Start sustainably into the new year

Do you want to do more for the environment next year but don't know where to start? New Year's resolutions can help. Here are a few tips for starting the new year sustainably.

Making resolutions feasible

Do you know why many resolutions don't work or are forgotten after a month at the latest? This is because New Year's resolutions are often not formulated sensibly. In order to achieve our goals, they must be concretely achievable. Generalized resolutions like "I'll lose weight," "I'll exercise more," or "I'll stop producing waste" are so unspecific and ambitious that they quickly discourage us. The goal seems unattainable and is not measurable. Therefore, it is important that we Formulate resolutions concretely and in smaller steps.

For example, "I'll do more exercise" can then become "I'll go to the gym for an hour every Monday" or "I'll attend a yoga class twice a week." This more specific formulation makes the resolution verifiable and more tangible than the first, general formulation. This also applies, of course, to resolutions related to sustainability and environmental protection. For a few, the resolution "I'll become vegan/vegetarian from January 1st" might work. For the vast majority, however, this is easily overwhelming. You'll find out which resolution you can formulate instead further down in this post.

Overwhelm can also arise from taking on too much at once. It's absolutely great if you're so motivated that you'd like to implement five New Year's resolutions at once. But in most cases, this is very time-consuming and requires not only time but also a great deal of perseverance. How about starting with a single resolution in January? You can always add new ones throughout the year. Climbing the stairs one step at a time is better than trying to jump from the first step to the last and then falling all the way down.

Let’s now move on to concrete sustainable resolutions:

Sustainable New Year's resolutions

1. Use fewer disposable products && produce less waste

The “big 4” are history for me

The "big four" refers to plastic straws, plastic bottles, plastic bags, and disposable coffee cups. Eliminating these items from our lives makes a huge difference for the environment. For us as individuals, this resolution remains concrete enough to be implemented. However, it does require a little preparation. Ultimately, you should own a reusable coffee cup if you want to eliminate disposable cups. Purchasing these four items in reusable form is definitely worth the investment. Jute bags, metal drinking bottles, and reusable cups are now available in a variety of beautiful designs. Reusable straws are available, for example, in the form of a keychain. This way, you can have one with you at all times. It can also be worthwhile to look for used products online or at flea markets.

2. Consume fewer animal products

I eat less meat /
Meat no longer goes into my shopping cart /
I eat meat once a week /
I only eat animal products outside and generally cook vegan at home

This resolution is the concrete version of the previously mentioned "I'll become vegetarian/vegan" resolution. If you'd like to implement it in your life, find a wording/version that feels right for you.As I said, you can always expand the plan later. To start with, it might be enough to introduce a "Meatless Friday." Or to avoid red meat during your weekly shopping. Even if the resolution might not be "good enough" for others, do it! Every change in the right direction counts and is great!

3. Walk more again

I walk to work /
Every Monday I ride my bike instead of driving /
I use the way to my relatives or friends as a walk

There are many reasons to walk. Besides the obvious environmental benefits, you're also doing yourself and your health a favor. While you do have to allow more time, it's also a wonderful way to slow down and experience the soothing feeling of having moved. Here, too, the resolution is flexible and should, of course, be tailored to your circumstances.

4. Reduce food waste

I build my own compost /
If I throw away food, it is only because there is no other option /
Every Sunday I plan the meals for the next week /
I only buy as much as I can consume

Approximately one-third of the food produced ends up in the trash. Awful, isn't it? When food waste ends up in a landfill, it decomposes and releases methane. This greenhouse gas has a significant impact on our climate. Therefore, it makes sense to think about what happens to your own food waste and reduce it as much as possible.

5. Expand your own sustainability awareness

Every Sunday I read an article about climate or sustainability /
Every month I implement a new zero-waste habit /
Once a month I go to an event or meeting where I can learn more about zero waste and sustainability

Those who engage with issues like sustainability and the environment are much more likely to change their own behavior. The things and stimuli we surround ourselves with every day occupy a large part of our thoughts. Of course, it's always somehow "better" to take concrete action. But by engaging with important issues, we gradually develop a greater awareness of these things, which is also very important. Many things gradually become second nature to us, so we then implement them automatically...

What sustainable New Year's resolutions do you have? What do you want to contribute in the coming year?

If you would like to learn more about healthy eating, mindfulness or sustainability, Check out more exciting blog articles on these topics here.