2010 Green Resolutions in Review
By Lina Younes
As the year comes to the end, many of us are starting to think about our New Year resolutions for 2011. However, I would like to do something different. I would like to see if I actually implemented some of the green goals that I set for myself in 2010.
I’ve been trying to incorporate green practices in my lifestyle for a long time. Recycling, saving energy, saving water, reducing the use of pesticides and chemicals, are some of these green habits. These have practically become second nature. As I have mentioned in earlier blogs, one of the most difficult green practices for me has been in the area of waste reduction. That’s why earlier in the year, I targeted disposable plastic bags in my daughter’s lunchbox. I have purchased reusable food containers to pack her lunch AND I have been using them daily. In fact, I went for almost 10 months without having any disposable food bags at home at all. I succumbed to buying some right before Thanksgiving and I’m still feeling guilty about it, but at least I still am using the reusable containers for her lunch. So, I’m proud that to say that specific resolution is one of the longest I’ve every kept ever!
So, as we are looking to the New Year, let’s consider going greener. There are simple things you can do every week for the environment. We have helpful tips. They are easy and you can take action right now.
What am I going to do for 2011? Well, I am going to continue working on waste reduction, my biggest challenge. I’m also going to tackle saving water as well. Shorter showers will be a good first step. Encouraging my children to embrace green practices will be my goal. We’re all in this together now and for generations to come.
May you have a healthy New Year. We would love to hear about your green resolutions for 2011.
About the author: Lina Younes has been working for EPA since 2002 and chairs EPA’s Multilingual Communications Task Force. Prior to joining EPA, she was the Washington bureau chief for two Puerto Rican newspapers and she has worked for several government agencies.
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed in Greenversations are those of the author. They do not reflect EPA policy, endorsement, or action, and EPA does not verify the accuracy or science of the contents of the blog.
Editor's Note: The opinions expressed in Greenversations are those of the author. They do not reflect EPA policy, endorsement, or action, and EPA does not verify the accuracy or science of the contents of the blog.
I too will try to reduce waste next year. I feel like I throw away so many things that eventually I need later for another purpose.
BTW, I enjoy this blog. Keep up the great work!
Lina — ZIp locks can be re-used. If you buy the heavier version you can clean them a couple of times! Don’t feel so guilty about them.
Feliz Navidad
Green Resolution 2011 : Acculturation !!!
The people of the world know brothers affection is needed for living activities together. In 2010 and before they saw, touched and victims of disasters with the results that to be firmly united in facing the problems. In 2011 Main frame, there are mixing process among the people by social-medias and social relationships against “monsters”. The Earth is smaller than People Brotherhood. It is more and more smallest. And so after, global shocking will knock us…: “Acculturation”!.
To continue working on waste reduction is very important and difficult task too, because each article has the wrappings.
i’LL TRY NOT TO FEEL GUILTY. Feliz Navidad y prospero 2011
I also get things at the store and use reusable shopping bags. Also, after getting off to a slow start, we now have half of the condo complex ready for recycled water. And as a member of People First Orange County and the Transit Advocates of Orange County, I have been involved in the ongoing planning process to create a flexible, efficient, cost effective public transportation system for Orange County that will integrate Octa Fixed route bus system with shared ride taxi service and contract bus carriers. And I am also pleased that something we started working on in 2006 will become a reality this year–a universal transit pass good for all bus routes and Metrolink trains in Orange County for one low price. This will be a great help to provide system integration, seamless transfers between systems and modes, and to make the trains accessible to many more people. Best wishes, Michael E. Bailey.
Wish the EPA was more fair and balanced in its approch to pollution. We all agree that oil in waterways is bad and that excessive NOX. SOX, and other toxic gases is bad. But there is still an agrument over the affects of CO2 and other so called Green House Gases. The Term Global Warming has been changed with the admitting that the temperatures are cooling. Now it is Climate Change? The climate has always changed some for millions of years? Please lets not kill humanity over some unproven scientific information that CO2 and other gases are causing climate change.
Europe has proven that going Green too fast is not good for the human population.
Let focus on what we know is bad for us all. Waste conservation is good for us all. There is no argument. Polluting our streams is undisputed as a danger to everyone.
I know. At least some manufacturers are reducing waste, but not enough.
Michael,
Keep up the good work. Obviously Orange County is leading the way on going green. Have a great 2011.
Lina
We also use cloth grocery bags. However as of late our favorite store has set up a location that will take all of our plastic bags back. We also found when we were remodeling our kitchen that there are some very nice rebates out there. Both Federal and State refunds for buying energy star products. The Federal refund program was just extended last week House Tax Package. also check with your local utility companies. They have programs that will pay you to take away your old fridge and such.
Increasingly, there are many ways to go green. We just have to look for the opportunities. They are out there. Happy new year.