5 Tips to Be More Sustainable in the New Year

Sustainability is of paramount importance looking ahead and there’s really no time to waste when it comes to looking at how we can live without producing so much waste. Fortunately, there are plenty of straightforward ways to live more sustainably this new year and we’ll run you through some of the simplest and most effective methods to do so.

Stop Using Plastic

We all know that fossil fuels are a huge contributor to pollution and that some are looking at ways to replace the use of fossil fuels through solar and nuclear energy, but not everyone is aware of how the creation of our everyday plastics is driven by fossil fuels. 

The reality is that not only do plastics contribute to a massive amount of waste, but we also could not have them without the processing of fossil fuels—so it really becomes a double-edged sword. There are a variety of replacement items that we use in our everyday life that don’t have to be made out of plastic.

Adjust Water Consumption

Speaking of ditching the plastic, a simple way to be more sustainable long term is to reconsider how you buy water. Unfortunately, bottled water is still a common preference among buyers and they lead to tons of waste each year. 

We need better water conservation systems and by buying a reusable water bottle you solve a big problem for yourself quickly and easily. The only added step is going to the market to fill up your water now and then. There are also alternatives like water filters and services that deliver to your door.

Meal Prep to Prevent Food Waste

Another sustainability issue that doesn’t get enough attention is the amount of food waste that is left over each year. America has a particularly high rate of food waste and one way to combat this in the new year is to only buy what you need and meal prep based on your food haul. The first few times might not be exact, but after a few times you’ll get a great idea of how much food you actually need and you can save yourself tons of time and also energy in the kitchen. 

Eat Less Meat

There’s a discussion to be had over whether we can make a big shift toward meat alternatives. The meat industry is a major suck on water and produces massive amounts of gas from cows that contribute to global warming, so it’s certainly worth exploring whether this is a viable option for most people. 

While it might not be right now, many are making the shift toward more sustainable diets like vegetarian or vegan options. With more innovations in the world of agriculture and food production, there are more accessible options for people to try a change in their diet.

Alternative Transportation Methods

This one can be tricky depending on where you live, but this new year might be a great time to start biking to work or getting to know your city better through public transport. Many cities are taking steps to improve their public transport and make these services more efficient and accessible. Keep an eye out for transportation updates in your community. 

Not everyone can make all these adjustments, but the important thing is to take small steps toward complete sustainability as soon as possible. You might also inspire someone else to live more sustainably just by implementing one of the simple tips above like grabbing a new metal water bottle. Whatever we can all do to protect our world and our future is worth trying and luckily many of the things that can help are within our reach!