Progress.

That’s the word I’d use to describe 2009.

Not just for me personally, but for many others who found 2009 to be a less-than-easy year. You can always look back through a difficult patch in retrospect and see how much you’ve really progressed, even though it felt like you were hardly putting a dent in the path laid out before you while you went through it.

Sure, the road was marred with pit holes and steep inclines at times, but the future from where I stand has wide vistas revealing several paths that look promising, full of adventure and opportunity. Last year on New Year’s Day I tried to put an optimistic twist on all of the realities that weighed on me. I, like many others, felt that 2008 had been a truly trying year, but I had “hope” (a word I now have a greater understanding of) that things could turn out OK.

In the end there were no great miracles in 2009. There were no fairy godmothers to wave their wands and make all of the tough stuff disappear. The only way things could get better was for me to take control of the situations that plagued me and my family and turn things around. Some things are dramatically better, others turned out better than I could’ve imagined, and others are still in process of improvement. Or in other words, it’s progressing.

I find New Year’s Eve to be very cathartic and rejuvenating. I’m not one who likes to dwell on the past and I probably enjoy thinking about the possibilities of the future more than I should. New Year’s is a great time to reflect on where we’ve been, where we want to go, what has worked well and what still stands in need of improvement.

Ironically, I’m not a fan of making New Year’s resolutions. I’m a goal-oriented person, but I’ve learned that making goals that are unattainable or immeasurable just sets one up to fail. Instead, my tried-and-true way to make progress (there’s that word again) in my goals in to set out a plan. Imagine yourself embarking on a great hike as you start your goals for the year.

1. Before you can climb the mountain you must pick the hike you want to take to get you to your destination. I pick one area of my life and work from there. For example, last year I worked on my personal health. I’d been plagued with issues after giving birth to my youngest child and was in a bit of denial that my medical theory of “time heals all things” was in fact not working out so well. Since my daughter was 3 ½ and I still had some major issues plaguing me I figured I better try another route.
2. Chart the course and evaluate how long the hike will be, where dangerous situations may arise, and where possible side routes lie to shorten the journey and make you a safe and smart hiker. I make a plan. I begin to write down all of the problems that go into making this a big issue and then identify possible solutions to those problems. For me this meant writing down all of the health problems I was facing from my failing gall bladder to my achy tooth.
3. Before you embark you gather supplies, double check your supplies, ensure you have enough water and snacks, lace up your boots, and then head out. A good checklist does the same for us in helping us reach our goals. After looking at all of the possible solutions I make an action list of things I can put on a “to-do list” that will get me closer to a solution. In my case, I began prioritizing which issues were most important and what doctors I needed to consult and what changes I need to make to take control of my health.
4. To get to the top of the mountain every hiker begins the same way – by putting one foot in front of the next. Finally, I began chipping away at the to-do list so I can reach my solution. While that meant going through lots of doctors visits, dead ends, testing, and other misery it was worth it in the end. I’m now in amazing health. I feel better than ever and I’m able to move on to other areas to focus on. Consistency and diligence, although not synonymous, are equally important, like our two legs are in carrying us through the hurdles we face. These are often our sorest and our strongest muscles at the end of an exhausting journey.

Question: What is your goal for 2010? What was your goal last year?

In the world of germs and fears of flu epidemics that we live in, moms everywhere are doing their part to ward of icky bugs from infecting their homes. Stores are flooded with green alternative products, but how can you know which ones are gentle enough for our environment, but strong enough to do the job their intended for?

Here are a few of my top choices for “green cleaning” before the guests arrive for Thanksgiving dinner.

