10 Sustainable Aspirations for 2021

Cheers to 2021! After a long (and I mean long) year that was 2020, it's safe to say we are all looking to reset some of our habits. So, let's ring in the new year with some goals in mind that not only we can benefit from but the planet can too!

1. Eat your plants, and then some!

We have heard plenty of times how eating a meat-heavy diet is not only bad for our health, but also for the planet. However, if a vegetarian or vegan diet may not be for you, incorporating more plants into each meal is a step closer to a more plant-heavy diet that is body and planet friendly! This year, try to sneak some veggies into a meal, expand Meatless Mondays to several days of the week, or try to be more daring and cook with a new vegetable each month!

2. Replace Shopping “Just for Fun” with Other Activities

Shopping has turned into more of a hobby and social activity than a task out of necessity. We often buy things just to buy them or because it’s the latest “it” thing to have. Not only are these items often unnecessary but they wastefully sit in our closets unused. Instead of shopping just to shop, resist the urge by replacing it with a new hobby. Take up some creative activities like sewing, writing, journaling; or get outside for athletic and outdoor activities. Or even better, use the money to invest in something to improve your life, like taking a class that interests you or a professional workshop.

3. Buy Less, Reuse More

Following the thought process of Tip #2, reevaluating what you have at home can help you be more aware of what you already own, what you use, and what things you can reuse for other purposes. Try to first use what you have at home. If and when you do need to buy something, check out a secondhand shop or your local businesses first. And If they don’t have it, no one will blame you for an occasional stop at Target.

4. Do a Clothes/Book Swap

Although it might be difficult to see friends in large gatherings right now because of COVID-19 lockdowns, there are still ways to stay connected beyond Zoom calls. Out goes clothing/book swapping parties and in goes virtually shopping your friends' closets and then dropping items off via mail, or directly dropping items off in their mailbox or at the doorstep. It’s a great way to get new stuff without having to buy anything.

5. Ditch the Plastic

Maybe you already ditched plastic bags for your go-to reusable one and switched to reusable bottles years ago, but what about the other plastic in your life? Take the beginning of the new year to evaluate how you might reduce your plastic waste from packaging, produce, or other products you buy that you might not think twice about. You might not achieve zero-waste living in one year, but pushing yourself to make small changes is always a step in the right direction!

6. Spend More Time in Nature

After being cooped up indoors during quarantine, it’s no wonder that plenty of people have embraced more outdoor activities. And there’s no reason to leave that behind in 2020! Step into the new year thinking about new and enjoyable ways to shift more activities outdoors. It can be as simple as taking small walks around the block, eating meals once or twice a week outside when able, to more lifestyle changes like biking to the store or taking up weekend hiking.

7. Join the Eco-Friendly Community

If you really want to get involved in living more sustainably and joining the environmental movement, it’s as simple as starting to make small changes in your life that are more eco-conscious and inspiring your friends and family to do the same! There’s also a whole community of people online that share their journey and give awesome tips on eco-friendly swaps to everyday objects. Start following a few and get connected with others!

8. Stay Informed!

A great way to stay up to date with environmental discussions around the world is to read articles and books, watch documentaries, listen to podcasts, and follow sustainable leaders.

9. But Don’t Overwhelm Yourself

With so much information available at our fingertips, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with doomsday thoughts. Although it’s important to stay informed, know when the news becomes too much. It’s different for everyone, so make sure to stay in tune with how you are feeling and know when to take a break and focus on something else.

10. Go At Your Own Pace, You’re Doing Great!

Remember, you don’t have to change your entire lifestyle all at once to be a planet champion! Set goals that are within reach and make you feel great! And don’t beat yourself up if you mess up. Every action we take towards a greener planet is a win!