Do you find yourself setting New Year’s resolutions each year?
Surprisingly, only 27% of UK adults made resolutions, while nearly 39% of their counterparts in the US did, according to Statista.
However, a commitment to becoming more eco-friendly is notably missing from these lists.
It’s a missed opportunity because taking care of our planet is not just a noble cause but a necessity.
Without a sustainable environment, our goals and aspirations lose their significance. The urgency to address the climate crisis should be an integral part of our New Year’s resolutions.
In this post, I’ll unveil 10 simple and achievable resolutions for a more eco-friendly 2024.
These practical steps can be tailored to your circumstances, allowing you to start small and gradually build momentum. Join me in making a positive impact on our planet—one resolution at a time
Enlighten Your Eco-Consciousness Through Reading
Embarking on a journey of self-improvement begins with meaningful actions aligned with our individual values. Enter the gateway to significance: reading.
Incorporating reading into your routine offers a profound way to deepen your understanding of crucial topics like climate change and carbon footprints.
It’s a tool to unravel the complexities of the unknown, enabling you to see the bigger picture clearly.
To kickstart your eco-literary adventure, I’ve curated a climate change reading list, a valuable resource for anyone looking to delve into this critical subject.
The key here is not to rush but to savour the experience. Allocate just a few minutes each day—perhaps two to three pages—and let the knowledge gradually unfold.
Create a repository of insights that resonate with you, and, most importantly, integrate these learnings into your daily life.
After all, awareness cultivated through reading can transform your perspective, making you more conscious of the impact of your daily activities on greenhouse emissions and empowering you to take actionable steps to reduce your carbon footprint.
Stride into Sustainability: Walk or Cycle
Did you know that a simple shift from driving to walking or cycling one day a week can significantly reduce your carbon footprint?
A study by the University of Oxford’s Transport Studies Unit highlights this eco-friendly revelation.
Imagine the collective impact if everyone embraced this change – not only would greenhouse emissions plummet, but we’d also breathe cleaner air, save on petrol, and boost our physical well-being.
If just 10% of the population were to change travel behaviour, the emissions savings would be around 4% of lifecycle CO2 emissions from all car travel.
Dr Christian Brand
Living in a town or city? Make it a resolution to walk whenever possible.
I’ve personally adopted this approach, choosing to walk for short journeys, from town errands to visits with friends and family. I’ve even swapped weekend car trips for local walks, discovering hidden gems in my own neighbourhood and appreciating the natural beauty around me.
Let’s be mindful of our vehicle usage, considering the environmental repercussions of fuel consumption. Together, let’s step towards a sustainable future, one stride at a time.
Embrace Plant-Powered Eating
Did you know that what’s on your plate can play a pivotal role in combating climate change?
According to WWF, the meat and dairy industries contribute to a staggering 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Shifting towards a plant-based diet not only helps reduce this environmental burden but also has profound health benefits.
Research from the WHO Collaborating Centre for Nutrition and the University of Warwick reveals that a plant-based diet could cut diet-related land use by 76% and diet-related greenhouse gas emissions by 49%.
This dietary shift also champions water conservation, with just 1000 litres needed to produce 1 kg of grain compared to a staggering 43,000 litres for 1 kg of beef.
Concerned about getting enough nutrition on a plant-based diet? Fear not. Planning meals strategically and understanding the components of a balanced, healthy plant-based diet is the key.
I, for one, have experienced the transformative effects firsthand. Despite being a meat enthusiast in the past, eliminating meats and seafood from my diet has not only enhanced my well-being but also left me feeling younger and more energized.
Revitalize, Don’t Discard: Embrace Repair & Reuse
Not long ago, I was handed a Ninja 2-in-1 blender with a leaking issue. Rather than seeing it destined for the landfill, I welcomed the challenge.
Upon investigation, I discovered a missing gasket rubber sealing ring was the culprit. A simple replacement from Amazon and the blender was as good as new.
This experience underscored the power of repairing and reusing items. It’s a commitment to extending the lifespan of our possessions, showcasing a genuine concern for the resources invested in their production and a dedication to curbing waste.
With the global impact of waste on all living creatures’ environment, health, and habitats, reducing our waste footprint becomes paramount.
Let’s break free from the ‘out of sight, out of mind’ mentality. Our waste doesn’t vanish; it accumulates in landfills, releasing pollutants into the air, water, and soil.
As waste decomposes, it generates harmful greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to global warming. Join the movement of revitalizing, not discarding, and make a lasting impact on our planet.
Make Composting Your Sustainable Resolution
Tackling waste, especially kitchen and garden refuse, can be achieved through composting—a practice with a multitude of benefits:
- Waste reduction: Composting significantly cuts down on overall waste.
- Chemical-Free gardening: Less reliance on chemical pests and fertilizers for a healthier, more natural approach to gardening.
- Carbon emission reduction: By repurposing kitchen waste, we contribute to reducing carbon emissions associated with landfill disposal.
- Enhanced soil health: Compost enriches soil with organic matter, fostering fertility and improving overall health.
