Make Your Resolutions Sustainable in 2022

 New Year's resolutions. Every year, many of us make them. Even if we don't do it formally, such as write it down or properly decide them, inside our minds things we can improve, try or change cross our minds. For 2022, why not make some eco-friendly resolutions? Here are some ideas to get you started, and help you become more sustainable this next year.

1) Cut down on plastic

This can be a tricky one, and is often perceived as impossible, but doesn't necessarily have to be. After all, if I can do it, you can too! I am still not 100% plastic-free, and quite frankly, it is not something that I can realistically do by the end of 2022 (unless I find a cheesemonger and butchers near me, which I will keep in mind when I move house in the summer). But what I can do, is strive to continue being as plastic-free as much as possible, and keep saying "no" to myself when shopping.

Start by trying to cut/change one plastic item out a week, or month, whichever is more feasible for you. It could be switching to glass milk bottles (I get mine delivered by Milk and More, but there are some other companies that do it too). Or you could buy yoghurts in glass pots (I also get mine from Milk and More, but some supermarkets have some glass options). Another swap is getting fruit and veg loose, and using reusable bags (supermarkets like Lidl and Sainsbury's have them, but also zero-waste shops/sites). You can do the same with bread. If you slowly make these changes, you can cut down on so much plastic waste!

And it doesn't have to just be food- you can make the change with toys, cosmetics, toiletries, and more! I'll go into more of these topics on this blog at some point, so keep an eye out for future posts.

2) Switch to reusable items

As mentioned in the previous point, reusable fruit/veg/bread bags are a great way to cut plastic out of your life, and even cut out any kind of packaging waste (even paper). There is also the most popular reusable item- water bottles! A simple swap, and great investment. I'd recommend going for a good quality one (save up if you have to), as it'll last longer, and you'll save more money in the long run. I had a cheaper metal one, and as I used it a lot, it got worn out much quicker than the Chilly's one I have now. The same goes for hot (or cold) drink cups.

Another obvious one is reusable shopping bags. Many people have made this change already in their life, but there are still so many buying the disposable, unbiodegradable plastic ones. Even avoiding paper ones, and only using your own bags for everything, is the better thing to do. It's a straightforward step, and all you need to do is keep a few in your bag or car, in case you pop into a shop.

For those who menstruate- reusable period products are great, and there are many different options so it's just about finding the right one for you! I personally use reusable pads and underwear, but there's the cup too (lots of different brands to choose from!)

For covering left-overs and food in general, wax wraps (which you can make yourself) are a great alternative to clingfilm. Along the same lines, you've got reusable lunch boxes, sandwich bags etc. Containers to refill your food, and store it in are also great.

For any of you who have babies/toddlers, or are parents-to-be, cloth nappies are a way to cut down on a huge amount of waste, which usually ends up in landfill, taking far too long to biodegrade.

3) Opt for refills

Search for a zero-waste shop, or somewhere that does refills of dry foods, household/cleaning products, and shampoo/shower gel etc. There are also options online, where things can be sent in compostable paper packaging. Refiling is not only cutting down on waste, but it means only getting a certain amount that can fit in your container, making for less space being taken up in cupboards. You only get what you need, which also helps reduce food waste for certain items. All you need is to bring tupperware, jars, takeaway tubs, or whatever you have at home. What I like, is I can bring the containers I store the food in, and then when I get home I don't have to decanter anything anywhere. 

4) Buy less & go for quality

Prioritise buying only what you need, it's as simple as that! Bulk buying can be good in some instances, but otherwise, it takes up space, you can forget what you have, or something can end up going to waste in they go off. When it comes to food, it's not always possible to go for quality, as it can be more expensive. If you can though, do. Buying clothing or other items that aren't food, it is more attainable. Saving up for items you actually need, and buying less often, means you can get good quality, sustainably made products that will last longer. In the long run, you're actually saving money! Make a vow in 2022 to only buy clothes when needed, or very rarely at the very least. (I know, it's hard!) Understandably, it can be hard if you need something immediately and haven't been able to save up for it. In that instance, you could try a charity shop, or get something second-hand another way. Also, some shops that may not have the most sustainable practices, yet sell cheaper items, do sell things like clothing, for example, made of cotton.

5) Use a bamboo toothbrush

Check out my video on
sustainable dental products!

Switching to bamboo toothbrushes is a no-brainer for me. They do the job the exact same way as plastic ones, but they can be composted! Also getting toothpaste, mouth wash, and floss/interdental brushes in plastic-free packaging, to go along with your eco toothbrush.

These are some of many changes you can make in your life, and all it takes is starting with one. Pick a habit to change, and you'll be surprised how easy it'll be to make more and more changes. You'll soon realise that you've replaced so many non-eco habits! It is crazy how quickly I have become as sustainable as I am now. I was always very passionate about the environment, but something clicked in 2019-2020, that just turned my life around completely, and here we are. Of course, I am nowhere near perfect, and cannot yet be 100% zero-waste, but I'll get there! Some changes, unfortunately, depend on the commercial world, and big companies. But for now, I am proud of how far I've come!

Happy New Year!

-Sustainable Sarah x