New Year's Resolutions: 4 Easy Way to Go Green

Looking for a great idea for a New Year's resolution? "Go Green" The ultimatums that we make to ourselves for New Year's are easy to brush off. This New Year's, Go Green and help make all of our lives better in 2009. Sounds like a lot of work? You don't have to buy a hybrid or install solar panels to be more environmentally conscious. Going Green can be as simple as a few small changes that make a big impact. This New Year's, start to "Go Green" with these 4 Easy Green New Year's resolutions.

No More Plastic Shopping Bags

Did you know that, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, somewhere between 500 billion and one trillion plastic bags are consumed per year? This New Year's, do your part and Go Green with reusable grocery bags. Many grocery stores sell them near the checkout aisle. Or, check out reusablebags.com for lots of options. Plus, they give 1% of their proceeds to help out the environment.

No More Plastic Water Bottles

The truth is out: Bottled water is no safer than tap water. We really just grab those bottles because they're so cheap and convenient and we'd really like to believe that they come from some mountain spring. This New Years, Go Green by cutting disposable plastic water bottles out of your life. Switch to stainless steel water bottles for when you're on the go, and invest in a water filter for your tap at home if you're still not comfortable with drinking tap water.

Cut Down on Your Water Consumption

Invest in a digital shower timer to monitor your water usage. A long, hot shower is a great idea, but it uses a lot of energy and water. Shower timers are waterproof, require no installation and can be set to any limit. Spend 2009 watching your water and energy bills dwindle. But don't stop there. Turn off the water when you are brushing your teeth, and run your washers less frequently.

Monitor Your Electricity Usage

This is not just a great way to Go Green in the New Year, but it's also a great way to save money. The Kill A Watt EZ is a device that monitors the amount of electricity that your appliances use. In 2009, you'll finally know why your electricity bill is always so high. Maybe its the computer that you leave to hibernate while you're at work. Maybe your roommate's humidifier is taking up more of the energy bill than you thought. Whatever the culprit, limit its use and cut back on the amount of energy you consume in 2009.