Save the planet with your new year’s resolutions throughout 2019.
It’s no secret that there are little things we can all do to help improve the environment. Use less plastic. Take your own cup to the coffee shop. Only print things out if you really need to. Turn off the lights.
When it comes to new year’s resolutions, your priorities are probably a little more focused on your own and your family’s wellbeing, but there are plenty of things you can do in 2019 that will help you, your family and the planet.
Improve your health.
This year why not resolve to get outdoors more? Just being outdoors is proven to boost energy levels, help with seasonal affective disorder and even enhance creativity. Additionally, walking will make your heart healthier, help regulate blood pressure and improve circulation. 30 minutes a day is generally recommended, but if you’re not tied to the office why not head out on a longer excursion and take some lunch? In the colder weather try taking some warming soup along. You could also resolve to make healthier choices in your diet. Have a go at meat-free Mondays, take lunch and snacks to work to avoid the temptation of the vending machine and make an effort to drink more water.
Why the planet will thank you:
Recent studies show that reducing your intake of dairy and meat products is one of the biggest ways you can reduce your environmental impact. Also, using reusable bottles and containers for your food and water when you’re out and about will help cut your use of plastics, boosting your green credentials. There are some great canisters and bottles on the market, including ones that will maintain temperature and not impart flavour on your food or drink.
Work/Life Balance
Wanting to spend more time with the family is something we’d all like to do. This year spend more quality time with the kids by cutting back on screen time - this means yours as well as theirs! Parents get irritated when their kids are glued to a screen, but if we’re honest, most of us are guilty of glancing at our phones a bit too often! If this is something your family struggles with, remember that many smart devices can now be programmed to turn themselves off after a set amount of time. Another great way to take time out with your nearest and dearest is with a short break. This year why not try a staycation and go camping with the family?
Why the planet will thank you:
If you opt to stay in the country for your annual getaway, you’ll be saving on air miles and reducing your carbon footprint, so it’s definitely an environmentally-friendly resolution. Reducing the use of any electrical gadgets will also have a positive effect on the planet if enough of us do it!
Cut Waste
Whether it’s food, packaging or even clothes, it’s probably fair to say that we all create too much waste. This year try making a concerted effort to cut back on yours. You can reduce your food waste by making a list of all your meals for the week and write a shopping list so you’re only buying what you need. You can also avoid throwing food out by taking leftovers for lunch in a reusable food canister. Why not also look at your use of single use plastics and packaging and see if you can swap things like disposable plastic straws for reusable stainless steel ones.
Why the planet will thank you:
Reducing waste of any kind is a great way to do your bit for the planet, but where you can’t find reusable substitutes for the things you’re throwing away, try to ensure they can at least be recycled.
