10 Small & Easy Habits you can Start for the Environment Today
Small changes can be habits so small they may not even feel like changes at all. Effective change is not one big “aha!” moment, it is a million moments in one.
As the world starts opening up again, and new possibilities arise, we’ve decided to create a list of small habits that we can easily adapt into our life: manageable habits, real habits, meaningful habits and long term habits.
We might fail on some of them. That’s okay. We’ll try again the next day. We’re just getting started. We’re spreading this list to all of our friends, so that they can join in, too. It’s a challenge that we hope to turn into a movement that we hope to, eventually, turn into a long-term reality.
Change doesn’t have to be overwhelming; it just has to be done.
Salty Habits for the Environment:
Meatless Mondays: We’re not asking you to cut meat out completely! Instead, once a week, opt for meatless meals or meat alternatives. It’s a small adjustment that saves on CO2 emissions in the long run.
Carless Tuesdays: Once a week, ditch that car and walk, bike or take the bus, instead. You don't have to buy an electric car today to decrease your carbon footprint.
Hang-Dry SunDay: Schedule a weekly hang-dry. Ditch the dryer once a week and hang-dry all your clothing instead. It doesn’t work for all your laundry, we understand. But if you can do this once a week, that’s a tiny habit worth saving.
No Cup, No Coffee: If you need to consume a disposable cup, just skip that coffee. Applicable every day of the week
Turn the Heat Down: Leaving the house? Turn off your heating or your air-conditioning. Who is it left on for?
Zero-Waste Gift wrap: Skip the wrapping paper and re-use that newspaper. We think it looks pretty cool, too.
Quality vs Quantity: It’s a new season, and you might need some new clothing. Buy an ethical piece that lasts a long time instead of three fast fashion ones. It’s better for the environment and better for that closet clutter!
Organic Option: Switch out one of your regular vegetable purchases to an organic option. Organic produce isn't just better for you, it's better for the insects, plants and animals, too!
Make Your Own: Skip the chemicals and single-use plastic - Make your own home staples. Things like salad dressing, or glass cleaner (it’s super easy, we promise). We’ve even got some recipes for you at the end of this post.
Shop Local: Once a week, shop 100% local. It could be that local farm stand down the road, or that local bakery by work. It could be local clothes or furniture or food. Just shop local. If it didn’t have to travel 10,000 km to get here, it is probably better for everyone around you.
STAFF FAVOURITES - Make don't buy recipes:
EASY Balsamic Dressing
Combine the following ingredients in a jar (or blender) and shake well. Store this well in the fridge and this can last for several weeks!
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1-2 tablespoons honey (or to taste)
- 2 teaspoons dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 clove minced garlic (optional)
- Greek spices (optional)
- Salt & Pepper (to taste)
Glass Cleaner
Mix 1 part white Vinegar with 1 part water. Place in a spray bottle for a perfect window and mirror cleaner, free of harsh ingredients (like ammonium hydroxide)
