Resolutions for a Healthier and Greener 2009

This year, make a few resolutions that are easy to keep. Take a couple of these simple steps to be well, make smart choices and save a little money in 2009. And as always, now's the time to get rid of the old and make a fresh start. Find out which three things even the most avid environmentalist should throw in the trash.

Be well!

Walk or bike more. It's not only good for your health, it's good for everyone else's health by reducing pollution.

Eat more locally grown food. Seasonal produce that hasn't flown half-way around the world will be fresher, tastier and cuts down on the pollution that causes global warming.

Buy organic when you can particularly peaches, apples, bell peppers, celery, nectarines and strawberries, which contain the most pesticides.

Avoid fish high in mercury and choose fish that are sustainably caught to ensure a steady supply for years to come. Download NRDC's guide to eating fish safely and sustainably.

Don't spray pesticides to control pest in your home. Stop pests at the source and user safer chemical treatments only when necessary. Find a Green Shield-certified pest control expert.

Save!

If you're still buying plastic bottles of water, buy a reusable bottle instead.

Clean your home with natural products, just about anything can be cleaned with vinegar, lemon juice and baking soda.

Take a couple simple steps to save a lot of energy in your home.

Carry a reusable bag and refuse plastic bags, no more breaking, tearing or blowing in the wind. Some stores will give you a credit if you bring your own bag.

Out with the old!

There are a few old things that are simply too unhealthy or inefficient to continue using another year. Toss these now and replace with better alternatives:

Incandescent light bulbs waste so much energy compared to compact fluorescent bulbs that you shouldn't wait until they burn out to replace them with CFLs. If everyone increased their energy efficiency, we wouldn't need to build more polluting power plants that cause global warming.

Old refrigerators use much more energy than newer models. Today's Energy Star-qualified models use 40 percent less energy than the conventional models sold in 2001. Replacing an aging fridge could dramatically reduce your monthly electricity bill. Learn more.

PVC is toxic to produce and unhealthy to have in your home. PVC often contains lead and products made of PVC release toxic chemicals in your home. Toss anything made of PVC -- check shower curtains, rain jackets and children's toys.

Have a healthy, happy new year!

Users' Comments

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By: Small Footprints () on 01-01-2009 17:22

By: Small Footprints on 01-01-2009 17:22

Thank you ... this was a wonderful list!

Small Footprints
http:// reducefootprints.blogspot.com

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By: sunflowerfields () on 02-01-2009 08:47

By: sunflowerfields on 02-01-2009 08:47

How can I tell if a product in my home is made of PVC? I doubt that my shower curtain will have a tag on it saying so. And how can I find out what fish are safe to buy? Your list did not mention any specific fish at all.

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By: Ms. Heidi () on 07-01-2009 12:55

By: Ms. Heidi on 07-01-2009 12:55

It is thrilling to know I am doing all of these things and more! We as a society NEED to be educated! Every day I see people who use plastic bags, use two or three cars for one family, and buy cheap and harmful products. This is a great list...but, we can do even more! My resolution is NOT using ANY plastic at all! Check out this amazing site: www.reusablebags.com

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By: NRDC Staff) on 07-01-2009 14:07

By: NRDC Staff on 07-01-2009 14:07

Sunflowerfields, I just added a link to our fish guide -- thanks for asking about it! If your shower curtain is older, chances are it is PVC. Only recently have retailers like Target started phasing out PVC home products. You're right, it can be hard to tell whether something is PVC once it's out of the packaging but chances are, if it's not marked otherwise, it's PVC.

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