Think about the Environment with your 2021 Resolutions

With the ending of 2020 and the start of 2021 comes a certain nostalgia. People want to make changes for the better in the new year. For many, making New Year’s resolutions helps to clarify what is important in their lives. They make goals that will help them move closer to the direction of their values. These resolutions are often based on wellness, health, and fitness.

But while you are at it, why not include the wellness of the planet? Climate change is talked about a lot, but for many people, that’s all they do. Talk. No action. But small changes in your daily life can make a difference. So when making your New Year’s resolutions, consider adding one or two — or all if you are feeling passionate — of the following suggestions into your routine and continue the effort to go green!

Walk or use your bike.

Walk more, ride your bike! Apart from this being healthy for you, it’s also good for the climate. Try to walk more by walking to the shop or ride the bike to your friend. Doing this even just one day a week can make a huge difference.

Use natural cleaning products.

You probably already thought about this once or twice, but swap your normal cleaning products for natural alternatives. Siggi Clavien knows that you yourself will also acquire health benefits in addition to the benefits to the planet.

To make it easy, here are a few easy ways to make natural cleaning products yourself.

• All-purpose cleaner: One part white vinegar + one part water
• Floor cleaner: Bucket of boiling water + 1/2 cup white vinegar + 1 tsp eucalyptus/peppermint oil
• Glass cleaner: 2 cups distilled water + 2 tbsp white vinegar
• Toilet cleaner: 1/2 cup baking soda + 1/2 cup white vinegar

Use reusable drink bottles.

There really is no reason people are still drinking from plastic water bottles. Now there are all sorts of cool reusable drink bottles available, which eliminates the need for plastic bottles. Get rid of those pesky plastic water bottles once and for all! Try to always carry a reusable water bottle with you so you can fill it up when you are thirsty. Make it a habit to bring your own takeaway coffee cup when buying coffee. If these things seem impossible, try to find a way to limit your use of them.

Use bulk and refill products.

Try to use the bulk/refill products available for everyday products. Think hand soap, laundry soap, and dish soap. You can buy these soaps in bulk and use plastic containers that you can just refill when empty. This way, you only buy one plastic soap bottle (bulk) instead of multiple small ones.

Volunteer.

Volunteer for a project connected to the environment. There may be many opportunities in your local community, such as a city garden project, park cleanup, or trail maintenance. Or if you are lucky enough to live close to a beach, you can walk along the coast and pick up any rubbish that you find. Or support one of the charities that work hard to improve the planet and climate, such as The Nature Conservancy.

Good luck on your journey into 2021! Cheers to a happier, healthier life and a cleaner planet!