Going Green: 10 Simple Steps to Improve the Planet

It's that time of year again when many of us will implement New Year's resolutions in hopes of seeing a positive impact in our everyday lives.

The Worldwatch Institute -- an independent research organization based in Washington, D.C. -- has compiled a list of simple steps that will help us lessen the environmental pressures we put on the planet.

• Recycle: Recycling programs are in effect in cities across the nation in an effort to save energy and help protect the environment. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that for each pound of aluminum recovered, Americans save the energy resources necessary to generate about 7.5 kilowatt-hours of electricity, which is enough to power a city the size of Pittsburgh for six years. What you can do: Put a separate container next to your trash can or printer, making it easier to recycle your bottles, cans and paper. To get more information on recycling in Newport Beach, visit the city's Residential Recycling web page.

• Turn off the lights: On Saturday, March 31, hundreds of people, businesses, and government offices around the world turn off their lights for an hour as part of Earth Hour, a movement to address climate change. What you can do: While Earth Hour happens only once a year, you can make an impact every day by turning off lights during bright daylight, or whenever you will be away for an extended period of time.

• Make the switch: In 2007, Australia became the first country to "ban the bulb," drastically reducing domestic usage of incandescent light bulbs and by this year cut an estimated 4 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions. What you can do: Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) use only 20-30 percent of the energy required by incandescents to create the same amount of light, and LEDs use only 10 percent, helping reduce both electric bills and carbon emissions.

• Turn on the tap: The bottled water industry sold 8.8 billion gallons of water in 2010, generating nearly $11 billion in profits. Approximately 75 percent of water bottles are not recycled and instead they end up in landfills, litter roadsides, and pollute waterways and oceans. What you can do: Fill up your glasses and reusable water bottles with water from the sink.

• Turn down the heat: The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that consumers can save up to 15 percent on heating and cooling bills just by adjusting their thermostats. What you can do: Turn down your thermostat when you leave for work, or use a programmable thermostat to control your heating settings.

• Support food recovery programs:Grocery stores, bakeries, and other food providers throw away tons of food daily that is perfectly edible but is cosmetically imperfect or has passed its expiration date. What you can do: Go through your cabinets and shelves and donate any non-perishable canned and dried foods that you won't be using to your nearest food bank or shelter. You can find a list of shelters in the Newport Beach area here.

• Get out and ride: Carpooling and using public transportation helps cut down on greenhouse gas emissions, as well as our gas bills. What you can do: If available, use your city's bike share program to run short errands or commute to work. If a program is not available, take advantage of bike lanes and trails that make it easier and safer to use a bike for transportation and recreation.

• Plant a garden: Growing your own vegetables is a simple way to bring fresh and nutritious food literally to your doorstep and it doesn't have to take up a lot of space. What you can do: Plant some lettuce in a window box. Lettuce seeds are cheap and easy to find, and when planted in full sun, one window box can provide enough to make several salads.

• Compost: Using your own composted organic waste is a good way to fertilize your garden. You will not only reduce costs by buying less fertilizer, but you will also help to cut down on food and other organic waste. What you can do: If you are unsure about the right ways to compost, web sites such as HowToCompost.org and organizations such as the U.S. Composting Council provide easy steps to reuse your organic waste.

• Reduce your meat consumption: Livestock production accounts for about 18 percent of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions and accounts for about 23 percent of all global water used in agriculture. What you can do: You don't have to become a vegetarian or vegan, but by simply cutting down on the amount of meat you consume can go a long way.

For the full list of Going Green Tips, visit the Worldwatch Institute.