Aside from the champagne, confetti, countdown and nostalgic look back at the year that was, New Year’s Eve typically marks the end of holiday decadence for us. No more extravagance, indulgence and waste (think dozens of Christmas cookies, endless eggnog, lots of late-night holiday parties and trash bins full of wrapping paper and such).
It’s in the name of starting fresh and turning over the proverbial new leaf that we make New Year’s resolutions, our hopeful thoughts for a brand spanking new year when we can be and do better. But as we know all too well, New Year’s resolution results don’t always come easy. (Some of us are still trying to lose those 5 pounds we gained last holiday season.)
This year, rather than beating ourselves up over unfulfilled resolutions past, we’re arming ourselves with a few New Year’s helpers—ones that will help us go green, get fit and finally relax and get the rest we need to thrive in 2010. And, of course, we’re sharing them with you.
1. Coffee Press: Reduce your electricity use at home by trading in your traditional coffee maker, or cut back on gas (not to mention greenhouse gases) by skipping your daily stop at the local coffee shop. How, you ask? By buying a sleek new coffee press. Bean French Press Coffee Maker in Green, Bodum.
2. All-Natural Detergent: One tablespoon of this Laundry Soda does one load of laundry. It may be super concentrated, but it’s completely natural and gentle. And the packaging has plenty of retro charm to spare. Laundry Soda, Nellie’s.
3. Recycling Bags: These industrial-strength, waterproof bags make dividing glass, paper and cans so easy. Plus, the colors and graphic labels on the plastic-coated bags are quite appealing, so there is no need to keep them stowed out of sight. Folding Recycling Bags, Gaiam.
4. High-Tech Shoes: Why settle for running shoes when you can buy shoes that double as your trainer? The Nike Air Max + 2009 Running Shoe has the cushion and comfort you crave with an added bonus: it’s built to work with the Nike+ iPod Wireless Sensor, a gadget that works with your iPod or iPhone to track distance, calories burned and more. Women’s Air Max + 2009 Running Shoe, Nike.
5. Home Workout: What’s cheaper than a gym membership, takes up less space than a home elliptical machine and lets you hit golf balls or strike a yoga pose, depending on your mood? That would be the Wii Fit Plus with the Balance Board. It’s the ultimate personalized workout—perfect for meeting your fitness goals without leaving your living room. Wii Fit Plus and Wii Balance Board, Nintendo.
6. Professional Yoga Mat: This popular yoga mat provides plenty of cushion and is slip free (perfect for 105-degree Bikram classes). Aside from relaxing as you strike a pose, you’ll breathe a little easier knowing that this yoga mat is made from natural rubber, a renewable resource from rubber trees. Harmony Professional Yoga Mat, Jade.
7. Nighty-Nightcap: Hope to count fewer sheep in the New Year? Try a hot cup of Sleepytime Extra tea. It’s as delicious as your fave chamomile tea, but it’s chock full of soothing herbs like spearmint and the sleep aid valerian. Trust us, one cup before crawling into bed, and you’ll be snoozing before you can say, “Yummy.” Sleepytime Extra Tea, Celestial Seasonings.
8. Sleep Aid: If you’d like to take a more high tech approach to getting shut eye, you might need to see the light. As you gaze at the blue light projected onto your ceiling by the NightWave, you can synchronize your breathing with it, an act that guides you to deep relaxation and some serious zzzs. Sleep Assistant, NightWave.