Did you know that over 44% of UK adults make new year’s resolutions? How about, as well as the usual health, wealth and social changes, we all included one on living more sustainably? Here are some suggestions from Hurst Rethink members:
Transport is the biggest source of carbon emissions in the UK. How about resolving to switch to active travel a few times a week? Get on your bike or walk to the shops or school instead of driving.
If you’re flying on holiday this year, there are things you can do to minimise the carbon impact; choose to fly economy, pack light, and try to choose greener airlines. Skyscanner, for example, highlights the more eco-friendly flights in its search tool.
If you’re buying a new car this year, go electric. Although they are expensive upfront, in the long-term they cost much less to run.
Make changes to your diet – the production of red meat requires a lot of food, water and land, while cows themselves produce methane – a harmful greenhouse gas. If you don’t want to give up some of your favourite foods, consider swapping a few meals or days a week to vegan or vegetarian.
Eating locally and seasonably can also help to lower your carbon footprint so try to shop locally or sign up to one of our many local veg box schemes.
Think twice about clothes before you buy – the UK’s addiction to fast fashion sends 300,000 tonnes worth of textiles to landfill every year. Buying less clothes is one option, but you can also buy second hand from vintage and charity shops, or secondhand apps such as Depop and Vinted are great fun for buying and selling.
When clothes shopping, stick to sustainable brands and look for eco-friendly materials like bamboo instead of polyester and microfibres. Take better care of the clothes you do have to make them last longer.
Finally, look at your finances and investments. How ethical is your bank? Is your pension invested in sustainable funds? Do you get your energy from a green energy supplier? Why not resolve to change one of these?
We’re always updating our website with advice on sustainable living so why not resolve to check it out? www.hurstrethink.org
What resolutions are you making this year? Let us know in the comments.