10 eco-friendly New Year’s resolutions for 2021
With the new year just around the corner, many of us are looking for some New Year’s resolutions to pick up. While you can make lasting change any time of the year, and you don’t need to make a resolution to do so, there’s something especially motivating about doing so while stepping into the new year.
We’ve put together some of our favourite eco-friendly New Year’s resolutions you may want to pick up in 2021, to live a more sustainable lifestyle!
1: Start composting
Our food waste and scraps are becoming increasingly problematic – not just from a humanitarian point of view. Any time they’re disposed of in the landfill, they produce methane because they lack access to oxygen.
Composting helps prevent that – and you can do it from anywhere, there are even apartment and flat friendly options.
2: Ditch plastic bottles
Here’s one of the simpler ones – get yourself an eco-friendly reusable bottle made from stainless steel or glass and refill it on the go, rather than buying bottled water.
3: Switch to rechargeable batteries
Did you know that it takes nearly 50 times more energy to produce a lithium battery than it will provide? That’s a lot of electricity, often coming from fossil fuels.
Switching to rechargeable batteries is a super simple swap which will also save you money over time!
4: Become a more eco-friendly driver
You could save a lot of petrol if you kept the planet in mind when driving. The first step to take is reduce the amount of quick accelerating and hard breaking. Some cars even let you know if you’re driving sustainably!
5: Start growing your own food
The most sustainable foods are ones you can grow yourself. You don’t necessarily have to become an avid gardener to do this – something as simple as a few planter pots with herbs on your kitchen windowsill is an excellent start.
6: Eat less meat
Meat and other animal products come at a steep environmental cost – especially if you consume them often. Set a goal for reducing your consumption, whether that be having meatless dinners on weekdays or going vegan by the end of the year!
7: Buy less stuff
Yes, sometimes eco-friendly habits are as simple as that. Choose to simply buy less and make use of what you already have. Usually, the most sustainable solution to a problem you’re having is already in your home.
8: Make use of public transport, walk or cycle
How often do you make use of the public transport in your area? This is an excellent way to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle and save money at the same time. Or could you walk or cycle? This not only helps you stay fit and healthy, but it is also great for you mental well-being with no nasty emissions.
9: Install water-saving tap extensions
You could significantly reduce your water consumption this way, just with a small investment. The water pressure won’t be affected, as the extension disperses water into smaller streams.
10: Wash your laundry at a lower temperature
If you don’t need to disinfect the laundry you’re washing, simply reduce the temperature you wash it at. This is an easy eco-friendly resolution for anyone who’s just getting started. It costs nothing, in fact, it saves you money.
Start composting! This has been on my “to do” list for couple of years…
We hear ya, Hilda. Fashion in particular is such a big cuprit
Buy less stuff..I could save a fortune in the process. Throwaway culture is something I passionately want to change.