Thursday, December 27, 2007

Top Ten New Year's Resolutions for a Greener 2008

I've really enjoyed producing this little environmental blog over the past couple of months, and I like to think that I've offered some useful information for people. In the spirit of the holidays, here are the top ten environmental tips that I wrote about in 2007, ranked very (very) roughly by the amount of impact each one can have on your carbon footprint. If you keep your resolution to make even one of these little changes to your life in 2008, you'll have made a real difference.

1. Sign up for Peco Wind or your local alternative energy program
How easy is it? Very, very easy.
How much will it cost you? $5-$20 a month, depending on your energy usage

2. Wash (and rinse) your clothes with cold water
How easy is it? So easy you'll cry.
How much will it cost you? You'll save money!

3. Give composting a try
How easy is it? Easier than you think, but you'll need to read up on it. Don't worry--I'm going to have more composting tips for you in '08.
How much will it cost you? I paid about $200 for my Tumbleweed composter, but you can build your own bin for nothing.

4. Close your storm windows for winter
How easy is it? A lot easier than installing new windows. If you have storm windows, it's a cinch.
How much will it cost you? You will save a bundle in energy costs.

5. Bring your own reusable bags when you go shopping
How easy is it? Pretty darn easy. You just have to remember to do it.
How much will it cost you? A few bucks. Many stores will pay you a couple of cents a bag!

6. You can recycle more than just glass, paper and plastic 1 & 2
How easy is it? Just visit Earth911 to find out what you can recycle and where. It's a little tougher than dragging cans to your curb, but still not that hard.
How much will it cost you? Mostly just a little bit of your time. However, it's good for your soul.

7. Use revolving doors instead of swing doors when possible
How easy is it? Are you kidding me???
How much will it cost you? Maybe you'll burn two extra calories from pushing the door around.

8. Switch to rechargeable NiMH batteries
How easy is it? You do have to remember to keep your batteries charged, and also to unplug the charger when you're done. Other than that, it's a piece of cake.
How much will it cost you? Rechargeables are definitely more expensive than Alkalines right off the shelf, but they will save you lots of money over the life of the battery.

9. Make sure your car's tires have the correct pressure
How easy is it? Simple.
How much will it cost you? Maybe $10-$15 to buy a tire gauge and $.75 to fire up the air pump at a gas station. Wawa air pumps are free to use, much like their ATMs.

10. Don't get divorced
How easy is it? Possibly very hard. Your mileage may vary.
How much will it cost you? A lifetime of flowers, back rubs and dish cleaning.

There you have it, folks. Let me know if you make any of these resolutions for 2008. Best wishes for a green and happy New Year!

2 comments:

Mrs. Harridan said...

Please note you should still wash your cloth diapers in hot water to clean off the poop and kill e coli.

Whole Foods will take off a whole 5 cents for each bag you bring to the store - suhweet!

We have a compost tumbler, but we still also use a Sears garbage can with a couple small holes in the bottom for drainage. Also good to use bio-bags to store food scraps in if you don't walk out to your pile nightly. They biodegrade nicely. You can also compost cotton rags after they have done their duty cleaning your house.

This year, I want to try vermicomposting because you can do it indoors.

Brennen said...

You, ma'am, are an eco-genius! I bow to your superior Kung Fu.