10 new year’s resolutions for a more sustainable lifestyle

2020 has just started and this is the perfect time to write down new year resolutions and goals to reach in the new year. In this post I want to share with you 10 resolutions that you can integrate into your list to start a more sustainable lifestyle, so that it also helps the planet we live in and the people around us. Every day is an opportunity to do good and everyone can do their part. Climate change is increasingly showing its effects and we cannot simply stand by and watch. Every little action is important.

1. Go vegan or vegetarian. This is one of the most important things you can do on this list. Animal agriculture is responsible for most of the CO2 emissions and obviously quitting meat is a very important step in limiting your carbon footprint. If you are unable to have a completely plant based diet, try at least to reduce the consumption of meat to a maximum of 1/2 times a week and to prefer white meat.

2. Give up fast fashion. Fashion industry is one of the most polluting. Fast fashion chains that sell clothes in very large quantities at low cost is the cause of this problem. Obviously to sell such cheap clothes, the workers and the environment are the ones who lose. in fact, fast fashion chains underpay their workers who are treated with inhuman conditions and do not care about the environment or the choice of ecological materials. The alternative is to support sustainable brands or to buy only second hand clothes.

3. Start a zero waste or plastic free lifestyle. Plastic has now totally invaded our oceans and is an increasingly pressing problem. Therefore, each of us should make the effort to avoid purchasing single use plastic such as plastic bags, straws or unnecessary plastic packaging. There are many companies that produce zero waste alternatives that can be used instead of plastic ones.

4. Buy local, organic and seasonal food. Avoid buying foods that come from distant countries or that are not in season because their transport causes CO2 emissions that could very well be avoided. Buying organic food is also very important because they are not treated with chemical pesticides that pollute the air and the soil and are harmful to our health.

5. Give back. Remember to do good and to donate for associations that are committed with concrete actions that help our planet. You can also think of volunteering yourself for the causes that are close to your heart but remember to donate and support as much as possible those who try to make a difference.

6. Carbon offset all your travel. Traveling is one of the most beautiful things you can do but it’s also very polluting, especially if you choose the plane as a means of transport. Fortunately, there are associations that deal with compensating your emissions through donations that will allow you to travel carbon neutral

7. Reduce food waste. Unfortunately too much food still in excellent condition is too often thrown away. The main causes of this problem are supermarkets and restaurants, but we too can commit ourselves not to waste food by planning our grocery shopping and committing ourselves to eat everything we buy before it expires.

8. Find green beauty alternatives. Always choose organic, vegan and cruelty free beauty products to protect animals and the environment. In fact, beauty products often contain chemicals that damage the environment and that are also dangerous for our health.

9. Try to first repair your items befor throwing them away. Always try to repair items that break before throwing them away and buy new ones. This is a great way to prevent excessive consumerism and make what we buy last as long as possible

10. Embrace minimalism. One of the best ways to be more sustainable is to buy less and buy better. We have to stop filling houses with useless objects and reflect on every purchase asking ourselves if that item can really give added value to our life.