Green New Year’s Resolutions

8 New Year’s resolution ideas to make 2021 a green one

Big changes are made up of little actions and achieving our regional targets around reducing waste, water and energy use are only possible if everybody does their part. Whether your resolution is to eat better, get more exercise, declutter, learn something new or save money – there are simple ways to accomplish these goals while also reducing our impact on the environment.

Here are 8 simple ways to meet your goals and reduce your environmental impact in 2021:

Rediscover the value of food: Save money and reduce food waste by making a meal plan, shopping in your fridge and pantry first (to avoid buying doubles) and buying only what you know you’ll use. Bonus tip: meal planning can also help reduce those impulse purchases!
Go paperless: Forgo the printed copy of your recycling schedule this year without missing collection day by signing up for recycling reminders or downloading the free RecycleCRD app.
Return to depot: Help keep your house clutter-free by recycling your plastic bags, styrofoam blocks and other flexible plastic packaging (eg. chip bags and crinkly wrappers) for free at any Recycle BC depot.
Switch to LED bulbs: Improve your home’s energy efficiency by making the switch to LED bulbs. Not only do LEDs use roughly 75% less energy than a regular incandescent bulb, they also last much longer. Once you’ve made the switch, don’t forget to recycle the old bulbs!
Strive for five minute showers: Showers are one of the biggest areas of indoor residential water use. Reducing your shower time not only helps conserve our region’s water supply, it’ll also save you money.
Clean green: Many household cleaners are hard on the environment and when they go down the drain they can end up in the ocean or in groundwater. This year, why not learn to make your own cleaning products? Find recipes for environmentally-safe and inexpensive alternatives in the Clean Green Cookbook.
Plant native species: If gardening is on your 2021 to-do list try choosing native species. Gardening with native plants means less watering and maintenance while also helping to support local biodiversity and healthy ecosystems.
Choose active transportation: On-road transportation is our region’s greatest source of greenhouse gas emissions. Making the choice to walk or wheel to your destination is beneficial for your physical and mental health, as well as the environment.

Making a difference is just that easy — pick a resolution or two and let’s get started!

For more green resolution ideas visit www.crd.bc.ca/memories