In honor of the New Year, this month’s greenlight bite offers you new ways to do everyday things, from revitalizing your wardrobe to enjoying winter outdoors. Here’s to a fresh start!

Finally, a solution to the guilt about a closet full of clothes and the feeling you have nothing to wear: a clothing swap. These style-trading parties are an affordable and eco-conscious way to get a new look. Now, they’re trendy to the point that pro-green (and pro-fashion) groups are hosting swaps on a grander scale—check out the next Swap-o-Rama-Rama in New York City on February 12. Get tips on how to throw your own clothing swap.

Your cat treads lightly on the earth, right? After all, you recycle those cardboard boxes and aluminum cans when they’re empty of cat food. But what about the kitty litter? The organic environment in most landfills doesn’t break down basic clay-based litter. A 1993 study showed that 100,000 truckloads of it end up in landfills every year. Luckily, corn and wheat are the foundations of three litter products for cats and small animals.

While putting your money where your ethics are may feel good, socially responsible investments (SRIs) haven’t always had a good reputation. But, over the last five years, as the popularity has increased for these mutual funds, which invest in carefully screened companies, so has their ability to keep pace with other investments. In December 2005, Time magazine reported that SRIs focusing on large-cap stocks garnered an 11.99 percent return since 2000, compared with 12.6 percent for regular large-cap funds. Still, there are a few things to keep in mind....

Q: I love to ski, but I’ve heard that it’s heavy on the environment. Is there anything I can do to reduce my impact? — Mark J., Denver

Click here for the answer!