The new year is a good time to make some changes. Most resolutions are based on personal goals or growth, but by the third week of January many of us are already finding excuses to skip the gym or make time to learn that new language. Why not try dedicating some of your new year energy to the planet? It’s the perfect time to think of ways you could have a more positive impact on the environment.
Here are 12 green resolutions anyone can add to their day-to-day routine:
Switching from paper to electronic billing helps the planet by reducing paper usage and cutting down on carbon emissions from paper production. Another bonus, you can also reduce unwanted clutter and paper waste in your home.
While we’re on the topic of saving paper, why not try an e-receipt? E-receipts are digital receipts that are sent to customers electronically via email or text instead of printing a traditional paper copy. More businesses are offering e-receipts which means less paper waste, ultimately contributing to conservation efforts. Plus, e-receipts are way easier to keep up with.
An easy swap to try at home is washing your clothes in cold water instead of hot water. It conserves energy by not using as much power to heat the water. Using cold water is also better for keeping the color of your clothes from fading as quickly. No matter what temperature you use, try to wash only full loads to conserve water.
Another laundry related energy saver is to skip the dryer and take those clothes outside. You can hang your laundry on a clothesline or rack and go about with your day. Air drying will save you money, plus, when you stop using your dryer, your favorite clothes will last longer too.
Paper towels are convenient, but they have a huge impact on the environment. They also produce a large amount of waste. Switching to reusable alternatives like cloth, microfiber, or bamboo-based towels help reduce waste, and cutting back on paper towel usage is a great way to reduce household expenses.
This might be a tougher one to stick to, and even a little intimidating at first, but planning out your meals can benefit your health, your wallet, and the environment. Between grocery stores and kitchens at home, 40% of food is wasted each year. Meal planning, cookbooks, and batch cooking can make cooking from scratch easier. Sticking to recipes and only buying what you need will save you money, plus cut down on extra packaging. Freeze a few of those dinners and they’ll come in handy on those nights you don’t feel like cooking.
Another small and impactful step for reducing waste is replacing items in your home with reusable counterparts. Reusable containers are eco-friendly as they significantly reduce single-use plastic trash. Single use plastic bottles, food storage containers, and even sandwich bags can easily be replaced with metal, glass, or even silicone. If you’re feeling crafty, consider creating your own snack bags with this tutorial.
Composting is fantastic for the environment! It reduces the amount of organic waste sent to landfills. Composting turns waste into nutrient-rich soil that enhances gardens, reduces the need for chemical fertilizer, and promotes healthier plant growth. Curious how to get started? It’s as simple as starting a pile in your backyard. Read more about the basics of composting and how to begin.
Another quick and easy adjustment is changing the temperature setting on your water heater. The common temperature is 140 degrees, but many household needs can be met with the temperature lowered to 120 degrees.
We want less clutter. Many of us have unwanted items to get rid of, and most of us try to knock out this task at the beginning of the year. Whether it’s old furniture or appliances, it’s best to dispose of them efficiently. Contributing items to a local donation center is the ultimate form of recycling, and as the old saying goes, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” You can find more ideas here.
Many of us incorporate getting more movement in for the new year. While out on your morning walk or hike, why not take a few minutes to pick up unwanted litter? Known as “plogging,” it began in Sweden in 2016 as a recreational activity that combines jogging with picking up trash. You don’t have to be an athlete to plog—many people participate while walking around their neighborhoods and parks, strolling on the beach, and even while skateboarding! Learn more about plogging.
A faucet that leaks at a rate of one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons of water a year. That’s the equivalent of 180 showers! If you see any leaks from your bathroom or kitchen faucets, be sure to repair them as soon as possible to conserve water.
Choosing eco-friendly New Year’s resolutions can have a significant positive impact on our planet. By incorporating these greener resolutions, you can help reduce waste, conserve resources, and contribute to a healthier earth. You’ll also save money, improve your health, and maybe even inspire others to do the same. Here’s to a happy, healthy, and greener new year!
