If you’re thinking about making a sustainable change in 2021, you’re not alone. In a recent survey, over a third of people stated they had New Year’s Resolutions Inspired by environmentalism.
Simply changing your lifestyle with a click of your fingers is more difficult than you’d probably imagine. Where do you start? What changes do you make?
If you’re feeling a little bit lost – fear not. We’ve compiled a list of 30 Eco-friendly New Year’s Resolutions you can make for 2021.
Image by Christine Aubé
1 – Become plastic-free
Plastic was once considered a utopian material. Now we have the data that suggests otherwise. With trillions of pieces of plastic ending up in our oceans, plastic has become an ecological disaster. By eliminating plastic from your life you’ll be contributing positively to the environment. If you can’t commit entirely (understandably) focus on simple changes such as adopting a plastic-free toothbrush.
2 – Go for sustainable fashion
Changing the way you spend money on fashion can have a big impact. The fashion industry is a considerable contributor to climate change so opting for brands who make their clothing out of sustainable materials is a great resolution for 2021.
3 – Create an eco-friendly bathroom
Swapping out all of the plastic is a good place to start in your bathroom. Toothbrushes, cotton buds, and plastic liquid containers are all common items that can be swapped with an eco-alternative. Think outside the box too – plastic soap dishes can easily be replaced by a sustainable version like bamboo.
4 – Try going meatless
The meat industry is not only polluting but is cruel to the animals farmed. Whilst meat can be a great source of protein which many might not want to give up entirely, you could always opt for ‘meatless Mondays’ where you commit to not eating meat at least once a week.
5 – Use public transport
Cars are incredibly inefficient when it comes to the emissions produced per person. Most car journeys contain on average less than 2 people per car. By opting for public transport when you can, you’ll be saving on wasted emissions.
6 – Take upcycling
Further to public transport, if you live in a city or large town, cycling is often a great way to get around. You won’t get stuck in traffic, you won’t emit any CO2 and you’ll get fit in the process – what’s not to love?
7 – Change your energy supplier
If your energy supplier is one of the more polluting companies such as British Gas it might be time to consider a switch. Whilst the cost of a renewable energy company might be slightly higher than your current price you could probably get a discount for jumping ship.
8- Think circular
Swapping items with friends not only saves you money but also saves on the creation of new products and the associated energy with that. Finished with a book? Try a book swap with a friend. Looking for a new outfit? See if you know anyone who is willing to sell theirs to you.
9 – Shop locally
By shopping locally you can minimize the emissions associated with longer trips whilst helping out your local economy. Win-win.
10 – Ditch disposable for reusable
Items like makeup wipes, coffee cups, and cling-film are all disposable. Seeking out their reusable alternatives will save the environment as well as your pocket. For example, purchasing a reusable coffee mug would save an estimated 100 disposable cups going to landfill every year in the UK. As well as saving the environment you can also get a discount in many cafes that encourage reuse.
11 – Buy less stuff in 2021 than you did in 2020
Thinking twice about whether you truly need something will be beneficial to the environment. In a world run on consumerism, slowing down the output of useless fad-products is a good way to reduce overall emissions. This has the additional benefits of saving you money too.
Whilst there are many more ways you can start to live a more sustainable lifestyle in 2021, these tips are a good starting point for anyone.
