Economic and Environmental New Year’s Resolutions

 

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It’s getting close to that time of the year – time to make your New Year’s resolutions.  What kind of resolutions are you going to make this year?  Are you thinking about the economy and what you can do to ensure you become more economically sound?  Are you thinking about what you can do for the environment and how you can live a greener life?  Personally, I’m thinking about both.

As the year comes to a close I’ve been taking a look at recent economic and environmental events.  While they may not be as promising as we all would like, improving our economic status or taking steps to be greener are actually easier than you might realize.  And if you haven’t figured out what steps to take yet, New Year’s resolutions are a good place to start.

Here are a few simple resolutions that will help either economically or environmentally:

1. Resolve to recycle.  It doesn’t mean you have to recycle everything starting at 12:01am January 1st, but if you start small by recycling cans, bottles, plastic, etc then you are off to a good start.
2. Resolve to lower harmful emissions.  Pick one day a week (or more) that you take public transportation.  Trade in your older vehicle for a new, more biofriendly vehicle.  Keep up with your vehicle’s required maintenance schedule so it runs properly.  Use a liquid fuel enhancer, like Green Plus, proven to produce a cleaner burn and thus increase fuel economy and lower harmful emissions.
3. Resolve to save money every month.  I’m not talking about setting some unrealistic goal, but you know if you save just a dollar a day, you’ll have an extra $365 per year.  That’s not the only way to save money – if you bought and used the ever popular Sham Wow! to clean up messes rather than using paper towel after paper towel, you’ll save money and help the environment at the same time.
4. Resolve to use environmentally friendly products like Seventh Generation.  Use a non-toxic laundry detergent.  Buy paper towels made from recycled materials.  Use natural cleaning solutions rather than chemical filled solutions.

So before you sit down and write your New Year’s resolutions, don’t forget ones like I bring up here.  They will not only make you feel better about yourself but will help you both economically and in your steps towards helping the environment.  Here’s to a greener and more prosperous New Year!