2010 Predictions: Simpler, Greener Lifestyles

A number of factors will shape our lifestyles in the next year, but none as much as the recovering economy. Americans will still look for ways to save a penny or two, and with a few years of practice under their belts they'll get more thrifty and resourceful. We see the following trends emerging in 2010.

1. Grow your own food. More Americans will grow their own food-producing gardens in 2010

Health concerns have made us more selective, but the economy has made it more difficult to afford quality food. One simple solution is to grow your own. Last year seed sales rose as more people turned to food-producing gardens, a trend we think will continue into the new year. Food-producing gardens provide healthy, organic food at a fraction of the cost and also cut back on transportation costs and the carbon footprint of traditional foods.

2. Eat local.

Last spring, Michelle Obama began campaigning for local food. As consumers look for ways to get healthy, affordable food, we predict that farmers markets and community-sponsored agricultural programs will see strong support. Buying local food benefits the planet and local economies.

3. Cook at home. Americans will continue to cook more meals at home instead of dining out.

Americans are eating at home more according to a new report from market research company NPD. Although most meals made at home are cooked in the microwave, Americans are choosing to eat in rather than dine out. Cooking at home allows us more control what we eat, letting us choose fresher, organic ingredients for less than what we pay at a restaurant. 

4. Downsize.

Less will be more in 2010. We'll return to a lifestyle of simplicity (or at least head down that path) and pare down the clutter in our lives. By focusing on the basics of everyday living, we will evaluate what's necessary in life -- and what's a luxury. Check out Gregory Paul Johnson's story: After evaluating his lifestyle and thinking about where he wanted to be in 30 years, he moved to a 140-square-foot home. 

5. Seek value.

As we downsize, we'll buy less and put more thought into our purchases. We'll opt for quality products that will last longer, and we'll put more stock into repairing and maintaining our goods rather than throwing away and buying new.

6. Borrow, don't buy.

In the continuing search to save a buck, Americans will use all their resources, including their neighbors. Instead of buying new tools, we'll ask our neighbors if we can borrow theirs, and in the process we'll reconnect with those around us. New online resources such as Craigslist and NeighborGoods will make it easier to find what we need.

7. Invest in energy-saving appliances.

"Energy efficiency" was a key phrase in 2009 and one that consumers will put into even greater action in 2010 by choosing energy-saving appliances for their homes. More people will purchase energy-efficient appliances as an economic stimulus plan similar to Cash for Clunkers makes it easier and more economical.

8. Save water.

Americans will become more conscious of water usage and will make an effort to save water through rainwater catchment, graywater systems, and

low-flow toilets and showerheads

9. Harness the sun.

Residential solar power will be big in the upcoming year. With better technology and more options for obtaining solar power, more Americans will harness the sun's power to fuel their homes' energy needs.

10. Buy green.

More Americans are seeing the value in nontoxic, all-natural products. Green cleaners will become even more populat in 2010. Recycled, upcycled, organic, eco-friendly and fair-trade products will all be big in 2010. A note of warning, however: As green products become more popular, so will greenwashing. The GoodGuide, a website and iPhone application, examines 75,000 products, making it easier to find products that are truly green.

Article by Robyn Griggs Lawrence Courtesy of Huffingtonpost.com See: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robyn-griggs-lawrence/2010-predictions-simpler_b_414638.html

50 Nifty Ways to Green 2010

Resolutions are easy to make and even easier to abandon. Righteousness gives way to guilt as my commitments fall by the wayside: disappointment clouds every February and leads me to reject my resolutions entirely in favor of a better year eleven months hence. It's a vicious cycle indeed. This year I've made a list for myself with options both small and substantial. (Some, marked (*) are even more challenging.) Since it's always easier to make sacrifices for those we love, I figured I would point all of my goodness towards Mother Earth. Join me--try one or all of these options, with the knowledge that every effort will make a difference. But be warned: this isn't your typical 'change your light bulbs' list. Some of these altercations may seem truly esoteric, but I promise, they're worthwhile. Consider it a resolution writ large, with lots of wiggle room. Pick one or several. Either way, you won't disappoint yourself.

1. Be lazy. Do less. Learn to revel in nothingness. Watch the clouds. Loaf a bit. Take a long stroll with no goals in mind. See how content you can be without producing or consuming anything.

