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Written by: Natalia Brown

As we dive into a new year + the next decade of the century, it’s a great time to reflect on our priorities and set new goals!

There is no best or worst time to embrace change, but there is something about the new year that makes it especially appealing to work towards a new habit during this time. Unfortunately, New Years resolutions don’t usually last far beyond January 1st. If we want to make our intentions impactful over the long-term, it’s important to draw out connections between our existing routines and goals for the future. Once we’ve done that, more general aspirations can be broken down into action-oriented, smaller steps.

An example of one small step that contributes to the broader goal of waste reduction is carrying a reusable water bottle! This simple habit can (1) save you time and money by eliminating the need for purchasing bottled water on-the-go, (2) reduce your individual waste footprint by swapping years of single-use plastic products for one that’s reusable, and (3) serve as a convenient reminder throughout the day for all the health benefits of staying well hydrated.

These small steps are a good way to gradually embrace change and open ourselves up to additional, unexpected goals. For example, you feel more energized and refreshed after adopting the reusable bottle habit because it also helps you to stay hydrated. That might lead you to learn more about personal wellness and adopt new goals that aren’t otherwise related to your initial intention of waste reduction.

When thrown into the loop of our already busy schedules, lifestyle changes may seem daunting or inaccessible. These goals don’t have to be massive or feel like a transformative shift all of the sudden, but we encourage you to embrace a healthy challenge that aligns your values more closely with your daily actions. In the spirit of embracing change for the new year, here are some pointers to help you achieve your goals through small steps:

REUSABLES

Keep a water bottle, cutlery set, coffee cup, and tote bag handy to avoid the most common single-use plastics on-the-go. This shouldn’t require for you to buy anything new. Get creative to make use of items already lying around your home!

  • reduce your landfill contribution
  • save time and money
  • conserve energy
  • elevate your personal wellness
MENDING AND UP-CYCLING

Explore online tutorials and browse crafting guides for inspiration to mend and up-cycle items that you already own. This should prevent you from needing to purchase as many new items!

  • reduce your landfill contribution
  • conserve energy and resources
  • save time and money
RECYCLING

Search for your local waste hauler’s recycling guidelines to make sure you’re properly sorting and disposing of your waste.

  • reduce your landfill contribution
  • conserve energy and resources
GARDENING

Grow your own produce in your windowsill or yard. Try to avoid synthetic fertilizers and pesticides!

  • reduce carbon pollution
  • save money
  • elevate your personal wellness
PLANT-BASED EATING

Replace animal products in your diet with whole grains, beans, legumes, produce, nuts and seeds. Engage the whole family with meatless Mondays!

  • save money
  • conserve energy and resources
  • elevate your personal wellness
COMPOSTING

To start small with household scraps, check out this excellent guide! You may also have access to a neighborhood program with local drop-off locations, such as back2earth in Miami. Other municipalities may have larger community composting programs!

  • reduce your landfill contribution
  • reduce carbon pollution
LAUNDRY

Opt for the cold wash setting to save energy, and hang dry clothes when possible.

  • conserve energy
  • reduce carbon pollution
  • save money
  • extend the life of your clothes and linens
WATER USAGE

Turn off the tap when not in use, and aim to reduce the length of your showers. Try using a couple of your favorite songs as an engaging timer! Challenge yourself to finish before the songs end.

  • conserve energy and resources
  • save money
GETTING AROUND

Incorporate low-carbon alternatives to driving in your commute schedule. Walking, bicycling, public transportation (bus, train, subway, metrorail) or carpooling are all great options!

  • save time and money
  • reduce carbon pollution
  • elevate your personal wellness
COMMUNITY

Attend events organized by like-minded individuals or community organizations. Bonus: keep your perspective informed by starting conversations with others whose values and actions differ from your own!

  • elevate your personal wellness
SHOP LOCAL

Support organizations and small businesses with values that align with your own— every purchase you make is an investment in those individuals and their work, so choose wisely!

  • conserve energy and resources

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