The last post about green dining resulted in an excellent idea from andrajeanne, who noted that green restaurants are difficult to find in her area. Her solution was to form a “green dinner club” with like-minded friends who take turns hosting a “green” dinner featuring local organic foods. Combine that with Sharon’s idea of forming a “green group” that gets together regularly to discuss green ideas, share upcoming schedules for combined errand-running and the like, and you have an impressive way to effect green change in your neighborhood or commu

Most of us try to be green at home by Reducing, Reusing and Recycling, but taking that attitude with you when you leave the house can have a much larger impact. Green dining is one example. Restaurants account for one third of all retail electrical consumption, according to the non-profit Green Restaurant Association. They publish an online guide that currently lists green-minded restaurants and cafes in 28 states.

How are those New Year’s resolutions holding up the as middle of January arrives? Or perhaps you’re still looking for a resolution? In a comment to this blog, Jami sets out her plan for 2008: She’s going to take the time to both unplug and unwind. She resolves "Every time I use some electronic device, I will unplug it after I use it—the TV, hair dryer, microwave, lamps, etc… Those 2 seconds of extra time means a better environment and a lower bill. On that same note, I’m going to unplug from being over busy.

With the ringing in of the New Year, why not make one of your resolutions for 2008 a green one? When you head to the checkout with your purchases at the grocery store or any store, bring your own reusable bags. Keep a stash in your car or a small foldable one in your purse, and you'll be ready to answer "No, thanks," to "Do you need a bag?" Challenge everyone in your family to remember to take reusable bags whenever you head out for a shopping trip. This simple step to preserve natural resources really adds up when you think of all the plastic bags you might use in a year.

Interested in adding an eco-friendly spin to your gifts this season? In a comment to this blog, Lela suggested assembling green kits to give as Christmas gifts. Here’s her plan: "They’ll include organic treats, samples of eco-friendly cleaning products and fair-trade cotton socks among other goodies. Instead of wrapping the kits, I got some brightly colored reusable grocery bags to put them in. I thought this was a fun way to introduce my family to the green culture and they’ll be able to use everything they’re given."

Now that the turkey has been recycled into leftovers, we turn our attention to the gift giving frenzy on the horizon. Real Simple magazine reports, "Household waste increases 25 percent between Thanksgiving and New Years Day. In the United States, trash from wrapping paper and shopping bags totals 4 million tons."

Thanksgiving’s around the corner, and with it comes the many excesses of feasting. While you’re enjoying the occasion to visit with family and friends, whether at your home or theirs, it’s a great opportunity to remind everyone about recycling, reusing and composting (but probably not a good idea to be a total pest about it with any unenlightened relatives!). For example, at your home you can make sure your guests know where the recycling bins are located and any specific household recycling procedures they can participate in.

M. Deaton writes: “Last year we installed thermostats upstairs and down so now we can more efficiently heat and cool the zones to save energy. We also regularly replace our air filters and have our ducts cleaned.” What steps do you take to prepare for changing seasons and cooler temperatures? Now might be a good time to check the house for drafts. For more tips on making your home or office as energy efficient as possible, check out these links: Residential Energy Efficiency: Priority Checklist

When choosing your Halloween costume, why not take the opportunity to reuse and recycle? Look around the house for clothes and supplies for a cool costume, and get crafty. Can you come up with an amazing get-up without buying anything new? Send us your ideas for creating a terrific disguise constructed completely of reused materials.

Three fl@vors subscribers will win a trip to Australia next month (click here for details). Thanks to Renewable Choice Energy 100% of carbon usage for this trip will be offset. How do you think about offsetting carbon usage in your daily life? What are some of the small steps you take to reduce carbon usage from day to day?