It's that time of year when we scratch our heads for meaningful yet attainable New Year's resolutions. As you try to sort it all out, Rye Sustainability members offer some suggestions to help your 2018 be a "green" one. We've also compiled a list of suggestions from other organizations.
Happy New Year!
Rye Sustainability's New Year's Resolutions
- Consider eliminating plastic straws from your life. Read more here.
- Bring Your Own Bag. Did you know that Rye has a reusable shopping bag law? Read the details here and don't forget to bring your reusable bag when you go shopping.
- Recycle those wine corks at one of RSC's participating Put a Cork in It food establishments.
- Make this the year to transform your yard into a healthy one. Read how to do it here, then complete the Rye Healthy Yard Pledge and receive your free lawn sign!
- Plant a tree! You can do it in your own yard or donate to RSC's Tree Fund to help defray costs associated with street tree plantings.
- Install a rain barrel in your yard. You can learn how from one of RSC's members here.
- Consider composting. Rye Nature Center's compost workshop tells you how and you can get more details here.
- Get a home energy audit and save some money while going green. Read more details here.
- Consider leaving your leaves in place this fall. Learn about how to do it here and watch the video from RSC's leaf mulching demo here.
- Increase your personal recycling rate by donating and recycling those unwanted items. Refer to RSC's Where Do I Donate/Recycle Unwanted Items? guide.
- Reduce air pollution by turning off your car engine. Rye’s ‘No Idling’ law prohibits idling for longer than 3 minutes. Learn more Idling Facts in our Resources section.
- Use reusable dry-cleaning garment bags.
- Need more ideas? Take a look at RSC's Tips for Homeowners on how to live a sustainable life.
Other Great Ideas ...
- Although designed for school children, One World's Eco Passport contains a list of "eco actions" that everyone can print out and complete.
- Varsity's list includes simple action items, such as turning off the dryer and recycling paper.
- Huffington Post interviewed eco-friendly experts and celebrities for their suggestions, which include switching to a green energy supplier and avoiding disposable containers when purchasing fresh produce.
- EcoWatch lists 10 ways to be an environmental steward. Some ideas: Buy local and change your mode of transportation.