New Year's Resolutions - sustainability style
At the beginning of a new year, we typically take time to reflect and refocus our energy on what’s important to us and create goals for the year ahead. These goals rarely include sustainability – but don’t worry, we’ve created some for you and your business to follow throughout the year that will leave a larger impact than you think!
- Recycle your shipping boxes – whether you’re getting boxes sent to your house or your office daily (we’re looking at you, Amazon Prime members) or just occasionally, cardboard is still one of the easiest materials to recycle. At home, most residences can recycle non-contaminated cardboard curbside. At the office, bale it or place it in your recycling container (tape and stickers are okay). Just make sure to empty all your non-cardboard packaging into your trash first.
- Say no to single use – never leave the house without your reusable shopping bags, water bottles, coffee cups, and straws. It’ll take some getting used to at first (especially the straws) but eventually, it’ll be a habit you can’t break!
- Spread the word – post recycling guides at home and at work near bins to remind your friends, family, and coworkers what goes where. Get a printable guide from us here! (link to guide)
- Reduce food waste – it’s a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Make a list of what you need so you’re not buying more than you need to, eat leftovers, freeze the rest. Taking a couple of smaller trips to the grocery store each week rather than one bigger trip may prevent buying too much food and help cut back on waste.
- Compost – most meal preps leave scraps and other unusable bits of food. Create a compost heap and turn your scraps into nutrient-rich fertilizer or head to your local municipality to find out more information on their composting program (and if they have one!) Here’s a link to some options for your home: http://nymag.com/strategist/article/best-compost-bins.html **link to home composting equipment, grass clippings, leaves, veg waste.
- Get creative – figure out ways at home and the office to reduce waste. Ditch the paper towels, buy in bulk, and stop buying bottled water.
- Go paperless – reduce paper waste by selecting email statements from your bank, credit card, and other accounts.
- Give it away or donate it - thrift stores will accept and repurpose many of your unwanted items such as old shoes, furniture, dishes, linens, and toys. You can also connect check out online networks such as Craigslist, Next Door, OfferUp, or various Facebook groups. These online communities allow individuals to give or sell belongings to their local area. Get involved in 2020!
- Stop the junk mail – you can reduce the volume of unwanted mail delivery by opting out of pre-screened credit card and insurance offers, stopping junk promo products and catalogs, and getting off the list of all direct marketers.
- Keep going – continue to recycle and keep these sustainability goals in mind throughout the year - and beyond. It matters.
If you want to learn more – we’re here to help. Hit us up at info@advenviro.com or 215-302-2000