biofriendly resolutions

10 Biofriendly Resolutions You’ll Want (and Be Able) to Keep

Biofriendly resolutions

Image by LanaSweet via iStock by Getty Images

While people typically make (and let’s be honest, break) resolutions around this time of year, we have some biofriendly resolutions you’ll want to make and keep this New Year. These aren’t tasks you’ll find difficult to complete, nor are they goals too lofty to accomplish. In fact, I think you’ll be able to easily incorporate these 10 biofriendly resolutions into your daily routine in no time.

1. Make Reusable Your Cup of Choice

Opting for a reusable bottle or cup is one of the simplest resolutions you can adopt in the new year, but it’s an important one too. The amount of waste generated from people getting coffee in non-reusable, to-go cups or water in plastic bottles would astound you. Switching to a reusable water bottle or coffee mug can significantly reduce such waste, especially when it is done en masse.

2. Consciously Reduce Water Waste While Showering and Brushing Your Teeth

Anyone can incorporate this resolution into their daily routine. All it consists of is turning off the water while you are brushing your teeth or soaping up in the shower. When you aren’t actively using the water from the faucet, turn it off. This will help reduce water waste and it can also save money.

Those who want to take it one step further can put a bucket in their shower to catch grey water. Then, you can use the captured grey water to water your plants both in your home and in your garden.

3. Regrow One Herb or Vegetable (Then Another…and So On)

Did you know many of the herbs and vegetables you eat can be regrown in your own home? It’s true! You can take the bottom part of your green onions, celery or carrots, stick them in some water and they’ll start to grow again. So, the next time you buy vegetables or herbs at the store, consider regrowing new food from your scraps.

The benefit of growing, and regrowing, food at home is you save money, eat more organic and reduce food waste all at the same time.

4. Make At Least One Meatless Dinner Per Week

Regardless of whether you are a vegan, vegetarian or meat eater, I’m sure you’ve heard of Meatless Mondays. Meatless Mondays are a simple way to reduce meat consumption and introduce more plant-based meals into your diet. Doing so can be quite beneficial to your health and the health of the planet.

The options for meatless meals are truly limitless. You just have to keep an open mind. The recipes are there. You can make one of your favorites with a meatless alternative or you can try something new. Just start by making at least one meatless dinner (or meal) per week, then add more as you see fit.

5. Unplug Appliances and Electronics Not In Use

This is another simple resolution you can incorporate into your daily routine. You just have to unplug any appliances and electronics not in use. You might not realize it, but even when you’ve turned these devices off, they are still sucking power. It’s often referred to as vampire power, or standby power, and costs consumers an estimated $3 billion dollars a year in energy costs in the United States alone. That’s a lot of wasted energy. The solution is to simply unplug when not in use.

6. Get Outdoors Daily (For at Least 15 Mins or More)

While it’s likely you already spend some time outdoors on a daily basis, it might not be done with the purpose behind this particular resolution. When I say get outdoors daily, I mean get outside and spend some time in nature. Go for a walk. Spend some time looking at the trees, flowers, the sky above you, any animals you may come across and more. Actually look around you and soak in the beauty of nature.

Doing this is also a great way to step away from the day-to-day grind, clear your mind and calm your nerves. Exposure to nature is extremely beneficial and has been proven to improve the immune system, lower blood pressure, boost creativity and better regulate sleep patterns, too.

7. Walk or Bike, Instead of Drive, to One Destination Per Week

Depending on where you live, you may have gotten in the habit of driving everywhere you need to go. With this resolution, you can begin the break the habit by opting for other ways to get around. Try walking or riding your bike to a local destination instead of driving. If you want to visit a friend’s house, just walk over there. A trip to the store can be done on a bicycle, but you’ll probably want to make sure you have a basket or cargo trailer attached to carry your groceries home.

Those who need to travel a little farther away can use public transportation, carpool or rideshare. Even if you have an electric vehicle, you can still choose to walk or bike instead of driving one day a week.

8. Minimize Food Waste By Reusing Leftovers In New Recipes

If you really take a look, you’ll probably be surprised at the amount of food you waste on a daily basis. While some people are better than others about minimizing food waste, it’s an area in which we all can stand a little improvement. One of the simplest ways to reduce food waste is to reuse leftovers in new recipes. Of course, you can always reheat and eat the same dish, just another day. But, if you’re tired of doing that, we recommend you find recipes for meals you can make from leftovers.

Food items you can’t eat, or any food scraps left behind, can always be added to a compost pile or bin to then use in your garden.

9. Use DIY Products to Clean Your Home

Although a number of companies have begun to focus on making more eco-friendly cleaning products, and many are quite effective, you can save money and still be biofriendly by making your own. The benefit of DIY products are you can tailor-make your product to your own personal preference. You can use whatever essential oils you like. If you want to use citrus peels, go for it. Should you prefer cinnamon sticks or lavender, the choice is yours. Add in these eco-friendly cleaning alternatives and you’ll have a fresh smelling, clean home in no time.

10. Reuse, Repurpose and Upcycle More

Last, but not least, in our list of biofriendly resolutions is to make an effort to reuse or repurpose rather than trash. This is one of those resolution where you can start small and build from there. It’s all a matter of thinking before you trash something. Does it have another purpose? Can it be used in some other way? Could it be given a new life? If so, then do it. Take the rusty, old pail and use it as a planter in your garden. T-shirts can be upcycled or repurposed into reusable bags, rugs, hanging planters and more. The ideas are limitless when you think with reusing products rather than trashing them. I mean, here’s a whole list (from A to Z) of easy upcycling and repurposing ideas. Pick one and start there.

Resolve to Improve Your Environmental Impact

In all honesty, each of these biofriendly resolutions focuses on improving your environmental impact. It doesn’t make much to resolve to be less wasteful. Produce less harmful emissions. Use less toxic chemicals and opt for more natural product. Eat healthier and more organic foods. Reduce your energy and water consumption. Get outdoors.

While there are numerous other resolutions you can make this New Year, the nice thing about these resolutions is they are relatively simple to incorporate into your daily routine. In addition, they benefit your life and environment at the same time. Definitely a win-win in my book!

1 Comment

  • Tay

    I like your suggestion to use homemade cleaners instead of commercial cleaners. Unfortunately, some off-the-shelf cleaners can be very toxic and hazardous. Especially drain cleaners – not only do they harm the planet and your health but also the pipes themselves. Being used too often, they can corrode pipes.

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