12 Eco Friendly New Year’s Resolutions for 2023
by the Kymberly Lawyer | Read Time 4 min
Living sustainably and creating a brighter future all starts with simple habits, intentional practices, and using your buying power for good.
We spent the beginning of this year reflecting on what we can do as individuals to to make an impact on our local community, and in turn, society as a whole. We have a lot to learn from past generations in how to be resourceful, take care of the land, and create a healthy home.
So, we have come up with 12 sustainable habits to adopt, actions to take, and ways you can help heal and support our planet. It is our hope that you join us on this journey and take on the challenge of completing one of these per month, so at the end of this year we can all reflect on the progress we have made for future generations.
Use a reusable water bottle
This is a a very simple and economical way to cut down on the use of plastic water bottles. In addition, Consider getting a large capacity water dispenser for your home, installing a water filter for the tap, or investing in a small water filtering pitcher. There are so many options on the market for use at the gym, the office, a picnic, and more!
Compost food scraps and garden waste
Not only does composting help create nutrient rich soil for your garden, but it also helps to divert organic waste out of the landfill and back into the earth. Our Signature Compost Bin is a chic and functional container to collect all your food scraps before transferring to a garden compost pile or to be picked up by local waste collection services.
Shop local
Shopping locally owned businesses ensures that your local economy thrives, and also reduces your overall carbon footprint since items don’t need to be shipped to your home. Plus, a lot of small shops support local makers, craftspeople, and artisans!
Break up with single use plastic
There are so many sustainable alternatives that eliminate single use plastic like cling wrap, plastic baggies, grocery bags, food storage containers. Take a look at the Package Free Shop and Earth Hero for some great options!
Frequent the Farmer’s Market
Here in Santa Barbara, we are lucky to have our local farmer’s market a couple days a week! It helps support local farmers, cuts down on the transportation of goods, and eating seasonal and local produce is so beneficial to your own health.
Swap out standard products for sustainable ones
We’re talking your soaps, cleaning products, laundry detergent, face wash, lotion, and more! If you are lucky to have a refill shop in your area you can use your old containers or invest in a new vessel (like our Signature Trio!) to fill up on new eco friendly products. For those who like to shop online, we recommend Grove, Earth Hero, and Shades of Green to start!
Incorporate sustainable transportation practices
If possible, try to ride your bike, walk, or skate, to wherever you need to go! You can also limit trips in the car and carpool with friends to lower your overall carbon footprint.
Buy Vintage
This is one we get so so excited about! Scouring vintage shops, antique stores, estate sales, and online marketplaces are one of our favorite things to do! Finding pieces with a story gives so much character to your home. Some of our favorite sites are Chairish, 1st Dibs, and Etsy! Plus check out our article on how to style your home without buying anything new here.
Ocean, park, and neighborhood cleanup
Make a pact with your friends and family every time you go to the beach, park, or any shared outdoor space to pick up trash! All you need to do is bring a trash bag and some good company!
Eco-Therapy
Going outside to walk, hike, meditate, get some fresh air, and listen to the soothing sounds around you are so beneficial for your mental, physical, and spiritual health! Practicing mindfulness by reconnecting with nature and being more intentional with our role in the ecosystem is so important!
Educate yourself
Our education page is full of books, podcasts, articles, and people to follow who are all committed to healing our planet. There is so much to learn from Indigenous people, social and environmental justice activists, homesteaders, herbalists, artists, designers, and more. Take a look and get inspired!
Vote
This is one of the most important things you can do! We as citizens yield so much collective power and when the opportunity arises to vote for the best interests of the people and the planet, we must do so! Make sure to check your ballot in local and federal elections for environmental conservation and climate focused legislation!
