A new year will be here in less than a month. Are you thinking about what you want to accomplish? If so, you might want to consider tackling a few sustainable goals in 2020. There’s no denying that climate change is a problem we need to address.
Here’s a look at how you can incorporate sustainability into your New Year’s resolutions.
1. Make An Effort To Learn
Learning is the only way to continue making change. If you feel like you don’t know enough about sustainability, you should expand your knowledge. Learn about the United Nations’ sustainable development goals to see where you can make a difference.
You can also explore individual topics. Try reading more about nuclear energy or agriculture production. It’s one thing to support fixing climate change, and it’s another to read into the science behind what’s happening so you can find tangible solutions.
2. Eat More Plant-Based Meals
A significant change you can make in your personal life is consuming less meat. The world’s current food system causes immense damage to the environment. That’s mainly in part due to the number of resources raising animals takes. Switching to a plant-based diet can help.
It’s OK to start small. Setting aside Mondays for meatless dinners is a good place to begin. You can then incorporate more plants into your diet as you adjust. It won’t be long before you see benefits in your health, too.
3. Donate Money When Possible
If you’re financially able, you should consider donating more money to eco-friendly organizations. Contributing to specific causes can directly help support the planet. It’s one of the most significant things you can do to help eradicate climate change.
Take time to find a specific charity that resonates with your values. For example, you might want to set up a recurring monthly payment to support the Coalition for Rainforest Nations. You can also donate to general funds that cover a wide range of issues.
4. Volunteer Your Time And Energy
Giving your time and energy to different causes is essential. You can make a tangible change by setting aside a few hours per week to volunteer. Anything from collecting trash in parks to planting trees in forests supports your goal to live sustainably.
Try searching online to find opportunities in your area. If you’re looking to help abroad, you can support sustainability in that way, as well. It’s also possible to take matters into your own hands by planting a community garden or hosting a beach cleanup.
5. Educate Friends And Family
Spreading awareness can help others make green choices. If you’re confident in your knowledge of climate change, it’s a good idea to talk about it with your friends and family. Educating people in your circle is the best way to create sustainable movements.
You can also make learning a collective goal. Reading articles and watching documentaries as a family works. You could even share social media posts with your friends. Together, you’ll be able to lead more eco-friendly lifestyles.
6. Create Less Waste As A Household
In 2021, you should aim to reduce how much waste you produce as a household. The amount of plastic and other garbage that plagues our environment is out of control in many ways. Until corporations take steps to reduce their impact, it’s up to individuals to do their best.
Eliminating waste in your home is relatively easy. Here are a few simple steps to help you start:
- Buy a water filter and bottle to eliminate plastic usage.
- Shop with reusable bags.
- Make less food so you don’t end up with too many leftovers.
- Clean with reusable rags.
- Put coffee in a thermos for work.
These changes will help you produce less waste over the coming year. As you get into the swing of things, you should try going zero-waste in every aspect of your life. That’s the most sustainable option.
Make 2021 More Eco-Friendly With These Tips
With 2021 arriving in a few weeks, you should start thinking about ways to change your lifestyle to support sustainability. There’s a lot you can do. Begin with these steps to make this next year your most eco-friendly yet.
Author Bio
Jane is an environmental writer and the founder and editor-in-chief of Environment.co where she covers sustainability and eco-friendly living.
