6 Ways to Keep Your Green Resolutions

‘Tis the season for new year’s resolutions. And what better foot to start on than by setting environmentally-friendly ones? From something as simple as reusable bags and glass drinking bottles to switching to eco-vehicles and traveling less, everyone can participate in setting resolves to help the planet.

January 26, 2021

By: Lucy Sherriff

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Check Your Bag Usage

Granted, taking a reusable bag to the store has become a little tricky thanks to COVID-19 regulations, with some stores disallowing customers to bring in their own bags. But in usual times, bringing your own cloth bag means you can avoid the dreaded plastic bag. In America alone, more than 100 billion plastic bags are used every year, an equivalent of 300 bags per person annually. Out of that, just 1% is recycled. The rest end up in landfills, or reach the sea, where they are deadly for marine wildlife.

Eat Less Meat

Of course, this is the most obvious one. Even if it’s one less meat-centered meal a day, it can make a huge difference. According to one expert, giving up beef would have even more of an impact than getting rid of cars. And with vegan food - and meat alternatives - becoming increasingly more commonplace (and tasty), there’s really no excuse to switch to veggies at least one night a week.

Switch to a Reusable Water Bottle

If you’re still using plastic bottles well...you shouldn’t. Reusable water bottles, especially the glass ones, have a huge impact on cutting down on plastic. Around a million plastic bottles are bought every minute around the world, and just 9% recycled. If you’ve already got your reusable bottle, then think about investing in a reusable coffee mug, straws, utensils–the list is endless.

Buy Secondhand

From furniture and clothes to cars and toys, buying secondhand means you’re saving that product from ending up in landfill, and not contributing to the consumerism that’s hurting the planet. Americans throw away around 10.5 million tons of clothing every year, and as 60% of clothing is made from synthetic materials, they sit in landfills for hundreds of years.

Go Electric

If a new car is on the cards for 2021, consider investing in a hybrid, or an electric vehicle - and you’ll save money to boot. These cars are good for your wallet, good for reducing carbon emissions, and good for cutting down on air pollution. Even if you’re not looking to buy a new car any time soon, try hopping on a bicycle or pounding the sidewalk instead: it’ll make you feel better regardless of what it’s doing for the planet.

Wash Your Denim Less

Not only does not washing your jeans less make them last long and fit better, but it saves on water and means the fibers don’t break down and end up in the ocean. Blue jeans have been found to be a major source of introduction of microfibers into the ocean and other aquatic environments. Their fibers have even been found as far afield as the Arctic. So next time, hang your jeans outside for a freshen up.

Small Changes Make a Big Difference

These are just a few ideas to get you started; there’s plenty more you can do to help the environment, from composting and eating sustainably caught fish, to only buying seasonal produce to reduce air miles, and offsetting your travel when you fly. So what are you waiting for?