Going green hasn't been this trendy since the 70's. Chances are, decreasing your eco-footprint made your New Year's Resolutions List this year. The difference is, these days we are just as concerned about saving the planet as safeguarding our own health.

But where to begin? If you care about such things, you already know about recycling and the benefits of organic food. It's like dieting - those first 10 pounds are pretty easy, but taking it to the next level is trickier.

A recent article from MSNBC.com has some good tips for easy changes around the house. Here are a few highlights:

1. Give anti-microbial hand soaps the heave-ho
You know that sterilizing soaps kill the beneficial bacteria along with the nasties, but were you aware that they can't kill them all? Hello superbugs. Whatever survives is biologically superior and will multiply, passing its resistance on to the next generations.

A better bet? Switch to bar soap or a liquid soap without triclosan (the main anti-microbial ingredient). We recommend Method's line of hand soap - all 100% triclosan free.

2. Choose cast iron cookware
Cooking at high heat with non-stick cookware releases a cancer-causing chemical. You can avoid this by using cooler cooking temperatures, or make the switch to cast iron. A properly seasoned skillet, griddle or roaster will not stick and is extremely durable. Seasoning is surprisingly simple; although best results are obtained after years of proper use, you'll be quickly pleased after just a few rounds of seasoning. Find a how-to guide here.

3. PVC-free showers
You know that repulsive plasticky stink of a new shower curtain? In the first month, new vinyl shower curtains and liners can release over 100 different chemicals into the air. Try a PVC-free curtain (available at IKEA) or one made from natural fibres such as hemp, linen, or bamboo. We like this one from Gaiam.

4. Worry-free pest remedy
Flea collars may keep your puppy pest-free, but also contain some of the highest level of pesticides allowed for residential use. More troubling: the broad-spectrum chemicals pose a danger to your pets, your children, and yourself. Spot treatments use a targeted pesticide that affects insects only (so far as we know to this point).  Consider using this.

5. Canned foods and BPA
You already know about the bisphenol-A in reusable water bottles kerfuffle, but did you know that BPA is also found in the waxy lining of many canned foods? Fatty and acidic foods are particularly good at absorbing it, so make sure to buy your tuna packed in water and spaghetti sauce in the glass jar and consider switching to a stainless steel water bottle.

by Claire Rahn