Get 2016 off to a good start by setting yourself some green resolutions. Whether you are a seasoned eco living expert or you are just getting started, setting some resolutions can be useful. They can help keep you motivated to do your bit and enable you to achieve your green living goals in 2016. Here are some great ideas for green New Year’s Resolutions.
Switch off appliances when not in use
Turn off plugs, lights and appliances whenever you’re not using them. You’re probably aware of this already, but it’s the little things that add up. It’s easy to get into the habit of forgetting to switch things off. Turning off your electrics at the mains, can really help the planet and your wallet too.
Say no to Plastics
Plastics, are a major problem, and like us, the earth cannot digest them (see this video about the albatross and the plastic we consume for some insight, it’s not easy viewing, you have been warned https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUM58LIU2Lo). One of the biggest problems is plastic water bottles and plastic shopping bags. Invest in your own personal water bottle (you can find some really fun jazzy ones) and reap the benefits of free flowing tap water, knowing each time you have a drink, you’re not wasting anything! Same goes for carrier bags, don’t get charged 5p every time you shop, buy a reusable bag, and the planet will thank you.
Transport
Get on your bike, or walk if you can rather than drive. We love cars, but fuel to run them comes at a price for the planet as well as our wallets. If you’re only going a short distance, maybe walk instead. Or if you have a bike, try and use it more. You’ll get to be outside in nature and burn your own fuel rather than the planets. Try and opt for public transport too or maybe have a look into lift shares/car pools.
Get your Bins in order
This is really simple, but a lot of people don’t do it. If you don’t have the right bins, get in touch with your council and they’ll send some for you (for free). Recycling is really important to make sure stuff that the planet can’t cope with eliminating gets sorted out by us humans.
Water, water, water
Water, will become sparse in the future for a lot of western developed countries and will no longer just be a struggle for undeveloped communities. Where possible, reduce your water intake.
If you are washing up, only use the tap to rinse off, don’t leave it running. When cleaning your teeth, turn the tap off while you brush. Take 3 minutes less in the shower, pop an alarm on your phone to tell you when you’ve been in there long enough.
Go meatless when you can
This one’s pretty tricky because many people will be very hesitant. However, the production of meat is a serious environmental issue. Have a read up on Cowspiracy or just watch the movie. It’s not about animal rights or welfare, but the amount of land we are using just to keep animals for food.
Meatless Mondays are a great starting point, and there are tonnes or websites out there to help you rustle up some tasty meatfree dinners. Even if you just make a conscious decision to cut down on meat, and maybe stick to one type you will be making a difference.
Give back
Planting trees is great for offsetting your carbon. There are loads of organisations that can help you find somewhere to plant trees. Alternatively, find a local volunteering club that focuses on the environment and climate change. Even an hour’s work here and there will be well worth it.
Grow your own food/eat Local
Food is a serious problem in this planet, especially when there are 9 billion people to feed. Where possible grow your own food. If you are not into gardening, the next best option is to shop local. Buy food from your local butchers, local farmers and local market. Avoid big chains as you can guess they probably don’t ethically or environmental source their stock.
Ditch harmful chemicals
Swap all your cleaning products for environmentally friendly ones. There are plenty to choose from, or you can very easily make your own cleaning products from everyday cupboard items. A quick google will provide you with ample information and guides. Ditching harmful chemicals is better for the planet, and good for your health.
The following is a guest post from Edward Woodward. A writer at Kedel blog.
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