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January is a time to reflect on our lives and see if there are any changes we can make to help ourselves, others, and the world. This article is going to focus on five sustainable new year’s resolutions you can commit to.

Before we get into it, though, realize that shifting towards a sustainable lifestyle isn’t easy. So much of our lives is centered around unsustainable practices, so this shift takes time and patience. It doesn’t happen overnight; it happens when you take small steps forward to the right place.

So, here are five sustainable steps you can take in 2022!

Switch up your shopping habits

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Rather than buying your clothes from malls and retail stores, you can go to thrift stores and buy pre-loved items. This method of shopping is better for the planet and it’s more fun (in my opinion). You can also shop from online sustainable stores or apps like Depop, Poshmark, and Thredup.

But don’t limit your sustainable purchases to just clothes! Any quick Google search will get you results for sustainable makeup, face wash, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant—the list goes on.

Start a garden

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Gardening is a fantastic way to help out the planet. All you need is a backyard, so if you have one, consider growing fruits, vegetables, and herbs out there. It’s sustainable, less expensive than a grocery store, and a fun hobby to have.

For Australians, Europeans, and North Americans, here is a great article for what fruits, vegetables, and herbs are in season each month of the year.

Start composting

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This pairs perfectly with a garden! You can compost the food in your fridge that’s gone bad, trimmings from your garden, carrot and potato peels, coffee grounds, tea bags, and even compostable utensils and packaging.  You can then use your compost as soil or fertilizer for your garden!

Here’s a lovely video on composting for beginners. It’s short, sweet, and informative.

Travel greener

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According to the EPA, 29% of the United States’ carbon emissions is from transportation. If it’s at all possible, try walking, biking, or taking the bus to work or your school. If this isn’t an option, you could also look into carpooling. Anything helps!

Volunteer

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There are so many organizations and nonprofits that organize activities to help the earth. These activities can include picking up litter, planting trees, restoring habitats, and nursing native plants. Just a quick Google search of “sustainable/environmental volunteering near me” will tell you everything you need to know!

Don’t be overwhelmed!

This might seem like a lot, but remember: the shift towards sustainability happens when you take small steps. It’s perfectly okay to pick one of these ideas and commit to it for 2022. You can always pick up a second one next year!

Take it slow and you’ll be fine. And thank you so much for putting in effort and energy into making our planet a healthier, happier place.

Happy new year from Vois!

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This Blog Was Written By Leah Kissick

Leah Kissick is a freelance writer who specializes in sustainable fashion. She believes that Earth’s health will not be renewed unless we practice what we preach and take action. She hopes her writing will help ethical and sustainable brands flourish and make an impact on the fashion industry overall. To find more information about her, you can find her portfolio here.