Reuse, Buy Local and Other New Year Resolutions You'll Actually Keep
Blog posted by Ruby Theresa Jan 3 2010
Try making a Meggy Cozy out of recycled fabric as apart of your new years resolution. http://xrl.in/45oe
Reuse Your Stuff.
Reuse as much as you can. Buy used as much as possible. Repair before replacing. Borrow. When you do buy new, buy something that will last for years and can be repaired.
Today it seems like most things are made to last no more than a couple of years, or sometimes only a single season. Cell phones and computers (e-waste) are things to put off replacing for as long as possible as they create substantial amounts of toxic waste. Buying second hand is a simple way to limit the impact of your consumption and with ebay, craigslist, and kijiji you can find almost anything. There are literally a ton of items made from recycled items on Etsy.
Likewise, repairing products instead of replacing them keeps broken products out of junk yards and often saves you money. Before you throw something out try selling or donating it first. If you're interested in re-purposing old books try making a purse out of one. If you want more remake ideas check out craftzine.com and makezine.com.
Buy Local.
Support your local economy by visiting your favourite locally owned restaurants and shops. Don't forget local agriculture. Buy your food from local farmers as much as you can. Stop by your local market or sign up for a CSA. If you live in London and you'd like local food delivered to your front door check out OnTheMoveOrganics.
Reduce Your Foot Print.
Take a peek inside any public garbage can (yes, I do this) and you'll see mainly fast food packaging and disposable cups. Get a reusable drink container and take it everywhere you go. Pack cutlery and chop sticks (and a home made lunch if possible). Use handkerchiefs instead of kleenex. Use cloth rags and towels instead of paper towels.
And I have mentioned this before but if you're a woman of child bearing age consider switching from tampons/pads to reusable pads or the diva cup. It is as green as it claims to be and will save you money.
Eat More Veggies.
It's good for you and good for the planet. Replace meat with quinoa, hemp hearts, nuts, and legumes. When you do eat meat, treat it like the luxury it is and buy organic, grass fed, and local whenever possible.
Switch to fair trade and organic coffee and tea (and sugar!).
The price of fair trade and organic coffee and tea can be a deterrent when you're at the grocery store comparing brands but if you break it down by the price per serving it's not a very large difference. My favorite fair trade tea (Four O'Clock white chai) is about $5 a box while the non-fair trade equivalent (Stash) is about $3.75 a box, making the fair trade cost about 28 cents per cup and the non-fair trade about 20 cents per cup. Not a huge difference to me but it can make a difference in the lives of plantation workers. (Yes, I am aware that 'fair trade' is an especially contentious issue in regards to the tea industry but I still think fair trade is a step in the right direction).
The Price of Sugar was probably the most heart-breaking, upsetting documentary of 2009. Sugar is one of the most profitable industries in the world because numerous sugar cane plantations virtually enslave their workers. Organic, fair trade sugar is considerably more pricey than regular sugar but it'll only help you to reduce your sugar intake and be healthier (a perpetual New Year's resolution for me).
Switch to non-toxic cleaners.
There's not much that vinegar, baking soda, and elbow grease can't clean. No Tweets
Reuse as much as you can. Buy used as much as possible. Repair before replacing. Borrow. When you do buy new, buy something that will last for years and can be repaired.
Today it seems like most things are made to last no more than a couple of years, or sometimes only a single season. Cell phones and computers (e-waste) are things to put off replacing for as long as possible as they create substantial amounts of toxic waste. Buying second hand is a simple way to limit the impact of your consumption and with ebay, craigslist, and kijiji you can find almost anything. There are literally a ton of items made from recycled items on Etsy.
Likewise, repairing products instead of replacing them keeps broken products out of junk yards and often saves you money. Before you throw something out try selling or donating it first. If you're interested in re-purposing old books try making a purse out of one. If you want more remake ideas check out craftzine.com and makezine.com.
Buy Local.
Support your local economy by visiting your favourite locally owned restaurants and shops. Don't forget local agriculture. Buy your food from local farmers as much as you can. Stop by your local market or sign up for a CSA. If you live in London and you'd like local food delivered to your front door check out OnTheMoveOrganics.
Reduce Your Foot Print.
Take a peek inside any public garbage can (yes, I do this) and you'll see mainly fast food packaging and disposable cups. Get a reusable drink container and take it everywhere you go. Pack cutlery and chop sticks (and a home made lunch if possible). Use handkerchiefs instead of kleenex. Use cloth rags and towels instead of paper towels.
And I have mentioned this before but if you're a woman of child bearing age consider switching from tampons/pads to reusable pads or the diva cup. It is as green as it claims to be and will save you money.
Eat More Veggies.
It's good for you and good for the planet. Replace meat with quinoa, hemp hearts, nuts, and legumes. When you do eat meat, treat it like the luxury it is and buy organic, grass fed, and local whenever possible.
Switch to fair trade and organic coffee and tea (and sugar!).
The price of fair trade and organic coffee and tea can be a deterrent when you're at the grocery store comparing brands but if you break it down by the price per serving it's not a very large difference. My favorite fair trade tea (Four O'Clock white chai) is about $5 a box while the non-fair trade equivalent (Stash) is about $3.75 a box, making the fair trade cost about 28 cents per cup and the non-fair trade about 20 cents per cup. Not a huge difference to me but it can make a difference in the lives of plantation workers. (Yes, I am aware that 'fair trade' is an especially contentious issue in regards to the tea industry but I still think fair trade is a step in the right direction).
The Price of Sugar was probably the most heart-breaking, upsetting documentary of 2009. Sugar is one of the most profitable industries in the world because numerous sugar cane plantations virtually enslave their workers. Organic, fair trade sugar is considerably more pricey than regular sugar but it'll only help you to reduce your sugar intake and be healthier (a perpetual New Year's resolution for me).
Switch to non-toxic cleaners.
There's not much that vinegar, baking soda, and elbow grease can't clean. No Tweets
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