The beginning of a New Year is a perfect time to reflect on goals and aspirations.  It is a wonderful opportunity to look deep inside and ask your true nature what matters most this year.  What do I value?  What are my goals?  How can I have more of what I want and less of what I don’t want in 2008?  As committed as I am to sustainable living, there is always room to improve.  I know first hand that ‘going green’ is a process made up of small steps.  No matter where we are in the process, we can always take one more step in the right direction of living in closer connection to the earth.  Let me share some of my Green New Year Resolution tips…1.   Leave the car home at least one extra time per week.  Walk or ride your bike to do errands around town.  Bonus!  This goal will help you improve your health as well as the health of the planet.2.  Make a list of the birthdays you honor throughout the year and schedule nature inspired e-cards that plant a tree to go out on the designated days.  These are sustainable gifts.  No shopping trips in the car, no postal service vehicles in use, no paper packaging, AND a tree will be planted in the recipient’s name.  Cool. 3.  Switch to energy efficient light bulbs, turn off all lights and appliances when not in use,  and purchase a programmable thermostat to ensure you are not heating or cooling the house when unnecessary.  If you want to be more radical…forget the air conditioning all together this year and go natural.  It will likely be a bit hot on some days but you will be able to appreciate the seasons more by having your doors and windows open.4.  Use cloth sacks for all your shopping.  Carry them with you in your car so they are always handy when you are out and about.  5.  Set up a paper recycling box at home.  You can sort all your junk mail or used computer paper into the box and recycle it at your local recycling center every month or so.  Beware!  This is addicting and you may find yourself becoming a recycling expert in your neighborhood.  If you are single, I have heard that the recycling center is a great place to meet like-minded people.  I would love to hear your ideas for green resolutions.  Please share.  Happy New Year and Go Green!