Resolutions, like losing weight and exercising, are so last year. Let 2008 be the year you resolve to make a real impact on the world after all, it is "The Year of the Planet". Whether it’s recycling, trying an alternative energy source, or just saying no to those Styrofoam cups in the break room, every little bit matters. Hey, it’s a two-way street. You be nice to Mother Nature, she’ll be nice to you. Here’s how:

1. Always remember the 3 R’s: Reduce, reuse, recyle.
2. Paper or plastic? Neither! The green way to shop is with reusable cloth totes like the fun printed GreenBags available at Pier 1.
3. Christmas tree still up? If it’s a living tree with roots attached, you’re already off to a great start. Plant it in the back yard or donate it to your local parks department. If it’s a cut tree, recycle it. To find a recycler in your area, go to http://www.christmastree.org/home.cfm
4. Speaking of Christmas, try decking the house next time around with strings of LED (light emitting diode) lights instead of your old incandescent ones. They’ll look just as good but last lots longer and use up to 90% less energy to boot. And after Christmas sales are a great time to puchase these.
5. Reduce waste. Now that the holidays are over and you’re flush with new stuff, donate old toys to a local children’s hospital or charity shop where they can find a good home.
6. Recycle your Christmas cards. Or keep the cards you received this year and re-use them next year as gift tags.
7. Save envelopes to use again with reuse mailing labels made from recycled paper.
8. Here’s an easy one: Use non-disposable flatware, glasses and dishes to help reduce waste. (Pier 1 has great tableware that’ll make you and the planet happy.)
9. Non-disposable is good, recycled is even better. Check out the cool Recycled Mexican Glassware and other recycled items at your Pier 1 store.
10. Use real fabric tablecloths and runners instead of throwaways. They’ll look better and last longer too. (See previous Pier 1 plug).
11. Once you’ve opted for real dishes, use the dishwasher. Doing a full load in your machine is far more efficient than washing the same number of dishes by hand - especially if you have an Energy Star model.
12. Buy soft drinks and juice in large containers, rather than in lots of small ones. Or, when possible, buy concentrates that can be diluted: Less waste, more economical.
13. Take advantage of free solar power: Open blinds or drapes to let in the sun’s heat on cold days, then close them at sunset. You can reduce your heating bills by up to 10 percent.
14. Conserve electricity: Burn more candles. Pier 1 has every shape, size and irresistible scent. (And everyone looks better in candlelight.)
15. Buy rechargeable batteries for electrical gadgets. For every 500 charges, you’ll save 499 batteries from ending up in a landfill.
16. Buy fresh local meat and produce. It’ll help save energy by reducing fossil fuels used to ship foods cross-country.
17. When mailing packages, use the smallest box possible. Instead of bubble wrap or Styrofoam peanuts, pack with greener alternatives like old newspapers, dried macaroni, clean rags - even real peanuts.
18. Throwing a party? Save paper on invitations. Call, text, or send e-vites. Better yet – invite people in person.
19. Take a few minutes to install a low-flow showerhead. It’ll make a big difference in conserving water and lower your monthly bill too.
20. Got kids? Look for PVC-free toys. Wood is good, battery-free is even better. If they’ve gotta have electronics, see tip #14.