During the first Coronavirus lockdown in England, when nobody had to commute and everyone had to work from home, air pollution fell by up to 50% in London and seismic noise was reduced by up to 50% across the UK. Road traffic fell by more than 70%, international air travel was halved, and global greenhouse emissions plummeted. For a brief moment, we all got to experience how quiet the streets could be and how clean the air might be if we all made a commitment to positive change.
It might be true that 100 companies are responsible for 71% of global emissions. But 2020 proved that we can have a direct and immediate effect on the environment when we change our individual behaviour. If we really value the clear air, clean seas, and quiet streets, we must start taking responsibility for our personal choices by making changes to the way we live our lives—starting with a few resolutions.
Eco-Friendly Resolutions For 2022
Learn About Your Impact
The climate crisis is so overwhelmingly complex that sometimes it feels best to bury our heads in the sand and ignore it. But the more we know about a topic, the easier it is to make decisions that have a positive impact. If you feel swamped by information and confused by what you read, take a simplified approach. Identify the issues that are most important to you and focus on learning about those topics first. The more we understand specific environmental issues, the better equipped we are to make more sustainable choices in the future.
Make Low Waste Swaps
Reducing our waste can feel daunting, unachievable, and incredibly boring. But it doesn't have to be. It can be as simple as doing nothing at all. Low waste living starts with slow and steady changes, beginning with focusing on your daily habits and making them less wasteful. Commit to making one sustainable swap each month that will help you to reduce waste, avoid plastic, or live more sustainably. From ditching fast fashion to eating plant-based, some swaps are harder than others and require more effort to stick with. Just remember: you don't have to be perfect. This beginner's guide to zero waste will help you to get started.
Advocate For Change
There are lots of different ways you can advocate for change, each one as valuable as the next although some more powerful than others. You can encourage others to adopt a simpler more sustainable life by sharing your eco-friendly habits, plastic-free swaps, and favourite low was products. Advocating for change starts with yourself, and spreads outwards. Share your knowledge, experiences, and thoughts through your social platforms and in your everyday interactions. Being an activist will help others understand how powerful their choices can be.
Reduce Waste
Food is the most common form of waste, accounting for almost 50 percent of global waste generation. In the UK, 10 million tonnes of food and drink is wasted each year, and 60% of that could be avoided. Personal food waste can be reduced with a few easy-to-adopt habits, and composting helps to deal with the rest. Other waste can be reduced by simply buying less, thrifting more, and using up what you already have. Shop second-hand before buying anything new, adopt a capsule wardrobe, and avoid disposables whenever possible. Take a look at the archives for more information on reducing waste.
Do More For Nature
If you want a feel-good resolution that is both direct and impactful, start doing more for your local wildlife. Thousands of UK animals and plant species are in decline due to the intensification of farming, and climate change. Other than adopting a plant-based diet, which is the most effective way to reduce your impact on the planet; you can have a direct positive impact by providing local wildlife with protection and resources—whether that's in your garden, on your balcony, or from your windowsill. Plant flowers to attract pollinators, build shelters for hedgehogs or nesting boxes for birds, and put out food for other animals. Another easy way to help your local community and the wildlife in it, is to pick up litter when you see it.
