Start the year right by taking some simple steps that help you go green and save the planet as well. Saving the earth doesn’t require life-changing or challenging steps. What it does need is a conscious effort to go green and act in a way that is safe for the planet and good for you. Here are some simple green resolutions that you can make as we enter the New Year.

Go Green at Home and Save the Earth

Being environmentally friendly is easiest at home. Here are some easy and simple eco-friendly steps that you can take to save the planet and better your family’s health as well.

• Buy organic, chemical-free, locally-grown fruits and vegetables as much as possible.
• Carry cloth, reusable bags for shopping. Switch to using cloth wipes and dusters for kitchen countertops and other surfaces.
• Be diligent about turning off lights when not in use and save water as much as you can. Teaching kids to do so is easy when you set the right example.
• Be a green parent and buy natural, eco-friendly items for your kids.
• Go green with laundry and line dry your clothes.
• Encourage kids to walk and cycle rather than use the car to drop them for after-school activities.
• Buy green and organic school supplies for kids. Made of earth-friendly, child-safe materials such as cotton, hemp and recycled items, these are perfect for back-to-school time.
• Use simple and eco-friendly cleaning solutions for mopping up stains, cleaning kitchen surfaces and disinfecting your toddler’s toys.
• Reduce your consumption of packaged and processed foods. Cook from scratch as much as possible. Not only will this be healthier but you’ll also save the planet from the amount of packaging that ends up in landfills.
• Celebrate holidays in an eco-friendly manner.  Its easy to do so and in fact, can help you save money as well.
• Reduce, reuse and recycle whatever you can. You’ll be surprised at the number of ways you can reuse cloth, paper and even, glass bottles.

Go Green at Work

• Car pool, cycle, walk or take the public transport to work. You’ll save yourself some money while saving the planet as well.
• Reuse sheets of paper and turn them into scribble pads. In fact, avoid using paper when you can use email or other forms of digital communication.
• Turn off the lights in your cubicle when you leave. Turn off lights in other unoccupied spaces as well.
• Set your computer to energy-saving settings and remember to shut it down when you leave for the day.
• Use green and eco-friendly office stationery as much as possible. There are several brands of environmentally friendly business cards, pens, paper and pencils available.  Buy in bulk to reduce shipping and packaging costs.
• Encourage coworkers to use cloth towels in the bathroom instead of the paper ones.

These simple, practical resolutions can help you go green easily and effectively. Taking one small step is all that it takes to make a difference and help save the planet from further damage.

Photo Credit: Louise Docker