Happy 2013! As we move into the New Year, we all want to strive to be a better version of ourselves. What resolutions are on your list? We came up with our Top 5 Green New Year’s Resolutions and would love for you to vote on your favorites by taking our poll below.
After taking our poll below and leave a comment to be automatically entered for a chance to win a $50 gift card to Caseable! Caseable creates custom cases for your electronics with recycled materials. All products sold in the US are designed and produced in Brooklyn, NY. They make cases for smartphones, laptops, tablets, and e-readers. Start shopping for a case from their collections here, or start customizing your own case here.
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1. Switch from Plastic Bags to Reusable Bags
Plastic bags are commonly sent to local landfills to sit and decompose. Problem with this is they take anywhere from 15-1,000 years to fully decompose. The bags are made from chemicals processed at high temperatures which when broken down release toxins into the environment. They also pollute the oceans and harm the animals that live within it. Try to switch from plastic bags to the earth friendly reusable bags. – reusethisbag.com
2. Ride a Bike or Walk to Close by Destinations
Decreasing the amount of vehicles on the road ultimately decreases pollution in the environment. Pollution creates health problems for humans and animals, and also kills nature. Plants and trees are affected which affect our air and can lead to global warming. If you are going to travel to a destination close to home try walking or riding a bicycle instead. – Yahoo
3. Use Earth Friendly Household Cleaning Products
The chemicals in many cleaners are common pollutants that contribute to smog, reduce the quality of drinking water and are toxic to animals. Try an earth friendly all-purpose cleaning solution by mixing vinegar and baking soda with warm water. – National Geographic
4. Recycle Old Electronics Instead of Throwing Them Away
Keep your old electronics out of landfills and recycle them responsibly (with us 
). Electronics have harmful chemicals in them that pollute the environment when left to decompose. It is estimated that 2.5 million tons of electronic waste go into landfills every year. Recycling centers around the country will safely break these electronics down and eliminate the harmful chemicals. Click to learn more and sign up for our free recycling program.
5. Turn Off the Water While Brushing Your Teeth
When you are not using the water to rinse your toothbrush or mouth, try turning it off. Water flows out of an average faucet at two gallons/min. You can save up to 8 gallons of water every day by just turning the faucet off. – The Daily Green
In the poll below, vote on ALL the options you think you could successfully follow for all of 2013. Leave a comment at the bottom of the post telling us that you voted to be automatically entered for a chance to win a $50 Caseable gift card.
Eligibility to win a $50 Gift Card to Caseable
Giveaway open until 1/21/13.
- Once you pick which Green Resolutions you like and click “vote”, leave a comment below letting us know you participated. (If you do not see where to comment, click on the post title and then scroll down)
- For a second chance to win, link this post on either Facebook or Twitter then leave a second comment telling us where you linked (FB or Twitter).
- For official rules of entry click here.
Winner will be announced here on the blog on 1/22/13.
Good Luck and Happy New Year!
-Team Planet Green Recycle
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I voted! I think I might start leaving reusable bags in my car so I have no excuse! I also voted to recycle my old electronics since we just signed up for an account and can’t wait to raise some funds! – Susan F.
Those are good resolutions that aren’t too hard to accomplish. I voted!
Voted, I would love to ride bike but its just to far, I already do the others, so my goal it to do it more and to make others do the same.
The more the better!
I voted and already do most of those things, but there is always room for improvement!
I’ve been working on all of the suggestions. I cannot ride to work, too far, but will continue to ride my bike again once the snow is gone in the spring!! I’ll be sure to spread the word around my office. We all are pretty conscious of keeping our environment in great condition!!
Good way to start off the New Year!
I voted! I need to leave reuseable bags where I will remember to grab them before heading to the store! I already do the others, but what a great way to get people thinking about the little ways we can all make a difference!
I voted! Such small things can make such a difference.
We recycle bags and electronics always. We do use the reuseable bags for most shopping. They do work very well and easy to wash. Our neighborhood picks up recycling so easy to put in all those plastic containers milk, juice come in. Don’t forget your newspapers too. Anything to help the environment.
Chatsworth Girl Scouts voted
We are expanding our electronic recycle program by having our corporate partners participate by placing bins on all floors of their buildings, bank branches etc.
Thats a great idea Jacey! We feel everyone should be doing this!
I have now posted this on our FaceBook page Chatsworth GS
I voted. You are providing a great service.
