Setting Sustainable New Year’s Resolutions

Have you been meaning to make some sustainable swaps in your life but just haven’t found the right time to start? The first few days of the new year can serve as a time to reset, relax, and think of ways to reduce your carbon footprint! We can all do our part and take a hard look at what we wish to accomplish when setting green goals for 2022. 

It doesn’t have to be complicated. Get out your notepads, iPads, or notes app and start setting some simple resolutions for yourself. By writing them down, you’re setting yourself up for success and helping our planet!

Here are some sustainable New Year’s resolutions you can set for 2022:

1. Upcycle, donate, or recycle
   Out with the old and in with the new year! Time to go through your closet and get rid of the things you don’t need. Donate these items to people who may need them, upcycle them, or find a free recycling program or Zero Waste Box that accepts them.
   
2. Buy less
   Now that you’ve gone through your stuff, pledge to buy less. This year, you can avoid adding more clutter to your closet and your life.
   
3. If you do have to buy, buy secondhand or upcycled materials
   Most of the time, the things we buy can be used by others after we’re through with them. If you need a wedding guest dress or a complete set of dishes, chances are the items you need are waiting for you in a thrift store. Upcycled materials are also a great way to give a second life to old materials!
   
4. Start using reusable shopping bags
   We know it can be easy to forget to grab your reusable bags when running to the grocery store. PRO TIP: Every time you unpack your groceries, put the bags right back in the car.

5. Say no to plastic water bottles
   If you didn’t get a reusable water bottle as a gift this holiday season, head out and treat yourself to one to avoid plastic water bottle usage! A reusable water bottle will last you for years to come and could help save you from using 156 plastic bottles annually.
   
6. Start composting
   Food scraps and yard waste currently make up more than 30 percent of what we throw away. Check out more facts and these tips from the Environmental Protection Agency.

Make a mental note to check in with yourself every three months and see the progress you’ve made in helping our planet. We believe in you, and from everyone at TerraCycle, we wish you a Happy New Year!