New year, new ways to go green

Adopt these eco-friendly habits

We’re often open to changing bad habits and/or picking up good ones at the start of a new year. Let’s turn that willingness toward resolving to live more sustainably in the year ahead.

The most successful resolutions are simple, so here’s a list of some that can be easily implemented.

• Unplug unused appliances (they still use electricity)
• Leave foliage and dead vegetation out over the winter as refuge for insects
• Use organic fertilizers and pesticides
• Compost food scraps and yard waste
• Plant local plants which will thrive without additional watering
• Plan and prepare meals according to groceries already on hand to reduce waste
• Close vents in unused areas of your home
• Choose sustainable products over non-sustainable
• Group errands/carpool to use less fuel
• Shop local
• Recycle more responsibly
• Give gifts that are experiential rather than material
• Service your vehicle and rotate tires for optimal gas mileage
• Consider replacement purchases carefully (there could be more life in what you already own)

• December 20, 2023
• Environment
• Pete Yang

About This Author

Pete Yang

Pete Yang is a senior vice president for Alpine Bank and the co-chair of Alpine's "Green Team." He's based in Aspen, where he handles commercial and consumer loans, with a particular focus on resort financing. He has a keen interest in protecting Colorado's unmatched mountain environment.

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