By Theresa Evans (GBB Senior Consultant)
Make a reuse resolution this year!
A new year brings the promise of new commitments, aspirational goals, and, as tradition has it, resolutions for the coming days. In the spirit of setting goals for the new year, consider our 23 tips for resolutions that will help you live sustainably in 2023 and beyond:
- Use rechargeable batteries instead of traditional batteries to reduce harmful pollution and landfill waste.
- Upcycle or donate items you no longer want or need to give them a new purpose.
- Eat less meat to reduce your carbon footprint.
- Eliminate phantom energy using smart power strips to prevent electronics from drawing power when not in use.
- Choose reusable items whenever possible: things like reusable shopping bags, water bottles, handkerchiefs instead of tissues, etc.
- Carpool.
- Hang laundry to dry instead of using the dryer.
- Try eco-friendly cleaning supplies.
- Start composting your kitchen food scraps.
- Become a better recycler by re-familiarizing yourself with your local jurisdiction’s recycling rules and current list of acceptable items.
- Shop locally.
- Take public transportation.
- Adjust your water heater to 120 degrees F.
- Take shorter showers.
- Plant a garden.
- Get eggs and produce at the local farmer’s markets.
- Be Informed. Important decisions in environmental policy and climate change will be on the docket across the country in the legislative process this year, and it’s important to stay abreast of these bills and issues.
- Purchase items made with recycled content.
- Minimize waste by buying less stuff.
- Buy in bulk and avoid one-time/single-use items (such as k-cups for coffee as just one example).
- Consider volunteering for or donating money to organizations that are advocating for conservation.
- Consider supporting carbon offsets for your personal travel.
- Lesson food waste at home through meal planning and proper food storage.
As with any new year goal, start small and take things one step at a time. Soon the above ideas will become a habit, and the planet will thank you for it!
