As 2011 comes to an end, many of us probably have eco-friendly ideas that we'd like to implement during the coming year. By looking back at some of the most intriguing Green Living issues of 2011, we can determine what we're already doing in our everyday lives that helps to make the world a healthier place. Whether that's installing solar panels, joining a farm share program or simply cutting down on unncessary purchases, we can all make small changes that, collectively, can create important change. Wherever you are on the green living spectrum, hopefully the following top 10 issues of 2011 …

When we think of buying local during the holiday season, many of us imagine visiting quaint little shops on our town's main strip. But officials from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSDAM) are encouraging residents to buy local in a less likely way: by purchasing a real Christmas tree.“The holidays are time for family and tradition. Families gathering for the holidays should enjoy the presence of a fresh, natural New York Christmas tree in their home,” said NYSDAM Commissioner Darrel J. Aubertine at an event in Albany last week. Three New York Christmas tree farms …