Here’s to a brand New Year! Let’s face it, most of our resolutions tend to be focused on fitting into jeans we wore 5 years ago, cutting out refined carbs, or becoming a yogi. While I’m sure those are realistically attainable goals, other aspects of our lives that could use some healthful tweaking often go overlooked.
So here’s a list of 4 easy-peazy resolutions to keep in mind for a healthier you and planet in 2016!
Embrace Natural Beauty
Think of how many products you dab on your face, comb through your hair or spritz on your skin every day… (my quick mental count got me to well over 10). How many times have you stopped to review those product’s ingredients? Could you even pronounce them? My goal this year is to be more mindful and assemble a beauty arsenal of products that are natural and cruelty-free. Turns out, there are a ton of products out there from shampoo to deodorant that are just that. Some great resources I’ve found are:
www.LeapingBunny.org quickly check if your favorite products are cruelty-free
http://www.safecosmetics.org/get-the-facts/chemicals-of-concern/ educate yourself as a consumer with this list of chemicals to check for before you buy.
I’m constantly impressed and surprised with how many beauty products can be swapped out for organic, coconut oil. Save money and ditch those chemical-laden products!
Bum a Ride or Walk it out
With many new rideshare services like Uber and Lyft available, it’s easy to reduce your carbon footprint. Share a ride to work or when going out with friends. I’ve made an effort to call my neighbor friend when I’m heading to the grocery store to see if she wants to come with or if I can grab anything for her. The company is always nice, and it’s one less car on the road. It’s a small action, but think of the compounded result if we all did it? Or do one better and walk if you can (helps with that jean resolution too). Find some more great tips to easily cut down on air pollution here: http://www3.epa.gov/airquality/peg_caa/reduce.html
Live and Unplugged
Our lives are hectic, and we are always constantly plugged in and consuming energy. TVs, cell phones, laptops, coffee makers, your toaster from your quick breakfast this morning. Most appliances still drain energy when they are plugged in even if they’re not on-impacting both the planet and your pocketbook. Take one minute before you leave a room or your house for the day and do a quick sweep: unplug fans, TVs, microwaves, phone chargers etc. This small action can save you up to 10% on your electric bill. Find out more tips on how to ward off “energy vampires” here- http://energy.gov/articles/are-energy-vampires-sucking-you-dry.
Bulk Up
And we don’t mean in the gym. Buying products like cleaning products and non-perishable foods in bulk will:
- Save you money. Bulk purchases are relatively inexpensive compared to the same amount in their smaller sizes.
- Saves Gas. Bulk purchases mean less trips. Less trips= less money you’re spending on gas. See point 1 again.
- Saves the planet. Less trips also= less driving. This means less carbons emitted and less air pollution.
We’d love to hear your personal, green goals for the New Year-share with us below! If we all do our part to complete small eco-goals such as these, think of the impact we could make in the new year…or the next 10 years.
Everyone have a Happy, Safe and Clean New Years!