Make an Earth-Day Resolution

Yesterday was trash day in our neighborhood, and it disappointed me to see only one blue recycling bag out among all the garbage cans.

Most of us know what we need to do to move toward a more “green” lifestyle. We just need an extra nudge to do it. So here are some tips for going greener that you’ve probably already heard. What do you still need to do?

1. Lower your thermostat in the winter, raise it in the summer.
2. Stop drinking bottled water and opt for a reusable bottle. My niece Heather introduced me to stainless bottles. Now I carry my sky-blue one virtually everywhere. I like it better than the store-bought plastic stuff anyway, because I can put ice in it, so the water’s colder. And as a result, I’m drinking more of the old H-2-0. Always a good thing.
3. Check out your bathroom. Do you have low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets?
4. Start a compost pile.
5. Buy/use compact fluorescent light bulbs.
6. Turn off lights and electronics when you leave the room. Unplug your cell phone charger from the wall when not in use. Turn off energy strips and surge protectors overnight.
7. Car pool. Share the ride.
8. Ride a bike.
9. Walk, jog, or run.
10. Go to your local library or buy used books. Old is the new new.
11. Get off junk-mail lists.
12. Buy products that use recyclable materials whenever possible.
13. If you use plastic grocery bags, recycle them for small trashcan liners.
14. Bring your own bags to the grocery store. Given a choice between plastic and paper, opt for paper.

15. Recycle your trash!

What one thing will you resolve to do to get greener?