Keep Your Green Resolutions in 2010

The Chinese Zodiac may say 2010 is the year of the tiger, but it may also be the year of green. Being more eco-friendly is a New Year's resolution many people made this year, but if you end up following through, you'll be in the minority. About 97 percent of the New Year's resolutions people make end up broken by the end of the year.

If you've simply made a vague resolution to be greener, then it might seem like the sky's the limit. But starting with big changes can be a recipe for failure; pacing yourself and making changes you can live with is a much simpler and often more successful plan of action.

Start with a daily living audit. Take a hard look at your daily routine and ask yourself how it can be greener, beginning with the simple things.

Cutting your waste is one of the quickest ways you can go green, and it all starts at the supermarket. Start by switching to reusable bags and bins and you won't have to contend with a growing mountain of paper or plastic bags. If you have a choice between packaged produce and bulk, go for the bulk, using a paper mushroom bag only when it's absolutely necessary for those small items such as beans or Brussels sprouts.

Shopping at farmer's markets is another way to reduce waste, as some farmers don't like to part with their quart baskets. Take your own bags and some reusable food containers to protect berries, grape tomatoes and other small, soft items from bruising.

Another simple way to reduce waste is to repair before you replace. Instead of buying a new pair of boots, have your favorite pair re-heeled. When the washing machine breaks down, call an appliance repairman instead of shopping for a new one. Repairing quality items so they can be used more efficiently and for longer is greener and will also save you money.

You can also take a look at your transportation routine. Whether you own a gas-guzzler or a hybrid, reducing your dependence on your vehicle is a great way to go green and improve your fitness. Walking, biking and rollerblading are all great alternatives, particularly if your destination is nearby.

For those destinations that are a little further a field, public transportation is your best ‘green’ option. Many cities use hybrid buses, and subway systems and dedicated bus lanes or roads often mean you can get where you're going faster than if you took your car.

If you live in a city with a good public transit system, you might even consider giving up your vehicle altogether. When you add up the cost of gas, maintenance, insurance, and parking in the city, you can more than pay for transit passes and the odd car rental, or a car sharing program.

If you're hoping to cut your carbon footprint, start with eating less meat. According to the 2006 United Nations report, Livestock's Long Shadow, the livestock industry is responsible for 80 percent of all agriculture-related greenhouse gas emissions. Eating a vegetarian meal a few times a week can help to lower your carbon footprint.

Little changes are a great way to start, but as you progress through your year of green, you may want to tackle bigger projects. Big changes are generally more time consuming or more costly, but they are worth it in the long run. Green your home and cut your monthly utility bill by investing in energy-efficient appliances or a gray water system. A solar panel will also reduce energy costs, and you may even be able to sell excess energy to your local utility company.

One of the biggest changes you can make (and it is big), is moving closeto where you work and play. It's undoubtedly a big change, but it can also improve the quality of your life. It cuts down on transit times, so you have more time for family, friends, hobbies, and a little more rest and relaxation.

Slow and steady green progression that works for your life will help ensure your plan to go green won't be just another broken New Year's resolution.