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What are your resolutions to turn over a new leaf for 2019?

COMMUNITY CENTERClean CommunitiesClean Water & WaterwaysRecycling & ReusingJan 2, 2019Guest Contributor

Author: Guest Contributor

If you’re like 45% of the population, “make healthier choices” or something similar is at the top of your resolution list, just like it was last year. Are we right? If that’s true, we have a suggestion. How about adjusting your resolution just a bit so that it becomes “make healthier choices—for the planet”? In other words, how about going green?

Here’s the good news: when you make deliberate “green” choices, you can achieve other resolutions on your list at the same time. Win, win!

Four Resolutions For You and the Planet

1. Get fit.

An oldie, but a goodie. But this time, you can get lean and green, because the two goals have much in common. For example, when you replace driving to nearby spots with walking or biking you burn calories, not fossil fuels, keeping our air and waterways just a little bit cleaner.

2. Choose to refuse.

Refuse single-use plastic, things such as plastic bags, bottles and straws, disposable utensils, styrofoam to-go containers and the like. If you’re in a position where you can’t refuse it, then reuse it so it has more than a “single” life.

3. Save money.

Green living is all about getting financially fit as well. Whether you’re switching from bottled water to tap water, adjusting your thermostat up or down a couple degrees or starting a carpool, you’ll be saving money and reducing your environmental impact. Saving more is almost always the same as using less and that’s great for the environment as well as your wallet.

4. Quit smoking.

It’s a well-known fact that non-smokers are healthier and have reduced risks for cancer and other health problems. What you may not know is that non-smokers litter less than smokers. In fact, cigarette butts are the most commonly littered item in Virginia and across the world.

Green isn’t just a good color for 2019, it’s a way of life. Resolve to get yourself—and our planet—greener and healthier. Happy New Year from all of us at!