1. Baking soda. This miracle component is a great non-abrasive safe cleanser that deodorizes as it cleans. I use it to clean my sink, the bathtub, and even the gunk under the burners on my stove.
2. Vinegar. This cheap, clear liquid is so safe, it’s edible. Not only does it get rid of hard water stains on metal fixtures but it also cleans up mirrors and windows without leaving streaks. Worried about the smell? Don’t worry–it fades as it dries and leaves only a clean house behind.
3. A Clear Choice. Got stains on your carpet or in your child’s soccer uniform? This miracle spray quickly and easily eliminates the worst stains imagineable. Even old stains are removed quickly with this miracle spray. Both non-toxic and biodegradeable, this magical solution has been the answer to many ketchup and chocolate milk disasters in our house.
4. Micro-fiber dish cloths. Instead of using endless paper towels to clean up spills or wipe down bathroom sinks, opt for luxurious and re-usable micro-fiber dish cloths. Be sure to buy a bunch in several colors so you can differentiate which ones will be used in the kitchen and which will be used in the bathrooms. Not only will you save trees you’ll save money each time you wash and reuse these durable cloths.
5. Method multi-purpose spray cleaner. These spray cleaners smell as good as they clean. They’re non-toxic and natural and are safe on pourous surfaces like granite. The company offers a full array of products, including hand soaps, and the company’s website offers explanations on the sustainability of each product line.

All moms worry that their children will eat two bites of their lunch and then feed the rest to the trash can. But have you ever thought about how much packaging your kids throw away, even if they eat all the goodies in their lunchbox?

Lunch time is an easy way for moms and kids to work together to waste fewer resources and save money in your home budget. Here are a few ways we’ve gone green in our family and in our school:

1. Using reusable plastic containers instead of baggies. Those wonderful ziplock baggies are convenient, but a plastic container can be used time and time again. Sometimes the baggies are still an option, but for the most part I’ve transitioned my kids over to using their reusable containers. I’m sure it helps that they don their favorite cast members from “High School Musical.”
2. Going old school. Metal lunch boxes are back in style and kids are showing off all of the fun designs. Neoprene bags in fun patterns and colors are great for older kids who are “too cool” to carry a lunch box. These bags can also keep hot items hot and the cold ones cold.
3. Toting the liquid. Remember those old Thermoses we used to pack into our lunch box? They’ve undergone a makeover and now kids can bring water or juice to school in a reusuable and safe container. These save the environment and your wallet. Make sure if it’s made of plastic that it doesn’t contain harmful chemicals, though.
4. Avoiding prepackaged goodies. Not only are these items usually full of preservatives and other harmful chemicals, they are also full of extra packaging that is wasteful. Don’t forget that you end up paying extra for all of that cardboard and plastic that is used to store your snack before you eat it. It’s more economical and environmental to buy in bulk and then redistribute into reusable containers.
5. Juicing up responsibly. What kid doesn’t love a Capri Sun? But really, all of those foil pouches can take a toll on the planet unless they are recycled. Our kids’ school is now participating in a program in which it is paid a nominal amount by the manufacturer of Capri Sun for each foil pouch turned in. Everyone wins in this case: the school gets money, the kids get their juice, and the packaging is recycled. If your school doesn’t have a program like this suggest it to your PTA or organize it yourself.

Looking for great gift ideas for your like-minded eco-friendly pals on your Christmas list? Or maybe you need to create your own wish list for Santa. Either way, here are a few ideas for giving this season that won’t hurt your wallet or the environment.

Organic and natural skin care collections. This all-natural product line makes a great gift for pampering someone who is careful on his or her skin and the environment.

Stainless Steel Canteen Water Bottles. These durable, reusable bottles are everywhere and now come in lots of fun colors and styles. These are a great stocking stuffer for all ages.

Vegetarian cookbooks. A wide variety of wonderful cookbooks can be purchased for friends and family who are already vegan or those just trying to eat healthier. It’s a gift that will keep on giving throughout the years to come.

Potted plants. Instead of bringing fresh-cut plants as a gift for your holiday hostess, bring a potted plant that will bloom year-round and refresh the environment.

Organic sheet sets. Spoil a green friend with comfy sheets made from organically grown cotton. Your friend will sleep better knowing he or she sleeps on responsibily manufactured products.

Sustainable soy candles. Look for candles made from highly renewable soybean, vegetable or beeswax oils in recycled-glass cups for the candle-lover on your list.

As the end of the year approaches, you may want to reflect on the areas in which you’ve succeeded and ways in which you’d like to improve in the upcoming 365 days. In the weeks ahead you may want to sit down with your family and decide how you can give Mother Earth a gift this holiday season that will keep on giving into 2010.

