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As we approach the New Year, we all reflect on the year we have personally had and create goals for our new year. It is also essential to reflect on the past year and our effects on the planet. Although originally COVID-19 had a positive impact on the earth as life was on a standstill, in 2021, as factory operations in China and significant emitting countries returned to normal, carbon emissions also returned to their pre-pandemic state. However, one positive change in the last year is the increase in the use of renewable energy since 2021 from 10% to 12%. Many other events occurred, with a positive and negative impact on the environment; what is essential is that we strive for better during the following year.
As you set your new year's resolutions, try to incorporate some sustainable goals. Some ideas include:
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Reducing plastic consumption: This can be done by carrying a reusable bag with you when shopping and a reusable water bottle. Try to substitute small items day by day, and eventually, it will turn into a habit.
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Participating in sustainable challenges every month: As mentioned above, each month in our newsletter, we will be highlighting the sustainable goal of the month; some examples include veganuary and plastic-free July.
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Become a vegetarian or limit meat consumption: Cows release methane gas, a greenhouse gas; try to limit your meat consumption by participating in meatless Mondays or even becoming a vegetarian.
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Starting composting: Since it reduces water consumption and adds nutrients to the soil
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Reducing waste: Upcycled items or donate them instead of throwing them away during your annual clean-up. Reduce any wastewater or energy by taking shorter showers and turning off any lights when you can.
Choose as many resolutions as you can, even if it is just 1 or 2 and try to incorporate them into your daily life; small changes make a big difference, especially if you keep them up for the whole year.
McGrath, Matt. “Climate Change: Carbon Emissions from Rich Countries Rose Rapidly in 2021.” BBC News, 14 Oct. 2021, www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-58897805.
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