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31 New Green Year Resolutions

Here are 31 suggestions, one for every day of the month, to help you become a greener person in the New Year, or anytime really.

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  1. I will Go Green for my own sake, to save money, and for the sake of keeping the planet clean for generations to come.

  2. I will Plant a Tree, any kind of tree, perhaps a fruit tree. Maybe more than one, and a bush even. Raspberries always taste great in the summer!

  3. In the summer I will hang my clothes outside on the line to dry.

  4. I will use cheaper, and safer, cleaning products, such as replacing glass cleaner with vinegar and water, using baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) to clean the oven.

  5. I will put up a sign on my mail box “NO JUNK MAIL OR FLYERS”.

  6. If I don’t need it, I will resist the urge to buy it.

  7. I will try to buy locally made products and shun those made in other countries.

  8. I will shop at my local farmers markets and try to buy locally grown produce.

  9. I will buy in bulk and try to buy lots of stuff per trip rather than making lots of shopping trips.

  10. I will put a brick in the back of my toilet so I use less water each flush.

  11. I will return all medication bottles back to the pharmacy.

  12. I will return all plant pots (from bedding plants) back to the greenhouse.

  13. I will encourage my friend, who works in a tall office building, to have the lights turned off at night, not only will this save energy, but also help with the death of hundreds if migratory birds who smash into these windows.

  14. I will use my reusable shopping bag or try to take no bag at all when purchasing some items.

  15. I won’t shave on days that I don’t have to.

  16. I will buy clothing that does not require special cleaning or ironing.

  17. I will check out some of the cool second hand shops for clothing, and other things.

  18. I will take items I no longer need, or use, to the second hand stores, or donate them to charity, so they can go to somebody who needs them.

  19. At least one day a week, I will not eat meat.

  20. I will reuse my coffee cup, rather than getting a new one each time, throughout the day.

  21. At take out coffee places, I will provide them with my own reusable coffee cup.

  22. I will open windows in the summer, rather than run air conditioning.

  23. I will put on a sweater, and slippers, in the winter, rather than raising the heat.

  24. In the winter I will turn the heat down at night, or when I am away.

  25. I will replace my lights with new energy efficient bulbs, well those that I haven’t replaced already.

  26. I will turn a portion of my yard into a garden to grow my own vegetables.

  27. I shall avoid buying over packaged items and look for alternatives.

  28. I will encourage moms to be to select re-usable diapers for daytime use.

  29. I will recycle what I can.

  30. I will look for products made from recycled items.

  31. I will buy books from second hand book stores.

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User Comments
  1. Glynis Smy

    On December 27, 2008 at 1:13 pm


    Brilliant article! I am pleased to say I follow at least half of your list already,but I am going to try and follow more. Great ideas.

  2. Ruby Hawk

    On December 27, 2008 at 2:29 pm


    hey, way to go Mark, A man after my own heart. I do most of these things but I can’t plant a tree and a few others. I had never thought about returning medication bottles to the pharmacy. that’s one more I can do.Take care,Ruby

    My computer is on the blink so i ran over to the library today to look at my email. Thought I would look in on you guys while I am here. sorry i won’t be able to make comments or publish any articles untill my computer is fixed. You guys behave yourselves.

  3. Ashley Ann

    On December 27, 2008 at 5:01 pm


    I like the article, however even though going organic is healthy for your body and the environment it isn’t always cheap, for example Trader Joes. I love the store but a lot of people can’t afford to buy food that isn’t processed. I don’t understand why the Government, if so concerned about the enviroment, doesn’t bring the cost up on the unhealthy crap and bring the cost down on the organic foods and products???

  4. James DeVere

    On December 27, 2008 at 5:02 pm


    Excellent – this article encapsulates a lot of ideas floating around – all in one Web site. Great work . j

  5. Sotiris

    On December 27, 2008 at 6:26 pm


    Thanks for the “green” ideas! We could have a better world if people followed those suggestions. Great article!

  6. papaleng

    On December 27, 2008 at 10:40 pm


    a brilliant “green” ideas, Well, I’m doing some of them but I’ll try to do it all. Happy new Year friend..

  7. Jasin

    On December 28, 2008 at 3:21 am


    Nice work on this one!

  8. Mark Gordon Brown

    On December 28, 2008 at 10:03 am


    To Comment #3 Ashley Ann
    I agree stores are high prices, in my area the farmers markets are cheaper BUT its even cheaper to grow my own food. I have the luxury of having 10 acres, but even people with only a patio can grow tomatoes in a container!
    When more people buy organic, more farmers will get interested in growing it, more competition will bring prices down. Until then, plant some zuchini and share with your friends!

  9. nobert soloria bermosa

    On December 28, 2008 at 9:17 pm


    ….and this world will continue to be a good place to live in,happy new year

  10. eddiego65

    On December 28, 2008 at 10:38 pm


    Excellent green resolutions!

  11. clay hurtubise

    On December 29, 2008 at 7:32 am


    Nice, we already do a lot of this. We also installed solar panels (for hot water) this year. Next year we plan to install PV panels.
    As for #11, in the U.S. most states do not allow a pharmacist to reuse a bottle. Some states also require that the patient info sheets be handed out EVERY time! What a waste!
    Good article, get people thinking!
    Thanks,
    Clay

  12. Dendro Azures

    On December 29, 2008 at 9:15 pm


    Nice list there. I was surprised at how many I already do…especially #15. :)

  13. Yovita Siswati

    On December 31, 2008 at 1:42 am


    Good and fresh ideas! I think I can do some of it. Thanks for sharing.

  14. Michele Cameron Drew

    On December 31, 2008 at 3:09 pm


    Words to live by. I already practice a lot of these, but you’ve given me a few new ideas as well! I’d love to share this on my blog, if that is ok with you. Very well done, Mark. :)

    Happy New Year!

    -M

  15. Brenda Nelson

    On December 31, 2010 at 11:54 am


    I only eat meat once or twice a week.. that is an excellent tip, not only to be green, but to help lower cruelty. And I RARELY eat chicken – the most cruely raised of all animals.

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