By Francesca Kelly for Highland Park Neighbors Jan.’23

Tired of making the same old New Year’s resolutions every year? Here are some new ones that are a lot easier than losing 20 pounds or going to the gym every day, and they also have a positive impact on our environment.

1. Consolidate driving errands so you burn less fuel. When possible, walk, bike, carpool or take public transport. And if you’re in the market for a new car, test drive some EVs! Both the Inflation Reduction Act and Illinois’ own CEJA (Climate and Equitable Jobs Act) give tax credits for purchase of an electric vehicle. For more information on EV tax credits, go to https://www2.illinois.gov/epa/topics/ceja/Pages/Electric-Vehicle-Rebates.aspx

2. Stop throwing plastic bags in your recycling bin – they are not recyclable, and they can get caught in the recycling equipment, so your entire bin’s contents may end up getting thrown into a landfill instead of being recycled. Want to bag up recyclables before putting them in the bin? Use paper grocery bags.

3. Getting a new air conditioner or other appliance? Look into greener alternatives, such as a heat pump or induction stove, that qualify for tax credits thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act. Here are some tax credit calculations: https://www.rewiringamerica.org/app/ira-calculator

4. Write letters/make phone calls. Write to legislators on the issues you care most about. Write to newspapers in response to articles and op-eds. Write to local governments about “rewilding” areas with abandoned lots and buildings. Write to big sports and entertainment venues about providing/increasing recycling services. (Have you ever seen the stands at Wrigley Field after a ballgame? Sadly, cups left behind do not get recycled unless customers put them into the main floor recycling bins themselves.)

5. Reduce plastics. Keep reusable shopping bags as well as reusable mesh produce bags in your passenger seat so they’re always at hand for errands. Do not buy single-use plastic water bottles; use your own thermos instead. And, when ordering takeout or delivery, ask that plastic cutlery and condiment packs not be included.

6. Avoid harsh chemicals around the house and on your body. Use white vinegar mixed with water as a cleaning spray, and remember that clean, worn-out socks make great polishing and dusting cloths. Investigate products that do not use plastic packaging, such as toothpaste pellets, bamboo toilet paper, bar shampoos, and even deodorants. 

7. In the garden, eschew pesticides and herbicides, and add native plants to support local pollinators and wildlife. Visit https://gogreenhp.org/habitat-hp/ to see how a little space can make a big difference – you can register to provide a wildlife habitat through the National Wildlife Federation.

8. Take advantage of smart technology and set your thermostat for Away Mode on regular days when you are not home. Set Vacation Mode for longer periods of time. Use timers to control indoor and outdoor lights.

9. Reduce consumption of meat – large “factory” farms and slaughterhouses have a huge carbon footprint. Impossible and Beyond products are surprisingly good substitutes, and mushrooms have that great umami flavor. Grilled portobellos make good burgers, and shredded lion’s mane or oyster mushrooms work for Taco Tuesday.

10. Compost, either with your own outdoor compost pile or bin, or through Lakeshore Recycling Service’s winter compost program. You can find out more here:  https://www.cityhpil.com/environment/waste,_recycling,_and_compost/compost.php

Finally, here’s a bonus resolution – guaranteed to reduce anxiety about pollution and climate change: Volunteer! Action is the antidote to despair. Join us at Go Green Highland Park or join any of the many environmental organizations that are working hard to save our planet both locally and nationally. 

We wish you a happy and green New Year!

Get more information on what Go Green Highland Park is doing here: www.gogreenhp.org