Setting Sustainable Resolutions to Help the Environment
The New Year is a classic time to make a pledge, that will hopefully last. While it is true that many people will give up their pledge, choosing a target that is manageable and maintaining is a positive step. I firmly believe that small positive long-lasting action is greater than large actions that could be overwhelming, so by embracing one or more resolutions carefully we can make a big difference.
Ditching any unnecessary trip in car
Cars are great means of getting from one point to another; however, your target might be to walk to the local shops rather than drive; though this target needs to be achievable. If you live somewhere remote, walking might not be a suitable option, likewise your age and fitness. According to 2021 data, more than half of all daily trips in the US were less than three miles. Before getting in the car, consider if you can walk, bicycle or use public transport to get to where I want to go.
Cook More from Scratch
Takeaways are easy food, but often cost much money and aren't healthy. Try dusting down your favourite cookbook and cook some recipes from it. If you do not own any cookbooks, plenty of online websites offer free recipes. If you can cook a meal in a larger batch and freeze it, that is even better, as it allows you to cook on days when you have more time.
Average spend per person per year rose by 42 percent over two years: from £452 in 2019 to £641 in 2021
KPMG
Buy Nothing New
Try buying nothing new for a whole month or year. That may sound ambitious, and you should focus on purchasing no new technology or clothes. For example, set limits such as only second-hand purchases except for food, toiletries, medicines, consumables, underwear, and shoes. Make sure to communicate this with anyone taking part.
Start a New Hobby
Ditch the computer and look at starting a new hobby. You can read more and get into art, walking, or photography. Choose something you enjoy, and do not pressure yourself, as your talent will shine with time.
Donate Regularly
Locate where your local charity shops are and see what they can accept. Suppose you have items you do not need; consider giving them a second life and raising money for a charity. I have worked for a charity for five years; it is precious; if you have any spare time, could you donate a few hours to support a charity shop?
Remember your Reusable Bags
We have all experienced the regret of commuting to a shop and remembering we left the reusable bag at home. Put reusable items in a location you will go past, such as near the door or your coat. If you drive to get groceries, leave a few bags in the car.
Read more
Reading is something I require help to do; while I can find the time to read, I just cannot get engrossed in a book. Audiobooks work best for me, and I play to that strength.
Start Composting
If you have a garden, consider setting up a small compost bin to throw all your fruit and veg scraps in there. If you cannot compost, see if local allotments have compost bins and are okay with you adding to them.
Recycle Bathroom Waste
We have many cosmetics stored in bathrooms. Look at the packaging and see what can and cannot be recycled. Consider putting a small bin in your bathroom to make recycling easier. Toilet roll tubes can be recycled or shredded and added to your compost heap.
Get a Friend on Board
Educate friends or family on environmentalism. Please do not force them into anything they feel uncomfortable doing; educating people is essential. Tell them about your journey and what you have done, and why you got into it. You could invite them into groups in your favour.
Declutter a Room
Earlier, we spoke about donating to charity/thrift shops. One way to achieve this is passing items on that you are not using. By decluttering you are passing on items which may help others, and reducing the amount you need to clean, if on work surfaces.
