Green Tips for the New Year

I’m probably preaching to the converted – most of you reading this are among the world’s most conscientious people when it comes to appreciating and caring for our planet’s resources and wildlife.

It’s far from comprehensive, but here are some New Year’s tips for lightening our footprint on our precious planet:

* eat low on the food chain. Eating feedlot animals contributes to a cruel system, is unhealthy and extremely damaging environmentally. Improve your health by focusing on organic, locally-grown plant-based foods. This is the greatest impact you can make on the environment. A vegetarian requires 1/4 acre of land/ year, while a carnivore requires over an acre.

* ditch your SUV and get an efficient vehicle. This is your 2nd greatest impact on the planet. Take public transportation, and bike and walk more.

* make your home/ business energy efficient – get an energy audit and add insulation, new windows and other measures that will lower your energy usage and bills. Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents; wash clothes in cold water, buy efficient appliances, put a blanket around your water. [sorry this link is no longer available]* once your home or business is efficient, consider adding renewable energy. Put up solar panels or small wind, buy carbon offsets, or simply pay a few extra dollars/ month through your utility’s renewable energy program.

* reduce your waste and reuse/ recycle what’s left. Buy fresh, bulk foods and grains instead of packaged products. Say no to paper and plastic by taking your own canvas bags to the supermarket. It’s amazing how few people do this simple thing.

Find ways to recycle almost all your waste – look to buy products that can be recycled at the end of life. If it can’t be recycled, find another product that can! There are choices in most every product decision – eg, a coffee maker can be made from non-recyclable plastics or recyclable steel.

* switch to green cleaners, paints, sealers and use green materials when you renovate. You’ll reduce packaging and toxics and improve your health by using simple products like vinegar for most of your cleaning needs.

* get off the bottled water craze. The water isn’t healthier but the bottles create a huge amount of waste.

* turn your yard into a wildlife haven by planting natives that provide nectar and food for wildlife. Leave at least 10% “natural” with dead logs, trees, and without lawn to reserve a place for animals. Birds appreciate a water source like a bird bath.

* buy green gifts, support green businesses with your purchases and donate, volunteer to your favorite environmental non-profits.

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Rona Fried is President of SustainableBusiness.com