Resolution Solution: 20 Ways to Go Green in 2013

If you want to be kinder to the planet and save some money at the same time, here are 20 ways to go green in 2013.

1. Enjoy the fresh, local food that's in season at the Beverly Hills Farmers' Market.
2. Have your kids make their friends' birthday cards and bring gifts in decorated paper bags or a reusable bag. Kids love getting handmade cards—as do adults.
3. Bring your own bags when you shop for groceries at Whole Foods Beverly Hills. 
4. Shop at consignment stores and thrift stores like The Paper Bag Princess. 
5. Rip up some lawn and create new garden beds this spring, then grow your own food this summer. Check out Beverly Hills' Greystone Demonstration Garden blog to help you get started.
6. Dispose of your hazardous waste properly at the Beverly Hills Farmers' Market on the first Sunday of each month. The Beverly Hills Public Library also has a canister at the circulation desk for dead AAA to D batteries. 
7. Buy a share in a community-supported agriculture farm to support local, sustainable farming and enjoy fresh veggies weekly.
8. Ditch those dreaded plastic sandwich bags and get some washable containers or bags. 
9. Cut down on car trips and run errands on your bike or on foot.
10. Pack cloth napkins instead of paper towels in school lunches.
11. Look for an environmental service project, such as removing trash and non-native plants, and planting trees in their place.
12. Got an older house? Install double-pane windows and you’ll see immediate savings on your heating bill.
13. Plant a tree. A certified arborist can help you select and plant trees that will provide privacy and shade and even years of fresh fruit. Find a certified arborist in your area.
14. Dump your bottled water costs. You could save hundreds of dollars by buying snazzy metal water bottles for everyone in the family and a personal filter for your kitchen faucet. 
15. Organize a Halloween costume swap in September. Reserve a room at the library and publicize to local groups.
16. Replace your old light bulbs with LED bulbs. They last 15 times longer and use 75 percent less energy.
17. Expand your hand-me-down circle. Organize a clothing swap in which everyone brings gently used and clean clothes to your garage and participants can take as many items as they donated. The rest goes to charity.
18. Replace your showerheads with low-flow models. Low-flow showerheads can save up to 15 percent on water heating costs and reduce water usage by as much as 20,000 gallons a year.
19. Save up to 30 percent on your monthly heating bills by having a home energy audit done by a professional. Check with your local utility to see if they offer this service.
20. Give service and experience gifts this year instead of stuff. Make homemade gift certificates for services and experiences that could include tech support, dinner and a movie, yard work, pet walking or babysitting, or a day of organizing support for the clutter challenged.

Do you have any other ideas for going green in the New Year? Tell us in the comments section below.

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