New winter boots, a sweater, cute tops, jewelry and a whole lot of guilt.

I began my holiday season with lots of consuming. It was as if now that I was home from college after finishing my finals that I could justify this much consumption. I practically got a whole new wardrobe while burning a nice whole in my wallet.

The holidays should be about recycling. Recycling ourselves and the things we own. Creating changes, but with an awareness of the impact we have on the world and ourselves.

The theme of my resolutions this year is to become more environmentally conscious and active.

We are a little more than two weeks into the New Year and it can be difficult to maintain resolutions we promised to friends, families, and ourselves.  It is not as difficult at first because we are excited, but after the first few weeks it becomes much harder than anticipated and eventually we are back where we started.

I decided to make resolutions that I could easily live up while having fun.

Recycle my clothing for cash or in store credit.  Use less packaging and bags.  Place less value on materialistic items.

Recycling my wardrobe means to take my gently used clothing to a consignment stores like Plato’s Closet or Buffalo Exchange for cash or find other gently used clothes within the store.  The clothes are much cheaper than Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Savers, Old Navy and Target. Just know that you will never leave a store feeling guilty again once you start shopping at second hand stores.  Plus you get great deals on one of kind clothes or on name brands.

If these stores do not accept your clothes because of the season or style, donate them.  I go to Salvation Army or Goodwill.

For the packaging, if you know you are going shopping bring a bag large enough to hold all of your items.  Keep shopping bags in your car. Or, if you purchase two shirts at a store and you are walking right back to your car, just tell the clerk you do not need a bag. It is a waste a plastic or paper when you have two functioning hands.

I am trying to control my consumer habits by placing a lower value on materialistic things. I need to get creative with my style by not supporting companies with bad practices.  I need to realize that I do not need new clothes every season. I can still look fly with a cheaper budget and recycled clothing.

For all of you who are trying to keep up with your resolutions, trust yourself that you can do it.  If not, try mine.

Check out this video for examples of how to be creative with your wardrobe and wallet.

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Lindsay Friedman is a senior studying environmental science at the University of Colorado at Boulder. She is a true Chicagoan turned mountain girl. Engage and indulge yourself in all things meaningful to truly be happy.  Follow her on twitter, Laine0315.