As we usher in the New Year, let's embrace positive changes that not only benefit us individually but also contribute to a healthier planet. Adopting eco-friendly habits doesn't have to be overwhelming; in fact, it can be quite easy and fun. Here are 10 simple and impactful green New Year's resolutions that you can incorporate into your daily life.
Be a Conscious Consumer:
The best way to start your journey toward sustainability is simply making informed choices about your purchases. Choose products that align with your values and consider the environmental impact of your daily essentials. Are the ingredients harmful to your body or the planet? Where will the packaging end up?
Bring Reusable Cups on Your Coffee Run:
An easy way to reduce waste is to kickstart your mornings by breaking free from disposable coffee cups. Invest in a reusable coffee cup you love to encourage yourself to use it. Most coffee shops offer their customers discounts of $0.10 - $0.50 for brining their own cup, making your coffee runs both sustainable and cost-effective.
Bring Reusable Produce Bags to the Grocery Store:
Plastic produce bags are a habit for many shoppers, but completely unnecessary. Produce can go straight in the cart or into reusable mesh produce bags. These lightweight, durable bags are perfect for keeping your fruits and vegetables organized with shopping without the need for single-use thin plastic.
Try Reusable Paper Towels:
Reusable paper towels have grown popular over the past few years for their stylish look as well as their usefulness. Washable and reusable, these towels minimize paper waste and contribute to a greener lifestyle. If you’re not ready to make this swap, then consider paper towels made of recycled paper or bamboo.
Use Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products:
Many traditional cleaning products contain ingredients that are both harmful for the body and the environment. We stock a well-known brand of cleaning products called Ecos that are environmental-friendly and effective cleaners. While most Ecos products are packaged in single-use plastic, you can buy it from us in bulk or in a returnable glass container.
Shop Second Hand for Clothing:
The fashion industry's rapid production cycles lead to excessive resource consumption, including water and energy, while generating vast amounts of textile waste. The use of cheap, synthetic materials in fast-fashion garments further intensifies the problem, as these materials take centuries to decompose in landfills. This year, consider committed to exploring second-hand options for your clothing needs. If you’re not a fan hunting through thrift store, we do it for you! Our partnership with Dos Vidas allows us to have dozens of amazing, high-quality, second-hand clothing in great condition at a fraction of the original selling price.
Shop Local:
When consumers choose to spend their money at local businesses, a higher percentage of the revenue stays within the community, fostering economic growth, creating jobs, and strengthening the local economy. Shopping local for goods or food, and avoiding shipping, also reduces transpiration emissions.
Bring Cutlery or Refuse Single-Use Utensils:
Reusable cutlery kits are compact and portable and cleaning is a breeze. You can take them to work or carry along even when you dine out. If you’re taking your meal home, consider refusing the cutlery kits and using what you have at home.
Limit Food Waste:
Minimize food waste by adopting sustainable practices. Plan meals, store food efficiently, and utilize Stasher Bags, Food Huggers, or the innovative Shoftshell by Big Bee Little Bee as an eco-friendly alternative to disposable plastic bags.
Refill Products When You Can:
Of course, opting for refillable options to reduce packaging waste and we'e here to meet all your refill needs. Making small changes that collectively contribute to a healthier planet.
This New Year, let's embark on a journey toward a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle. These 10 easy resolutions serve as a stepping stone, offering simple yet impactful ways to reduce our environmental footprint. By integrating these habits into our daily lives, we not only contribute to a healthier planet but also inspire positive change within our communities. Let's make 2023 a year of conscious choices, sustainable practices, and a greener future for us all.