It is safe to say that most of us are excited to say goodbye to 2020 and cheers to 2021. Have you made your New Year’s resolutions yet? Why not commit to a more sustainable 2021? After all, if 2020 taught us anything it is that we are maybe more adaptable and resilient than we thought.
Need help getting started? Below we’ve collected some ideas to inspire New Year’s resolutions that can help you and the environment.
- Go plant-based – Animal agriculture is a huge emitter of greenhouse gases globally, contributing as much emissions as any mode of transport on our planet. Eating less meat is one of the easiest ways to reduce a large chunk of our personal carbon footprint. A plant-based diet (food that comes from plants and doesn’t include animal ingredients such as meat, milk, eggs, or honey) also has many health benefits. Does this sound a bit intimidating? Just start with one or two meals a day and work your way up.
- Read about climate change – A common New Year’s Resolution is to read more. How about focusing your reading on climate? Start with some recent must reads on climate change. You can use this knowledge to talk to your family and friends about the importance of climate action. Check out a conversation we had with Climate Reality Leaders, Keith Bergman and Harriet Shugarman, about the climate reality and how to talk to your kids about it. You can also catch up on Concord Sustainability info and news on the Sustainable Concord Dashboard and Blog.
- Commit to compost – If food waste were a country, it would be the world’s third-largest emitter after the U.S. and China. Not sure how to compost? Check our dashboard to learn more about how you can easily start your composting journey!
- Think twice before you buy – We live in a world where we are constantly consuming. One research group found a garbage truck’s worth of clothing and textiles is landfilled or incinerated every second. So, simply do not buy into the idea! Instead, try shopping second-hand. It is a great way to give new life to old clothes or household goods while saving money and keeping waste out of landfills.
- Make a home energy plan – 30% of greenhouse gas emissions in Concord come from residential buildings. Do you have a plan to decarbonize your home? You can start with a home energy assessment, make improvements to your insulation and air-sealing, and make a plan to transition to climate-friendly heat pumps. Check out our recent blog for how to get started and links to resources and rebates.
Have other ideas for sustainable New Year’s Resolutions? Ideas for blog post topics this year? Need help finding resources or rebates? Let us know.
Tackling climate change requires an all-hands-on-deck approach and even the smallest change will make a difference. Make a resolution to be part of the solution this year. Cheers to a sustainable 2021!