2009 Green New Year Resolutions

(by Daniela Swider)

A new year is an opportunity to break away from the past and that's especially true for 2009. We couldn't wait to say good bye to the turmoil of 2008. As we look to our future, whether with renewed hope or trepidation, we make resolutions to do better in the new year. 

We are days away from January 20, when our new president will officially take the lead and try to pick up the pieces of this great country of ours. The task couldn't be more daunting and we are going to have to pitch in.

But what can we do? The answer may be quite simple. Think greener, live greener, be greener - lighten the load on the planet. Make a conscious effort to reduce, reuse and recycle. It is better for the Earth and our wallets. 

Speaking of wallets (and yes, many of them are lighter these days), use yours wisely. Even as we reduce our consumption, we still have to buy necessities. We vote with our wallets on a daily basis but we rarely think of it that way. Each purchase we make is a vote of confidence for the retailer and/or the manufacturer of the product or service we buy. As we spend our hard earned dollars we should ask ourselves: 

* Does this company deserve my vote?
* Will it use the money I give it wisely? Will it put my money towards research into greener, more efficient products or will it go to senior management bonuses and luxury retreats?
* Is this company a good corporate citizen/steward of the environment?
* Will it help steer the economy out of the current downturn and in the right direction?

Our purchase decisions alone have more power than we realize - so let's make them count. Look at the shift taking place in the power industry - more and more consumers are installing solar panels in their homes. Demand for power generated by alternative sources is higher, the long-term economics make more sense and as a result more utilities are adopting net metering and investing in solar, wind, geothermal etc.

Imagine being part of this type of transformation in every industry!

What else can we do? 

We'd love to hear from you.

Hope your 2009 is safe and prosperous!

Comments

[Robert Sanderson]

Hi Mary-Jeanine,

I would recommend using a fabric shower curtain/liner because you can wash them when you start noticing mold stains. If you need to bleach mold stains, I would use peroxide bleach or another green stain remover. They are much safer than chlorine bleach, which has been linked to asthma, allergies and other problems.

A lot of stores are starting to carry fabric shower curtains and we offer an organic cotton and linen one one too, which you can check out at http://www.healthyhome.com/products/209552/Coyuchi-Organic-Shower-Curtain.aspx.

You do seem to have a recurring mold issue though and you may need to address that because it may lead to health problems for you and your family. There is a wide variety of molds and depending on what you have, the solutions may differ. You may want to talk to a mold specialist or alternately try one of our mold test kits, which will help you determine which type of mold you have, so you can decide on the most appropriate course of action. You can see our mold test kits here: http://www.healthyhome.com/SearchResults.aspx?s=mold+test+kit&x=0&y=0

Hope this helps,

Daniela Swider

[Mary-Jeanine]

OK, I have a question. I live in Florida and have a real problem with shower curtains. Keeping the mold off. Fabric, plastic, no difference. Neither bathroom has a fan, but we do open the windows sometimes. Besides buying new cheap plastic curtains, or remodeling to include glass shower doors...do I have any greener options?

thanks a bunch,
Mary-Jeanine