10 Green Resolutions for the New Year {Green Living}

2014 is right around the corner! It is the time to make resolutions – keep them or break them. I’ve spent enough years breaking resolutions that I made, but this year has been a year full of gratitude and I realise the importance of things and I know that these go green resolutions I make will be for keeps!

10 Green Resolutions for 2014

Resolution 1# Recycle – Did you know that you can actually reduce the waste by recycling? How? Simple. Use old clothes as wash cloths to wipe your kitchen platforms or dust around the house. When you do this, you can also cut out buying paper towels because you are using these wash cloths! Simple isn’t it? 

Resolution 2# Segregate – If you live in a gated community or flats and it does follow the system of  separating the wet and dry garbage, make a resolution to introduce it where you stay. If not, take the initiative and start separating the garbage. The benefits are immense! You can also start making your own compost!

 Resolution 3# No Plastic  – I fall in the category of forgetting to carry the jute bag. Many times, I have returned home, lugging plastic bags, just because I went without my own shopping bag. Keep cloth bags in your purse. They are an inexpensive option and last for a long time and what is more important is that you are not contributing to the landfill by using plastic bags.

Resolution 4# DIY – It is fun! You must try it. There are so many non-toxic alternatives to beauty products and home ceaning products. Without digressing, read on some awesome DIY that I have written earlier. And the best part, you’ll find most of the ingredients in your kitchen. Isn’t that awesome?

Resolution 5#  Green Thumbs –  I don’t have a fancy garden, but a few essentials that are a part of the daily life, chillies, basil and tomatoes! My kids love plucking the basil leaves for me and they are waiting eagerly for the tomatoes and chillies to grow. I live in a flat, so I have to do with potted plants.  You should try it! I find it very healing!

Resolution 6#  Go Paperless – It has been a while since I opted to go paperless. Right from the bank statements and credit card statements and other bills, I prefer going paperless and clearing all bills online rather than wasting a cheque. I work out of home and it is very rarely that I need a print out! Infact for those who know me really well and know my love for books, I have taken yet another step towards going paperless – reading books on kindle!

Resolution 7#  Carry a water bottle – If you are planning to go out then ensure you carry a water bottle with you rather than spend money on buying bottled water. When you carry your own water, not only are you drinking safe water, but also not contributing to the landfill by adding plastic waste.

Resolution 8# Walk.Walk. Walk. – I wasn’t just lazy, I was super lazy! I would hate walking till I started forcing myself to walk short distances. And luckily I have boys who love to walk to, so whether it is walking down 8 floors every morning with the boys before they head to school to my morning walk, I indulge in at least 30 mins of walking. Think of the places close by to your home and places where you can walk down. ATM, the local grocery store, I am sure there will be lots! 

Resolution 9# Go Organic –  It takes a while to make that switch, but when you do you know the choice is right! Start buying local produce and buy just the right amount of quantity that you need. Organic food is free of chemicals and pesticides and organic personal products are awesome for your skin!

Resolution 10 # Declutter! -You have no idea how much this helps to clear spaces, negativity and your mind set. Read my post on de-cluttering that was also published in Deccan Chronicle in October 2013. Practise this for at least 5 mins everyday. Fold away the laundry, clear your working space, pluck out the dead leaves from the plants, organize the cupboard, you will be AMAZED at all that you can clear from your home and life

Whew! An exhaustive, but a long list of what my 10 go green resolutions are for the new year. What are your resolutions for this year? Interested in making them the green resolutions?

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