I cannot keep a resolution. I try, really I do. But by February I have resorted to my old habits. Why? Who knows? Change can be hard, I can be lazy and I can set standards that are way too high. So this year I am setting "trial" resolutions–as in 24 hour trials–for each day the first week of January. I hope you will join me.

All of my ONE day resolutions are focused on the environment, inexpensive and some will even save money if I can turn them into a habit, according to Jodie Tate, University of Illinois Extension natural resources management educator. It never hurts to try, so here goes:

Monday: Replace one incandescent light bulb (the old kind) with a compact fluorescent light (CFL). CFL's use 75 percent less energy than incandescent lights and can last up to ten times longer. If you do not like the CFL at the end of the 24-hour period, put your incandescent light back in.

Tuesday: Turn the thermostat back one degree. Yes, just one degree will save 3 percent on the heating cost over the 24-hour period. If the temperature is not comfortable after the trial period, bump the thermostat back up.

Wednesday: Place a rock filled container, such as an old butter dish with the lid on, in the reservoir tank of the toilet. Never use bricks as pieces can break off and harm plumbing. This can save you up to half a gallon of water per flush. Try it for 24 hours, and see if the toilet still performs as expected.

Thursday: Unplug the computer when it is not in use. Better yet, turn off the power strip leading to the computer, printer, modem, etc. Even when turned "off" computers can still use 1-3 kilowatts of power per hour.

Friday: Observe the speed limit. Driving the speed limit can improve fuel efficiency by 5 – 20 percent depending on your normal speed. Research shows that every five miles per hour you drive over 60 is comparable to paying an additional $0.20 for a gallon of gas.

Saturday: Clean the lint trap in the dryer every time it is used. Clogged dryer vents create a fire hazard and reduce the dryer's performance, increasing the cost of operation.

Sunday: Recycle all of the paper used during these 24 hours, including the Sunday paper. This is the only resolution I have made and managed to keep. I am still amazed at how much paper my household recycles every week.