Here are a few suggestions for “green goals” you can work on together.

1. Recycle more. Sure, everyone recycles, but everyone could be more dilligent about making sure those cardboard cereal boxes and drained shampoo bottles actually make their way to the recycling bin and out of the trash can. Putting reminder notes by the trash cans in your house can help everyone keep their focus on the goal.
2. Using only homemade or natural cleaners. With so many great products on the market and many more cleaning recipes available online, there’s no reason anyone should be using toxic chemicals to tidy up at home. The first step is to replace any harsh cleaners with safe and eco-friendly alternatives.
3. Give up one weekend a month. Set aside one Saturday per month to clean up your environment. Whether you pick up trash along the beach or plant trees at your neighborhood park, find a way to contribute to keeping your community green.
4. Set up a rainwater collection system. Many websites exist that show simple instructions for setting up a way to trap and store rainwater throughout the rainy season. This water can then be re-used in your garden. Not only does this save you money, it can also help conserve water.
5. Plant a garden. Set a goal as a family to plant a garden and grow your own fruits and veggies. It’s a great way to eat better, save money, and help the planet.

Looking into having a “green” Christmas that is still rosy red? A more responsible approach to the holidays isn’t about sacrificing fun. Instead you can reduce the waste and excess that the holidays tend to bring out and still have a jolly time.
Here is how:

1. Downsize your gift list. If you buy fewer presents then you spend less time going from store to store (i.e. creating pollution and using up natural resources). You’re also cutting down on gift wrapping (i.e. wasting trees and resources). As an added bonus, you’ll spend less money.
2. Use re-useable bags instead of gift bags. Lots of stores have smartly designed, hip tote bags you can buy for a buck or two to wrap up gifts. Opt for these items that you can use again and again over the shiny plastic-coated, paper ones that get tossed after a use or two.
3. Skip out on shopping. Instead of handing out traditional gifts adorned with pretty packaging and bows, offer your services instead. Who wouldn’t love hours of free babysitting, a family photo shoot, a four-course meal, or free car washes for a year? The possibilities are endless for meaningful, service-centered gift-giving.

Consumers have grown increasingly concerned about what enters their pets’ mouths because of the pet food recalls from a few years ago. Pet owners were shocked to discover that the brands they’d trusted had let them down. In an effort to become proactive consumers, pet owners now carefully scrutinize the labels of every product that comes near their pets’ mouth – including their pets’ toys.

Pet toy manufacturers have responded to this growing concern about safety through the creation of more all-natural and organic pet toys. Additionally, more pet owners have started to look at the consequences of what they buy—where they go when they throw them away, what effect they have on the earth, and how they will affect their children’s future. They can see how important it is to purchase products with sustainability in mind.

Traditional plush toys often use cotton treated with pesticides and herbicides in production, but some manufacturers have changed their philosophy to become more eco-friendly. Simply Fido’s organic plush toys are made with certified organic cotton. These organic toys also contain natural dyes extracted from minerals and roots in place of traditional chemical dyes and bonding chemicals.

Pharmaceutical-grade, natural-rubber-based chew toys, like those made by My Good Dog, also appeal to consumers looking for safe toys for their pets.

Organic catnip, made by manufacturers such as DuckyWorld Products, Inc. have also become increasingly popular choices for felines. E.A.T.S.—Edible Animal Treats also offers edible “jawbreaker-like” treats for Fluffy, which pose a great alternative to non-consumable chew toys made of fabric or plastic.

West Paw Design, which makes eco-friendly pet beds, has added a toy line for consumers looking for green pet toys for cats and dogs. Made from recycled plastic soda bottles and post-consumer fibers, these products are durable and come in all the same designs and colors as their less eco-friendly counterparts.

What pet owner doesn’t love to reward his or her pet with an edible reward? After all, that’s how many people reward their children when they’ve reached a goal or been exceptionally well behaved.

But many parents worry about giving their kids too many sugary or high-fat treats and seek alternative ways to reward their kids. Pet owners aren’t looking to fill up their pet with junk food, either, and seek ways to reward their pet without compromising the animals’ health.

