Patch recently asked one simple question of area individuals who bring greener living to Bethesda through their entrepreneurship and their passion for saving our planet:

"Living a greener lifestyle is often about finding new ways to be green and continually adjusting how you live. What have you added or changed in the past year that you’ll continue to do in 2012 in either your business or your personal life?"

We hope these amazing responses will inspire you to make changes in 2012! 

Seth Goldman, President and TeaEO, Honest Tea. 

"I think the biggest change for me this year has been to make biking to work my primary commute.  In past years, I was more dependent on the car because I usually had to pick up or drop off one of my sons, or run an errand after work. But this year even if I have to drive somewhere, I’m more inclined to bike to work and then bike home to pick up the car. I find that I look forward to the ride (which is admittedly short — barely more than a mile), and will put my schedule through some minor gyrations to protect that time alone on the trail." 

Scott Nash, Founder and President, MOM’s Organic Market. 

"At MOM's, we launched a new initiative called Terrapass Your Gas. We are offsetting the carbon used to and from our stores for each customer who shops at MOM's. Personally? Hmm. I can't think of anything new I've done this year- except for, much to the chagrin of my wife, kids and dog, I'm setting the thermostat even lower than I did last year... at 61 degrees now.  I also mulched my leaves into my lawn instead of hauling them into the woods, which churns the nitrogen back into the lawn, feeds the earthworms and keeps my grass green. I wasn't using fertilizers in the past, so not really a net gain to the environment!"

Cris Bourelly, Co-Founder, 3GreenMoms. 

"One thing that I did in 2011 was to purchase a bamboo fork, spoon and knife set that I keep in my bag. I use it every time I eat out in a restaurant or shop that provides plastic cutlery. It is the easiest little green step I have implemented to date!"

Julie Paez, Co-Founder and Co-Owner, The Big Bad Woof.  

"This year I have made it a mission to avoid products with shrink wrapping and styrofoam. This means farmers markets are my primary source for food year-round. I increased the size of my 'front yard' garden and next year I plan on adding additional raised boxes. At our retail store, we began ordering a specific harness that we sell without the clam shell they normally ship the product in. By my estimation we have saved approximately 500-600 of these non-biodegradable clam shell units from entering the waste stream. As an added bonus we have been saving about 50 percent of the shipping costs because the boxes are that much smaller without the clamshells. Who says being green does not pay off?"

Dave Feldman, Executive Director, Bethesda Green. 

"2011 was the year we finally had an energy audit on our 50-year-old house. We brought in EcoBeco to conduct a full check-up including a blower door test. We evaluated several options and after factoring state and local incentives, chose to weatherize our home. We insulated our attic, sealed our ducts, and foamed and caulked basement rim joists, increasing our home's efficiency by 24 percent."

Joelle Novey, Executive Director, Greater Washington Interfaith Power & Light. 

"In 2011, Adat Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation in Bethesda became the latest local congregation to 'go solar' with 44 kilowatts of panels on the roof. In 2012, Interfaith Power & Light wants to engage many more congregations in committing to lighting their sanctuaries with power from the sun. To that end, we've created a booklet telling the stories of the first seven area congregations to go solar, which you can download from our website."

Cheryl Kollin, Principal, Full Plate Ventures. 

"My greatest professional green impact in 2011 is that I incorporated my business, Full Plate Ventures, to share my twin passions of serving businesses with social missions and helping those engaged in building our sustainable food system. In 2012 I look forward to continuing connecting our local and sustainable food producers with buyers. Personally, I’m part of a proud one-car family--going on two and a half years now--and now composting our food waste year-round."

How did you go green in 2011 and what green changes will you implement in 2012? Tell us in the comments.