As we head into a shiny New Year, it’s a great time to start thinking about your goals for 2024. Here’s a list of resolutions for sustainable living, both big and small, that can help create a more eco-friendly planet.
1 - Support sustainable brands
Make a commitment to support brands and products that prioritise sustainability and ethical practices. Research companies' environmental initiatives and spend your money with those that align with your values.
Make a commitment to support brands and products that prioritise sustainability and ethical practices. Research companies' environmental initiatives and spend your money with those that align with your values.
2 - Declutter for the New Year
Start the year off fresh with a big deep clean. Donate old clothing, electronics and household goods that are in good condition to your local charity or pop them online on your local pay it forward group. Supporting a cycle of reuse benefits the planet and your community. Just resist the urge to fill the house up again and aim to adopt a more minimalist approach.
📷 faithie via Shutterstock
Start the year off fresh with a big deep clean. Donate old clothing, electronics and household goods that are in good condition to your local charity or pop them online on your local pay it forward group. Supporting a cycle of reuse benefits the planet and your community. Just resist the urge to fill the house up again and aim to adopt a more minimalist approach.
📷 faithie via Shutterstock
3 - Audit your ‘phantom power’
Vampire or phantom power is all the little energy leaks in your home. Take a look at everything that’s plugged in from TVs to chargers and cable boxes, which draw power 24/7 if they are not switched off when not in use. Invest in power banks with switches so you can easily cut off the power without unplugging. You could save up to 20 per cent off your energy bills.
Vampire or phantom power is all the little energy leaks in your home. Take a look at everything that’s plugged in from TVs to chargers and cable boxes, which draw power 24/7 if they are not switched off when not in use. Invest in power banks with switches so you can easily cut off the power without unplugging. You could save up to 20 per cent off your energy bills.
4 - Invest in an electric vehicle
If you’re upgrading your car or bike, consider investing in an electric vehicle. It’s an expensive layout initially but has significant benefits over the long term. It’s better for the environment and cheaper too, saving on fuel costs over time.
If you’re upgrading your car or bike, consider investing in an electric vehicle. It’s an expensive layout initially but has significant benefits over the long term. It’s better for the environment and cheaper too, saving on fuel costs over time.
📷 travelwild via Shutterstock
5 - Reduce single-use plastics
Commit to minimizing your use of single-use plastics by opting for reusable alternatives. Bring your own reusable water bottle and coffee mug, shopping bags and containers for takeout whenever you are out and about.
Commit to minimizing your use of single-use plastics by opting for reusable alternatives. Bring your own reusable water bottle and coffee mug, shopping bags and containers for takeout whenever you are out and about.
6 - Eat more vegetables
Consider incorporating more plant-based meals into your diet. Eating less meat and dairy can reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable food system, and it’s better for your health too.
Consider incorporating more plant-based meals into your diet. Eating less meat and dairy can reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable food system, and it’s better for your health too.
7 - Grow a sustainable garden
If you have the space, start a small garden using sustainable practices. Grow your own fruits, vegetables and herbs, and use compost to nourish the soil. This not only reduces your ecological footprint but helps you feel more connected with nature.
📷 Ground Picture via Shutterstock
If you have the space, start a small garden using sustainable practices. Grow your own fruits, vegetables and herbs, and use compost to nourish the soil. This not only reduces your ecological footprint but helps you feel more connected with nature.
📷 Ground Picture via Shutterstock
8 - Save water
From doing simple things like carrying a reusable water bottle everywhere with you and turning the tap off while you brush your teeth, to checking and auditing your home for leaks and installing a rainwater tank, there are myriad ways to save on water consumption.
From doing simple things like carrying a reusable water bottle everywhere with you and turning the tap off while you brush your teeth, to checking and auditing your home for leaks and installing a rainwater tank, there are myriad ways to save on water consumption.
9 - Look at natural ways of cooling and heating your home
During cold weather, instead of switching on the heater, pop on a sweater, make a warm drink and fill up a hot water bottle. During warmer weather, keep curtains and blinds drawn during the hottest parts of the day and consider installing ceiling fans. Check out our blog for heating and cooling your home efficiently.
During cold weather, instead of switching on the heater, pop on a sweater, make a warm drink and fill up a hot water bottle. During warmer weather, keep curtains and blinds drawn during the hottest parts of the day and consider installing ceiling fans. Check out our blog for heating and cooling your home efficiently.
10 - Explore renewable energy
If you’ve managed to knock off some of the easier items on this list or you are already doing them, start looking at bigger projects like installing solar panels or investing in a solar generator. It’s a great way to start understanding how renewable energy works.
If you’ve managed to knock off some of the easier items on this list or you are already doing them, start looking at bigger projects like installing solar panels or investing in a solar generator. It’s a great way to start understanding how renewable energy works.
