8 Eco-Friendly New Year's Resolutions You'll Want to Make This Year

It’s the new year, and you know what that means! Time to get your resolutions in place. Nowadays, resolutions often get a bad rep. People think you have to accomplish everything on your list by the end of the year. However, you don’t have to put pressure on yourself.

Even one or two changes to your lifestyle can positively impact the planet. We’ve developed a list of ideas for eco-friendly New Years’ resolutions for 2021.

Create a Recycling Space in Your Home

If you have the space, try creating categories for recycling using different bins. For example, many people have recycling bins for paper, plastic, and glass. Take your recycling to the next level by separating all recyclable items. 

Always be sure to clean all glass and plastic containers before recycling or they may not be recycled. 

If your weekly trash pickup does not separate items for recycling, you can bring your bins to a local recycling center. While this may feel time-consuming, you can work to consolidate and take your items  once every other week. You might feel proud for making a difference!

Switch to Reduced Package Cleaning Products

Many companies are eliminating single-use plastic with their packaging. Subscription services, like CleanPacs, send refill pacs for their products. This allows you to use the same containers while only  replacing the cleaning solution with water. Millions of plastic containers end up in landfills each year. You can eliminate dozens of single-use plastic containers every year with that one change. Many of your cleaning products and laundry detergent can be replaced with a much more sustainable option. 

In addition to being more sustainable, companies like CleanPacs also care about the ingredients in their products. All their cleaning products are cruelty-free, limited packaging, and contain no harsh chemicals or toxins. These products are better for your health and the environment.

Start Composting

Composting is easy to start — you can today if you wish! It’s an eco-conscious decision about your recycling. Composting can help you reduce waste and possibly use scraps to regrow plants. Compost can be made into fertilizer and help grow other plants. 

All you have to do is incorporate a separate bin in your kitchen for your compost. Any organic material can be thrown into your compost bin.

Start Your Own Garden

Even if you don’t have lots of space in your home or live in an apartment, you can still create a small garden or herb garden. Relying on your personal garden is a sustainable option versus relying on large grocery stores. You may even regrow your plants using herb and vegetable scraps. 

All you do is take the ends of your produce and replant them. You can find specific growing information online. Not only is this eco-friendly as it reduces waste, but it can also save you money. You can even use compost as fertilizer to help grow your mini garden. 

Buy Thrifted Clothes

A perfect New Years resolution is to only buy thrifted clothing. Fashion has had a negative impact on the environment, and reducing how much clothing we buy each year will significantly reduce waste and pollution. 

This year, challenge yourself to only purchase thrifted clothing. You’ll not only help the environment, but you’ll save money. Plus, thrifting is a creative way to shop. You’ll enjoy the adventure of finding what you need or discovering items you’d never consider. Thrifting can be extremely fun and rewarding. 

Do Not Throw Out Any Clothing

Clothing is one of the most considerable portions of waste. With donation centers, there’s no need to throw out clothing. Make sure all items are donated, repaired to wear, or given to someone you know. Don’t add to landfills if you have another option. Challenge yourself to avoid throwing away any piece of clothing for one year.

Air Dry Your Clothes

You can save lots of electricity if you air dry some of your clothes every week. All you need is a small drying rack and a corner to place it. Drape your clothes over the drying rack with a towel below for excess water. Reducing your dryer usage will save energy that accumulates significantly each year. Air-drying your clothes can save you time and money! 

Meatless Day

Ready to give up a juicy steak? Did you know there are environmental benefits when eating less meat? Yes! Believe it or not, it can lower your carbon footprint. According to an article written in the New York Times, “we'd save about 82 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year.” In addition promoting a lower carbon footprint, eating less meat saves water and fossil fuels while reducing greenhouse gases.

If you’re looking to make eco-friendly changes this year, add one or several of these suggestions to your New Year’s resolution list. Every major change starts with a small step.