In terms of sustainability and kindness to our planet, 2019 was a year for the books. From the Green New Deal becoming a conversation starter on the climate change crisis, the plant based eating trend blowing up, to the single-use plastic ban movement taking over the world, the list goes on with how much the sustainability movement has accomplished this year. As much as it is important to reflect on goals we’ve reached, it’s also just as vital to continue reaching higher in order to better yourself and our environment. 

Living sustainably is all about making small changes and continuing to learn and improve (by decreasing) your impact. For 2020, or even the next decade, incorporate our resolutions below or create a list of your own to live your best life. ~ 

1. Use natural and non-toxic cleaning products for all your house cleaning needs (more about ‘clean’ cleaning products).

2. Try to first repair items before donating them or throwing them away.

3. Switch to a green energy supplier to power your home. Due to the detrimental impact of climate change, renewable electricity that power homes are now more affordable to buy and feasible to obtain. Do your research, and look up Green-e® certified companies in your area.

4. Reduce or eliminate meat and animal products from your diet.

5. Buy local, organic, and incorporate seasonal foods into your meals.

6. Plan your shopping and reduce food waste (take an extra step and start your compost at home!).

7. Ditch wasteful pads and tampons for reusable menstrual products (more about eco-friendly period products).

8. Find green beauty alternatives (more about zero waste makeup).

9. Use only cruelty-free makeup (leaping bunny certified!) and skincare products.

10. Host a clothing swap for your friends, family, or community

11. Never throw clothes away (The U.S. alone sends about 21 billion pounds of textile waste to landfills every year).

12. Quit shopping fast fashion trends (more about fast fashion).

13. Try a shopping fast or challenge.

14. Wash cold, full loads, and air dry your clothes to help them last longer and save energy and money (more on green laundry tips).

15. Watch/read an environmental documentary or book every month (more about Netflix movie recommendations).

16. Take part in a sustainable community (like the many groups on Facebook).

17. Contact your favorite brands and ask questions about their sustainability efforts.

18. Set up a monthly donation to your favorite organization.

19. Volunteer for an organization/important cause.

20. Call up your government reps about the issues that matter to you. 

21. Drive less -- walk, ride a bicycle, take public transit or car pool instead.

22. Avoid palm oil (palm oil production is estimated to be responsible for 8% of all the world’s deforestation problem).

23. Always bring a reusable mug/bottle/bag with you (more on what to put in your bag).

24. Vet the companies you support (use the GoodonYou app) and buy from local businesses first.

25. Share your eco-friendly habits and finds on social media to show off your eco-smarts  and to encourage those you know to do the same. 

Cheers to a sustainable new year! 

Written by Laura Matusheski