As we step into the new year, it’s normal to plan major changes. But let’s face it– implementing them can be difficult. These ten green resolutions are so straightforward that you won’t have an excuse not to keep them. Taking on these environmentally-centered goals is an easy and rewarding way to reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier planet.
Never purchase bottled water again
Switching to an at-home filtration system and carrying a reusable bottle might save you up to $1,400 per year while decreasing the 17 million barrels of oil used in plastic bottles. Consider purchasing a filtering pitcher or faucet adapter to enjoy clean water without the environmental impact of single-use plastics.
Brew your own fair trade coffee
Choose Fair Trade coffee in an insulated travel mug to help minimize waste from disposable cups, which total 58 billion each year. Choose a French press over a coffee maker with disposable pods to reduce packaging waste while supporting ethical sourcing practices that assist farmers.
Cut back on paper towels
Replace disposable paper towels with reusable cotton cloths and fabric napkins to combat the 13 billion pounds of paper towel waste that ends up in landfills every day. Accept environmentally friendly cleaning methods; these cloth alternatives are just as simple to use and greatly minimize single-use waste.
Remember your reusable bags
Bringing reusable bags to the supermarket is a simple but efficient technique to reduce the roughly one million plastic bags discarded every minute. Keep reusable bags by the door or in your car to ensure they are always available for grocery shopping or other store visits.
Use a bicycle for short trips
Ride a bike for short distances of under two miles to reduce your carbon footprint, save money on petrol and vehicle maintenance, and improve your fitness. Incorporate cycling into your schedule for local errands, quick trips, or leisurely pastimes to promote a healthy lifestyle while lowering emissions. Is cycling not your thing? There are plenty of wonderful alternatives like skateboarding or rollerblading!
Eliminate phantom power
Turn off electrical devices in standby mode with power strips or invest in energy-efficient gadgets to save up to 10 percent on your annual energy expenses. Being mindful of electricity consumption can have a big influence on minimizing energy waste while maintaining convenience.
Order from your local CSA
Get fresh, local produce delivered to your house through a local Community-Supported Agriculture program, making healthy eating more easy. Supporting CSAs encourages sustainable farming while simultaneously lowering the carbon footprint of long-distance food transportation.
Become a part-time vegetarian
Reducing meat consumption by half can reduce your carbon footprint by around a ton per year, while also providing simple meat-free dinner options. Incorporate plant-based meals into your diet, experimenting with different vegetarian recipes to broaden your horizons while also helping the earth.
Switch to green power
Investigate renewable energy solutions provided by your local utility company to make a substantial environmentally friendly shift without requiring complex installations. Many energy providers provide renewable solutions, such as wind or solar energy, which allows you to power your home in a sustainable manner.
Replace your lightbulbs
Switching to efficient LED bulbs saves time and energy, reducing electricity consumption by as much as 80 percent. Consider replacing standard bulbs with LEDs, which not only last longer but also consume much less energy and result in cheaper electricity bills over time.
Adopting these simple but effective resolutions can result in big beneficial changes for the environment without disturbing your daily routine or requiring undue effort.
