5 Easy Green Living Resolutions for 2015
Happy New Year! Now Let’s Make It Green
A new year means a new beginning, so now is the perfect time to evaluate your current green practices and green goals and decide what changes you want to make for 2015. Going green is an ever evolving practice so even seasoned pros need to step back from time to time and evaluate what they are doing and what they could be doing. Whether you are a green novice looking to get started or a green maven interested in stepping up your game, here are five easy green living resolutions for 2015.
- Go Reusable. Replace single-use products with durable items that can be used again and again you will generate less trash and minimize the waste stream. Going reusable can seem daunting at first because there are probably so many items you use every day that you could eliminate and replace with something more sustainable, but don’t worry about the big picture – just pick one area to work on first. Try to begin to green up your workday. If you typically stop and get coffee on your way into work consider getting a reusable travel mug. You’ll toss less paper or foam cups in the trash and you’ll probably save some money since a lot of coffee shops offer a discount when you bring your own mug. When it’s time for lunch use durable plates and utensils in favor of paper plates and plastic utensils.
Check Your Energy. Install a programmable thermostat to regulate temperatures. Whether you’re cooling air in the warmer months or heating things up when it’s cold out, by programming a thermostat you can prevent drastic temperature swings that will burn more energy and money. Also look for the Energy Star label on new purchases. Just about everything is rated now, and efficient appliances will require less power (and therefore utilize fewer resources).- Vroom Vroom. Green your car and driving by lightweighting your ride. This practice is essentially getting rid of unnecessary weight since the lighter the vehicle the less fuel is needed to move it. A lot of auto manufacturers lightweight vehicles during the design process and this helps contribute to improved mileage per gallon. Follow this lead and get rid of anything in the back seat or trunk you don’t need. Large items, like sporting equipment will really help the cause, but remember that little items can really add up and ultimately improve your gas mileage. Take things a step further by planning your trips and making sure the tires are properly inflated.
- Get Kinetic. Resolve to walk or ride a bike as much as you can to decrease carbon emissions. Sometimes driving a car is n
ecessary, but if the weather is cooperating and you don’t have far to go consider walking or taking a bike ride. Reducing carbon emission is good for the health of the planet and your own health. If walking or taking a bike isn’t an option you can also look into public transportation. - Set Aside Time to Reevaluate Your Green Goals. It takes time to make a new change a habit, so be patient and keep working towards your goals. Also take time to review your progress. Ask yourself if you are reaching your goals and if there is anything you could be doing to make achieving your goals easier. As technology improves there may be more efficient ways of reaching your goals or completely new things you can be doing or using to make lasting and green changes. Pick a date, maybe in 4 or 6 months and mark it on your calendar, and use this time to grade yourself on how you’re doing. Setting aside time to review your progress and adjusting your plan as needed ensures you continue to move forward and reach your green goals.
Any green change you work into your routine will help reduce your carbon footprint and be good for the planet. Whether you’re interested in minor and effective green changes or if you want to seriously overhaul your environmental impact these changes will help you on your way. Have you tried any of these green living resolutions? Do you have any resolutions to add to this list? Let us know in the comments.
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