With the new year upon us, I’m starting to think of my goals and resolutions for the year, with a special mind towards my eco friendly goals. I LOVE being excited for new growth and opportunities to improve myself and our lives. I have many goals in my head from keeping my relationship with the Boyfriend interesting and exciting, to focusing more on what we can do to help our planet thrive even more.
There are so many avenues of eco-friendly goals that we can set for ourselves. One goal could be to reduce our use of single-use plastics. This could involve bringing reusable bags to the grocery store, using a refillable water bottle, and saying no to plastic straws. Another goal could be to reduce our energy consumption by turning off lights and electronics when they are not in use, using energy-efficient light bulbs, and adjusting our thermostat to save energy. Or a loftier goal could be to rely more on renewable energy, like solar or wind power. We could also commit to eating more plant-based meals, reducing our meat consumption, and supporting local farmers and businesses. The possibilities are endless.
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Setting Eco Friendly Goals for the New Year
As the year winds down, the Boyfriend and I start setting intentions for the New Year. This past year we knew we wanted to have 12 new date ideas that we had never done before, and that this would be the year we jumped on solar. I’m super happy and proud to say that we accomplished both this year. And we had a blast. But with the new year, I want to add a couple of intentional eco-friendly goals to help us continue to build a sustainable lifestyle. Here are some tips to help you set and achieve your sustainable new year’s resolutions.
Understanding Environmental Sustainability
Before setting eco-friendly goals, it’s important that we understand not just what sustainability means, but what it means to each of us. There are some general overarching principles, but how we can apply it to all of our lives is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Sustainability is the ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In other words, we need to live in a way that doesn’t harm the environment or deplete natural resources, at least as much as we can.
To help achieve sustainability, we need add some eco-friendliness to our lifestyles, wherever we can. This means making conscious choices that reduce our impact on the environment. If we start thinking of our planet as a living, breathing being, I think we starting honoring her as we live gently on her. We can do this by reducing waste, conserving energy, or choosing environmentally friendly products.
Setting Realistic Sustainability Goals
When setting eco-friendly goals (or any goals, really) for the new year, it’s important to be realistic. Setting unrealistic goals can lead to disappointment and frustration, which can cause us to give up on our resolutions altogether. Start by identifying areas where you can make small changes that will have a big impact.
For example, you could start by reducing your plastic usage, conserving energy, or using public transport instead of driving your car. Or even learning more about our environment and sustainability can be a good goal, if you are just getting started. Make a list of your eco-friendly goals and break them down into smaller, achievable steps. This will help you stay motivated and track your progress.
Remember, setting eco-friendly goals is a journey, not a destination. It’s okay to make mistakes along the way. The important thing is to keep learning, moving forward, and making progress towards a more sustainable lifestyle.
Reducing Waste and Consumption
As we continue to strive to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle, reducing our consumption (first), and overall waste (second) is a crucial step. By making simple changes to our daily habits, we can significantly reduce our environmental impact and carbon footprint.
Responsible Consumption
Shopping sustainably is arguably the first (and most important) step in reducing waste and consumption. The overall goal is to only buy what we need and stop the over-consuming lifestyle many of us grew up in. Buying less is the easiest way to reduce the amount of waste we produce.
But when shopping, we can look for products that are made from sustainable materials and have minimal packaging. If buying in bulk is an option near you, this can reduce wasteful packaging. I’ve personally found that stores like Costco or Sam’s Club actually use more plastic packaging to wrap several items, like boxed pasta, together…so we have since stopped shopping at big-box style bulk stores.
Instead, we’ve started choosing products that are made (and/or grown) locally to reduce our carbon footprint. There’s a farm local-ish to us that grows their own wheat, mills it themselves, and packages it in 50lb paper bags. This saves us from having to go buy some every couple weeks (we make our own pizza every Friday night). And the paper bag is fully compostable. Most of the time my adulting-meter has been used up and it is tossed right into the compost bin without being shredded.
Another great way to shop sustainably is by choosing rechargeable batteries over traditional batteries. This reduces the amount of toxic waste we produce and saves us money in the long run.
Zero Waste and Sustainability Initiatives
One of the best ways to reduce waste is by adopting some zero waste principles. This means producing as little waste as possible and diverting all of your waste from landfills; for most people zero-waste isn’t entirely possible (not in today’s world), so our goal should be to start diverting some of our waste by composting food scraps and recycling what we can in your local area. By creating a compost pile, we have been able to turn food scraps and other organic waste into nutrient-rich soil. This reduces the amount of waste we send to landfills and helps us grow our own food.
Another way to reduce waste is by avoiding single-use plastic disposables. This includes things like plastic water bottles, paper towels (packaged in plastic), disposable razors, and even plastic bags. Instead, we can switch to reusable water bottles, cloth towels, a zero-waste safety razor, and reusable bags. This not only reduces waste but can also save us so much money in the long run.
Clean Energy and Resource Conservation
Conserving energy and resources is another crucial step in reducing our environmental impact. We can start by turning off lights and unplugging electronics when they’re not in use. We can also switch to energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances to reduce our energy consumption, as we need to replace our old ones (I’m 100% not an advocate for going out to buy more things to save our planet).
