New Year's resolutions to help reduce your 'waste' and conserve 'energy' in 2009

(NC)—“This year, I'll exercise more and quit smoking.” We've all made many New Year's resolutions that we end up breaking around noon on New Year's Day. Ambitious resolutions may have the best intentions, but small changes are more likely to stick.

That's why some of Canada's leading home care brands like Bounty, Cascade, Charmin, Downy, Duracell and Tide created Future Friendly, a program to help Canadians reduce waste, packaging and energy consumption. They've teamed with Canadian Energy Efficiency Alliance, canühome and the Recycling Council of Ontario to provide some New Year's resolutions that won't require an iron will.

1. Down with drafts

Snow doesn't mean it's too late to weather-strip the homestead. The Canadian Energy Efficiency Alliance says caulking cracks, insulating windows and other steps to ensure your home is as airtight as possible will keep you warm this winter.

2. Appliances can be lean, green machines

Use your appliances efficiently. Reducing energy consumption in the laundry room can be as simple as cold-water washing.

Washing in Tide Coldwater gives you great cleaning, and washing in cold water helps you save energy.

In the kitchen, ensure the dishwasher is full before running it. Many dishwashers also have an energy-saving cycle you can take advantage of.

Cascade Action Pacs will deliver sparkling-clean dishes even in the energy-saving cycle.

3. Slim down your waste

It's easier than toning the tummy. The Recycling Council of Ontario suggests bringing your own reusable shopping bag to the store. And when packing a snack, avoid packaging and plastic wrap becoming leftovers in the landfill with reusable containers.

Choosing products with reduced packaging can also shed pounds from your waste. Concentrated laundry products often use less material in the packaging.

For example, Ultra Downy fabric softener uses 35 per cent less plastic per bottle than non-concentrated Downy.

Finally, holiday entertaining often means wining and dining. Leftover wine can be frozen into ice cubes and saved for your next culinary masterpiece.

Should you spill some merlot, Bounty Select-a-Size is great for clean ups of all sizes – perforated sheets allow you to use only what you need, so even if you sacrificed a glass of vintage red, you don't have waste while wiping it up.

More information can be found online at www.futurefriendlybrands.ca, www.rco.on.ca, www.energyefficiency.ca and www.canuhome.com. - News Canada