The new year is just around the corner, which means many people are starting to do new things and make better choices. While some of the stereotypical New Year’s resolutions include things like losing weight or taking better care of yourself, why not resolve to take better care of the planet next year, too?
By changing just a few things about your living habits, including how your home operates, you can make big changes next year and help the environment in the process. So, what strategies can you use to be more sustainable — not only next year but for the rest of your life?
Going Paperless and Reducing Waste
Again, waste is a big problem across the country and around the globe. The good news? There are many easy ways you can reduce the amount of waste you produce daily.
Start with your shopping habits. First of all, it’s a good idea to simply not buy as much. When you buy something — especially online — the source has to make the actual product, package it, ship it, etc. All of these steps create a lot of unnecessary waste and pollution.
Shopping locally is a great way to reduce waste, and you can go one step further by bringing your bags with you when you shop to avoid using plastic ones. Purchasing items from thrift shops or second-hand stores is also a great way to give new life to something, so more new products don’t have to be made.
At home and work, you can reduce waste by “going digital” instead of using so much paper. Are you a sticky note addict? Try setting alarms and reminders on your phone instead. Do you print out dozens of documents each day? Store them in the cloud instead. Paper leads to deforestation, which contributes to 12-17 percent of yearly greenhouse gas emissions. The less the world relies on it, the better.
Becoming More Energy Efficient
When you decide to reduce your waste, you can also take steps to boost your energy efficiency — and also reduce your energy bills.
For starters, you can install energy-efficient appliances. Everything from refrigerators to light bulbs has been made “energy efficient,” it’s just a matter of installing them in your home. Because of appliances and devices like these, the U.S. has been able to spend 56 percent less energy than before. Imagine how much greater that number could be if everyone turned to more energy-efficient products in their homes.
Additionally, you can find ways to use less energy within your home. Smart renovations can be a good place to start. What’s more, solar energy has become increasingly popular in homes across the country because it’s cheaper than ever, and can give you a tax credit if you install panels on your home.
Travel Light
Travel can be harmful to the environment, but it can also be tough to give up exciting plans. Luckily, sustainable tourism is possible with planning. Supporting local communities, visiting eco-friendly areas, and staying in environmentally conscious lodging can limit your impact. Just make sure to research your destination: just because the environment is the attraction doesn’t mean the environment is protected.
Note the importance of transportation. Air travel is a major contributor to carbon emissions. Instead of traveling by plane, consider hopping on a train — besides lowering your impact, you can witness breathtaking vistas from the window. When you finally get there, make sure to use public transportation, bike, or walk whenever possible to save money and emissions.
Improving Air Quality
Want to breathe a little easier about the state of the environment? Try a houseplant — or a few! Plants give off oxygen and studies have shown that they can even help to purify the air. It’s a great way to add to your home decor while doing something good for the planet (and your living space).
Another way to improve indoor air quality is to make sure the filter(s) in your HVAC system are always clean or to change them at least once a year. If you don’t, you risk blowing pollutants in the air. Not only is that bad for the environment, but if you have someone in your home with respiratory issues, it can make things worse for them, too.
You can also improve the air quality of the world around you by making different choices each day. Instead of driving your car to work, take public transportation or ride a bicycle, if that’s an option. If you have to mow your lawn, wait to do it in the evening or on cooler days. Improving indoor and outdoor air quality doesn’t have to be difficult, it’s just about making a few simple changes.
As we head into the new year, it’s okay to think about the things you would like to improve in your life, but also take the time to think about what you can improve for the planet. As you can see, small strategies can make a big difference when it comes to being more sustainable. Plus, you never know how your resolutions might inspire you to do the same things. The more people who get on board with sustainable living, the longer we’ll be able to enjoy the beauty and resources of our planet.
