I must confess, I’m not a huge New Year’s resolution kind of guy, but when I think about the new year, there are a few areas of my life that I want to take to the next level. Before having children, my wife and I had an excellent green lifestyle. We were very intentional about eating organically, only using all-natural products and continuing to rid our lives of unnecessary toxins. Since the kiddos have come along, I’ve found that we’ve started cutting corners for the sake of time and convenience. The irony is, now that we have children, I want to be even more eco-friendly for health and ethical issues. So, here they are — my green resolutions.

Eating organic and natural

Food is such an essential area of our health. This year I want to stay away from artificial foods, flavorings and colors. I want to try to eat as much organic food as possible. For those items I can’t find or afford in an organic variety, I will stay close to nature. I know that the best way to teach my children is by my own example, so resolving to eat more organic and natural foods will teach them to do the same. I will tighten up on how much and how often I give my son a “treat,” which usually consists of cookies, ice cream and other bad-for-you foods. I will replace his treats with organic fruit leathers, all-fruit smoothies and other natural, healthy foods.

Reuse unwanted food

A study done in 2004 by the University of Arizona found that half of the food bought in the U.S. is thrown away, according to Food Production Daily. I think I’m just as guilty as the rest of us. It amazes me how much food ends up in the back of the fridge, goes unnoticed and is eventually thrown away. In 2010, I want to reuse any unwanted food by saving it and restarting my trash compost. I live in Florida, so I have no excuse not to keep my compost going (as it’s warm year-round). If I begin now, I will have some of the best planting soil when spring rolls around in mid-March.

Conservation in the little ways is another resolution I will implement this new year. Turning the water off while I’m brushing my teeth, unplugging my computer nightly and use reusable cups instead of buying my daily unrecyclable paper cup from Starbucks are the little things that come to my mind when I think about how I’m not being responsible in the area of conservation. I’m not only conserving the earth’s resources, but I am also instilling discipline and self-control in my personal life. As 2010 rolls out, I will hopefully be standing on the other side of the upcoming year with fulfilled resolutions that are making an impact on my personal life, my family and the environment. The future is bright, and 2010 will take us to new places of hope and joy. Happy New Year! For more author resolutions, see how Jessica Bates is finding ways to conserve in the city.