Today’s pet owners do more research and are more sophisticated about the ingredients in their pet’s treats. They want to know that the fruits and vegetables in their treats are organic and their meat sources are free-range, with no added antibiotics or hormones.

Many consumers scrutinize ingredient lists to be sure they are treating their dog with meat sources instead of protein by-products. As well, many pet owners avoid commonly identified allergens such as wheat, wheat gluten, soy, and artificial flavors, colors or synthetic preservatives.

Additionally, many consumers desire pet treats that include ingredients with therapeutic properties that they have incorporated into their own diets, such as kelp, Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, pre- and pro-biotics, and glucosamine. Ingredients added to treats to help with hip and joint issues or to boost immunity score high marks amongst discriminate consumers.

Freeze-dried treats are an excellent alternative to dried treats because freeze-dried treats retain their flavor, palatability, and nutritional value. Freeze dry is the gold standard of drying because the food is dry and self-stable while still raw.

Not only are natural treats available, many pet treats are also certified organic. Look for brands like The Lazy Dog Cookie Co. Inc., Cloud Star, and many others offering these wholesome alternatives.

As the temperature heats up, flea and tick season goes into full force. Pet owners go to great lengths to be sure their pets are free of pests, but many are looking for alternatives to the traditional products offered on the market.

Preventing flea infestations before they begin is the first step in controlling a flea or tick problem. The warmer the weather, the more these insects flourish. However, flea and tick prevention should be done year-round to maximize effectiveness.

Several major manufacturers have brought natural flea and tick spot treatments to the marketplace. For example, Sentry offers a Natural Defense line that contains a mix of natural botanicals to keep pets free of pests while not exposing them to chemicals. This line includes peppermint oil, cinnamon oil, lemon grass oil, and thyme.

Some consumers choose to treat the environment as well as treating their pets. Fleabusters powder is an alternative to pesticides and foggers because it kills fleas physically not chemically. The powder, which has been on the market for 20 years, is applied in and around the home and is guaranteed to get rid of fleas for a year.

Food additives and garlic tablets can also be another healthful alternative to pesticidally treating flea and tick problems. All-natural shampoo treatments are also plentiful on store shelves and are a great alternative to harsh chemical de-flea products.

Spray-on products can be helpful additions if you’re headed out for a walk in the woods and you want to provide an extra layer of protection to your pup before you hit the trail. These products are only effective for a limited time and don’t offer long-term treatment. They should be used in conjunction with other products.

Litter boxes are every cat owner’s dirty little secret. But these days, cat litters have become so advanced that cat owners don’t have to try so hard to disguise their kitties’ waste or feel guilty about the effect it has on the environment.

Four billion pounds of clay litter are thrown into the garbage every year, according to the book In Defense of Garbage, written by Judd Alexander. The book details the major contributors to overflowing landfills, one of which is cat litter.

While many store shelves still offer traditional clumping litters that fill up landfills, so many alternative products have hit the market at nearly the same price point that consumers now have more green options.

These biodegradable products come in all forms: mineral, pine, wheat, corn and paper. Even 10 years ago these types of products weren’t on the market, but manufacturers hear the pleas of environmentally conscious consumers and they’ve produced new options.

The cat litter category has now expanded to include a long list of alternative litters made from natural products that include corn, wheat, and pine.

Wheat, corn, and other starch-based products serve well as litter material when their kernels are exposed through the grinding process. Through this process, these products become absorbent and clump easily. They also contain an enzyme that is able to neutralize the odor-causing chemicals in the urine.

The wheat-based litters are good for multiple-cat households because they become hard right away and won’t contaminate the box if another cat steps on it.

One manufacturer, Pet Ecology Brands, Inc., has developed a litter that detects high alkalinity in a cat’s urine. It is a natural, flushable, mineral-based litter. While it’s not a diagnostic product, it can indicate a possible problem in the urinary tract.

Flushable litters are also more environmentally friendly and many of these products have become more absorbent so less litter is necessary to absorb the same amount of liquid. These lighter-weight products require less waste with shipping. Thus, they leave a smaller carbon footprint as well.