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Going Green in the New Year
January 6, 2010 11:09 am | by

It is the first week of the new year, so of course the topic of conversation is New Year’s Resolutions. If you are resolving to “go green” this year, here are a few simple ideas to get you started:

  • One of the easiest, and probably most obvious, is to buy products made from recycled items. Many products are even sold in recycled packaging. Manufacturers are marking their items when they are made with recycled products or sold in recycled packaging, so while you are shopping, keep your eye out for them!
  • Reusable grocery bags are fantastic, inexpensive and easy way to start your green resolution. I have a few reusable bags that fold up into a smaller bag that I can just throw in my purse or keep in my car. That way I always have a bag ready to use for groceries, library books, etc.
  • Set up a recycle bin in your home and office. Put it next to your trash can, so you are reminded to recycle before you throw something in the trash. Get your kids involved – and once you really get into the swing of things, I think you will find that you have more recyclables than you do trash!
  • Buy locally grown fruits and vegetables. These usually require much less (if any) packaging, and they do not need to be transported across the country. They are usually fresher and you are supporting your local community – which is always a plus!
  • If possible, find a carpool buddy for commuting to work. You are taking one more car off the road and (hopefully) enjoying the company!
  • Walk! This can contribute to your green resolution and your exercise resolution all at once! When the weather allows, walk to the local produce stand (to buy your locally grown fruits & veggies), walk with your kids to your next play date, walk to the park, you get the idea – just walk! You are cutting down on air pollution & traffic congestion – and getting some exercise and fresh air! Right now, we are experiencing single digit temps, so this might not always be feasible!
  • Buy fewer disposable products… including using cloth diapers (you knew this one was coming!). There are so many options out there, you are sure to find an option that works for your family. Give it a try with Econobum, a very affordable option that will let you give modern cloth diapering a try.

So… what is your New Years Resolution? What are you doing to make sure you keep it this year? Are you going green in 2010? What tips would you add to the list?

About the Author

Jenn is the founder of Cotton Babies & creator of bumGenius, Flip, and Econobum, worldwide leading cloth diaper brands. She has four children (Andrew, Oscar, Elsie and Louis) and holds an MBA from Washington University. When she's not working full time, she enjoys teaching business leaders how to implement sustainable economic & social change.

Comments

3 Comments

  • Katharine in Brussels said...
    January 17, 2010 at 7:46 am

    Here in Brussels we’re lucky enough to realistically bike commute to work. It’s faster than driving and factoring in a regular workout, or taking public transportation. Emissions are 100% biodegradable 🙂 *and* you can enjoy Belgian chocolate without your waistline expanding. Thanks for your list, I’ve done everything already, but the city doesn’t support as much of a diversity of plastic and paper recycling as I’d like. If everything that could be recycled were, then I’d really have the ideal of a tiny rubbish bin and big recycle bins. Will look into that. Merci! Bedankt!

  • Melissa: Mother to 3 Little Sprouts said...
    January 12, 2010 at 8:18 pm

    We are trying to go from medium green to dark hunter green! We already do the simple green things, but are trying to add a sustainable garden, family cloth, NO plastics etc. I love your diapers! Look for a review on our blog soon!

  • brittanypb said...
    January 6, 2010 at 7:42 pm

    My new years resolution is to go green. I’m already on the cloth. Doing reusable grocery bags. Using earth friendly cleaning products.
    So awesome!
    Thanks for the tips!