Phew, the year is over! With a climbing interest in environmental issues, it’s time we went full-speed to make the most positive impact on our earth in our sustainable new year’s resolutions. And why now? Because we are tired of seeing tornadoes demolishing homes, record-breaking extreme weather patterns, and a lack of clean air. Climate change is the result of our actions. So make your personal goal have a universal effect.
Since it’s the end of the year and we’re on the topic, I want to thank a few environmental enthusiasts who’ve rattled some cages:
Thank you Greta Thunberg for your influence on younger generations. Thank you Immy Lucas for your creation of the Low Impact Movement (low impact is still a positive impact). And thank you to The Water Brothers, who help us learn about the pollution of oceans and waterways.
Onto the new year, let’s explore some of the best new year’s resolutions for a more sustainable future.
Go Plastic-Free
In 2019, 368 million metric tons of plastic were produced, according to Statista. To give you an idea, 1 ton is 2,204.6 pounds….yikes…
So please please please be mindful of how much plastic you bring into your home. By avoiding plastic purchases and making easy plastic swaps (below), there will be less need for this harmful material, thus less production.
Educate yourself on going zero-waste with my Z.O. Series! One of the best new years resolutions you can make is protecting our planet because it starts with you.
Vegan for a Month
Or a week, or even a few days. Studies say being vegan is very good for the environment because you are eating plant-based foods and avoiding dairy and meat.
It may seem difficult to give up meat, but maintaining “livestock (including poultry) accounts for about 14.5% of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions” according to ZME Science. Anthropogenic means human-produced instead of naturally occurring. By dismissing meat and dairy, you’re reducing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions.
Drive Less
Unless you have an electric car or you ride your bike, try driving a little less for your new year’s resolutions. Transportation makes up over 50% of CO2 emissions which means it’s best to carpool, run errands in one big sweep, and avoid driving at night (most bad decisions happen after 11 pm).
Join an Environmentally-Friendly Community
In the TIMES happiness magazine, they point out the strength behind having a community. People to rely on and share in your passions will promote happier well-being. Making this your new year’s resolution benefits a network of sustainably-friendly thinking and creates a more pleasant you. Spread the love.
Don’t know where to find one? I got you 😉
Make a Goal
Setting goals for yourself is the best way to uphold your new year’s resolutions. Duh, you say, isn’t a new year’s resolution a goal? Mm, sort of. A goal is something you want to enjoy along the way. You may want to lose 20 pounds but in order to be happy with that goal, you want to respect the journey. Click to see my post on goal setting technique and achievement.
Shop Consignment
Recycle your clothing. In my town, there is a consignment shop called Labels and I fell in love with it. People buy and donate their clothing and home goods to this shop so you can reuse them instead of waste them!
Find a consignment shop near you and just wander to feel the memories around you. The prices are low so you can save money in the new year!
Prefer high-quality brands? Be sure to check out sustainable clothing brands within those consignment shops.
Try a Gratitude Journal
The Hollywood Reporter says one of the best new year’s resolutions is to make or start a gratitude journal. Especially after what the past few years have brought, it’s time to show thanks to your personal growth, and the good things happening around us because they are there.
If you aren’t a writer, try saying a few lines out loud about what you’re thankful for. This could be a part of your self-care morning routine, or even as an effective self-love technique to reduce anxiety.
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The best new year’s resolutions are the ones you’re passionate about and have the drive to achieve. Incorporating sustainable thinking into your new year’s resolutions will make you and the environment happy.
For more ways of greener living, try this one out for size: 15 Tips for Everyday Green Living.
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