Miranda Newsom, MSN Environment Contributor

My green resolution for 2009 is...

Miranda Newsom, MSN Environment Contributor

Do you make resolutions each year, then find you’ve forgotten them (or simply given up) by February?

With green goals, the consequences of giving up might be more serious than just that lingering spare tyre around your middle. Read on for the aspirations and resolutions of green experts, then add your own resolutions to our forum discussion.

Forum: what is your green goal for 2009?

First, my own: Miranda Newsom, The [Accidental] EcoManiac

"In 2009 I want to investigate how empowering women worldwide can positively affect climate change and other important issues. I also have two personal resolutions about plastic.

"First, reducing the number of plastic toys in our home and second, sorting out my dirty little secret: 1000+ CD cases lurking in our under stairs cupboard. I must post them to a specialist recycling facility or hire our Streetcar to schlep them there. I might try Freecycle first!"

Robin Webster, Senior Campaigner, Energy and Climate, Friends of the Earth
"I’ve personally given up flying, the most irritating resolution I’ve ever made. I try and live out Friends of the Earth campaigns in my personal life, but my primary focus is political change –that’s what really makes a difference.

"Around 70% of your emissions are out of your control – it’s your government that builds motorways and coal-fired power stations. Changing individual behaviour is important, but governments must lead the way."

Leonie Greene, Head of External Affairs, Renewable Energy Association

"I’ve lagged my loft and done the windows and in 2009 I’m saving up for an energy-efficient woodburning stove."

A lot of the quickest and most useful energy savings can be made at home

Willie Mackenzie, Greenpeace UK Campaigner
"I think I’ve done most of my resolutions: I’m vegetarian, have green energy suppliers, energy-efficient bulbs and travel by train, only flying very very occasionally. Maybe I’ll wear an extra jumper and turn the heating down."

Tom Levitt, MSN Environment Editor

"This year I am going to focus more on my home - taking little steps to make it as wasteless as possible. More showers, less flushing, more recycling, smaller bin bags, more insulation, smaller heating bills etc."

Phil Thornhill, National Coordinator, Campaign against Climate Change
"Putting it on a personal level misrepresents the scale and urgency of the threat – only massive government – and international – action is going to deal with this. What people do in their personal lives is important but only in so far as it encourages – or forces – governments to act."

Derrick Coffee, Hastings Alliance (supported by Campaign for Better Transport)
"I like to think I’m fairly green but could always do better. I’m keen on the principle of local shopping within walking distance of people’s homes, so I should be more careful about using local shops instead of being lazy and just heading to the supermarket."

Rod Gould, Policy Advisor, Environment Agency
"My house has double-glazing, solar panels and cavity wall insulation but in 2009 we’re building an extension for relatives and I’m looking into ground source heating, which has lower emissions."

Further Reading

What is your green goal for 2009?

My green wish for 2009 is...