Five New Year’s resolutions to help the planet

January’s a great time to rethink old habits to help reduce our environmental impact for the coming year and beyond to help protect our One Home.

Once new habits have formed, it will be easy to keep going green for the whole year and beyond.

Just a couple of key changes can make so much difference when they’re adopted by a lot of people.

Here are a few ideas for resolutions to consider. Choose one of these, or check out One Home’s top ten tips or come up with some of your own.

Try to stick with your resolutions for at least two months and then, once new habits have formed, it will be easy to keep going green for the whole year and beyond.

1. I’ll avoid single-use plastics

Single-use plastics are from oil and are either incinerated or go straight to landfill where they don’t decompose. They release microplastics into the environment and pollute our rivers and oceans.

Try to avoid them this year by passing on excess packaging and instead carry a reusable shopping bag, water bottle and coffee cup when needed, choose loose fruit and veg in the supermarket and look for renewable reusable alternatives instead.

2. I will cut my energy waste

With energy bills going up again in April 2025, avoiding energy loss is smart financially and for slowing global warming.

Use eco settings on dishwashers and washing machines with full loads. Switch to LED bulbs and unplug devices when not in use. Install a smart thermostat and set if for around 19oC.

If you don’t have loft insulation, make a point of installing it to Keep The Heat.

If your boiler is getting old then now is a good time to investigate a heat pump. As well as being more efficient, there’s a free BUS grant of £7.5k to help switch to a heat pump.

3. I will ride my bike more often

How many of us have a bicycle that we barely use? Why not make 2025 the year you get back on the saddle?

Cycling is not only good for the environment, it’s great for your heart and mental health. Riding also saves money on petrol and parking and in big cities is often the quickest option. It is also a great sociable activity for the whole family to get fresh air and exercise together.

4. I won’t buy any new clothes

Fast fashion is so last season. This year, make shopping for preloved clothing your mission.

It’s a great way to create interesting outfits and it saves money too. Ebay, Oxfam online, and Vinted as well as high-street charity shops, offer a huge array of choice these days, and digging for bargains at weekend markets is a fun way to spend time with friends.

5. I’ll go green in the garden

Even if you don’t have particularly green fingers, you can still make your outdoor space eco-friendly this year.

Consider planting pollinating flowers to improve the ecosystem, grow wildflowers and your own herbs, avoid pesticides and use organic compost (not peat).

If you don’t have your own garden, don’t worry. You can grow pollinating flowers in planters and window boxes too.

Whatever you decide to do, start somewhere and share your fresh start with friends and family to have even greater impact. People we trust are far more likely to positively influence our behaviour so good luck and please share your inspirational stories #OneHome.

Disclaimer

The information in this article was correct at the time of writing and is provided for guidance only. Please see the full disclaimer in our terms and conditions.

Please share this article and comment on social.