I’ve been trying to be better this past year, but I used to leave all my hotel lights on when I left for the day. I would NEVER do that at home, so I make a conscious effort to make sure they are all off when I leave the room now.
Another way to conserve resources is by recycling and reducing our use of plastics. By recycling, we can reduce the amount of waste we produce, while conserving natural resources.
Eco-Friendly Diet and Agriculture
When it comes to making goals for the new year, our diet and exercise habits are normally on everyone’s resolution list. And setting eco-friendly goals surrounding our diets or agriculture practices is a great place to start. By making small changes in our eating habits and supporting local produce, we can reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier planet.
Eating Less Meat
One of the most effective ways to reduce our carbon footprint is by eating less meat. According to The Guardian, avoiding meat and dairy products is the single biggest way to reduce our environmental impact. This doesn’t mean we have to become vegan or vegetarian overnight, but simply reducing our meat intake can make a significant difference. Try adding a Meatless Monday, or just cooking with more legumes to rotate out some of the meat in your life. This will not only help the planet, but it will 100% save you money, and also just might result in a healthier you.
Supporting Local Produce
Another way to make our diet more eco-friendly is by supporting local produce. Buying produce that is grown locally reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation and supports our local farmers. We can also look for organic produce which is grown without harmful pesticides and fertilizers.
Starting a Home Garden
Starting a home garden is a great way to reduce our carbon footprint and have access to fresh produce. You can start with a small windowsill garden or even a vertical garden to grow herbs and small vegetables. If you have slightly more space, maybe a no-dig garden is for you, or you can help to build a community garden to connect with others and grow a variety of produce. By growing our own produce, we reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation and packaging, and also have control over the use of pesticides and fertilizers. And the fruit and veggies just taste SO. MUCH. EFFING. BETTER.
Community and Lifestyle Changes
Making eco-friendly goals doesn’t just benefit us as individuals, but also the community around us. Here are some ways we can engage with our local communities, adopt green routines, and volunteer for advocacy.
Engaging with Local Communities
Engaging with local communities is a great way to spread awareness and learn about eco-friendly practices. Swapping items with neighbors can reduce waste and save money. Community gardens are a fantastic way to grow your own produce, start composting to reduce food waste, and meet your neighbors. By speaking up and sharing our knowledge, we can inspire others to join us in our journey towards a sustainable lifestyle.
Adopting Green Routines
Adopting green routines is an effective way to reduce our environmental impact. Simple changes like turning off lights when leaving a room, using reusable bags, and opting for public transportation can make a big difference. We can also upcycle old items and donate them to charity instead of throwing them away. By making these small changes, we can reduce our carbon footprint and inspire others to do the same.
Volunteering and Advocacy
Volunteering and advocacy are great ways to make a difference in our community. We can volunteer for environmental organizations or participate in beach cleanups to help protect wildlife and nature. We can also donate to organizations that support eco-friendly causes. By taking action and speaking up about climate change, we can help create a better future for ourselves and future generations.
Sustainable Choices in Daily Life
At our core, we all want to make a more positive impact on the planet. One way we can do this is by making eco-friendly choices in our daily lives. Here are some simple yet effective ways we can reduce the overall impact we have on our environment everyday:
Eco-Friendly Product Swaps
By choosing eco-friendly products, we can reduce the amount of waste we produce. For example, instead of using single-use water bottles, we can invest in a reusable water bottle. Similarly, instead of using plastic bags, we can use reusable bags. We can also switch to using reusable utensils, straws, toothbrushes, razors, and cloth napkins. Another way to reduce waste is by using rechargeable batteries instead of disposable ones.
Green Transportation Options
Transportation is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. We can reduce our carbon footprint by choosing green transportation options. Walking, biking, and carpooling are all great ways to reduce our impact. If we need to drive, we can consider investing in an electric car, or by combining multiple trips to be as fuel-efficient as possible.
Home Efficiency Upgrades
Our homes consume a lot of energy (especially in the United States), but we can reduce our energy consumption by making some simple upgrades. For example, we can switch to LED light bulbs, which use less energy than traditional bulbs. We can also install a smart power strip to reduce standby power consumption. Upgrading our home’s insulation and sealing ducts can also help reduce energy consumption. Finally, we can reduce our water consumption by taking shorter showers and fixing leaks.
Final Thoughts on Setting Eco Friendly Goals
As we wrap up our discussion on setting eco-friendly goals, just remember that every little bit counts. I’m not sure what my specific planet friendly goals are this year, but I do know they include planting more native plants around our property, and embracing minimalism a little bit more. Whether it’s cutting down on single-use plastics, carpooling to work, or supporting sustainable brands, we all have the power to make a difference. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about making progress. Just keep on making those small changes and encouraging others to do the same. And hey, celebrating the wins along the way is important too! Whether it’s hitting a milestone in reducing your carbon footprint or getting your community involved in a recycling program, take a moment to pat yourself on the back. We’re all in this together, and every positive step we take adds up in the long run. So keep up the good work, stay informed, and let’s continue to strive for a greener, more sustainable future. Cheers to making a difference, one eco-friendly goal at a time!
