We've gathered some of our favorite resolutions that you can adopt to make 2014 the greenest yet!
1. Ditch the paper towels and use reusable towels and dish clothes instead. Check out 10 great ways to stop using paper towels!
2. Try Meatless Mondays. Meat production is an extremely energy and resource-intensive industry. By cutting out meat just one day a week you can reduce your carbon footprint and enjoy some health benefits as well!
3. Be Idle Free. Turn off your engine if you are stopped for more than 30 seconds. Although many people think that restarting the engine too often will wear out the starter, this is not true - in fact, idling places unnecessary wear and tear on the engine. Take the pledge to Be Idle Free!
4. Grasscycle your yard clippings. It encourages a healthy lawn by returning nutrients to the soil beneath it, and reduces work because you don't have to bag or rake and dispose of your clippings.
5. Stop using antibacterial hand soap. Here are some great reasons why.
6. Check out book from your local library rather than buying ones, or invest in an e-reader.
7. Walk or ride your bike to shop or eat instead of driving all the time. Check out this handy Bike Mapper tool to figure out the best and safest route!
8. Plant a tree. Produces oxygen and takes in CO2, provides shade which reduces the amount of water needed for nearby plants and reduces energy needed to cool your home in the summer, provides a healthy habitat for wildlife and beneficial microbes and organisms... the list of benefits goes on and on!
9. Buy produce at your local farmers' market. Shopping at these will help support local farmers who practice environmentally sustainable farming methods.
10. Start a compost bin in your backyard, or start diverting your food scraps into your residential green waste bin, if your city accepts this.
11. Swap your paper magazine and newspaper subscriptions for an online subscription, freeing up space in your mailbox and saving everyone some paper. If concerned with support for these publications, consider making a donation if applicable.
12. Switch to green cleaning supplies, or better yet, make your own with simple ingredients like vinegar and lemons!
13. Try an "upcycling" Do-It-Yourself project. Diverts usable materials from the landfill, and you'll create a one-of-a-kind piece. Try looking on freecycle.org or thrift stores for interesting materials.
14. Remember to bring your reusable tote bags when you head to the store, and your reusable water bottles and travel mugs for beverages. These items are only beneficial if you remember to use them!
Do you have any New Year's Resolutions? Share them with us!
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