With the new year fast approaching, it’s worth looking back over what you have done in the past year. This is a time for reflection and the gathering of memories before 2017 fades into history and 2018 dawns.
Of course, the dawn of 2018 brings a fresh new start, a chance to craft an entirely new story from the 12 months ahead of you – and it’s definitely the perfect time to start thinking about a few eco-friendly switches that you could introduce to your life.
A New Year’s resolution not just for you, but for the earth as well.
Not sure what your eco-friendly New Year resolutions should be? Read on for a few helpful suggestions that should appeal to experienced eco-friendly people and those who are just starting out on the road to being environmentally conscious…
Resolution: “I will always take reusable bags to the grocery store.”
Paper and plastic bags issued by grocery stores are unnecessary polluters, even those that claim to be recycled. Switch to a reusable bag, such as a canvas tote, every time you go to the store. It helps to keep a spare bag in the car for those impromptu shopping trips, too!
Resolution: “I will only buy fish from sustainable sources.”
Overfishing is a serious problem facing the global ecosystem, and one you can help to prevent by only buying fish from sources that seek to tackle the issue. The likes of those at www.GlobalSalmonInitiative.org are doing great work at providing sustainable, reliable sources of fish without worsening the overfishing issue, so start checking labels to see how your fish is being farmed.
Resolution: “I will have one electricity-free day per month.”
Going electricity-free for an entire day is tougher than it might initially sound (though, obviously, you can make exceptions for essential devices such as medical equipment or your fridge). We’re all so used to turning to our phones, computers, and TVs for entertainment, you may find having to entertain yourself and the kids a little difficult at first – but it’s a choice well worth making for both mental health and environmental reasons.
Resolution: “I will start composting.”
Composting is one of the best things you can do if you want a garden flourishing with health, while also making use of all your food scraps. Even if you’re not a gardening fan, composting is still a great choice; you can list your compost for giveaway (or charge if you prefer) on local message boards and Facebook groups. If you’ve never composted before, then the guide from www.FineGardening.com should you get started.
Resolution: “I will run the thermostat one degree less than usual.”
Turning your thermostat down by just one degree can make a surprising difference to your energy usage, which you will definitely see reflected in your heating bills, too. This is also a relatively easy change to make, as it’s unlikely that you will even notice the difference; your home will still be warm, but you’ve made a decent cut to your overall usage.
The above are a great way to ensure that your 2018 is as green as possible, and might just save you a little money in the process.
This a collaborative post.
1 comment
I like the sounds of one electricity free day a year, I think I might give that a go