2. If you're a man, pee outside. Make sure nobody's looking.

3. Use less toilet paper--careful folding is not that hard and needn't be messy. Make sure every paper product you use comes from recycled material.

4. Don't flush your pills--your hormone treatments, antidepressants, downers, uppers, erection-makers, etc. will end up in the public drinking water. Be a good citizen and hope others do the same.

5. Stop buying products with chemicals: opt for organic cleaners, soaps, lotions, etc. Nobody wants to drink Nair runoff, either.

6. Pick up an outdoor sport that doesn't require driving to and fro.

7. This winter, go cross-country skiing or snow-shoeing.

8. This summer, go bird watching.

9. Toss dryer lint outdoors--birds will use it for nesting.

10. Cut out the joy rides: don't drive if you have no destination.

11. Collect vintage clothes.

12. Collect antiques.

13. Take your favorite people (young ones especially) to visit a farm.

14. Teach a kid to cook something simple and seasonal.

15. Learn a seasonal dish from somebody whose cooking you admire.

16. Become a regular at farmers' markets: aim to get so close to your local growers that they ask where you've been if you miss a week. * Start a co-op with friends and neighbors.

17. Buy bulk and fill reusable containers. Ball jars are charming--have your grocery store weigh yours beforehand so you don't pay for its heft.

18. Stop buying food that comes in little packages: for example, opt for larger containers of yogurt instead of multiple tiny cups.

19. Aim to make at least 50% of your diet local and seasonal. *Try the 100 mile diet.

20. This winter, grow your own herbs, starting with everyday ingredients like parsley, basil, rosemary, oregano and mint. A few terracotta pots sprouting green will really spiff up your kitchen.

21. This spring, plant a front yard garden. You will enjoy showing off to your neighbors come July, and you'll probably want some takers for all of the tomatoes and zucchini you'll have on hand.

22. This winter, bundle up and turn down the heat. *Use a wood-burning fire only.

23. This summer, strip down and turn down the AC. *Use fans only.

24. Wash colors separately in cold water, but dry them all at once. If you have to dry two loads, do them one after the other to make use of residual heat. *Recycle your drier and string a clothesline. While you're at it, give away both appliances in favor of a washboard and wooden tub. (FYI: I will be keeping my washer dryer through 2010.)

25. BYO lunch, silverware, coffee mugs and water bottles. If you forgot your Thermos at home, forgo the Starbucks. Or stay put and drink from one of their glass mugs.

26. Invest in a good water filter and bring water wherever you go.

27. Don't order takeout. Either dine-in or cook for yourself.

28. Cook more, especially on your stove top or grill. Don't be afraid to cook small items in a toaster oven.

29. Recycle old batteries. If you do nothing else, please do this.

30. Turn off your TV. *Recycle your TV.

31. Downsize your car. * Give up your car.

32. Downsize yourself.

33. Kill your electronic Vampires. Turn off your cell at night and unplug electronics from the wall when not in use--they suck power even when they're off.

34. Keep your car tuned and tires filled.

35. Buy a bicycle with a basket and use it for local errands or trips.

36. Shower with your special someone. Or at the very least, get out of the shower, fast: a conventional shower head uses up to 10 gallons a minute. *Pee in the shower--but only if you're alone.

37. Turn the faucet off when you shave or brush your teeth. (Women: this is a good time to do your leave-in conditioning...)

38. Buy better: research all of the companies you support. There are lots of ways to do it, including through the Carbon Disclosure Project.

39. Buy less of everything.

40. Get creative with gift-wrapping, card-writing and letterhead.

41. Stop smoking.

42. Plant a tree and sew some native wildflowers.

43. Go camping...close to home.

44. Cut back on trips that require flying, and offset your trip when possible.

45. Put a stop to junk mail and solicitations.

46. Share magazine subscriptions *Cancel them and catch up at the library.

47. Get inspired to spend time outside: read Mary Oliver, Walt Whitman, Robert Frost.

48. Picnic at a local park and leave it cleaner than you found it.

49. Volunteer at your local community garden, arboretum or park. You know you want to call yourself a trailblazer.

50. Move out of the suburbs. Live in an apartment building or on a farm.

Article by Isabel Cowles Courtesy of Huffingtonpost.com For more see: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/isabel-cowles/50-nifty-ways-to-green-20_b_408590.html