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This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my terms & conditions for more info.
Forget New Year’s resolutions, in 2019 it’s all about environmental pledges. So the question is what is your environmental pledge for 2019?
Unless you’ve been on a deserted island for the whole of 2018 you will of heard something about the climate crisis that we currently find ourselves in. Whether that be a news report or a documentary about how we’re literally drowning in plastic.
In case you have been on that deserted island here’s a quick recap of the year…
“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”
Jade Goodall
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Below are some environmental pledge ideas to get you started. I’ve broken them down into different sections depending on where you are in your sustainable lifestyle journey.
Not sure whether you’re an eco fledgling, eco middling or an eco-warrior? Take my quick quiz to find out.
Complete a waste audit for your home
Reduce what you buy – Choose quality over quantity
Say no to junk mail
Give up bottled water
Switch to a bamboo toothbrush
Turn off lights when you’re not in the room
Say no to plastic bags
Always remember your reusable shopping bags
Start recycling
Switch to reusable baking mats
Do a regular litter pick
Switch to paperless bills/statements
Always remember your reusable coffee mug when you go out
Use a reusable water bottle
Turn off the water whilst you’re brushing your teeth
Turn your thermostat down
Install low energy light bulbs throughout your house
Have one ‘meat free’ day a week
Buy local food
Switch to eco & zero waste treats for your dog
Reduce your food waste
Make your own cleaning supplies
Air dry your clothes
Switch to reusable food storage containers
Don’t leave appliances on standby
Switch to beeswax wraps instead of using cling film
Take public transport at least once a week
Switch to a water flosser
Take reusable cutlery out with you
Switch to a reusable safety razor
Rent items from your neighbours rather than buying new
Switch to reusable makeup wipes
Switch to 100% green power for your home
Say no to plastic packaging
Plant a veg garden
Grow your own herbs
Plant a tree
Start your own composting system
Switch to an alum stone
Make your own zero waste toothpaste
Don’t buy anything new for a year
Repair or upcycle worn out items in your home
Insulate your home properly
Get double glazing
Switch to reusable nappies & baby wipes
Walk any journey that is 30 minutes or less
Make your next car an electric car
Give up your car
Switch to a low flow shower head
Recycle everything that can be recycled
Have solar panels installed on your home
Switch to reusable menstrual products
Install a bidet attachment on your toilet
Give up loo roll
What do you think? Do any of those take your fancy?
Is there something that you think should be added to the list? If so leave your idea in the comments section below.
And don’t forget…
“The people who make the biggest difference are the ones who do the little things consistently.”
Gina is a content creator and award-winning blogger. Her aim is to help you live a more sustainable & simple life. Her blog covers zero waste, minimalism, wellbeing & thrift. She currently lives in Cornwall with her partner, two kids and Charles the dog.
Hi, these are all great ideas! Thanks for sharing. Some I am already doing and some I will be doing soon!
Hi Sheri, thanks for stopping by 🙂
..there are so many things each of us can do & really most things aren’t difficult, they just mean a small change to our routine. Thank you for sharing 🙂 #goinggreen
I enjoyed going through your list. Nice to be mentally ticking off so many, but always more I could do. Hope 2019 is a sustainable one for you. #GoingGreen
Hi Cheryl, glad you liked it. Thanks for stopping by x
I haven’t been on a desert island, just in the desert for the past 4 years in Dubai, because we don’t get many TV stations I rarely see the news and find that when I do, there always seems to be a hidden agenda behind the item #goinggreen
#phew – I came out as eco-warrior but I also know there is A LOT more I need to do to reduce my carbon footprint. If we each made small steps though thee combined effect would be huge and more people would get to the eco-warrior level and encourage their friends and family to do the same. #GoingGreen
We’ve gone to great lengths to become sustainable and eco friendly by installing solar pv panels and an air source heat pump to greatly reduce our carbon footprint,
Our next step is to significantly remove meat from our diet as meat production is simply not sustainable: https://myhomefarm.co.uk/sustainability-of-eating-meat
We’ve spent the past year trying to further reduce our impact on the planet, and you’ve provided some good ideas above that we’ll be implementing. Very helpful post.