Green New Years Resolutions

Have you started thinking about your New Year’s resolutions yet? How about some eco resolutions that will do some good for the planet as well as your wallet?

1)De-clutter! Have a clear out of all the stuff you don’t need that’s languishing in your wardrobe or in the cupboard under the stairs. Take that Christmas jumper you’ll never wear to the charity shop and drop that broken CD player in to the electrical recycling centre. This year, why not pledge to stop collecting things you don’t need. The less we buy, the better it is for the planet.

2)Phantom load has nothing to do with the extra pounds that have mysteriously appeared around your mid-section over the festive period. Instead it refers to the energy wasted by electrical appliances and power chargers when they are left plugged in but not in use. That’s right, your computer cord, mobile phone charger and TV are all using energy even when there isn’t anything being watched or charged. Make it your resolution to stop leaving electrical appliances on standby and make sure you turn them off at the plug.

3)Kick the plastic bag habit. If you make just one New Year’s resolution and stick to it, make it this one. Taking plastic bag after plastic bag at the checkout might make life easy for you, but it is bad news for the environment. Plastic bags take around 1,000 years to decompose and are extremely damaging to wildlife.

4)Buy recycled kitchen and loo roll. This will help save trees from being chopped unnecessarily and save energy because less is required to produce a recycled paper product.

5)Make it your resolution to consider where your food comes from. Consider whether your chicken came from the farm or the factory. Free-range not only means we are treating animals with respect, but the meat will also be better quality and therefore better for you. Think about distance your food has travelled to reach your plate. The further the distance, the more CO2 has been emitted to get your meal to you. Where possible shop from farmers’ markets and buy direct from local producers. Local food is healthier because it’s fresher plus it supports local growers and is better for the environment.

6)Take a day off from sitting in traffic and road rage. One day a week try car sharing, taking the bus, walking or cycling to work. This is a great way to save money and if you pick walking or cycling will also help you keep fit (then you can cancel your gym membership and save even more cash!)