Simple Green Living

2010 Simple Green Living Tips “Green” Resolutions
Every year about this time we start to think about 2010 and begin to conjure up a new set of New Years Resolutions. Lose weight, exercise more, and eat out less often…. these are just a few of the many we have all come up with over the years. I would like to propose a new set of resolutions this year, how about “green” resolutions? I have come up with a list of 10 simple, inexpensive, “green” resolutions for your review. My proposal is that we each try to accomplish these 10 “green” goals this year and if you have already accomplished any of these, then just add one of your own. Some of these are “1 time” things, some take an ongoing commitment to “remember” and others require a minimal investment of your time. Please take the time to read each of these resolutions and feel free to contact us with any suggestions and success stories.
1. Give the gift of trees! In 2010, plant trees for presents through The Arbor Day Foundation or American Forests Global Releaf project. You can also check your local Parks Department for programs they may have that will allow you to plant trees in local parks and green belts. Even if you don’t go the tree route, think about the gifts you do give and find ways to reduce packaging waste, wrapping paper waste and be as green as possible.

2. Eliminate Junk Mail! Please take 5 – 10 minutes today and stop almost all of the unsolicited credit card offers, mortgage offers, insurance offers as well as much, much more. Contact any of these sites and find a plan that works best for you. DMAchoice, ProQuo, Junkbusters, New Dream and Eco-Cycle all offer a program that will help stop the madness.

3. E-recycle! Do your part to keep over 200 million tons of toxic electronics out of our landfills this year. You can contact the Electronic Industry Alliance to find an e-recycler in your area or donate your used “stuff” to Goodwill Industries. Even Sam’s Club has a program that allows you to recycle your used electronics AND you may qualify for a Sam’s Gift Card as well!

4. Replace the Plastic! Most of us have a cache of reusable shopping bags in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. The problem isn’t having the bags; it’s remembering to bring them with us when we shop! If you are like me your “RPI” or remember percentage index is 50% or 1 in 2. Either way it is pretty sad! I am shooting for 90% RPI this year and ask that you take the challenge to do the same. Here are a few tips to help make this happen:
• Write “remember the bags” on your shopping list (highlight it so it stands out)
• Keep your bags in the car in a conspicuous place
• Put a reminder sign on your garage door
• Tie a ribbon around your steering wheel

5. 100% CFL! Our goal in 2009 is 100% CFL bulbs, including our outside security lights. So as your bulbs burn out replace them and go for 100% in 2010!

6. Go Low Flow! Install low flow shower heads in all your bathrooms. It’s simple, it can save a family of 4 over 500 gallons each month!

7. Keep up the pressure! Check your tire pressure at least once a month to insure it is up to manufacturer standards. This is not only a gas saving issue but also a safety issue so please take 5 minutes to save up to $.08 per gallon on gas!

8. Unplug and save! Up to 5% of your monthly energy use comes from a “phantom” load on appliances and electronics. Even when they are turned off they still use energy if they are plugged in. So get in the habit of turning off and unplugging your computer each night and keep appliances, phone charges and electronics unplugged until you are ready to use them.

9. Go Aluminum! Replace your A/C and heating fiberglass filters with reusable aluminum filters this year. You will save money in the long run and keep the disposable filters out of the landfills! Just remember to clean it off at least once a month!

10. Renewable Energy! Make an effort to walk your children to school at least one day each week and promote “renewable energy”! If you can’t walk them to school how about a walk or a hike in a nearby park. The key is to do something each week with your children that involves nature. Exercise and nature, what a great combination!
Good luck and we look forward to hearing back from you on your progress towards a greener 2010!

Contributed by Gary Hillary. To see more of Gary's green articles click here, http://www.thegreenpathcompany.com