December 28, 2021

Policy

5 Pro-Environment Resolutions You Can Make for 2022

By: Kelvey Vander Hart

2021 is rapidly drawing to a close and most of us are beginning to set our resolutions for 2022. There are a lot of things we can be planning as we think about change in the new year. Why not add some pro-environment ideas into the mix? Here are five resolutions you can adopt to make 2022 your most environmentally friendly year yet: 

Carry a Reusable Water Bottle

Are plastic water bottles convenient? Absolutely. Are they terrible for the environment? Also yes. With so many awesome reusable water bottle options available, make 2022 the year where you commit to buying one and keeping it on hand. 

Implement Meatless Mondays

Meat production is notoriously bad for the environment. But you do not have to become a vegan or vegetarian to cut back. Try implementing meatless Mondays (or really meatless any-day-of-the-week…) to start making a difference. 

Cut Back on Plastic Consumption

We tend to focus on plastic water bottles, but we use a lot of plastic outside of just those objects. In 2022, we can resolve to make choices that have us consuming far less plastic. Bring reusable bags to the grocery store, buy food that is packaged sustainably or is not sold in packaging, and swap out plastic sandwich bags and cling wrap for sustainable options like beeswax wrap. 

Reduce Your Energy Use

One of the largest sources oof pollution is energy production. While our grid is quickly transitioning to cleaner sources, reducing energy use can help reduce pollution (while simultaneously saving you money, which is a win-win). Switch off lights, unplug electronics when they are done charging or you are not using, and choose small appliances that are energy efficient. 

Green up your fashion choices

As fashion just gets faster, it also gets more unsustainable each year. While fast fashion is the easiest shopping option, and there will be times where we cannot escape it, there are certainly more sustainable options that can be shopped. Fashion companies spanning the globe have popped up to make clothing and footwear that is environmentally friendly. But if you do not feel like buying from one of these companies, try looking for what you need in a secondhand or thrift store before buying new. 

As folks who love the free market and freedom in general, we value personal responsibility greatly. That personal responsibility extends to how we impact the environment. In 2022, let us resolve to make choices that positively impact the planet.