December 27th, 2007

Green New Year’s Resolutions for 2008

Posted by Jessica Jensen

We have been moved, humbled and inspired by the gigantic outpouring our Green New Year’s Resolution Contest has inspired!!  We received over 400 resolutions. It has been amazing to see the emails pour in day after day…and to read each one.  If you did not know about our contest, we offered a Green Goody Pack to the person with the most inspiring green resolutions for 2008. People all over the country– and even some international contributors– put their environmental thinking caps on and gave serious consideration to what steps they were willing to take to live a more low impact life in the coming year.  Read on and get some ideas for your own family!

The Grand Prize Winner is Shannon from St. Paul Minnesota!

“I resolve to bike to and from work (13 miles each way) at least twice a week ALL year; I also resolve to head a recycling program at my work to send re-usable office goods/supplies to area school districts, instead of our current policies of discarding them or storing them unused.” –Shannon from St. Paul, MN

** Editor’s note: Shannon if only we were all committed enough to bike 13 miles in St. Paul!  Thank you for your resolution and your prize pack is on the way!

There were also several Honorable Mentions:

“I am a freshman at NYU and myself and a few of my friends have made the resolution to start a Sustainability Council in an effort to turn our entire dorm (of 700 freshmen) GREEN.  We will be holding a “Green Week” promotional kickoff, and we are putting recycling bins on every other floor and selling energy-saving light bulbs while also providing helpful hints to fellow students on how to become sustainable.” — Ben from New York City

“My green living resolution for 2008 is to reuse, reuse, reuse and tell everyone I know about reusing.  I’ve refrained from purchasing any “new” toys or clothing for my children this holiday season because “gently used” is out there in abundance.  I want to educate my friends and family to leave behind the stigma attached to “gently used” and embrace reusing what already exists. Happy New Year!” — Allison, Knoxville, TN

“I resolve not to buy anything new (except essential food and toiletry items) in January 2008.” –Kelly, Jackson, Mississippi

“In the coming year and well beyond,
I hereby solemnly swear,
That single-use containers shall,
Be stricken with great care.

For if we each in some small way
Adopt this simple act of grace,
The future will be brighter
And a green, loving place!”
– Jonathan, Marin County, CA

And here are still more submissions from all of you– THANK YOU for your environmental committments and we wish you luck and good health in the New Year! Want to get in on the fun? Write your own resolution in the comments section! 

“Reduce my waste(line):  Use more restaurants that don’t use disposable stuff and take my own napkins, Klean kanteen, containers, and utensils to places that do.
Drop the pounds (of stuff): Think three times before buying something for me or others.  Make more and buy less.
Exercise (my choice to not fly): Take the train.
Share creatively with others how to live simpler.
Happy Holidays!” –Maya, Pasadena CA

“2008 is going to be the best green year for my family and I.  We are in the process of starting an organic herb business on our 12 acre family farm.  Our new years resolution for 2008 is to convert the entire farm to total green energy, wind and solar.  For the past year we have been slowly converting our home to eco-friendly appliances and now feel strongly that it is time to go all the way. Happy New Year and Green Blessings to All!”– Kim, Oldtown, MD

“As public high school teacher, I resolve to begin a campaign to require recycling throughout my school, instead of just in my classroom. I also resolve to begin using green cleaning products in my home instead of the standard harsh chemicals I currently use.”  — Allison, Chattanooga, TN

“2007 was about transitioning my family and home to a more self-sufficient, sustainable, low impact lifestyle. My 2008 resolutions are three-fold: 1) pay off all debt to begin growing our off-grid, self-sufficient dream home savings; 2) replace at least one and hopefully both of our cars with used hybrid or biodiesel vehicles; 3) transition my home-based freelance writing and editing business to include more clients that practice and promote conservation and sustainable living practices.” — Nancy in Bow, NH

“I resolve to increase my personal recycling and teach/encourage others to do the same.  I resolve to increase the use of all organic/non-toxic household and personal goods. I also hope in 2008 to make my personal dream a reality by opening a local retail store focused on organic, fair trade and other sustainable home and personal goods. – Mike, Auburn, AL

“I resolve to eat only socially responsible food. meaning that 95% of my food will come from local sources. I also resolve to have only one very small bag of waste per week. I resolve to purchase everything I can from second hand stores and purchase only green gifts for special occasions. Furthermore, I plan to build a greenhouse this year to get an early start on growing my organic produce. I resolve to share my greenhouse space with the community. I plan to volunteer 10 hours a month for green organizations.” — Sabrina, Maynardville, TN

