Make 2012 a Greener Year

The beginning of a new year is a great time to re-evaluate your daily habits. Here are ten ecologically sound ways to help the planet, as well as your health, wallet and well-being.

1. Bring reusable bags when you shop. Ask if your grocery store gives a discount for using reusable bags.
2. Do your part to when it is time for your next oil change. Check your car's manual - newer cars are more efficient and can go longer between oil changes. Use (or request) one of the new motor oils made from 50 percent recycled oil and make sure you (or your car shop) dispose of the old oil in a responsible manner.
3. Try to avoid single-use products and excessive packaging. It's so easy and convenient to use paper plates, paper towels and single-use mops, but think about all the garbage you create. Invest in plates, mops and towels that you can reuse over and over, instead of ones you throw away after only a few uses.
4. Take your own cup to the coffee shop. Fact: 58 billion paper cups are thrown away (not recycled) every year and 20 million trees are cut down in the process of manufacturing paper cups. Many coffee shops offer a cup discount for patrons using their own cup.
5. Eat and shop local. There are benefits to eating local; you're helping your local economy, food is fresher and fewer chemicals are needed to prolong life. Studies have found food can travel 1,500 miles before it reaches your plate, thus creating pollution. Eating and shopping closer to home helps cut down on that pollution
6. Become a toxics-free household. This might take some research, so plan to do it over the whole year. From beauty products to clothes detergent, we have become used to toxics products in our daily lives. When buying new products, check what they are made of, and pick the one with the least toxic residues.
7. Resolve to replace incandescent bulbs with energy efficient light bulbs. LED bulbs last five times longer and are better for the environment than CFLs because they do not contain mercury. When an old light bulb burns out, replace it with an LED.
8. Pay your bills online or upfront. This will avoid paper mailed to you and paper mailed back (plus saves you the postage).
9. Take your bicycle out of the garage. Cycle to work and/or the supermarket to rediscover your neighborhood. This could be the most relaxing resolution you make!
10. Spend more time outdoors. Turn off your car, television, computer and phone. Have fun and keep fit by appreciating all that nature has to offer: parks, trails, gardens, fresh air, etc.