I voted! All of the ideas are great. I already use recyclable bags, but resolve to remember to bring them!
I VOTED AND I AGREE WITH ALL YOUR SUGGESTIONS. I DO HAVE TO WORK ON TURNING WATER OFF WHEN I BRUSH MY TEETH….I USUALLY TURN WATER DOWN….
Recycling all electronics in sight and supporting Planet Green’s EnviroPartner Habitat Bergen!
Now I guess I’ll have to start brushing my teeth. JK
That made us laugh. =) Thanks, Myke!
I voted! I’m in NH, guess I’ll have to wait for the snow to melt to use my bicycle – or do they make “snow tires” for them?
Voted! Everyone should be doing all these things! Happy 2013!
I voted. If we each do a little the impact would be huge.
I Voted!
I voted! I wish I could do ALL of those, but I live too far from work to walk or ride a bike!
Voted I always turn off the water when i brush my teeth. It coast to much to leave the water running
This is the hardest one for me to do. Its hard to break a 60-year old habit.
I checked off and already do all items listed in the poll except riding a bike or walking to a nearby location. Living in the rural midwest often makes that difficult to do. Recently I have found a place that takes styrofoam! I’m pretty excited about that for sure.
I think switching to re-usable bags instead of plastic I think is the most important. Plastic bags are a huge problem and if we can all do that one thing then it would make a huge difference.
Voted-I am not located to ride or walk to work or shopping but all the rest I can do.
voted
I voted.
I voted. Riding my bicycle instead of driving benefits my health as well as the environment.
I voted. I think we should all try to recycle more in 2013.
I have used reusable bags at some stores and the Grocery store for the past year and have decided this year that if where I’m going is 2 miles or less from my house I will walk not drive and will not use bad weather as a excuse. One problem I have is with my WaWa which won’t let me use my own bag.
Of the five ideas mentioned, I do four of them already so I chose ” Use “Green” Household Cleaning Products”. This has been the most difficult one for me to switch to because I haven’t really found any “green” cleaning products I like. Well, I guess this is it! I resolve to look for more!
If you cant find any at the store, just mix warm water with baking soda and vinegar!
Thank you for you very useful ideas on how to be green. Love the quick presentation/visuals.
I voted, I am working my children turning off the water also. We are pretty good at the other items on the list. thank you
I Voted! I have even started collecting others electronics and delivering them to the recycle center in our city. I also encoyurage my family to turn off water while brushing. Thank you for everything you do to encourage people to totally recycle.
Great Job! Keep up the good work!
I voted! Just turning off the water while brushing your teeth is such an easy and simple way to save water. I will definitely be talking to my children about this as well!
It’s important to start 2013 right by taking care of our planet in any way we can! Habitat Bergen is doing our part and always gaining more and more support towards our Planet Green Recycle Team! It’s nice to see our surrounding community members and corporations taking action!
I voted. I already do almost all of these things, but I would love to use more green cleaning products or make my own.
I plan to purchase a pedego electric bike and ride to work
I slightly do all of them now, so i am hoping to go full on at some point.
I voted and just put 6 re-usable bags in my car. Next I will research where to recyle the dozen old cell phones stacked up in my closet, along with the huge officejet printer that just died! I am also posting you on my facebook page! Thanks for the good info and the opportunity!
Great comment Deb! Glad to see you making the change! If you are still looking for somewhere to send your cell phones, us here at Planet Green can recycle them for you! Check out our free recycling program! http://planetgreenrecycle.com/how_it_works.php
I voted! Good ideas! Do-able, too!
I voted for biking/walking more. In fact, I love the idea of planning staycations this year, instead of vacations requiring extensive travel! Another way to improve health and reduce the impact of emissions associated with transportation. (http://www.everblue.edu/blog/sustainable-resolution-2013) I am inspired to get outside with my kids and enjoy our local surroundings. Geocaching is on our list of things to try as a local outdoor adventure!
we do all of them already but biking at 75years old is a bit much! however walking is fine and we do that as well.
I voted. Love what you’re doing. An easy way to recycle and earn money for our school.
Little steps all add up so do what you can.
Voted for four out of 5 – if all did these things it would really help our planet.
Great project for our Girl Scout troop discussion on Recycling. Everyone has a responsibility to help save our environment. It’s not just about polar bears…it’s about our future health and safety and what we will leave for generations to come.
I voted. Love the idea of the Planet Green Program!