My birthday is today, but this is no ordinary birthday. Its on 09/09/09! I’ve been tossing around birthday activity ideas varying from playing 9’s in roulette in Atlantic City to visiting Hoboken and indulging myself with tapas at Nine.

But since it’s a Wednesday, I’m a little limited.

So instead, I’m going to reflect, focus and commit to 9 new resolutions:

1. Unplug my appliances -  According to the government's ENERGY STAR program, 40% of the electricity that home electronics use is consumed while the products are turned off.

2. Skip the steak – “Given the amount of energy consumed raising, shipping and selling livestock, a 16-oz.T-bone is like a Hummer on a plate. “ – Time Magazine. Likewise,  Adam keeps telling me I will feel the difference, its worth a test run.

3. Teach a kid about energy  – As a part of my job, I go to green events and try to enroll people in our green power programs. This year, I will pay special attention to the kids. The more they know about where their energy comes from and the difference between coal vs. wind, the more they can share with each other (and hopefully their parents!).

4. Green gift – I solemnly swear to avoid buying gifts that simply end up in our landfills. Instead, I will buy gifts that keep giving. For instance: Going to a wedding? How about buying a composting unit! Want to show appreciation? How about the gift of life! No not a baby or puppy, just a simple, beautiful plant.

5. Avoid plastics – no more plastic bottles or bags! Ick, splat, bleh!

6.  Buy Fresh, Buy Local – I love to cook and I always appreciate a good challenge. This year’s challenge: design recipes that are seasonal and available at my local farmers market. Fall is coming up and I can’t wait to make my favorite roasted root vegetables recipe.  Likewise, I will buy local beers from my favorite wind powered brewery, Yards Brewing Company.

7. Exercise Naturally – While there are many health benefits associated with exercise, a health club or gym uses large amounts of conventional (ahem, dirty brown) energy.  Forget the treadmill and battle the elements! Run on grass, bike on a path, hike up a mountain, kayak in a lake, or run up stairs. There are a plethora of outdoor activities available that allow you to enjoy the health benefits of exercise (not to mention Mother Nature!) without the polluting our air.

8. Have more candle lit dinners – it’s romantic and sustainable!

9. Consume Less  - waste less, demand less, use less, buy less, eat less.