10 completely attainable and sustainable new years resolutions in 2024
As we step into a new year, this is a great time to catalyze the desire to make positive changes in our lives with wanting to do good for our planet and communities. It’s about fostering the habits that allow us to incrementally make a change to our own lives and positively impact others and the world around us. The trick is to not go too big on our goals and then struggle to stick to them. Here are ten completely attainable New Year’s resolutions to set you on a path of impactful change:
1. Get chemicals out of your food and beauty products
By opting for natural foods and choosing clean ingredient beauty products free from harmful chemicals, you’re actively reducing your exposure to potentially harmful substances. Approximately fifty percent of cosmetics retailed in the United States and Canada contain a hazardous industrial compound linked to severe health issues. What you put on your skin gets absorbed into your bloodstream. Remember to read the labels and ingredients to make sure you are not consuming toxins.
2. Ditch fast fashion
It’s no secret that the fashion industry is the second-most polluting industry in the world, after the oil industry. Fast fashion is making the pollution problem worse. Cheap fashion fuels the petroleum laden, highly synthetic fabric and dye industry. This industry does have a cost to the people and communities making the products … it’s just that the consumers aren’t paying for it.
3. Swap out and use less plastic
Swapping out plastic products for more eco-friendly alternatives is a proactive step toward reducing environmental impact and promoting a healthier planet. By opting for alternatives such as reusable bags, stainless steel water bottles, bamboo utensils, and glass food storage containers, you actively reduce plastic waste that often ends up in landfills and oceans.
4. Support ethical small businesses
Oftentimes, large companies either don’t have the incentives or ability to truly become more eco friendly and socially conscious about how they produce goods. Prioritize purchasing from small businesses, like the brands found on Avoy, that practice ethical principles: slow and small batches, eco friendly sourcing, fair trade practices, and sustainable production.
5. Extend the life of your products
Tap into your local second-hand stores, buy nothing communities, and swap meets to give your products another life with someone else. Consider also repairing, repurposing, or upcycling items which can also save money and reduce the resources needed to produce new goods.
6. Adopt and share your conscious consumption practices
Conscious consumption aims to reduce the negative impact on the planet, promote fair labor practices, and encourage businesses to adopt more sustainable and ethical standards. Embrace a “buy less, choose well” mindset by investing in quality, long-lasting products rather than disposable or fast fashion items. You can join communities on Facebook (e.g. Non-Tox Living) or Reddit (e.g. r/Sustainability) to share with and ask others about how living more consciouslly.
7. Learn a DIY skill
Pick one skill such as learning how to sew or make your cleaning products using natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils. You’ll get a deeper connection to the things we use everday and an understanding about the craft of a product, rather than just the consumption of them.
8. Opt for a glass travel cup
While the Stanley cup is all the rage, BPA-free reusable water bottles still contain other endocrine-disrupting plasticizer chemicals like BPF, BPS, and phthalates. Switch to a glass travel cup, which is the optimal choice.
9. Make energy upgrades to your living area
Make energy-efficient upgrades to your home, such as installing LED lights, improving insulation, or upgrading to energy-saving appliances. Community members have said this one change has resulted in most noticeable change to their energy savings.
10. Advocate for more ethical policies
2024 is a US election year, so that means people will be paying attention to what policies get prioritized. Make a point to hold government accountable to regulating industry and its pollution. Get involved in environmental activism by joining or supporting organizations dedicated to sustainability and fair trade.
