For many of us, the beginning of a new year marks the beginning of a new set of resolutions. We look back at the actions of our past and forward into what we want or need from the future. It’s the perfect time for us to reflect on the environment, how we’ve changed our habits over the last year and what we can do this year, to have less of an impact.
Choose a green resolution and write it down. You can even post it somewhere; like on your fridge or workstation, to remind yourself of your goals. Start with a simple resolution and once you succeed move on to a more challenging one!
Here are some ideas to get you started:
Look back at the green tips from last year and see if there is something that fell through the cracks; maybe you just couldn’t break that one habit (coffee cups, perhaps?) and you’d like to try again. With a new year you’ll likely feel inspired to do more.
Bring a re-usable bag everywhere, not just the grocery store and refrain from accepting a reusable bag from every store that offers them (the purpose is to re-use the ones you have so that there is less waste).
Repeat after me: “I will turn off the lights when I leave a room and encourage others to do the same.”
Buy a programmable thermostat to monitor your heating while you’re not at home and when you’re sleeping.
Install a low-flow showerhead in your bathroom. This simple change can reduce your water consumption per shower by half without affecting the ‘feel’ of your shower.
Increase your hot water heater’s efficiency by turning down the thermostat to 60˚C.
Sign up for the red dot campaign to rid yourself of the junk mail that just makes you want to buy more stuff!
Green your mind. Take a seminar on green building practices, watch a documentary on sustainability, or read a book on a topic that interests you (the LEED reference guide is a great choice). The more you know, the more you can do to help!
Take it outside! The best way to keep your green resolution this year is to spend more time outdoors. Not only will your body thank you for the fresh air, but it will give to a chance to reflect on why you are making these changes in your life in the first place.
Greg
If you are going to install a low flow showerhead you should also consider installing low flow faucet aerators These will only cost you a few dollars at the hardware store and they come in various levels of gallons per minute water flow. Here is a link to some examples so you know what to look for at the hardware store. http://www.faucetaerators.com/.....-c-21.html