Want to do your bit this year? Do ‘look up’ and make some of these easy climate-based New Year’s resolutions.
From shampoo bars to doing a #2MinuteBeachClean, here’s your list of easy things to do to get your year off to a great start.
1. Get a refillable water bottle & cup
You'll end up saving hundreds of difficult to recycle coffee cups from going to landfill every year. You can find plenty of small compact and collapsible cups nowadays.
2. Divest from Amazon
Do you really need that plastic cereal dispenser? Do a quick search and you'll find endless articles about terrible working rights, insane levels of waste and vague climate policies. Buying from them says that's OK.
3. Buy second-hand
We're a charity shop nation. Pick up a deal or find pre-loved clothes (often brand new) on Depop, Facebook Marketplace, or your neighbourhood WhatsApp chat.
4. Pack your own lunch
Meal deals = more plastic! It's cheaper to make your own too, and your meal options increase substantially.
5. Switch to shampoo and soap bars
Bottles of shampoo can be between 70-90% water! All of that leads to more plastic and packaging and extra space in transit. Bars are smaller, last longer and use a fraction of the packaging (which is usually cardboard, to boot).
6. Do a #2MinuteBeachClean
The now global movement started back in 2007 and has since inspired hundreds of thousands of people taking part. You can join the movement by visiting the 2 Minute Beach Clean website.
7. Get a food waste caddy
Fruit and veg only take a few days to break down but in landfill that can change to up to 25 years! Layers of rubbish on top means not enough oxygen or worms for food to break down. Head to your local council website if you don't already have one – they'll often even give you biodegradable compost bags for free. A compost bin with a potted plant and a chopping board with cucumber and sweet potato on it
8. Switch to a greener bank
With internet banking, it's easy to switch in minutes now. Many high street banks invest your money in oil and arms. Divest your money and go with a bank like Monzo or Starling – their banking apps are brilliant, too.
9. Clean out your wardrobe
Give your unwanted clothes to a charity shop near you to give them a new life. Take the Marie Kondo approach and ask yourself: 'Does this bring me joy?' If the answer is no, you know what to do…
10. Recycle old phones & electronics
45% of UK homes have between two and five electronic devices sitting in a drawer. Most charities accept old mobile phones, whether they're working or not. Head to recyclenow.com to learn more about the places you can take them.
