No New Year's Resolutions Required: Embracing Sustainable Choices that Simply Make You Healthier and Happier
A new year is not about making resolutions; it's about gradually pacing yourself towards mindful practices that positively impact yourself and the environment around you. It simply presents an opportune time to embark towards a more sustainable lifestyle. Here are some simple yet impactful ways to kickstart or further your sustainable journey in the new year🌳
1. A Healthier, Content You
Sustainability starts with your own physical and mental well-being because only a healthy you can help contribute to a more sustainable world:
🚶🏽♀️Take short walks for the many benefits for your body and mental health to reduce stress. Pick your pace and frequency, as even a short walk helps - see the Heart Foundation’s tips for more benefits!
📱Reduce screen time for better quality sleep and feel well-rested each morning. News and social media can create negative moods, so switching off sometimes may just be what you need.
✍🏽Focus on a positive mindset by remembering things you're grateful for. Our stress and pressures are often self-generated, so give yourself a break!
🫶🏽Be kind, to everyone - you don't know what they may be experiencing, so a kind gesture can go a long way, and you feel good too!
2. Mindful Consumption
Take a closer look at your consumption habits. Opt for quality over quantity, invest in long-lasting items, and choose products that prioritise sustainability and responsible, ethical production.
Let every purchase bring you joy and reflect your commitment to a better world.
3. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
While the three Rs are often extended now and a little harder to remember (Rethink, Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Recycle), you can continue to use the core three Rs as your guiding principles♻️
Reduce waste by avoiding single-use items, reuse what you can, and recycle diligently. Small efforts, like carrying a reusable water bottle or tote bag, add up to make a significant difference.
4. Make Eco-Friendly Choices
Turn eco-conscious choices a daily habit.
🔌Switch to energy-efficient appliances after your existing ones stop working (save on bills too)!
🧴Try natural washing and cleaning products that are more gentle on your skin, clothes, and the earth. Many are refillable too so you don't need to throw away the bottles for less waste. We love Tirtyl and Happy Human if you're looking to start!
💡Opt for renewable energy sources wherever possible, especially with government subsidies currently available when you switch (and lower your costs too)!
Every step toward sustainability contributes to a greener future.
5. Mindful Eating
Consider the impact of your food choices, from their origins to packaging.
Incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, as meat production has a large impact on the environment, from deforestation, to the release of greenhouse gases. Here is a comprehensive guide to eating better for the environment🍴
Get fresh produce from local farmers' markets where it's fresh and carry a lower carbon footprint. Best of all, you'd be supporting your local community💚
Reduce food waste by planning meals and composting organic scraps. It's a delicious way to contribute to a healthier planet.
6. Spread Awareness
Share your journey towards sustainability with friends and family - what you enjoy, what worked for you, and the positive impact it has given you personally. Inspire others by discussing your eco-friendly highlights and picks, and encouraging them to make sustainable choices too!
The new year is simply a mark in time to encourage you to make gradual, positive changes for yourself first, local community, and the environment. By making small, conscious decisions, we not only become healthier and more content, but also set a powerful example for a more sustainable and mindful way of living. Let's welcome the new year by embracing sustainability, taking small green steps toward a brighter and greener future🎊