“My new years resolution is to provide everyone an energy conservation gift basket instead of another useless gift for their birthday.  I have started my New Years Resolution early by giving everyone in my family an energy conservation handbook and basket of items.  Some of the items that I have included are reusable shopping bags, recycled pencils, compact fluorescent light bulbs, insulation, compost bins, reusable water bottles, organic wine, and earth friendly cleaning supplies. ” — Barbara, Camp Hill, PA

“I resolve to stop buying bottled water and to instead fill a reusable bottle with water from the filter pitcher in the fridge.”– Erin, Hoffman Estates, IL

“In 2007 I : exchanged my SUV for a Prius, used reusable bags for ALL purchases, brought my own cup to coffee shops, used a drying rack instead of clothes dryer, replaced all light bulbs with energy efficient bulbs, bought recycled T.P. and paper towels, used Sigg aluminum water bottles rather than plastic, 25% of all groceries organic and used only cloth napkins. In 2008 I will: begin composting, buy only green gifts, buy used clothes and toys, use only earth friendly cleaning products, 50% of all groceries organic, buy only organically grown meat and limit meat to twice a week, buy from the local farmers market once a week, find ways to reuse grey water and continue doing the things I started in 2007!” — Cynthia in Chula Vista, CA

“Each year we, along with our children, grandchildren, neighbors and church members, add a new recycle focus to the list.  This year is plastics.” – Charles and Dee, Bonaire, GA

“I resolve to volunteer with ACORE or similar group UNTIL I sell my house in Suburbia MD and move off the grid to Arizona by winter 08.” — Kirk, MD

“Reusable bags, instead of plastic or paper.  Washable rags to clean, instead of paper towels.” — Carm in Dayton, Ohio

“This year my family and I will be helping to teach our extended families how to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.  Since we have to curb recycling we will offer to pick up our families recycle bins when we take ours.  Not only is this a resolution, but a great gift as well!” — Holly, Richland, WA

“I have just “cleaned out” my apartment of most chemicals and replaced them with more natural products, so my resolution for 2008 is to pass the LEED accreditation exam through the US Green Build Council.  This will not only allow my employer to offer more environmental sustainability services but will make people and the planet healthier!’ — Tania Rene, Overland Park, KS 

“For 2008 I will no longer buy farm raised or environmentally unfriendly caught meat, install a clothesline, convert everything in my house that goes down a drain to biodegradable, and install some rain barrels for gardening!” — Bisa, Durham, North Carolina

“My goal for 2008 is to launch a website that makes it easy for people to find information on how they can better the world around them. There are a lot of wonderful & insightful websites that already exist (Like LowImpactLiving.com! ) and I’d like to make it easier for people to find these websites & start making a difference!” – Mariellen, New York

“In 2008 I want to lay the building blocks of Green Living for my toddler son Tommy  by teaching him to recycle, eat eco-friendly foods and to use our legs and public transportation more often then our vehicles. I think that if my husband and I start him out thinking Green now it will be the only way he will know. Happy Holidays!” Angela from St. Paul, MN

“I resolve to provide a “green” childhood for our baby Lucas, continue with organic foods, organic cotton and “gently-worn” clothing, pre-owned toys and lots of play dates at the park!  As he outgrows clothes and toys, we will pass them on to another child to use.” — Meseydi, Clermont, Florida

“My resolutions include replacing the seals under our ext. doors, starting to compost, replacing our old, barely working, cooktop with a induction cooktop and replacing 2 toilets with dual flush toilets. I will also continue to educate my friends, family and the public in ways to decrease their impact. On the political level, I will support and vote for candidates who are concerned for the well-being of the planet.”  — Larky

“Here are my new-year’s resolutions:
 - Converting all my beauty products to Paraben Free, All Natural bio-degradable products. (Including my makeup) - I find this difficult, I’ve done loads of research but it is possible! (I’m already on my way)
- Only using natural cleaning products in my home.
- Using cloth instead of paper - and only buying recycled paper products.
- Changing the remaining light bulbs in my apartment to the spiral kind.
- Only getting take-out coffee when I carry my stainless steel mug! Or drink it in a actual cup at the café!” –Lysanne, Toronto, ON, Canada

