Welcome to our January newsletter, the first one for 2023! A new year brings with it the opportunity to start fresh, to reset and set some new goals or intentions for the next 12 months. Whether you’re testing the water with a small commitment or ready to make a big change, here are some eco-challenges you can set yourself in 2023 to play your part for the planet.
1 - Buy fewer clothes
Fast fashion means there’s a plethora of cheap, throwaway clothes that end up in landfill and don’t break down. Challenge yourself to shop from your wardrobe this year and buy new for essentials such as underwear or shoes. Shop vintage or try clothes swaps with friends for everything else. Having a small capsule wardrobe of quality, gently pre-loved clothing makes choosing outfits so much easier too.
2 - Reduce plastic waste
Recycling soft plastics is difficult, and many single-use plastics can’t be recycled at all and can take hundreds of years to decompose, leaching toxins into our precious earth. The key is to reduce your plastic usage. Why not order a subscription for our plastic-free bamboo or recycled toilet paper. You’ll never have to worry about running out of toilet paper again, and it’s all waste-free and recyclable, down to the box and packaging.
3 - Get outdoors more
Hiking, walking, running and exploring nature is free and fantastic for your mental and physical health. While many of us are desk bound from 9-5, a quick walk during your lunchbreak for fresh air will give you a boost. Embrace your 5-9 also – the hours between working and sleeping. Explore a local beach or forest, or take a quick ‘moonlight walk’ in the evenings after dinner with the family.
4 - Grow your own food
A fun resolution that kids will love getting involved with is to grow your own food. Even small spaces and windowsills can accommodate a few pots of herbs or cherry tomatoes. If you have a small courtyard or balcony consider growing a vertical garden – any sunny wall will do.
5 - Try volunteering
Whether you can commit to a regular gig or spare a few hours here and there to help out in your local community, you can make a difference. From campaigning online at home to getting your hands dirty in an environmental working bee or joining your local community garden, there are plenty of options, and it’s a great way to meet like-minded folk too.
6 - Reduce your carbon footprint
If you have the means to switch your vehicle to hybrid or electric, you’ll save money on gas as well as reducing your carbon footprint. Choosing public transport, cycling or walking are all great ways to reduce emissions too. When travelling by airline, offset your flight if you can, or embrace slow travel and take the train.
7 - Start an eco-friendly project
There are lots of fun ways to embrace green living. Plant a garden filled with native plants to attract and support local wildlife, create a bird box, plant a tree, create a butterfly garden or propagate plants to share with friends and neighbors.
“What is the use of a house if you haven’t got a tolerable planet to put it on?” — Henry David Thoreau
Thanks for keeping our oceans clean and forests green!
Pure Planet Club Team
