Make the new year greener

The year 2007 has just come to an end, and it's time to start thinking about your New Year's resolutions. Most of us probably will want to shed those extra pounds piled on over the holidays and start exercising more, but what about also considering ways you can help the health of the planet? Every choice we make affects the people, places and ecosystems linked to the products we consume. Here are some easy-to-do green resolutions to get you going.

• Talk about your resolution. Even if you only set one green resolution for you and your family this year, you still can make a big difference. One way to make a bigger difference is to talk about it. You might inspire someone else, and your one small resolution can spread.

• Buy locally made and grown products. They usually require less packaging and eliminate the environmental costs of long-distance transport. The bonus is that local fruits and vegetables often are fresher.

• Buy fewer disposable items. Look for long-lasting goods that won't have to be replaced as often. You'll reduce waste, prevent pollution and save money and landfill space.

• Step up your recycling. On the road? Look for bins on your route or save your recyclables for when you get home. No recycling at the office? Start an office-wide recycling campaign or put a bin next to your trash can for paper, cans and bottles to take back home. For more information about what you can and can't recycle, go to www.co.thurston.wa.us/wwm.

• Cut down your water consumption. By installing low-flow shower heads, not only will you cut your water use by 20,000 gallons per year, they'll save you 10 percent to 16 percent of your water-heating costs. Just turning off the water while you brush your teeth will save you an average of 15 gallons of water per year.

• Boycott one nongreen product. Make the product something you like and would buy. Don't buy it anymore, but — and this is key — write to the company and explain why.

• Take your bags back to the store, or better yet, get durable-cloth shopping bags. Once your plastic bags have worn out, take them to the recycling bin inside most grocery stores.

• Try to save your errands to run all at once. If you have to drive, cutting down on the trips you make will result in less gasoline being used and gain you some free time.

• Give reusable items away instead of trashing them. Join Thurston County's free online materials exchange (www.­2good2toss.com) and visit Craigs­list (www.craigslist.org) and/or freecycle (www.freecycle.org).

• Switch out your light bulbs. Replace your old standard bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. You can see an average savings of $30 to $50 in electricity costs per year (per bulb). When these long-lasting bulbs finally wear out, make sure to take them to Thurston County's Hazohouse to dispose of them free of charge.

Amber Wells, an education and outreach specialist with Thurston County Solid Waste, can be reached at 360-754-3355, ext. 7669, or wellsa@co.thurston.wa.us.