consider all of the items you use on a regular basis. Can you use less with the same results? Most probably you can. The less you use, the less you will need to replace those items.

LOOK AT PACKAGING
The amount of packaging wrapping the items you buy can make a huge difference in the amount of trash you dispose of on trash day. This year, resolve to purchase items with less packaging. Purchasing a doll for your daughter? Buy the one that's loose in the bin instead of the one tangled in a box amongst the plastic and stuck to cardboard with countless wires. Buying coffee? Grind your own coffee in a brown bag, provided in the grocery store aisle instead of buying a big plastic tub. Less packaging equals less waste.

DUMP THE PACKAGING ALL TOGETHER
If you have a choice, resolve to purchase items that have no packaging versus those that are bundled. Purchase lemons instead of lemon juice, buy real Idaho potatoes instead of boxed spuds, and make your own juice in a pitcher instead of buying it in plastic bottles. Refill your water bottle versus purchasing bottled water. Not only will you be more environmentally conscious, but you'll eat healthier and most probably spend less money.

DO LESS LAUNDRY
Clothes don't really need to be washed if they've only been worn for a few minutes. Resolve this year to wear your clothes a second time if you've only worn them for a few minutes after work. Wear jeans twice. Wear pajamas a second night. No one will know. Really. You'll save money on laundry detergent and lower your water consumption.

RECYCLE EVERYTHING
Resolve to recycle everything possible this year. No longer need the extra sweatshirts in your closet? Take them to the local thrift store for someone else to use. Place your glass and plastic in your recycling bin. Donate your leftover magazines to your local library.

PAPER OR PLASTIC? NEITHER, THANKS.
Many grocery stores are providing or selling canvas bags for very little. Purchase a few this year and resolve to use them on a regular basis. If all Americans did just this one action, it would save millions of grocery bags from being dumped in land fills each year.

DON'T FORGET FAST FOOD.
Stop by the same gas station for coffee every morning? Purchase their refillable cup so you don't need to throw away a coffee cup each time you stop. Going to the park for a picnic? Brown bag it instead of picking up the standard burger and fries. Or consider something different like fruit, nuts, and cheese - which is a healthier choice with less packaging.

Who knows? By being a better environmental consumer this year, you may not only meet your goal of going green, but your changes may just help you reach your other goals as well.