Top 4 Green New Year's Resolutions

It's that time of year again when we all have to take a look at the past 12 months and decide what we would like to change or do differently next year. Maybe you would like to lose some unwanted pounds, quit smoking once and for all, or take up a new hobby. Well, I think that we can make positive changes for ourselves while still doing a little something to help the environment in 2009. Below is a quick list of 4 things we can all do to make a positive impact on our health, business, and environment. These examples are not groundbreaking by any means, but they are simple things that would not be too hard to implement.

1. Make a commitment to ride a bike, commute, or take public transportation as often as possible. By leaving your car at home, it will not only benefit the environment, but you will find additional personal benefits. By riding a bike you improve your health and your pocketbook by spending less on gas. By commuting you can reinforce good relationships with friends and coworkers.
2. Try to implement eco friendly habits at work. For example, if you find that your company doesn't have a recycling program for old paper, cans, bottles, etc, then talk to HR about making the change. Does your company use energy efficient office products and lighting? Organizing a small "Green Team" made up of like minded individuals is an easy way to brainstorm and discover simple ways to help your company become more sustainable.
   
3. Replace old electronics or other household appliances with more efficient, eco-friendly ones moving forward. Make a commitment to looking for energy star labels or research how environmentally responsible the companies are before making your next big purchase. You will find that these new products may not only be cheaper, but they will also save you money in the long run.
4. Lastly, the number one theme for 2009 is to "save green, while going green." With a lingering recession it will be important to make wise purchasing decisions. Save money, for example, by buying a refurbished TV instead of a brand new one, save raw materials by resurfacing your old kitchen cabinets, or even reupholster your old couch instead of buying new products and dumping the old ones in our landfills.

Have you made any resolutions that have a positive effect on the environment? If so, please share your tips and ideas.