As the New Year started, I set a few new sustainability goals. I knew I could do better in a few areas, and I wish to sustain these changes from now on. Incorporating sustainable practices into our daily lives can be a great way to positively impact the environment and our personal well-being. By upholding our sustainable resolutions, we can do our part to protect the planet and lead a more peaceful, healthier life.
Whether you added some sustainability goals to your New Year's resolutions or still want to, here are a few ways I plan to take it forward, and you are welcome to join me!
Reducing our carbon footprint is one way to make a more sustainable life. This can be done by making changes to the way we travel. For example, instead of driving to work or school, we can walk or bike; This way, we also gain a little exercise. Which can help with our mental and physical health in our daily routine. Another way is to take public transportation or carpool with a couple of people/friends who go to the same or nearby destination. If you can't commit to doing this every day, try to apply this to one or two permanent days a week. Imagine all drivers doing this once a week. It will make such an impact in terms of pollution, make driving a less stressful experience with less traffic, and save everyone time.
Another easy way to reduce your carbon footprint is to reduce your energy consumption by turning off lights, disconnecting electronics and appliances when they're not in use, and investing in energy-efficient appliances. For example, we are planning to move into a new place soon. We need new appliances (for the ones we weren't able to find secondhand), so our plan is to buy the ones with an Energy Star label, which means that the appliances are more environmentally friendly and meet the standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency in our country. These measures will also impact our utility bills which is an extra advantage.
Sustainable Shopping Made Simple
Over the years, we have become a primarily vegetarian household for humanitarian and environmental reasons. And this year, I wish to preserve it and encourage others to do so. A plant-based diet has been shown to have numerous health benefits. Studies have found that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes can help lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Plant-based diets are also typically high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which can help improve digestion and overall health. It's important to note that plant-based diets should be properly planned and balanced to ensure you get all the necessary nutrients.
Moreover, eating a plant-based diet can significantly reduce your carbon footprint. The production of meat, especially beef, requires a lot of resources and generates significant greenhouse gas emissions. So, starting to eat meat-free meals even just one day a week reduces your consumption of meat and, in turn, your environmental impact.
A different resolution we have as a family is to spend more of our weekends hiking locally instead of other consuming activities like shopping or dining out. This decision can be a great way to make our leisure time more sustainable. Hiking is an eco-friendly activity that allows you to enjoy nature and gets your body moving. By choosing to hike, you are consciously prioritizing experiences and connecting with others and nature over material goods. This can have a positive impact on your mental and physical well-being and also helps to support local conservation efforts. Hiking can also provide a way to learn more about your local environment, wildlife, and geology and help foster a deeper appreciation and understanding of the natural world. It's important to respect nature and follow sustainable hiking practices, such as staying on designated trails, not disturbing wildlife, and avoiding littering. Making hiking a regular part of your routine can reduce your carbon footprint, improve your physical and mental well-being, and support conservation efforts in your local area.
Keeping up with your sustainable New Year's resolutions is a great way to start the year on a positive note. For me, with emphasis on reducing my carbon footprint, and keeping cutting down on waste, and reusing what we or others have. Remember, taking small steps can lead to significant changes, so don't hesitate to start making sustainable changes today. We got this!
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Inbar Shiryon is an artist and an educator. She draws inspiration from her everyday life and surroundings. Inbar also works with children in art and languages. She aspires to cultivate a sustainable way of living and to bring awareness of conscious choices to others by sharing information and leading by example.
Check out her website Inbar Shiryon Art and follow her on Inbar Shiryon Instagram.
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