20 ways to green up your life in 2009: #6-10

One week in, and new year's resolutions that seemed like a good idea at the time are beginning to take their toll. Why not forget trying to detox (it's terribly unfashionable anyway) and worrying about your nailbiting habit and think about making some longer-term goals that will help the planet instead?

I've been compiling a list of the best lifestyle changes you can make to green up your life, none of which are a major hassle for you, but all of which will make a really positive impact if we all try and bear them in mind.

Follow the jump for green new year's resolutions 6-10

Related: 20 ways to green up your life in 2009 #1-5

6. Leave the car behind (if you have one!) and get fit

It's great when you can get two resolutions for the 'price' of one, and that's certainly the case with this one - or even three if you're penny-pinching. So each time you need to make a journey, whether it's to the shops, to work or to see friends, ask yourself if you really need to take the car, and unless the answer's a definite 'yes', leave the wheels behind and take the opportunity to take a brisk walk or jog. You'll feel great about getting fit while you help rid the planet of toxic fume. If you don't have any decent walking shoes, why not treat yourself to some eco-friendly sneakers? There are so many to choose from nowadays, but I love these chunky, unisex sneakers by Hemp Icon, which are now just £24.95 reduced from £40 at Natural Collection. If you do need wheels to get you where you need to go, why not consider car-sharing? It's a great way to meet new friends, and you can do it safely and easily through organisations like Carshare.com.

7. Give your home an MOT

Is your home part of the problem or can you do a bit of tinkering so that everyday your life actually has a positive impact? A few changes you might consider making include:

• Switching to a greener energy tariff like Good Energy's 100% renewable option. This is helpful because not only are you avoiding relying on energy derived from C02-producing methods, you're also investing in renewable energy, which will ultimately make it available to more people and drive costs down.

• Every household in the UK is eligible for at least 50 per cent off loft and cavity wall insulation. If your home hasn't been insulated, find out about how you can do this yourself. If you rent, speak to your landlord or letting agency, who should carry out this work on your behalf. Direct Gov has some useful info on your rights, here.

• Reducing draughts throughout the house. Make sure you check under doors, windows and any old fireplaces then find ways of plugging them up.

• Stick reflective paper or tin foil behind any radiators - this will make them throw out more heat

• Think about taking unnecessary, energy-guzzling applicances like tumble dryers and backup heaters out of service unless you really need them

• Install standby-stopping gadgets on your PC, TV and other appliances that are in danger of being left on 24/7

• Make sure you have only energy saving lightbulbs in your lamps

8. Contribute to an environmental charity

Many charities are really suffering from credit crunch panicking, so your input is needed more than ever. You don't have to give a lot, but by setting up a direct debit to an environmental charity now you know that for this year at least you'll be helping fund important projects to fight climate change. From well known ones like Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace to smaller campaigns in your local area, there are lots of good places to put your hard-earned cash.

9. Go Organic

Organic is one of those areas of green living that seem to have suffered most from credit crunch thinking. I'll admit that I've been guilty of putting down my pint of organic milk in the supermarket to save a few pence on a bottle.

But don't forget the good reasons you went organic in the first place: it's kinder to the earth, kinder to those who have to work with the crops and more studies are coming out all the time with evidence that it's better for our health. It may even taste better! Why not re-visit our list of reasons to go organic if you need a reminder!

10. Reduce meat and dairy from your diet

Not everyone wants to go veggie or vegan, but the environmental benefits from doing so are really worth considering. Remember that for just one pound of beef to be produced, sixteen pounds of grains must be used. By getting your energy direct from the earth, you're cutting out a whole chain of events that need (a lot) more energy, and generate more waste. It also takes thousands more litres of water to produce a kilo of beef than it does to grow the same quantity of grains, vegetables or pulses. So just by cutting down on these foods you're doing the planet a favour.

If going vegetarian is something you've considered, make 2009 your year to do it. There are some great tips on how to handle the transition from an omnivorous diet at the Vegetarian Society's site.

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