30 Dec 10 Eco-Friendly Resolutions for Greener Living
This year, our goal is to live more sustainably, in peaceful harmony with Mother Earth. Share that vision? Here are 10 New Year’s resolutions for greener living to help you start today:
1. Drink More Responsibly
No, we aren’t talking about what you drink. Rather, we’re referring to how you drink it. Making the switch from plastic water bottles or cups to a reusable option is one of the easiest ways to live greener this year. Additionally, it’s a great way to boost your water consumption and stay hydrated throughout the day. Not sure which to choose? The Etching Bee makes hand-decorated glass bottles that are both economical and beautiful.
2. Decide This is the Last Straw
By now, you may have noticed the buzz about plastic straws being super harmful to the environment. The good news? This has created a market for tons of cool alternative options. Lots of coffee houses and home goods stores now sell metal and rubber versions that are sleek and colorful. Of course, they’re also easy to wash and reuse, saving hundreds of pounds of waste from our landfills.
3. Bag Better
Stores across the nation rely on lightweight plastic bags to carry home your goods. Unfortunately, these are a huge source of landfill waste and they never truly break down. Plus, they wind up in our oceans and waterways for animals to find – yuck. This year, make a small investment in reusable bags. With a variety of stylish and durable options, from canvas to hemp, you’ll never need another flimsy plastic bag again.
4. Examine How You Eat Meat
Studies suggest our current rate of meat consumption is simply not sustainable for a variety of reasons. Plus, animals raised for their meat are not always treated humanely. One solution is to cut out meat from your diet completely or simply eat less of it. Another option is to eat locally-sourced meat from farmers committed to sustainable practices. There are also many food scientists working on alternative meat-like protein sources, such as plant-based burger patties.
5. Mind Over Makeup
With growing concerns over the chemicals in our makeup, many are turning to more natural options. Skin is porous and tends to soak up whatever we put on its surface. As a result, any potentially harmful dyes or other substances contained in our makeup will likely get inside our bodies. Fortunately, forward-thinking companies like Dr. Lily Ros develop alternatives that rival even the best chemically-based products.
6. Walk, Bike, Rideshare
Every day, countless Americans hit the road to get to work, contributing to the 2.5 million pounds of carbon dioxide released into the air every second. Give our planet a helping hand by walking, biking, or carpooling to help reduce emissions. Replacing your solo commute even one day per week can make a huge difference!
7. Consider Your Clothing
Fast fashion does a number on our planet, increasing waste both inside and outside the industry. Nobody is saying to stop shopping completely. But, there are several ways to do it better, including buying second-hand and organizing a clothing swap. If an item is on its last legs, consider repurposing it to wrap a gift or using it as a cleaning cloth.
8. Start Composting
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that each American contributes an average of 4.5 pounds to landfills every day. This results in a grand total of 267 million tons of waste annually. Composting is a great way to help reduce this amount. Plus, thanks to both indoor and outdoor methods, it’s so easy to do (and makes a terrific natural fertilizer for gardening)!
9. Don’t Replace, Repair!
The US generates about 6.9 million tons of e-waste annually, along with other waste such as discarded furniture. Save money and the planet by choosing to repair, rather than replace. Businesses are popping up all over to help reupholster or refurbish old furniture and repair digital items like tablets, computers, and phones. A quick Google search can help you find the nearest shop.
10. Switch Your Soaps
Just like with makeup, the chemicals and artificial ingredients in body cleansers and detergents can absorb through skin into internal organs. Instead, make the switch to natural products that won’t harm you or the environment. Sud Source carries face and body cleansers made with safe ingredients – plus, the company offers mail-in refills to help reduce plastic waste. Method and Seventh Generation are two popular, plant-based laundry detergent brands formulated to be human safe and biodegradable.
Make 2020 the year of sustainability with these 10 resolutions for greener living. Find more eco-friendly resolution ideas in these posts on SavvyRest.com and MyGreenCloset.com.