by Natalia Jones

Created on: November 10, 2009

So let's get right down to it. You want to be more environmentally conscious but you are either too lazy or too busy to get it right.

This year you probably started off with the best intentions but they probably fell through because you didn't write them down and them stick them up somewhere you could feel guilty when you saw them. Don't make the same mistake next year.

Resolve Not to Drink Bottled Water

You are smarter than those bottled water companies, so start acting like it and stop paying for water that you are already paying the city rates for.

Resolve to Conserve Electricity This Year

Turning the light off when you leave the room isn't hard and buying compact fluorescents may be more expensive but they last longer.

Resolve to Save Water

Only wash full loads of clothes and dishes and turn the tap off when it's not in use. These things save gallons of water and they are simple lifestyle changes that save the environment.

Resolve to Recycle Old Items

Old items can find new life in another form, but you have to take them to the next step so that can happen. Research the best ways to recycle different materials and then follow through.

Resolve to Donate Things You Can't Use

Stuff just tends to accumulate and before you know it your house is overrun with clutter. Before it gets to the stage where you think you need a bigger house just to keep stuff you never use, clean up and clear out. Someone somewhere will thank you.

Resolve to Switch to Using Recycled Paper Products

Using recycled paper saves the trees. It's been decades since the old slogan came out but savings the trees is still vogue and unfortunately they're still in grave danger. Get in on the action now.

Resolve to Remember to Bring Your Own Bags to the Grocery

If you can remember to TiVo your favorite sitcom you can remember to take your own reusable bags to the grocery store. It reduces the number of plastic bags headed for landfill and using less may lead to manufacturing less, which is the real aim.

Resolve to Drive Less

Walk, take the bus or carpool but find a way to drive less. It will reduce your carbon footprint which generally means you can feel good about yourself because you are not as harmful as you used to be for the earth.

Resolve to Reduce Your Phantom Load

So its holiday season and you may be thinking more about phantom pounds, than phantom load so a reminder may be in order. Phantom load is the electricity used by electronic items that are plugged in but not being used. Think about your laptop, the radio or even your cell phone charger. Unplug them and save on energy.

Resolve to Buy Less

Consumerism has made its way into the fabric of society but there is still time to reject it. Don't fall for the advertising pull saying you need an upgraded phone if the one you have works just fine. Do you really want that much connectivity anyway?

Print this out and stick it on the fridge, on your bathroom mirror or just left of the TV. Anywhere you're sure to see it everyday. Happy New Year and good luck with becoming more green.

Learn more about this author, Natalia Jones.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.