As we settle into the new year, it’s a good time to reflect on 2020 and set goals for the next 12 months. Now, more than ever, we must focus on the environment and support a green recovery which has a long-lasting, positive impact on our planet.
Here, we explore five simple goals we should all be setting ourselves in our mission to become climate heroes in 2021.
1. Reduce and reuse
Many of our online orders are delivered in plastic packaging which is incredibly harmful to our environment. It’s estimated that we throw away around 50% of the plastic we use, and over 10 million tonnes of plastic is being dumped in the ocean each year.
Avoiding online orders and plastic packaging altogether can be difficult – particularly in the world in which we find ourselves in right now – but by reducing and re-using our materials, we can take a small step towards lessening our waste. This could take many forms including re-using shopping bags and clothes, using a re-useable water bottle – like this one in our online shop – or composting your food waste.
2. Shop sustainably
Retailers have started taking steps towards creating more sustainable online shopping experiences, such as H&M who have committed to ensuring all its packaging is reusable, recyclable or composted by 2025. To join these retailers in their mission, try to shop for items in-store – or select a ‘no rush’ delivery option during checkout. This will decrease the amount of milage your delivery driver has to make by bundling all local packages into one trip.
To find out more about why you should shop sustainably, read our blog on the true cost of fast fashion.
3. Maintain good habits
During lockdown, we have all had to adapt our lifestyles and create new daily habits. But, when we do start to emerge out the other side of this crisis, maintaining some of these good habits could have a positive impact on the environment.
Behaviour changes such as travelling less by plane and car massively reduce fossil fuel emissions, while committing to walking and biking short distances can help you to stay healthy as well as the planet!
Although a lot of us have missed out on taking holidays abroad, appreciating staycations or planning to reduce flights by taking boats or trains to your holiday destinations will be a good habit to maintain post-lockdown. Plus, you might find some lovely places to take pictures for our water bottle challenge!
4. Spread the word
It can often feel like we’re powerless in the fight against the climate change. However, everyone has a part to play when it comes to reducing our impact on the planet.
If you feel as though making small daily habits isn’t enough, put pressure on government and large businesses by signing petitions, speaking to changemakers at your workplace and using social media to spread the word. This turns one voice into many, and will get the attention of the people who do have the power to make big changes.
5. Offset your carbon footprint
The reality of being carbon free in a modern world may seem unattainable, but by joining us and offsetting your carbon footprint you can contribute towards projects that making a positive, long-lasting impact on our environment.
Find out more about the projects we support and take your first steps towards offsetting your carbon footprint here.