“I will be more diligent about using recyclable grocery bags and making sure any/all plastic bags that cross my path are returned to the store’s recycling bin. In 2008, I will seek out more local farmers/produce and reap the benefits of their hard work. “– Donna, Lake Katrine, NY 

“Though I live a pretty eco-friendly life now, I know there is more I can do to lessen my footprint on the planet. So, my new year’s resolution for 2008 is to sell my car, get back on my bike, and reinvigorate my love affair with public transport.” — Lisa

“In 2008, I resolve to continue my personal progress in having a lower impact on our fragile planet by incorporating more organic and reusable items into my daily living. I will also continue to pick up trash when I see it and put it in its appropriate place, when people see me do it-maybe the idea will catch on. We only have one planet-let’s resolve to take care of it!” Kristy in Huntington, NY

“By re-using an empty box (plenty of those after the holidays!), placing it in close proximity to the kitchen trash area, & labeling the box with colorful photos of items the children normally use that can be recycled (i.e., juice boxes, drink cans, plastic water bottles, cereal boxes, etc.), it encourages the children to recycle AND to incorporate the rest of the family!” — Ashton in Roanoke, VA

“In 2008, I promise to try to make as many friends and family as possible more green by giving them green re-usable grocery bags.  I order them and everyone loves them when they see me with them, so they of course want one and I’m happy to pass them on with a message about what they can do to be more green!  Also, I pledge to create less garbage, finally make a compost bin, use the dryer less, and spread green cheer whenever and wherever I can!!!” — Jesse from Crewe, VA 

“In 2008 I vow to make choices that reduce harmful impact on the environment by conserving, recycling & buying items from only renewable natural sustainable resources. I take responsibility to do my part seriously, and encourage family, friends & community to reduce wasteful consumption. I ask that we inspire each other to stop the degradation of the planet and begin to honour our future by living in harmony with nature. — Lisa

“My resolution is to keep educating my husband and children on how to be friendlier to Mother Earth.  We have already upped our recycling and are now focusing on reducing our use of plastic.  We are also saving up to buy a tankless water heater and a used, diesel car to run on biodiesel.  My kids love ‘feeding’ our composter and can’t wait to plant veggies in the spring!” – Emily, Colorado Springs, CO

“To buy as much of my food & drink from local farmers, manufacturers & retailers within 100km.  Professionally to complete my resources area on my holistic interior design website - giving everyone free interiors advice to spread the green word.– Nicola, Dublin, Ireland

“I will save the world, little by little, step by step, with no guilt or regrets, simply by respecting myself, others, and the future generations of all beings in every aspect.  To save the world I will be the candle that spreads its light to others to have the same goal, little by little, step by step, with no guilt or regrets, simply through respect.” — Cathleen, Buffalo, NY

“My resolution is to stop bringing bottled water to work, and instead bring a Klean Kanteen to work, and refill it through the day. –Sharleen

“I, Melissa Lynne of Superior, Colorado resolve that this 2008 New Years shall entail leveraging the equity in my home to purchase a solar system, and launch a non-profit portal that will educate, enable and empower the housing industry to “go green” and all monies that pass thru it will go back to the sustainability initiatives to offset the difference in cost from conventional things. I want my existence to be purposeful and not harmful to the earth that I will leave behind for my 3 young children. Chandler, Gavin and Grace; I LOVE YOU. — Mom”

“My New Year’s resolution for 2008 is to inspire the engineering and architectural firm that I work for to adopt the ideals of LEED and sustainability within our projects.  I have also released a memo, untitled “Greening (Our Firm): A New Year’s resolution”, which outlines several steps that our company needs to take to become more green itself.  FYI…I have already received a very good response!”– Jacqueline, Brookings, SD

“My wife and I will start a green consulting resource initiative in which we offer services/information to local homes and small offices on how to green existing spaces, structures and lifestyles. I’ll consult with homeowners, builders and developers with the intention of building environmental awareness and forethought in the construction and operation of structures. I’ll also work to introduce lifestyle changes to reduce consumption and waste and promote the use of sustainable, organic and recyclable products.” — Mitch, Franklin, TN

“My husband left his job to become an insulation salesman with a company that does strictly green insulation.  It was a resolution that happened just a little before the end of the year!” — Jill

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