Going green is a great New Year’s resolution not just for you, but for the planet. Small changes to your daily routine like drinking from a reusable water bottle or commuting on electric bikes for adults can add up to significant waste reductions and energy savings. Get started with these 10 ideas for how to lead a greener life in 2020.
- Trade Your Daily Commute for a Bike Ride: Is your commute less than 5 miles? Consider switching your daily car ride for a spin on electric bikes for adults. Biking just 10 miles a day on your city bike can save nearly 125 gallons of gas over the course of a year.
- Go Veggie for a Few Meals: Meat and dairy consumption comes with a hefty carbon footprint. Eating just a few vegetarian or vegan meals a week can help reduce your use of animal-based products.
- Pack Reusable Items: Cut down your plastic habits by packing a metal, washable straw in a carrying case. Bring your lunch to work in a sturdy lunchbox, rather than using a new brown paper bag each day.
- Switch Up Your Exercise Routine: If your usual fitness routine involves driving to the gym and jumping on an electric treadmill, try taking a cruiser bike out for a ride instead. You’ll save gas and electricity required for your normal workout.
- Bring Your Own Coffee: Ditch the paper, waxed-lined to-go cup of coffee for a ceramic mug from home. Brewing your own coffee reduces the waste of cups and liners, and will save you money on a daily basis.
- Sip From a Reusable Water Bottle: According to One Green Planet, U.S. consumers go through 1,500 plastic water bottle every second. Take yourself out of that number by carrying a BPA-free water bottle to refill throughout the day.
- Ride a Bike for Short Trips: Many car trips, particularly for errands, clock in at just a few miles. Take your bike for a short ride to the grocery store or bank instead, and reduce your creation of carbon dioxide emissions.
- Reduce Home Energy Use: Around the house, save energy by reducing your use of heating and air conditioning, and keeping lights and appliances turned off when they’re not in use.
- Stash Groceries in Reusable Bags: Keep a bundle of reusable grocery bags in your bike basket or car so you’ll never forget them at home. Reusable bags keep plastic out of landfills.
- Find Something Borrowed: Need to till a fresh garden plot? Mix up a few batches of cookies? Before you head to the store to purchase a new tiller or kitchen stand mixer, consider renting from a local store or borrowing the item from a neighbor. You’ll save money, keep existing items in circulation and make a new personal connection.
Take daily, small steps toward leading a more sustainable lifestyle, and you’ll do a favor for yourself and the environment. Whether you use to switch your drive to work for a ride on electric bikes for adults or decide to eat vegetarian a few meals a week, every little step helps make a greener planet.