Have you made any New Year’s Resolutions? Have you already given them up? Although they are stereotypically impossible to keep, this year I am challenging everyone to make 2 or 3 February resolutions related to the environment. February is the shortest month of the year, so it’s the perfect time to challenge yourself to do something new. Check out these 9 ideas for living a more environmentally friendly year, try some out this February, and then stick with them!
The first three options are – SURPRISE! – about shopping
1. Don’t shop until you’ve looked for a sustainable option.
I made this resolution over a year ago and I was shocked by how difficult it was to find sustainable products. It was this struggle that motivated me to start my website so I could help others overcome this issue. For the past year, whenever I need to buy something new, I have forced myself to research sustainable options first before going to Amazon, Target, etc. My personal needs often motivate my article choices. So, before you click purchase (because everything seems to be online these days), pause and check out my website or do a quick search to see if there is a more sustainable alternative. We live in an economy spurred by the overconsumption of goods.
2. Pause before you buy and ask, do I really need this?
This resolution will not only help the environment, it will also help your wallet. We all know how exciting it is to get a package delivered with a new purchase, but the fast fashion industry is also extremely bad for the environment. So, make a conscious effort this year to buy everything with purpose. We all splurge on items we don’t need on occasion, it’s natural, but we should still be aware of how these purchasing decisions impact the environment.
3. Try out a thrift store.
Your wallet will thank me. Thrift stores/consignment shops are often overlooked, but they can have some hidden treasures that are a fraction of their market value. Or better yet, consign some of your clothes at a consignment/thrift store. You’ll get some cash and give your old clothes a new life.
4. Try out reusable grocery bags AND reusable produce bags.
This is such an easy alternative to using the single use plastic bags available at grocery stores. Plus, they’re way more durable so you don’t have to worry about your bags breaking with your heavy groceries. Check out my favorite brand here.
5. Make a sustainable go bag for your car.
We are all guilty of making unplanned errands or stopping for meals when we go out, so keep a little bag in your car with the sustainable essentials so you’re never caught by surprise. Take a reusable grocery bag, a produce bag, a set of utensils, a straw, and a reusable water bottle and keep them in the trunk of your car so you’re always prepared. I have lots of suggestions in my household items section.
6. Reduce your energy usage by 20%.
I know this is a difficult goal especially because it’s hard to know where to start. Luckily, I have an article explaining how you can reduce your energy consumption. There are so many areas where we waste energy without even realizing it. And oftentimes when we leave devices or appliances plugged in, they still use energy. Check out my article here to find tips and also some smart power strips that will make your life way easier.
7. Loop your errands together.
If you can, plan to go grocery shopping after your dentist appointment, stop at the drug store on the way home, and reduce the amount of times you’re driving. This not only reduces your gas mileage, it can hopefully further limit potential COVID-19 exposure by reducing the amount of times you’re leaving the house.
8. Cut out plastic.
In the year of COVID, I think we are all guilty of using more plastic than usual. Things that normally were reused are being thrown out to stop disease spread. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t try to avoid plastic. Use that go-bag in your car, stop buying plastic water bottles, and consider switching to more sustainable hair and makeup products that don’t use plastic at all.
9. Look at the label before you buy a product.
There are so many choices when it comes to products that you use in your home and on your body. Why expose yourself to toxins when there are other options available? READ YOUR LABELS! There’s an app called “Think Dirty” that will tell you if a product is free of toxic ingredients. Take control over what comes into your home. To learn more about what to avoid, check out my “Toxins” section.
I challenge you to choose 3 options from this list and stick with them! Once you form new habits, you’ll realize how easy it is to live a more sustainable lifestyle.
