Green Resolutions

Last year the word green took on a whole new meaning! Climate change was a hot topic, and more people took notice. Even if you're a skeptic on global warming, everyone can agree that your impact on the planet is important. If you are looking for a resolution, I have eight that you can adopt to lower your impact on the environment.

The first resolution: Recycle!
Wendy Seals recycles because she says, “I feel that this is one of the easiest ways for me to be of help in getting rid of stuff!"
From paper, to plastic, and cardboard, recycling is the first thing that you can do in your home to reduce the need for landfill space.
Bob Haskins with Keep Mobile Beautiful says, "I can tell you for sure the people who come to the recycling center or recycle at home through curbside programs feel good about what they are doing and that's why they do it."

Number Two: Plant a Tree!
You don't have to wait until Arbor Day to get a green thumb. Make time to get outside! Not only does this help your curb appeal, but it's also great exercise.

Number Three: Buy Locally Grown Produce.
When you buy local, the food stays local. You don't have to worry about what kind of emissions are now in the air from the food that ends up on your plate.

Number Four: Get Outside
Walk, run, bike. We live in an area where driving seems like the only way to get from one point to another. Try carpooling, or public transportation. Last November, Mobile and Baldwin Counties established a public transportation system called Baylinc. This bus crosses the Bayway twice a day.

Number Five: Switch to CFLs. Do you know what CFL stands for? If not, you probably know what they look like! CLF, also known as Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs use less energy, and last longer than other lightbulbs.

Number Six: Re-use Water Bottles.
"here at news 5, we recycle hundreds of water bottles each month, but here's a secret. the same water that's in those bottles, is the same water that comes out of the faucet."

Number Seven: Re-use Grocery Bags
Next time you go to the grocery store, bring bags you can use again.
Haskins says, "Plastic bags are made from oil based products, and we're in an energy crunch right now. Paper is a renewable resource so we can use paper. But what we encourage people to do is bring back a bag when you come to the store."

The final resolution: Conserve Energy.
"By watching where we drive, when we drive, when we leave the heat on, the air conditioner, those are all things we need to think about. With energy prices soaring it's time now more than ever to think about being green and saving the earth and saving the naturally resources when we can."

We all know the typical resolutions, exercising, eating right, and saving money.
But if you adopt any of these eight resolutions, you will be following the typical resolutions while treating the Planet great in ’08!

If you want to calculate your carbon footprint, or your impact on the environment, here is a link to calculate your mark.