Top eco-friendly new year's resolutions for 2016.

If you're looking for some inspiration for an eco-friendly new year's resolution then you've come to the right place, here are my ideas for 2016.

Switch to Ecotricity.

Climate change is being caused by the use of fossil fuels, so vote with your money and get your energy from Ecotricity.  Ecotricity provide green gas, green electricity and put their profits into building new sources of eco-friendly energy.  We've been supplied by Ecotricity for nearly a year and their service has been brilliant.  Even better, if you use this code when you sign up, we'll both get £50 to spend at Ecotopia - my referral code is RAFE-G7W4H

Buy unpackaged fruit and veggies.

Save plastic by buying your fresh produce loose or make or buy some reusable bags to put it in.  If you really can't buy it loose, remember you can recycle some plastic packaging in the plastic bag collection bins in big supermarkets.  

 

Grow your own. 

Growing your own fruit, veggies and herbs is a fun and delicious hobby, that saves food miles and stops pesticide use.  You can easily grow strawberries or herbs in a pot, or try all sorts of exciting varieties if you have more space.  Start this spring with a few seeds and see what happens!    

Stop washing your hair.

I've been 'no 'poo' for nearly 2 years and my hair is so healthy!  Washing your hair without shampoo saves all the energy that goes into producing it, and reduces the amount of chemicals your hair, body and the environment is exposed to.  I use lemon juice, cider vinegar, bicarbonate of soda or aloe vera to keep my hair nice and clean. 

Buy only second hand or fairtrade clothes.

This was the challenge I set for myself in 2015, and I pretty much stuck to it (apart from too much temptation in the Lindybop sale, a H&M cardigan I needed to buy quickly for a wedding outfit, and some undies).  As well as charity shops, Ebay is a good option if you're looking for something specific and I like Nomads online shop too.  The UK throws away 1 million tonnes of textiles each year, so it's worth reducing and reusing the clothes you buy.

Use your local library. 

Your library is full of lovely books, for free!  Borrowing them will save you money, and sharing them saves resources.  And using your library shows your support for council services that may be under threat from government cuts. 

 

Go vegan.

Going vegan is one of the best things you can do for your health, the environment and animals.  Eating vegan can lower your carbon footprint by 1 tonne a year.  The Veganuary campaign has lots of support and information, why not take up the challenge to go Vegan this January.  There are always loads of yummy recipes and tips in Vegan Life Magazine, but there's a special article on going vegan in this month's issue that's worth checking out.  You can subscribe to Vegan Life on paper or digitally.  There's also a handy app for digital subscriptions.  If that's all too much why not try a weekly meat free monday?  

Check out my easy, small changes for more eco-friendly ideas, or maybe make your resolution to do an online action for an environmental cause every month!  

What's your new year's resolution?

Disclosure - I have been provided with a free digital subscription to Vegan Life Magazine in return for reviewing this publication.  I even have my own page in the vegan bloggers section of their lovely website!  All opinions are, again, my own and always will be.

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