When it comes to climate change, we’re running out of time and if we want to tackle it, then we need to do so now. With the new year upon us, many are making resolutions to improve their eating habits and to exercise more. Now, while these factors are important for your health, so is the state of the planet. Therefore, you might want to consider climate change when looking at your resolutions for the year.
While climate change is a big problem that one person cannot solve on their own, we can each do our part to make a difference. What’s more, our actions can encourage those around us to do their part. That said, if you’re looking for some climate-friendly resolutions, then read on for how you can have a greener year.
Climate-Friendly New Year’s Resolutions
1. Eat more sustainably
Here’s a thought for meat-loves – according to a study published in Nature Food last year, almost 60% of greenhouse gases are as a result of animal agriculture.
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While you may think that cutting back on the amount of meat that you eat isn’t going to do much, a study from Oxford University found that cutting meat from your diet can help to significantly reduce your carbon footprint.
If going completely meat-free sounds too daunting for you, you can start small by adopting a more plant-based diet by joining Meatless Mondays, or even Veganuary. Additionally, you can also switch to plant-based meats, as these have also been found to have a lower environmental impact (1).
2. Drive less
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the transportation sector generates the largest share of greenhouse gas emissions (2).
While the best solution would be to invest in a hybrid or electric car, not everyone has the luxury of considering this option. Therefore, it’s recommended that you consider carpooling or getting yourself a bike, particularly for short trips, as it’s definitely faster for walking, and it can be kinder to your health and that of the planet.
3. Watch your flyer miles
Flying can be incredibly harmful to the environment. Yes, not everyone has the option to not hop on a plane, especially if they’re in remote locations, but for those who do, there are other more sustainable modes of transportation like rail travel.
4. 2022 is a plastic-free year
Photo by Volodymyr Hryshchenko on Unsplash
Plastic waste is one of the biggest contributors to climate change, and it is so important for us to reduce our use of it.
With so many sustainable alternatives showing up every day, such as bamboo and glass, there’s really no reason as to why so many people have yet to adopt a plastic-free approach to life.
5. Thrifty business
Unbeknownst to a lot of people, the fashion industry is a huge climate change offender. In fact, fashion is responsible for about 10% of humanity’s carbon emissions.
Yes, we all enjoy a good outfit now and then, but it’s best not to let your love for fashion harm the planet. Thankfully, you can still reap your fashion rewards sustainably. This can be done by avoiding fast fashion and focusing more on thrift shopping. Not only are you likely to purchase high-quality clothing at a much, much cheaper rate, but you’ll also help reduce waste, pollution, and energy.
6. Spread the word and get involved
More and more people are being conscious (‘woke’) about the realities of the world and they each want to do their part to fix these injustices, or at least encourage the powers that be to make said changes.
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With climate change, while we can each do our part, the reality is that we require a collective effort to really make a change and protect our planet. Spreading the word about climate change and getting involved with organizations that are holding world leaders and organizations accountable is a great way to go.
Want to know more?
The beauty industry has a huge impact on the environment. So, if you really want to do your part in the fight against climate change, then you might want to make your beauty routine more sustainable.
References
Poore, J., & Nemecek, T. (2018). Reducing food’s environmental impacts through producers and consumers. Science (New York, N.Y.), 360(6392), 987–992. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aaq0216
Xu, X., Sharma, P., Shu, S. et al. Global greenhouse gas emissions from animal-based foods are twice those of plant-based foods. Nat Food 2, 724–732 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s43016-021-00358-x
