New Year, New Sustainable You!

It's a new year, and many people have new year's resolutions they wish to fulfil. The usual ones are eating healthier and start working out. However, for those of you who want to start living more sustainably we have gathered some tips here for you! 

1. Think twice before shopping. Everything we purchase has an environmental footprint, so every time you see something you want to buy, ask yourself if you really need it. If it is something you need, consider if it is something you can buy used, or buy it from whoever has minimal shipping and packaging. 

2. Reduce plastic, by using reusable bags when you do your shopping, stop buying single-used water bottles and buy a stainless-steel bottle instead. Avoid products that are made from or packaged in plastic when possible.

3. Choose fairtrade certified products, “shade-grown” coffee, and organic food whenever possible. 

4. Reduce your meat consumption and prevent food waste by planning your shopping and how to use the leftovers from the products you buy. 

5. Focus on slow-fashion. Buy good quality clothes from conscious clothing companies. These companies use sustainably sourced fabrics and ethically produced garments that supports living wages and have less environmental impact. They do cost more than fast-fashion clothes but lasts longer. And if you reduce your impulse buying of fast-fashion clothes, the total amount spent in the end might not differ much. Quality over quantity! 

6. Choose the bike, walk, or public transport instead of your car. 

7. Take the stairs over the elevator. This is also a great work out!

8. Use kitchen towels and sponges to clean instead of paper towels. 

9. Use LED lighting or CFL bulbs instead of incandescent lighting in your house.

10. Open your blinds and use as much natural light as possible before switching on your light bulbs.

11. Don't leave the water running while brushing your teeth. 

12. When buying presents for Christmas or birthdays, give them an experience instead of an item. This could be a gift card for the cinema, spa treatment, restaurant etc. Or you can make them a home-cooked meal or a cake!

13. Repair your devices instead of purchasing a new one. This also saves you a lot of money!

Good Luck!