Green New Years Resolutions– a Sample

We have say that we have been moved, humbled and inspired by the gigantic outpouring our Green New Year’s Resolution Contest has inspired!!  We have received over 300 resolutions so far. It has been amazing to see the emails pour in day after day…and to read each one.  If you do not yet know about our contest, please click here. And be sure to get your resolutions in by this Friday, December 21, in order to be eligible for our prize pack!

“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 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 St. Paul, MN

“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 reslove 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

“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 René, Overland Park, KS 

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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 lightbulbs 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 

“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

“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

“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 

“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

“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

“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

“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