Here’s some uplifting news as the holidays come to an end: many New Year’s resolutions—like eating healthier, saving money, and organizing your life—can also be great for the environment.
Whether you want to cut costs, declutter your space, or eat better, here are some simple ideas that can help you and the planet. Plus, they require little effort and expense.
Save Money on Bills
Start your money-saving journey at home. Many appliances consume energy even when they’re turned off, leading to what’s known as “phantom energy.” Unplug gadgets you’re not using, like phone chargers, to save on your bills.
A small adjustment to your thermostat can also make a difference. Raising or lowering it by 7 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit for eight hours a day can cut your heating and cooling costs by about 10%. The U.S. Department of Energy backs this advice, showing how easy it can be to save.
Washing clothes in cold water and air-drying them can further reduce your energy use, too. According to Matthew Gonzales from the National Hispanic Energy Council, heating water for laundry is a major energy drain. He also recommends using LED bulbs and sealing up drafty windows to keep your home energy-efficient.
Eat Healthier and Waste Less
Reducing food waste helps both your wallet and the environment. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that U.S. consumers waste about $728 on food each year, and this waste produces greenhouse gases comparable to emissions from 42 coal power plants.
To cut down on waste, start by using ingredients you already have. Cookbook author Anne-Marie Bonneau suggests you can whip up a delicious soup with just a few odds and ends left in your pantry. Preserving food, like fermenting vegetables, can also be a fun way to keep good food from going bad.
In general, eating less processed food—like sugary cereals or frozen dinners—can improve your health and reduce plastic waste.
Declutter and Buy Less
Getting organized doesn’t mean you have to buy new storage bins or toss out everything. Taking just an hour to tidy up can help you see what you actually need. Katrina Caspelich from Remake suggests the “one-in, one-out” rule: for every new item you buy, let go of an old one. This simple strategy helps you think before you buy.
Unsubscribing from promotional emails can reduce impulse buying. If you’re tempted to purchase something, waiting 24 hours can often change your mind about needing it.
For a bigger challenge, try a no-buy period. Going without new purchases for 30 or 90 days can save you money while reducing waste. According to Remake, participants in a 90-day challenge can save thousands of liters of water and cut their carbon footprint substantially.
In 2018, Americans produced about 17 million tons of textile waste, mostly from clothing. So, avoiding unnecessary purchases can have a significant impact.
Take Small Steps
The bottom line is this: You don’t have to do everything at once, and perfection isn’t the goal. Starting with just one small habit can benefit your wallet, simplify your life, and help the environment.
For further insights, check out the EPA on Food Waste and the National Hispanic Energy Council for tips on energy efficiency. Starting today could lead to significant improvements tomorrow.
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new year's resolutions, climate change
