New Year! More Sustainable You? 7 New Year's Resolutions to Live a Greener Lifestyle
It’s January 2024 - a new year often brings a fresh start. You may have started a new workout routine or decided to cut out sugar. A new year brings the promise of what the future can be. The changes you can make to become your best self. The same is true for Mother Nature. The future of our planet looks bright if we are diligent in setting small, sustainable goals (or resolutions) and committing to them in the new year.
If you are considering making some resolutions this year, this may be a good time to add some sustainable lifestyle changes to the list. You may have goals for your new year that happen to be sustainable! Things like saving money, eating out less, and cooking more can benefit our planet in some way. We have tips and tricks, and local organizations that can help you achieve your goals this year.
Here are 7 small, attainable sustainability goals you can set for yourself if you want to be more green in 2024:
Plant Trees and Grow Flowers
Think simple and start small. If you have ever wanted to grow your herbs, this is your year. Herbs are the perfect start to gardening. They are small and can be kept on your kitchen windowsill. If you have a yard, plant some native trees and bushes. Plant some flowers and watch them grow, nurture, and care for them. Putting the time and effort into your garden will give you a new appreciation for the natural world around you.
Start a Compost Pile
Americans waste about 60 million tons of food a year and food waste is the single largest component taking up landfills in America. The simplest way to lower these statistics is to start a compost. With a compost pile, you can throw yard trimmings, leftover fruits, and vegetable peels and stems - anything organic. If the idea of composting intimidates you, there are community programs right here in Savannah. For a small monthly fee, COR composting will pick up your compost right from your front door. Learn more about composting.
Cook at Home and Eat Your Leftovers
While you may not think it, eating out contributes to a significant amount of carbon emissions. Reduce your carbon footprint and learn to cook nutritious, healthy meals right at home. While learning to cook delicious food, you can also ensure food scraps are getting composted and all cans and plastic will be recycled. That is the beauty of being in charge of your own kitchen. The better a cook you become, the more delicious the food, the more eager you will be to run to your fridge for leftovers the next day.
Thrift First, Shop Second
Start your New Year off right by saving money. Two resolutions, one simple goal. When you do need to purchase items, look for gently used second-hand items first. Facebook marketplace, Poshmark, and local buy/sell groups are perfect places to start thrifting.
Switch up Your Personal Hygiene Routine
Make just one swap to your personal care routine this year. Or if you enjoy the challenge, incorporate one new item a month. Incorporating bamboo toothbrushes, toothpaste tablets, plastic-free deodorant, and reusable makeup wipes are just a few simple swaps you could make. Or ditch the plastic bottles and switch your shower to bar soap and shampoo only. Check out the LiteFoot Company storefront for inspiration on where to start.
Make Your Gifts This Year
I’m sure you will attend baby showers, weddings, graduations, and birthdays throughout the year. It’s always appreciated (and sustainable) to buy items off the registries. That way, you know you are buying something wanted and needed. But, you can also gift homemade goods like bread, cookies, or jam. Maybe you enjoy art and paint a beautiful picture to give your friend as a housewarming present. Think outside the box, and get creative. You will find that it is even more appreciated and forms a connection with those you care about.
Join Your Local Library or Host a Monthly Book Swap
Many people make a New Year's resolution to read more books. We don’t need to own every book we read. Introducing the beauty of your local library. Finish reading books you love and return to the library so they can be enjoyed over and over again. This keeps your shelves clutter-free and your reading list never-ending! Maybe you don’t have a library close enough, consider organizing a book swap with a few of your close friends or neighbors.
No one can be perfectly sustainable. Certain sustainability goals just may not fit your lifestyle at this time. That’s okay! You can still take small steps to have a huge impact over time. Make 2024 the year you make resolutions for a greener planet.
Action those sustainable New Year’s resolutions today by checking out the LiteFoot Refillery or supporting the foundation!
