More sports, less stress, and a healthier diet. At the end of the year, we often take a moment to reflect and make resolutions for the new year. Time for a clean start!
At the beginning of the year, we are filled with optimism and motivation to improve the way we live our lives. We consider what is genuinely important to us; our health, family and friends, personal development and the climate. Yet after a few weeks we fall back into old patterns. This is often because we set our goals too high. Ultimately, New Year’s resolutions require behavioural change and that is easier to achieve if we set our goals concrete and manageable.
Is one of your resolutions to live a more sustainable life but you don’t know where to begin? No more plastic, no more meat, no more airplanes and no more cars. Is soya bad for the environment as well? Am I still allowed to wear leather shoes? Do not make yourself go crazy by wanting to be perfect and try not to label yourself for what you are doing. ‘I am living a zero-waste lifestyle’ or ‘I am vegan’. Putting yourself in a box adds a lot of pressure.
Discover what works for you, what makes you happy and what makes your life less complicated. Enjoy the process and share the things you discover along the way. The powerful thing about zero waste living is that you have control over the choices you make and that you’re making a big impact. You cannot change others, but you can change yourself and inspire others along the way.
We will share a few concrete tips to get you started! Small and simple steps that will contribute to a healthy life for you and the environment.
Zero-Waste Tips
- Reusable water bottle vs. plastic disposable water bottles
- Reusable bag vs. plastic disposable bags
- Bamboo toothbrush vs. plastic toothbrush
- Metal safety razor vs. plastic razors
- Bamboo cotton swabs vs. plastic cotton swabs
- Natural and plastic-free chewing gum vs. gum containing microplastics
- Natural and plastic-free deodorant vs. conventional deodorant
- Reusable silicone ziplock bags vs. plastic ziplock bags
- Package free soap bars vs. liquid soap in a plastic bottle
- Natural and plastic-free lip balm vs. lip balm made with mineral oils
- Wooden dish brush vs. plastic dish brush
- Sugar- and plastic-free ginger juice vs. ginger shots in small plastic bottles
Zero waste and plastic free living has had a positive influence on me. I have learned a lot of new things, I have started to eat a healthier diet, I have become more creative and because of this I have met many passionate people that inspire me. You might think that zero waste living is impossible, but do not forget: every step counts. Take your time and enjoy the process along the way.
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