Climate Fellow Andrew Kaplowitz offers some ideas for New Year’s resolutions you can stick to
Happy New Year! Each January, the turning of the calendar offers a reset – an opportunity to embrace new lifestyle choices. But for many of us, when the month draws to a close our most ambitious resolutions have already fallen by the wayside. Today, I offer four suggestions for simple yet impactful alternatives – planet-friendly lifestyle adjustments you can start working into your routine at any time.
- Buy local. Buying local can have two meanings. The first is centered on purchasing locally sourced goods – like gathering supplies at a farmer’s market or craft fair. The second is the support of small or community-based organizations. Shopping at these businesses strengthens community rapport, solidifies jobs, and improves the local economy. Buying local lowers transportation emissions that would come from traveling longer distances for goods or from services for online purchases.
- Drive less. As of 2022, 46% of Piedmont’s total greenhouse gas emissions came from passenger vehicles. One easy way to cut back on emissions is carpooling. Team up with a group of neighbors to rotate school drop-off trips in the morning. Fewer cars on the road means lower emissions, less congestion, and saves money on gas. There are also significant social benefits to carpooling that can foster new friendships for kids and parents alike. Alternatively, try mixing up your routine by walking, biking, or taking public transportation occasionally instead of driving.
- Purchase second-hand goods. Instead of ordering a new book online, browse used bookstores or the library. Instead of purchasing fast-fashion, look for vintage, upcycled, or thrifted clothes. Like shopping local, buying second-hand lowers transportation emissions. Shopping second-hand also eliminates emissions and resources used in manufacturing and packaging.
- Be water conscious. The simple act of turning the faucet off while brushing your teeth can save 3.75 gallons of water. Shorter showers and fewer dishwasher cycles are other easy ways to conserve water at home. To calculate your water use, refer to the East Bay MUD Watersmart Calculator. Bonus: being water conscious is more than just a sustainable practice – it also lowers monthly utility bills!
The beauty of these resolutions is they can be attempted at any time. Even if you find yourself being inconsistent, each step you take is progress toward a sustainable future.