6 Ways to Be More Sustainable This Year

How many of us have new years resolutions that got at least a little bit forgotten? We’re a few months into the year, and I can tell you that I haven’t given a lot of thought to a few of my new year’s resolutions since January ended. Whether you were like me, a little too ambitious, or not, now is a great time to reevaluate and see what you can do to continue to better yourself and your life this year. One great way to make a change this year, is to strive to be more sustainable. You don’t have to completely change your entire life in a single day, or even change your entire life, in order to make a positive impact on those around you. You can make small changes to be more conscious of the environment around you.

“One great way to make a change this year,

is to strive to be more sustainable.

You can make small changes to be more

conscious of the environment around you.”

Get your office to recycle

You probably have a recycling bin at your home, but have you noticed how many paper products get thrown out at your office? You and your coworkers spend so much time in the office every single day, so it would be safe to assume that a great majority of your daily waste happens in the office, not in your home. Talk to your managers and see what it would take to get a recycling bin set up at your office. Even if you were just recycling plastics or paper products, you could make a really big difference by simply recycling at work.

Switch to reusable products instead of disposable

One of the biggest culprits of non-eco friendly waste, is with disposable or one use products. It isn’t that much more expensive or difficult to switch to reusable products, and yet, a lot of people don’t. Bring your own coffee cup with you when you stop at Starbucks in the morning. Not only will you reduce waste, they’ll give you a discount(most coffee shops honor this).

Purchase a reusable straw online, and stop using plastic ones(plastic straws aren’t recyclable). Stop using paper towels, use a rag that can be washed instead. You can swap out your disposable batteries with rechargeable ones, use tupperware instead of sandwich bags, and bring canvas tote bags with you to the store for your groceries.

Get your car tuned up

If your car isn’t tuned up regularly, you’ll end up leaking more toxins into the environment via a leaky or smoking exhaust. If you’re able to take public transit or carpool, you should whenever possible. When you have to drive, make sure that it is in a vehicle that won’t be doing more damage than necessary!

Use recycled and sustainable materials in your home

Do you have a home renovation project planned this year? Even if you’re just wanting to get a new coffee table or replace the flooring in your living room. You can reduce your waste by being conscious of using recycled or sustainable materials for these projects, instead of buying new or sourcing new materials! Make your deck out of recycled wood or plastic that has been repurposed.

Check thrift shops and local online marketplaces for the furniture that you need, and then donate the furniture that you currently have. You can do a lot by upcycling, and not only will it be better for the environment, it will save you a lot of money! It may take a bit more patience, but when all is said and done, you’ll be glad you didn’t buy new.

Stop using harsh chemicals

Most of the cleaning products you use in your home aren’t good for the environment. Cleaning wipes and a lot of harsh products are not good to be throwing out and flushing into our water supply. You don’t have to give up a clean home, but you can swap out the harsh chemicals with natural products, like white vinegar. Stop using one-use products, like wipes or paper towels, and use reusable towels and brushes instead.

Add a bit of green to your home and garden

Plants, both inside and outside your home, are so good for the environment. Plants in your home will improve the quality of the air your breathe, and plants outside will improve the local environment and ecosystem.