The New Year is approaching, and it is a time when many of us will be reflecting on 2021 and re-evaluating our lifestyle choices. The New Year is the time to set targets and resolutions, however big or small, and if your mindset is anything like ours, one of them should be doing something to help the planet.
2021 has taught us to look at the bigger picture and not focus solely on ourselves. Too many people are wrapped up in their own little worlds, taking staged photographs of their lives, sharing them on social media instead of sharing a message that truly matters, and all the while, the planet is suffering.
Let’s be honest, we all know people like that, the ‘look at me, look at how great my life is’ crowd’ yet these are the very same people shouting at their televisions and computer screens when damage to the plant is being shown and yet instead of using the assets they have at their disposal to do something about it, they’re more inclined to promote themselves.
Although some people have taken to the streets to highlight the plight of the planet, which if done in a legal way is no bad thing in our opinion. If you look closely, you’ll see them waving brand new mobile phones, wearing the very-latest fashionable clothing, giving many manufacturers who don’t adopt environmentally-friendly and sustainable practices reasons not to make changes. Sadly we live in a hypocritical world, and the only way things will get better is with concerted effort.
We can all help by adopting one or more resolutions and sticking with them! According to recent data, 23 million Brits set New Year’s resolutions in 2021. Still, despite good intentions, on average, people only managed to keep to their New Year’s resolutions for a paltry seven weeks. This year we’re hoping things will be different with people adopting resolutions not focusing on themselves, but more so, ones that will help everyone.
This holiday season, some of our editorial team have been heading into the great outdoors, even climbing mountains to explore the natural beauty that surrounds us to learn about biodiversity. It’s a fantastic thing to do as it not only helps with the fitness levels, it treats your lungs to fresh air and perhaps most importantly, is a great reminder of what we all need to be protecting. This is our suggestion for a New Year’s resolution.
We’re not the only ones understanding the importance of protecting the environment and its biodiversity. Avallen also shares our concerns and has offered some New Year’s resolutions you can set for 2022 to help combat the climate crisis and start the year off by making positive environmental lifestyle changes without feeling overwhelmed.
Composting
Recycling your food is easy, and organic matter is great for your garden! You can grab a composting bin online from an ethical retailer and use this to collect food waste, which you can recycle in your garden. Your garden, all the little bugs and the bees will love you for it!
Welcome and nurture wildlife
We all must play our part in preserving biodiversity and do more to preserve wildlife, and the ideal place to start is in your garden or on a balcony. From filling up your bird feeder, fitting bee bricks to your exterior or adding late flowering plants, there are a variety of things we can do, no matter how big or small, to support our furry friends.
Reduce your meat consumption
Many of us have become aware of how meat production negatively contributes to the climate crisis, with citizens worldwide changing their diets to become more sustainable. Why not take part in the Veganuary campaign, or look to minimise the amount of meat in your diet to help tackle the ecological crisis?
Use your voice
Now more than ever, it is vital that we wield our power as citizens to influence environmental change to save our planet. Get involved with environmental organisations who are influencing policy, write to your local MP and let them know the environmental issues that matter to you so your voice can be heard. Get family and friends to adopt your goals and influence your nearest and dearest to do their part for the planet.
Take the scenic route
Instead of driving to every destination you visit, switch up your commute and try increasing your public transport use. Whether it’s getting the train, tram, cycling, carpooling or walking, you can explore new routes, and the planet will thank you at the same time. Although it’s a big ask, try only to use your car when you absolutely need to. If you travel frequently and have the option to, you could look at swapping high-polluting planes for relaxing trains that offer scenic views.
Limit your wardrobe
The textile industry plays a detrimental part in the climate crisis, emitting billions of tonnes of greenhouse gases every year. Look to curate a capsule wardrobe that has you covered for all seasons and minimises the need to buy unnecessary new clothing. Why not attend clothes swaps where you can exchange unwanted items that can be repurposed -without hurting the planet.
There is a wide selection of sustainable brands out there to choose from who are leading the way for environmental change. From interior paint to planet-positive spirits, there’s a wide range to choose from, and by purchasing items from brands that care about the planet and are bettering their business with eco-friendly practices, you’ll be doing your part for the planet.
Drink Sustainably
If you don’t want to go cold turkey this Dry January, why not switch up your go-to tipple? Avallen’s sustainable spirit is so good for the planet that it actively removes 2.73kg of CO2 from the Earth with every bottle. The perfect delicious guilt-free tipple that won’t give the planet a hangover!
We’d like to thank Avallen for their New Year Resolution suggestion and if you would like to read more about the brand’s focus on sustainability, please visit https://avallenspirits.com/.