~When shopping, as often as I can, I decline to have my purchases bagged. This sometimes gets me odd looks, but I just explain, “I’m trying not to bring home too many plastic bags.”

~I did not re-new two magazine subscriptions because I can get the magazines at my local library. Yes, occasionally, there’s a long wait to get the new issue, but most magazines eventually have most of their issue on-line. Or, if I really want it, I can buy a recent back issue at my local Half Price Books.

~We’ve replaced all our standard light bulbs with CFLs.

~Last summer, I was pretty much the only one on my block who didn’t water their lawn. Just ask my neighbors.

~I never felt good about the amount of trash we could generate during our camping/hiking road trips. Last summer, while camping, I experimented with using cheap, plastic, washable dishes and *Light My Fire* sporks instead of plastic/styrofoam dishes and cutlery. It wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be!

~I make a point to recycle every scrap of paper I find - no matter how small - from my grocery list to my worthless Powerball ticket.

~I’m more conscious of how I cook foods. Instead of firing up my old, giant, inefficient electric oven, I try to use a toaster oven, crock pot, small electric griddle or gas grill when I can get away with it.

~I try to eat 2-3 meatless meals a week.

~Two words: THRIFT STORE!

~Using small bottled water (Dasanis) only when I’m leaving the house. Otherwise I buy bulk bottled water to drink while at home.

~Perhaps my greatest accomplishment: My son is a college junior majoring in Environmental Science!

Although you didn’t ask, I have a small list of things I’m going to try to incorporate in my life in 2008:

~Consistently using Nalgene bottles instead of individual bottles of water.

~Gradually revamping my front lawn into a landscape that needs little water and fertilization. Also, planting more and expanding my herb garden again.

~DRIVING MY CAR LESS!