Five planet-friendly New Year’s resolutions

Welcome to 2019!  If you’re looking for ways to be kinder to our Earth in the year ahead, we’ve got a few ideas.

1. Shop mindfully

From clothing to groceries, thinking about the environmental impacts of the things we’re buying can make a big difference. First off, just being aware of the resources that go into making a new t-shirt or pair of shoes can help us think twice about whether we really need it or not.  And when we do need something, it’s worth keeping in mind some of the tenets of the slow fashion movement, like investing in higher quality items made to last, or looking for second-hand options.  Consider other factors like packaging: quite often we can choose options with less. Finally, look for brands who are transparent about how their products are made: where they come from, who makes them, and what goes into them.  

2. Bring reusables
It isn’t always easy to remember to bring reusable a cup every time we go to the coffee shop, but it makes a difference every time to you do.  Keep reusable shopping bags in your purse or backpack.  All those times we make a choice to skip a single-use plastic bag, straw, or plastic water bottle eventually adds up to a big reduction in the amount of waste we produce unnecessarily.

3. Reduce energy use
The energy we use to heat, cool and power our homes is one of the biggest contributors to our individual carbon footprints.  When possible, look for options to choose green energy sources. Lots of utility companies offer choices to support green energy credits from sources like wind or solar.   We can also cut down on power use by switching to LED bulbs.

4. Choose green transportation
Transportation is another huge contributor to our individual greenhouse gas emissions. Depending where we live and our day-to-day needs, it might be tough to avoid driving every day.  But there might still be ways to cut down by carpooling or occasionally taking public transit.  Those who live close enough to work switch to biking or walking, even just some of the time.  And for those who can’t avoid driving daily, considering a more fuel-efficient or electric vehicle can also make an impact. Every bit helps!

5. Go local 
Choosing locally produced foods and other products when possible can also help reduce our carbon footprints.  Supporting local farmers and makers also benefits the local economy - and often tastes better too since it hasn’t been processed and shipped from far-away factories.

These are just a few ideas for a greener 2019, but of course there are many other ways to make a difference.  What eco-friendly steps are you planning to take this year?