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5 New Year's resolutions to protect the planet

Words by Smiley Team

It’s another new year and time to start afresh. While we’re all becoming increasingly eco-conscious, what can we do in our daily lives that will help us, at the very least, prepare to live in a greener, cleaner world?

From avoiding plastic to doing your compost, there are many ways to lower your impact at home. But if you want to act on a larger scale, volunteering for an environmental group could scale up the impact of your efforts. Here are some ideas for resolutions to help you adopt more eco-friendly habits in 2022.

Join your local eco group

Working alongside others to tackle climate change can help make this unprecedented problem feel less daunting. So why not volunteer for your local group from organisations such as Friends of the Earth or The Conservation Volunteers.

Ditch the plastic

While plastic is one of the most troublesome packaging materials, its abundance is a problem to concern us all. Make the switch to eliminate plastic by shopping at markets that sell loose groceries and refill stores such as the online shop, Ecorefill

Take care with your trash

While you’re moving towards a zero-waste lifestyle, minimise the impact of your garbage by putting it in the correct bin. Check with your local authority what they can recycle and if you have a garden, take the opportunity to compost your organic waste at home to make nourishing mulch for your plants.

Become hyper energy efficient

To cut your bills right down and lower your carbon footprint, improving your household’s energy efficiency is crucial. Invest in loft insulation to reduce heat loss, only turn the radiators on in rooms you use, and keep an eye on your thermostat.

Travel carbon-free

Lower your environmental impact while raising your fitness levels, by taking more eco-friendly means of transport in 2022. Walking or cycling are great options, but you can also run, scoot or rollerblade for more creative ways to get from A to B.

 

This article aligns with the following UN SDGs

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