Sustain-a-ville

The time is upon us. Time to reflect on the previous year and prepare goals and intentions for the coming year. If you participate in this process every year, you’re probably used to coming up with goals in all of the standard categories – fitness, finances, accomplishments at work, starting a new hobby, etc. For me, last year was the first year that I had any sustainability-related goals on my list. I really enjoy looking back on all the progress I’ve made in this area the last year and can’t wait to see what else I can tackle in 2024. I highly encourage you to try adding a sustainability category to your yearly goals by choosing even just one resolution from the list below.

1. Give up single-use plastic

Plastic is pretty much everywhere you look these days. And, depending on where you live and your lifestyle, removing plastic from your life entirely may not be possible. But committing to removing single-use plastic from your life is a great place to start. This would include everything from to-go coffee cups to plastic utensils.

2. Commit to a more sustainable commute

Whether that’s biking or taking public transportation, even just one or two days a week can make a difference in the amount of emissions being released into the air. If you’re in the market for a new vehicle this year, consider a hybrid or electric model.

3. Start an indoor herb garden

Growing your own herbs is a great resolution to begin your sustainable journey. Many of the fresh herbs available in grocery stores come packaged in plastic. By growing your own you can have an endless supply and also cut out waste!

4. Begin composting

Composting can feel daunting if you’ve never done it before but it truly is quite easy. Resolving to compost biodegradable waste can eliminate a lot of trash from the landfills. And, despite what you may think, can be done no matter your living situation.

5. Plant a tree

Trees are so beneficial to the environment for many reasons including that they clean the air and provide homes for wildlife. Especially in metropolitan area like where I live in Nashville, trees are being cut down every day to make room for new houses and apartment complexes. By planting a new tree or two you can help the local wildlife population and improve your own air quality.

6. Switch your paper products to reusables

Things like napkins and paper towels are some of the easiest sustainable swaps to make. And probably save you money in the long run! Opt for reusable versions instead of ones made out of trees to save waste from landfills. And extra points if the reusable option you choose is made of all natural materials like cotton so that it doesn’t leach microplastic into our drainage systems and can be composted at the end of its life.

7. Vow to remove fast-fashion from your shopping list

We all know by now that fast-fashion is absolutely terrible for the environment. And the reason these products are so inexpensive is because the people who make them work under awful conditions. I’m not saying you should totally give up buying new things but try opting to only purchase items from companies that prioritize the earth and the labor conditions of their manufacturers. Hint: if a company doesn’t post their labor practices or commitment to sustainability on their website, they probably don’t prioritize these things!

8. Reduce your consumption of animal products

The mass production of meat and dairy products in this country is absolutely terrible for the environment (not the mention the animals). I’m not going to tell you to quit eating all animal products and go full vegan in the new year (good for you if that’s already your goal!) but consider reducing your intake by any amount that feels right for you.

9. Use less water

Whether this comes in the form of timing your showers or installing rain barrels to water your yard or garden, using less water is a great resolution to help save you some money AND save the earth.

10. Host a swap

This could be a clothing swap or anything else you have a lot of and are looking to get rid of (books, puzzles, candles, etc). Before you make a trip to donate items to the local thrift store, host a swap with some friends. This is a great sustainable way to unload those things you don’t want anymore and make room for some new -to-you (used by your friends) items. It doesn’t cost any money, reduces waste from items from going to the landfill, and reduces the number of new items that need to be manufactured.

11. Buy local

Another resolution that benefits both the environment and your community is to buy local. Instead of purchasing necessities from Amazon, check out your local refill store. And instead of buying produce from the chain grocery store, frequent local farmers markets instead.

12. Make sure textiles are made of natural fibers

By making sure any new clothing items coming into your life are made only of natural materials (like cotton and linen) you can help prevent microplastics from making their way into the ocean via your washing machine. It’s probably not feasible to rid your closet entirely of all synthetic materials but a great resolution would be to focus on new items coming into your wardrobe.

13. Start meal planning and prepping

This goal might accomplish a couple of things on your list if you also have resolutions to eat healthier. By meal planning and prepping we can avoid much of the food waste that ends up in landfills and have more control over the ingredients in the food that we eat.

14. Unsubscribe from email lists that don’t support sustainable habits

Not only does this declutter your inbox but it also makes you less susceptible to marketing tactics designed to get you to buy things you really don’t need. It’s a win for your mind, wallet, and the earth!

However you plan to implement more sustainable living practices in the new year, I hope you feel proud of any progress you have made so far and excited for the possibilities for even less waste in 2024!