We’ve entered the new year and the time where many resolutions are made and forgotten.

Perhaps your new years resolution this year was to care more for the earth we live in?

To avoid this becoming another resolution that is abandoned after January, here are five ways to live more environmentally friendly all the way to December.

And hopefully build some good habits along the way.

Give your house a green makeover

Check your power companies stance on sustainability and renewable energy – if they have a renewable option ask if it would work for you, and if they don’t, make the switch to a company that does! You can even consider installing your own solar panels to really make a difference.

In every day life, you can also make a difference by using proper waste and recycling management - why don’t you try composting?!

Shop ethically and sustainably

By shopping ethically and sustainably, you can still get that 2023 wardrobe or skin care glow up, but you can do it without the guilt of knowing that you are harming the environment.

A good start to this is to shop second hand – with so many thrift stores and online marketplaces selling pre-loved or recycled clothing, it is easy to find pieces you love.

As for beauty products, choosing organic and cruelty free products is a great way to show your support for ethical and sustainable shopping.

Travel Green

A great way to lower your emissions in 2023 is by taking public transport, walking, biking or taking advantage of e-bikes and e-scooters that are popping up across the country. With cars and road transport being responsible for about 20% of the worlds carbon emissions, cutting it down would make a huge difference for the environment.

Go Plastic Free

Going one-hundred percent plastic free is a big commitment, but is worth it to combat the negative effects it has on our environment.

Plastic takes at least 200 years to break down, and during this time it realises toxic substances into the soil and air. It also had detrimental effects on animals, particularly marine life who mistake plastic for food, blocking their airways or digestive systems.

If you need some extra help with freeing yourself from plastic waste, check out our blog post 7 tips to help you go plastic free.

Gift Sustainably

When gifting in 2023, give your family, friends and loved ones sustainable and eco-friendly gifts to encourage others in your life to be more environmentally conscious.

For example:

Re-usable products like metal straws or re-usable coffee cups,
Environmentally friendly products – such as trade aid certified chocolate
An experience instead of a physical gift that they may never use and will just end up in the trash,
Plants – who doesn’t love a cute indoor plant!
Re-gift something that you haven’t got any use out of to someone who will benefit from it more
Donate to charity on their behalf