Reducing my impact on the planet is something I think about a lot and whilst I know I’ve gotten better over the years there’s definitely still room for improvement! Like most people, some weeks I’m better than others, and I’m better at some elements than others, so this year I have decided to set myself some eco-resolutions! Resolutions are generally better met if they are committed to publicly, so I thought I’d share them with you all today!
Most of my eco-resolutions are about reducing waste as that’s the area I can drop the ball a bit on when life gets a little busy, and I want to rectify that this year. So here goes!
Reduce Food Waste
I’m pretty good at composting any food waste I do create (or turning it into veggie stock) but sometimes when I’m not meal planning properly I find myself with sad looking vegetables in the bottom of my fridge that I didn’t get around to using. My plan for this year is to really commit to meal planning to make sure this doesn’t happen much, if at all. I’ve got a few posts coming up later in the month to help us all with our meal planning too!
Reduce Packaging
Almost all I buy is in recyclable containers, but this year I want to reduce that further and reduce the amount of packaging I bring into my home. I’m going to try and buy more in bulk using reusable jars and containers which will most likely save me money too!
Reduce Plastic
In a similar vein to the previous eco-resolution, this year I am aiming to significantly reduce the plastic I use, so for those items I can’t buy in bulk I will choose cardboard packaging over plastic whenever possible. If the only option appears to be plastic I’ll have to reconsider how badly I need the item!
Switch off all Standby Power
I’m good at always switching off things like my TV, but I don’t always remember to turn everything else off at the powerpoint as well. This year that’s all going to change, with my kitchen appliances and my computer the key offenders that I need to focus on. It should make a difference to my electricity bill as well!
And that’s it – my four key eco-resolutions for 2015. That doesn’t mean I’ll stop with everything else, just that these ones need more of my attention!
If you’re thinking of setting some eco-resolutions for 2015 but don’t know where to start, how about these ideas?
– Reduce your energy use at home
– Leave the car at home and walk or cycle more often
– Go meatless one (or more!) days a week (my weekly Meatless Monday linkups are a great place to find inspiration!)
– Make your own green cleaning products
– Switch to green power
– Start composting and growing your own food
Do you set resolutions? Would you like me to keep you updated on how I’m going with my eco-resolutions as the year progresses?
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I Spy Plum Pie is Liz, an early 30s kiwi-born, Melbourne raised girl who is passionate about the environment and sustainability, food, exploring and learning new things. Join me on my journey to a happy, sustainable life!
merilyn
January 3, 2015 at 8:10 pm (9 years ago)you are good! … thanks liz!
I’m not doing resolutions but i’ll work to improve myself on every level!
I hate waste of any type! … we all could be doing more to help the planet!
I try not to over buy perishables!
I’m always telling sig other to be more mindful! … he’s trying!!! … I had some raspberries on the squishy side the other day so I made jam! I make ice-cream and soups etc. with leftovers!
hate all of that extra packaging too!
cheers to you! love m:)X
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
January 6, 2015 at 1:13 pm (9 years ago)Sounds like you’ve got your waste all under control Merilyn!
stephie
January 6, 2015 at 11:00 am (9 years ago)I loved this post. I try and be conscious about being eco friendly but your post was a great reminder that I can kick it up a notch.
http://www.therawedit.com
stephie recently posted…Black Mules
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
January 6, 2015 at 1:15 pm (9 years ago)Thanks Stephie, glad it was of use!
Sara
January 6, 2015 at 11:06 am (9 years ago)Love this post and I love going green!
I will be shopping more recycled fashions for my wardrobe and business, compsoting and starting a veggie patch… 🙂
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
January 6, 2015 at 1:15 pm (9 years ago)Thanks Sara! Good luck starting the veggie patch!
Elisa
January 6, 2015 at 11:16 am (9 years ago)Hi Liz! These are awesome resolutions!
I have always been doing the stand-by power one because my mom taught me to do this since a very young age. Eco-mom! Haha! I also make compost out of all my organic waste.
I will definitely “resolute” with you on the reducing packaging and plastic: I have recently discovered a loose foods shop in my neighbourhood so that’s a good start for me.
I have gone vegan just on the verge of 2015 (have been vegetarian for quite a while before that) so I’m pledging to eat healthy food and thrive on it in 2015!
I’m also pledging to reduce my clothes shopping, especially non-sustainable clothes. I will try to buy organic- non-toxic dyes clothes. Second-hand as much as I can. PET instead of PU. 😀
Yay for eco-resolutions!
Elisa recently posted…The Vegan Wardrobe Challenge #1 – Cruelty-Free Wardrobe
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
January 6, 2015 at 1:16 pm (9 years ago)Love it Elisa! Sounds like you and I have equally eco-friendly years ahead of us! Thanks for stopping by!
Sam
January 6, 2015 at 11:56 am (9 years ago)I am looking into composting too this year, but wanted to first look into getting chickens. Fresh eggs and instead of the left overs going to waste (as I am not a gardener), using them to feed the chickens and produce eggs which we use alot of. Nothing better then free range eggs 🙂
Sam recently posted…Welcome 2015
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
January 6, 2015 at 1:17 pm (9 years ago)Fresh eggs would be amazing! Unfortunately not something I can do on my little balcony so composting it is for me! Good luck with your chickens!
Seek Dare Love
January 6, 2015 at 1:49 pm (9 years ago)Great post Liz! We are trying to be more eco and package conscious too! When you see all the packaging kids toys come in (thanks Santa) it is quite eye opening! We also use a compose bin for all food scraps and I really want to focus on using the things we have this year, instead of over consuming. Chantal, Seek Dare Love
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
January 7, 2015 at 10:54 am (9 years ago)Love the idea of focusing on using what we have Chantal, it’s amazing how much of a difference that can make.
Larissa
January 6, 2015 at 3:31 pm (9 years ago)Great post Liz! I am all about being green. I have a veggie garden and a worm farm and two compost bins, so nothing goes to waste. I do however need to start taking my green bags to the shops again as Ive been bit slack with that lately and I really cringe when you have to throw plastic packaging and bags in the bin because they never break down!
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
January 7, 2015 at 10:56 am (9 years ago)Thanks Larissa! It’s so easy to fall into old habits isn’t it. Sounds like you’ve got your food waste well under control though!
Estelle Bowman
November 6, 2015 at 11:19 pm (8 years ago)I love your eco-resolutions for 2015! I am also trying to reduce the food waste, the plastic usage and the water and electricity waste! I am very passionate about all that is good for keeping our environment clean! 🙂 Thanks for the post!
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
November 12, 2015 at 7:38 pm (8 years ago)Thanks Estelle, lovely to have you here!