Eco-Resolutions: Make the Commitment

New Year’s Eve is right around the corner, and instead of focusing on ourselves when it comes to making resolutions, let’s focus on our planet by making and committing to “eco resolutions” in 2017.

We all know resolutions are rarely followed through, so let’s begin with some reasons we’ve heard, particularly when it comes to eco resolutions.

1.It takes more effort

It does, but not enough to stop you from doing them. Whether it’s separating your recycling from your waste, or collecting your compost and donating it to a local compost collection farm in your area, the little bit of extra effort you’re putting forth can do wonders for the environment! Don’t believe it? Take recycling for an example. When it comes to recycling it’s important to think of how much energy is being saved by repurposing those ingredients. For example one ton of recycled plastic saves around 5,774 Kwh of energy and 30 cubic yards of landfill space.

2.It’s more expensive

It can be. Going eco-friendly can sometimes be more expensive, but where you’re spending a few extra dollars in one area you can be making savings in others. For example, when you bring your own reusable cup to Starbucks, the company will give you a 10-cent per cup discount. For shopping with reusable bags stores like Target, Whole Foods and Trader Joes offer a 5 to 10 cent discount per bag.

3.Inconveniencing others

When we’ve spoken to friends and family in the past about transitioning to a more eco-friendly lifestyle, they’ve often said “but I don’t want to be any trouble.” Really, you are more concerned about inconveniencing others than preserving the planet? Seems like a no-brainer to us.

So no more excuses! To help you get started and stay committed, we’ve put together a list of the simplest eco resolutions to implement in 2017!

Eco resolutions that are easy to commit to:

1. Reusable Water Bottle

On average, Americans use around 50 billion plastic water bottles per year. That’s enough plastic to circle the Earth! Carrying around a reusable water bottle is one of the easiest eco-friendly resolutions to commit to. Not only are reusable water bottles available in most places, but they also make great gifts and are a fun and necessary “accessory”, Upside for the planet, less plastic. Another perk? Saving money. Say you stop into a coffee shop on the way to work in need of some hydration. Instead of purchasing a $3 water bottle, and creating that extra waste, you can simply ask the people behind the counter to refill your reusable water bottle. (Most of the time it’s free of charge!)

2.Conserving Water

While we know how easy it is to leave the water running when you’re brushing your teeth, or washing your body, it’s just as easy to turn off the water when you’re doing those things! Studies have shown that in the state of California alone 6.5 percent of all energy consumed goes towards moving water from one place to another. The less water you’re using the less energy you’re using, resulting in a reduced carbon footprint.

3.Reusable Shopping Bags

Making the transition from plastic to reusable shopping bags is seriously, a game changer. Not only do you always have bags handy (in case of a spontaneous shopping spree), but it also makes shopping for everyday essentials a little more fun! Find a couple of cloth bags with fun designs to make shopping stylish and planet saving. Plus, California and Hawaii both have bans on plastic bags, and many other states are considering doing the same. Get ahead of the game and make the switch to inspire others in your state to do so!

Try starting with these three, easy steps and see where your eco-resolutions can take you!