Five Zero-Waste Resolutions for the New Year

With the ringing in of the New Year, many people have committed to resolutions. With the reality of climate change being ever more apparent each passing year, why not make a commitment to the environment?

Here are some eco-friendly New Years resolutions to help you get started.

1. Eliminate or reduce use of single-use plastic products

This includes plastic dinnerware, plastic straws, plastic bottles, plastic take-out boxes, etc. You can easily swap these for reusable items like bamboo straws, reusable water bottles, or reusable tubberware. Single-use plastic products produce an extraordinary amount of waste in our landfills and in our oceans—so much so that there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish by 2050. Take our pledge to go straw-free at https://strawfree.org/pledge

2. Bring a reusable-bag

California has recently banned plastic bags in the most recent election, but, thicker, and more durable plastic bags are still being distributed around grocery and retail stores. These bags can still end up in our oceans and break down into tiny plastic pieces.

3. Swap plastic for bamboo/metal/glass items

When shopping for new kitchen tools or everyday items, look for items made out of natural materials like bamboo, metal, or glass. Consistently purchasing plastic items not only supports the use of oil to manufacture these items, but continual use means exposing your body of the chemicals that tend to leech out of plastic. Read more about plastics at https://strawfree.org/impacts-of-plastic/

4. Consume less

Consuming less means not buying things that you don’t really need (think impulse buys) and to look for second-hand alternatives or reusing items that you already have. Buying less means less waste will end up in our landfills and the oceans.

5. Volunteer for a non-profit

Whether it be once a week or once a month, volunteering for a non-profit that cares for the earth is a great way to support the environment (and you’ll feel great too!) Straw Free is currently accepting volunteers at https://strawfree.org/outreach-and-education-internship/