- Water retention: Plants thrive in compost-rich soil, retaining water more efficiently.
- Cost savings: Composting at home saves money on store-bought soil improvers or compost.
Starting your composting journey doesn’t require fancy equipment.
I made my compost bin from spare blocks found in my garden, creating a simple rectangle with a space in the middle for composting. Covering the top with a patio tile, while optional, helps regulate rainwater intake.
Concerned about odours? No worries!
Properly layered and turned every two or three weeks, a compost pile remains odour-free. Begin your composting adventure in the new year—a small step for you, a giant leap for sustainable living!
Find Strength in Like-Minded Communities
Embarking on the journey of environmental advocacy can sometimes feel isolating.
Consider Greta Thunberg, the Swedish environmental activist who initially stood alone in her school strike for the climate crisis in 2018.
Despite facing scepticism and pity from passersby, Greta’s determination attracted others to her cause, eventually leading to the formation of ‘Fridays for Future‘—a global movement that raised awareness about climate-related issues.
If you find yourself as the lone climate warrior in your social circles, seek out and join like-minded communities.
Just as Greta found strength in solidarity, these communities offer support, shared ideas, and a platform for collective growth and learning. Numerous climate action groups on social media platforms are open for public participation.
Beyond the virtual realm, actively engage with local communities for a more tangible sense of belonging, fostering the ability to tackle challenges together as a united team.
Make Conscious Choices to Fly Less
Consider the frequency of your flights each year, particularly those for leisure.
While my company minimizes overseas business trips, I used to embark on two to three-holiday flights annually.
However, a shift has occurred in recent years. Opting for only one long-haul flight to my home country, I embraced staycations for the rest of the year.
It’s crucial to recognize the environmental impact of the aviation industry, which is responsible for over 850 million tonnes of yearly carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, constituting around 2% of global CO2 emissions.
Yet, CO2 isn’t the sole concern; airports contribute to water pollution and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emissions from aircraft and ground vehicles, accompanied by noise pollution affecting surrounding communities.
A simple yet impactful resolution is to curtail air travel, which can slash your carbon footprint by up to 50% annually.
While the allure of cheap flight tickets may be tempting, the hidden cost—the harm inflicted on our planet—should give us pause before booking that next flight.
Embrace Conscious Consumerism
As the holiday shopping season tempts us with the latest gadgets, it’s worth reflecting on our buying habits.
Perhaps you’ve indulged in new devices, only to realize your older versions are still functional. I’ve been there, upgrading phones, tablets, and earphones when the older ones were perfectly fine.
This cycle changed when I grasped the environmental toll of consumerism, particularly over-consumption—the act of acquiring things we don’t truly need. This behaviour depletes natural resources and contributes to Earth’s pollution.
Enter the insight from the author of the book ‘How Bad are Bananas?: The Carbon Footprint of Everything,’ who argues that everything has a carbon footprint, and secondhand items are no exception.
Recognizing this, buying less isn’t just financially savvy; it’s environmentally responsible.
Most everyday products come swathed in plastic packaging or are composed of plastic, contributing to pollution.
Before making a purchase, ask yourself: Do I genuinely need it, or is it a fleeting desire? Be honest, liberate yourself from unnecessary financial burdens, and contribute to a healthier planet.
Conserve Energy for a Greener Future
How often do you leave lights on in empty rooms or ignore that persistent tap drip?
As we approach the new year, let’s collectively become more attuned to our home energy consumption—be it lights, water, or heating. A mindful reduction in energy usage not only conserves resources but also decreases the burning of fossil fuels.
Embarking on this energy-saving journey can begin with simple steps:
- Illuminate responsibly: Switch to energy-efficient LEDs.
- Light discipline: Turn off lights upon leaving a room and power down standby appliances overnight.
- Tackle leaks: Address any dripping taps in your home and garden.
- Waste not, want not: Reuse kitchen water for plants and hand-washing water to flush the toilet.
- Temperature tune-up: Ensure optimal room temperature settings during winter.
For those ready to invest, consider installing double-glazed windows or wall insulation to enhance home energy efficiency and reduce your carbon footprint.
By adopting these practices, we contribute to a sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle.
Embrace Progress, Not Perfection
The pursuit of perfection often paralyzes us from taking the first step toward positive change. The reality is that no one has mastered anything from day one.
The quest for perfection sets unrealistic expectations, leading to frustration and demotivation, ultimately deterring us from initiating our goals for the new year.
Climate action demands a serious commitment, making it all the more vital to shift our focus from unattainable perfection to practical day-to-day actions.
We don’t need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly
Anne Marie Bonneau, Zero Waste Chef
Taking a stance against climate change requires reflection on our daily routines and a commitment to adjusting them for eco-friendliness. It’s the ongoing process of learning, doing, and reflecting that truly makes a difference.
In the pursuit of a sustainable new year, let’s cast aside the shackles of perfectionism. Recognize that small, consistent actions contribute significantly to caring for the Earth and cultivating a more sustainable future.
Progress, not perfection, is the key to lasting change.
