Cheers to a new year and another chance to live well and live green. To welcome a prosperous year ahead, we often throw parties and set new years resolutions. This year, when you’re pledging to make changes in your life, don’t forget about the environment and the simple solutions you can embrace to start living a more sustainable life.
Anyone with a heart of green knows the New Year means it’s time to celebrate! It is a way of anticipating what is to come, but sometimes we celebrate the New Year without the future in mind. Keep sustainability in mind this New Year when welcoming yet another revolution around the sun.
Green Eggs and Ham Anyone?
Make the decision to go green with the food and beverages that you offer at your New Year’s celebration.
- For produce, eat locally grown, organic food. Support your local farmer’s market.
- University Town Center (corner of Bridge and Campus - across from UCI) is every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon.
- Historic Park at the Irvine Ranch (13042 Old Myford Road) every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Click here for a complete list of farmer’s markets in Orange County.
- Rent champagne flutes from a party rental instead of buying plastic ones.
- Look for organic Bubbly and Wine. Organic champagnes and wines are not only good for the environment but are also full of flavor.
- Whole Foods (2847 Park Ave. in Tustin)
- Trader Joe’s (14443 Culver Dr. or 4225 Campus Dr.)
Anyone with a heart of green knows the New Year means it’s time to celebrate! It is a way of anticipating what is to come, but sometimes we celebrate the New Year without the future in mind. Keep sustainability in mind this New Year when welcoming yet another revolution around the sun.
Decorating for Eco-Ambiance
- If you are decorating with lights, use LED lights, which are up to 90% more efficient than the standard string lights.
- Avoid disposable items such as paper streamers and tablecloths.
- Be creative about what items you already have that you can recycle into decorations. Old ribbon, wrapping paper and magazines can be turned into streamers or shred the paper to make confetti.
You're Naturally Invited
- Use an e-vite or facebook instead of sending out paper invitations.
- If you would like to use paper invitations, ensure that you buy cards with the highest amount of post-consumer recycled content. Try Twisted Limb Paper
Be the Change:
Year after year, we always make the same resolutions. But this year, why not make resolutions that are good for you AND the environment? Here are examples of eco-resolutions to start your year off on the right path. It’s easy to give back to the planet.
BODY
I pledge to exercise more…by driving less.
A vast majority of car trips are to destinations less than five miles away. Why not burn those holiday calories while helping to improve air quality at the same time? Getting more exercise can help you to reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer and diabetes.
- Click here to obtain a guide to Irvine’s public transportation system.
- Click here for a map of the bikeways winding throughout Irvine.
- Click here for more tips on how to drive less.
I pledge to eat healthier…by choosing local and organic food.
Going to the farmer’s market for locally grown produce supports the local economy and reduces carbon emission by limiting the distance food travels to your plate. Click here for a list of farmer’s markets in Orange County.
- Ditch the Disposable: Start by bringing your own bags to the store. Try keeping it in your car, so that you don’t forget to bring them.
- Start a compost to cut back on the amount of waste you are sending to the landfill.
- Recycle whenever possible, visit the Recycling Section of this website for information on what is and is not recyclable.
Be the Change:
Year after year, we always make the same resolutions. But this year, why not make resolutions that are good for you AND the environment? Here are examples of eco-resolutions to start your year off on the right path. It’s easy to give back to the planet.
MIND
I pledge to reduce stress…by gardening and planting trees.
Gardening can be a great way to de-stress and center yourself while making the world a more oxygen-filled place. Learn how to compost, which can reduce solid waste from food scraps and be therapeutic at the same time.
I pledge to save money…by conserving energy. Small changes in your habits can constitute big conservation results.
- Energy: Turn off lights whenever you leave the room. Switch to Energy Star appliances to note the difference on your utility bill and possibly cash in on some energy refunds.
- Learn more about how to retrofit your home with energy upgrades or to how to get free & easy tips on saving energy.
Be the Change:
Year after year, we always make the same resolutions. But this year, why not make resolutions that are good for you AND the environment? Here are examples of eco-resolutions to start your year off on the right path. It’s easy to give back to the planet.
SOUL
I pledge to be more considerate of others...by buying recycled gifts.
Vintage clothing stores, antique stores and flea markets make great places to shop for gifts.
I pledge to save money…by conserving energy. Small changes in your habits can constitute big conservation results.
- "The Groves" Antique Market happens the 1st Sunday of every month at Irvine Valley College (Exit I-5 or 405 at Jeffrey Road) from 7am to 3pm.
- Visit Treehugger's sustainable gift guide for more eco-friendly gifts.
I pledge to reuse and recycle more…by donating.
Household items that are in good condition such as clothing, TV’s, computers, and toys provide local charities resources to give back to underserved communities.
- Goodwill (410 North Fairview St. in Santa Ana)
- Salvation Army (2621 Harbor Blvd. in Costa Mesa or 710 South Main St. in Santa Ana)
I pledge to give back…by making time to support my local environmental organization. Here are some organizations to get involved with:
