As we celebrate Earth Month, it’s a great time to reflect on how we can make a positive impact on the planet beyond April. Sustainability is not just a one-time event or a trend, but a way of life. Adopting simple yet effective Earth Month resolutions can help you develop sustainable habits that can be incorporated into your daily routine throughout the year. This is not to say that I’m perfect. For example, I still throw away food scraps and sometimes I drink plastic water bottles when I’m in a hurry. However, I try to get better each day by doing little things that make a big impact. In this blog post, I’ll explore some earth month resolutions that you can adopt year-round to make a positive impact on the environment.
Reduce Single-Use Plastics and Don’t Throw Away Your Food Scraps
- Single-use plastics are one of the most significant contributors to environmental pollution. By reducing your use of single-use plastics, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint. Here are some ways you can do this:
- Carry a reusable water bottle and coffee mug
- Use reusable shopping bags and produce bags (NJ already requires this)
- Refuse plastic straws and cutlery
- Don’t discard your peels or other food scraps – there’s tons of recipes online to help (be sure to check out what I eat in a week)
- Utilize recycled glass jars for storing things or as planters
Cut Down Energy Consumption or Over Consuming Products
- Reducing energy consumption not only helps to conserve resources, but it can also save you money on your energy bills. Here are some ways to cut down energy usage:
- Switch off lights and appliances when not in use
- Install energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances
- Use a clothesline or drying rack instead of a dryer
- Adjust your thermostat to conserve energy when heating or cooling your home
- Instead of buying products, try to DIY some (such as your skincare, cleaning products, giving your clothes new life)
Buy Locally and Support Sustainable Brands
- Supporting local and sustainable brands not only benefits the environment but also the local economy. When you buy locally produced products, you reduce transportation emissions, and you can be confident that the products were made in a sustainable manner. Here are some ways to support sustainable brands:
- Buy products made from sustainable materials
- Choose products that are packaged with recyclable materials
- Shop at farmer’s markets or local stores
- Support eco-friendly and sustainable brands (my favorite is Girlfriend Collective)
Plant a Garden or Support Local Green Spaces
- Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, making them a vital part of reducing our carbon footprint. By planting a garden or supporting local green spaces, you can help to reduce the carbon footprint of your community. Here are some ways to get involved:
- Plant a garden or trees in your backyard or community garden
- Volunteer at local green spaces
- Support conservation initiatives in your community
Reduce Meat Consumption
- The meat industry is one of the most significant contributors to environmental pollution, with livestock producing methane and consuming vast amounts of water and feed. By reducing your meat consumption, you can make a significant impact on the environment. This one is a little tough for me, but is definitely doable for Meatless Monday. Here are some ways to reduce meat consumption:
- Incorporate plant-based meals into your diet, such as tofu instead of steak
- Choose locally sourced and sustainably raised meat
- Eat smaller portions of meat
By adopting these earth month resolutions, you can make a significant impact on the environment beyond April
Small changes in your daily routine can add up to a big difference for our planet. Let’s all commit to making sustainable changes in our lives and work towards a greener future. These suggestions can help you live more sustainably in your day-to-day activities. Be sure to comment what you’re doing to support Mother Nature this month and always!