What Are Your Green Resolutions in 2022?
By Oli Paulo
2022 is just starting, and while some of you might have written down your New Year’s resolutions well in advance, many are yet to do so.
The good news is that it’s not too late (it’s never too late!) to get started.
Just in case you’re not familiar with what New Year’s resolutions are, a recap: they are goals/objectives that you personally define and want to achieve during the next year.
So what are Green Resolutions?
Another set of interesting and very beneficial resolutions (for Mother Earth) are Green Resolutions. These goals are aimed at reducing your personal carbon footprint, becoming more aware of environmental problems, implementing different eco-friendly solutions, and becoming, in general, more mindful about how you live.
Your Green Resolutions speak also about your priorities and interests, and while only you can determine the exact list, here are some sources of inspiration.
Switching to green energy
This can be easily measured by tracking your monthly bills; however, reducing your energy consumption requires active effort. That could be remembering to shut off the lights when you’re not using them, optimizing the use of your dishwasher and washing machine, switching to LED lightbulbs, and much more.
Reducing your consumption of meat
Eating less meat is something we hear more and more about, and with the introduction of new meat substitutes and plant-based products, switching to a flexitarian diet is not as big of a hassle as it might seem. Some of our favorites are Naturli (soy sausages, plant-based mince, chicken-free nuggets & other); Vemondo (Lidl’s range of vegetarian and vegan products – tasty and very affordable) or Urtekram (their falafel is amazing!).
Greening your shopping habits
Shopping second hand, local and organic is good not only for your wallet and the environment, but local businesses benefit from it as well. From clothes to cosmetics, books or furniture, we can almost guarantee you will be able to find what you need on the secondhand market, whether online or in brick and mortar stores. Not to mention many supermarkets, like Netto and Lidl, are currently running promotions on organic food to get more people to adopt them!
Living by the 6 R’s of sustainability
On the same note, at Repair Café we strongly believe in the 6 R’s of sustainability: Rethink – Refuse – Reduce – Reuse – Repair – Recycle. With our monthly events and occasional bonus events, we want to give a helping hand to all those who want to give a second chance to their broken items.
Avoiding plastic
Is it possible to be more mindful of your packaging? Many pantry items and spices, as well as cleaning supplies can be found in the local zero-waste shop in Odense called SILO marked. When shopping in a supermarket, choosing products packaged in paper and bringing your own reusable bags for veggies and fruits can really make a difference.
Walking, cycling or using public transportation
Sure, getting around in your car is more comfortable when you don’t take into account the hassle of finding a free parking place, but for medium/short distances, biking can actually be quicker. Walking is also a great option and has NO environmental footprint (only health benefits!). Public transport, such as trains and buses, are also multiple times cheaper and more eco-friendly than driving.
We hope this has helped you get clear on your Green Resolutions! What is your #1 priority this year? Comment on our Facebook or send us a message 📧
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