Five green resolutions

We know staying true to resolutions isn’t always easy. But there actually are a lot of simple things you can do to reduce your environmental footprint. With the importance of doing so in mind, here is a list, starting with the easiest stuff, of five green resolutions for 2013.

1. Recycle: For folks with curbside recycling, this is as simple as placing another container under the sink in which to place the separated recyclables, and then hauling it out to the street.

2. Adjust the thermostat: If you don’t have little ones in the house, save energy (and money!) by setting your thermostat at 68 degrees or lower this winter (or 78 degrees or higher in the summer months).

3. Compost: For those with a back yard, composting can be as simple as throwing scraps in a corner pile. Apartment dwellers can compost, too, by employing a variety of methods (check out www.tinyurl.com/indoorcompost to learn how) or using a worm bin (go to www.tinyurl.com/insidewormbin for info).

4. Shop and eat locally: Keep your dollars in the community by shopping at locally owned stores and restaurants, especially those that sell locally produced products and foods. And buy as much of your food as possible from farmers’ markets before heading to the grocery store.

5. Reduce: Try to reduce or eliminate your use of convenience products, especially single-use ones such as paper towels and napkins, and plastic tableware and bags. Instead, invest in quality carry-out bags, cloth napkins, etc.