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I have mixed feelings about resolutions -- some years they work as a motivator for me and other years not. This year, I am laying out my resolutions for the entire blogosphere to read (and comment on – am I crazy?). I will report back my progress in detail on each resolution, as 2010 rolls along. So here goes: #1 I will read labels each time I buy personal care products and avoid phthalates (sometimes labeled as "fragrance") and parabens. Both have been linked to disrupting the endocrine system potentially causing reproduction and fertility birth or developmental effects. #2 I will buy at least two more locally grown and organic food items each time I go to the store. Not only does this type of food require less energy to get to the table, but it also tastes better and contains more nutrients. #3 I will buy power strips to plug all of my electronics into and remember to turn them off nightly before bed to reduce my phantom load. In the average home, 75% of the electricity used to power home electronics and appliances is consumed while the products are turned off (source: U.S. Dept of Energy). #4 I will check my tires for the proper pressure once a month. It sounds simple but it's a dirty job that I never do. If all four tires are under-inflated by only 2psi, fuel efficiency will drop by 4%. #5 Even though I don't eat meat very often, I will eat it even less to cut down my dietary carbon footprint (one calorie of beef uses 33% more fossil fuel to produce than one calorie of vegetables). Producing the annual beef diet of the average American emits as much greenhouse gas as a car driven more than 1,800 miles (source: UN Food and Agriculture Organization ). #6 I will drive my car once per week less often (I may wait until the temp rises above zero as my resolve only goes so far!). I already home office but I do use my car to go grocery shopping, run errands and get to appointments. So, once a week, I will walk, bike, bus, train or hitch a ride instead. #7 I will buy six concentrated or bulk products to replace my usual choices to save packaging, money and reduce what I throw away. #8 I will wash clothes in only cold water and hang dry my jeans. The water heater is the second largest energy user in the average home. #9 I will convert part of my lawn from turf to landscaping with drought tolerant and native plants to reduce my water use. Xeriscaping not only saves water, it also saves time and more by reducing mowing, water and maintenance costs. #10 I will plant a tree. Trees help convert pollution into oxygen, help reduce erosion and absorb carbon dioxide helping to reduce global warming. Track with me as I try to pump up my green routine in 2010!