Some common 'green' resolutions include things like, starting your own compost pile, planting a tree, switching to a hybrid vehicle, or making your home more energy efficient. All of these are wonderful contributions to a greener planet while also conserving money and creating healthier air to breathe and water to drink.
Sometimes we get a little too ambitious with our resolutions and ultimately set ourselves up for failure but it's important to start with any change, regardless how small. Every little contribution to a better planet makes a difference.
Here are three simple ideas that are realistic to implement.
1) Switch to Reusable Shopping Bags
- Just about every major retail store either sells their own bags or welcomes the use of their shopper's own bags. Some stores even offer the incentive of a few cents per bag. Some cities have banned the use of plastic bags altogether.
Environmental/Health Impact
- Plastic bags are not biodegradable. They clog up landfill while taking 1,000 years to break down; where they will then pollute the soil and water. They pose a choking hazard to birds and marine life. They are produced with millions of gallons of petroleum that could instead be used for heating or transportation.
2) Throw Away Paraffin Candles
- Soy or beeswax candles offer a smarter and healthier alternative to paraffin. Although they are slightly more expensive, they are a small price to pay for your health, and the health of the planet.
Environmental/Health Impact
- Burning paraffin candles emits soot and smoke that is both toxic and carcinogenic. There have even been reports that the toxins being released from paraffin candles being burned for long periods of time indoors (especially in poorly ventilated areas) have been linked to health issues such as asthma, eczema and cancer.
3) Recycle More Consciously
- The first step to recycling is to contact your local municipal office regarding a home pickup recycling schedule or for the location of the local recycling drop-off centre. Next, begin by sorting your trash by separating glass, plastic, aluminium and paper into individual containers.
Environmental/Health Impact
- The benefits of recycling are numerous. Here are just a few: Reducing the need for landfills and incineration, decreasing greenhouse gases, saving energy and conserving natural resources, and preventing pollution caused by the manufacture of products from virgin materials.
If you've never done a single Earth-friendly thing before, now you know where to start. If you've already taken the first steps to contributing to a healthier planet, now you have some new ideas.
What is your Green Resolution for 2011?
|
Biography
