Cecily O'Connor
RedwoodAge.com 

A survey shows half of the boomers - a generation already deeply rooted in environmentalism - are resolved to live even greener lives in the year ahead.

Rudi Verhoeven and Susanne Kaufmann combine bike commuting with a ferry ride on San Francisco Bay.

And from carrying a reusable bag to the supermarket to commuting by bike, there are lots of ways to make a difference.

The survey by the Tiller consulting firm found 50 percent of Americans aged 50 to 64 plan to make a green New Year's resolution. Given a list of possible lifestyle changes, 78 percent said they'd use less energy at home, 74 percent planned to recycle more and 68 percent said they'd cut the use of harmful household chemicals.

Forty-nine percent plan to carry fabric bags to the store while 47 percent want to reduce their "carbon footprints."

The generation that gave us Earth Day, recycling centers and solar water heaters is also participating in car-sharing programs and riding bikes to work and for errands - options that not only help the environment, but also help to save cash for retirement.

"The environment is a natural avenue for social action," said Tiller CEO Rob Densen. "We knew that green had moved on to the public agenda, but not so squarely."

The modern environmental movement born in the '60s has reached critical mass in both the media and political arenas, which has resulted in more ways to act on green intentions. For example, most grocery stores now sell reusable totes for between $1 and $2 so that consumers can avoid carrying plastic shopping bags that harm the environment. On a seasonable basis, green gift ideas are more plentiful.

That's important because the survey found that, in general, the more involved or personally demanding an environmental responsibility, the lower the response.

The Next Generation
There are many shades of green among different generations. Young adults, who've been raised with heightened awareness about climate change and sustainable resources, are upping the ante for their parents. Fifty-eight percent of Americans 18 to 24 said they would make a green New Year's resolution for 2008. That's 18 percent more than adults over 65. 

About 30 percent of boomers have expressed guilt in recent years for not living a green or environmentally friendly lifestyle. Among adults of all ages, women are more likely than men to feel remorseful. 

While guilt isn't going to save the environment, Densen acknowledged that it is at least a step in the right direction. To that end, Tiller assembled a list of 10 green ideas boomers can adopt:

1. Use smart power strips for computers and home entertainment centers to prevent them from drawing currents while idle, and unplug chargers for your cell-phone, iPod and wireless handhelds when not in use.
2. Select the green power option from your local utility company. And if they don't offer it, call, write or e-mail them to request it.
3. Keep showers short. Every five minutes of shower time uses 10 to 25 gallons of water, and a full tub requires 70 gallons, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
4. Remove yourself from junk mail lists, and in the process, save one tree for each year you say no to junk mail. Check out GreenDimes.com or  41pounds.org for help.
5. To save more trees, print on both sides of the paper.
6. Replace regular light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs and you will save two-thirds of your energy.
7. Use a reusable water bottle instead of a disposable water bottles.
8. Stop rinsing your dishes before sticking them in the dishwasher. It doesn't help, and skipping the pre-wash can save up to 10 gallons of water per load. And don’t run your dishwasher until it's full.
9. Use all household chemicals sparingly, and dispose of all other potential pollutants properly.
10. When it comes to gift giving, send a card at TreeGreetings.com and  a tree will be planted on behalf of the recipient or send a green starter kit from GreenSender.com.