Here at Cool Choices, we stand by the idea that sustainable actions – no matter how small – add up to make a positive, meaningful impact. Since the new year is the perfect opportunity to start practicing new, more positive habits, here is a list of ten small actions you can take to expand upon your sustainability journey in 2018.
Sustainable New Year’s Resolutions
Use reusable bags
By now most people know reusable bags are more sustainable than plastic bags. The tricky part is remembering to bring them along to the store! This is where New Year’s resolution habit-forming comes in: write yourself a reminder to grab your reusable bags and hang it by the door so you’ll see it on your way out. Do you usually drive to pick up groceries? Keep a stash of bags in the trunk. If you usually go shopping on the same day every week, try setting a reminder in your smartphone to remember to bring along your bags. After you remember a few times, you’ll get in the habit of taking your bags with you to the store every time!
Bike, walk, or take public transportation instead of driving
When it’s possible, try one of these environmentally-friendly modes of transportation rather than driving. Not only will you save gas and carbon emissions, but you’ll save gas money and/or get a quick workout in. Plus, you won’t need to worry about finding a parking spot!
Eat more veggie-centric meals
Producing meat and other animal products is more resource-intensive and creates more greenhouse gas emissions than growing fruits, veggies, and grains. To save water and energy resources, commit to trying out one new vegetarian meal every week. There are endless tasty vegetarian recipes to try! To start, eat one vegetarian meal per week. Once you get used to that, try increasing to one more meatless meal each week until you reduce your meat consumption by half – or even more!
Bring your own water bottle or mug
Switching from plastic to reusable water bottles and coffee mugs not only reduces plastic consumption, but it saves the energy required to make all the water bottles you drink from. Not only are reusable water bottles and mugs better for the environment, they come in lots of fun varieties and colors, so you can show off your style while also being more sustainable.
Eat more local foods
Eating locally is sustainable because locally-sourced foods have a lower carbon footprint due to the fact that they don’t need to be transported as far as foods grown across the country – or even across the world! You’ll also help boost your local economy and support farmers in your area. To make eating locally easier, try growing your own vegetable garden, joining a community garden, becoming part of a community supported agriculture (CSA) group or co-op, or shop at your nearest farmers’ market. Eating local also means eating seasonal produce more often, so you’ll get to try new produce as the seasons change.
Time your showers
Shorter showers require less water. By setting a timer during your showers you can limit how long you stay in the shower, saving you water, money, and time! Another easy way to save water in the shower is to switch to a low-flow shower head when your current one needs to be replaced.
Hang laundry to dry
Not only is this habit good for the environment, but you’ll save money too! The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that electric clothes dryers account for almost 5% of a household’s annual electricity consumption, so these savings can really add up. In the winter, set up drying racks indoors and in the warmer months harness the power of the sun to line-dry your clothes outside.
Cut food waste
Did you know about one third of food produced gets thrown away each year? Producing food requires land and water resources and lots of energy, making food waste a big drain on environmental resources. You can help by reducing the amount of food you throw away at home – the planet and your wallet will thank you. Reducing food waste starts at the store. Only buy what you know you can eat before it goes bad. Buying smaller amounts in more frequent grocery store trips (make sure to walk, bike, or carpool) can help you judge how much food to buy more easily. At home, freeze food if you won’t be able to eat it before it goes bad. Save veggie scraps to make homemade stock or start an at-home vegetable scrap garden. Utilizing food waste is a fun way to get creative!
Turn off the faucet
The savings from simply turning off the faucet when you’re not using it can add up to make a big difference! From turning off the water while you brush your teeth, wash your hands, or do the dishes, there are plenty of opportunities to save. Just being aware of when you’re running water, and then turning it off when it’s unnecessary, will help you save water and money this year.
Encourage other people’s sustainable habits
When you see someone engaging in a sustainable behavior, say thank you! Encouraging other people to take small sustainable actions helps add to the enthusiasm and support of living sustainably. In fact, when people are rewarded for positive behavior, it’s more likely to stick! So spread the excitement and celebrate small sustainable actions!
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