Another year is coming to an end; everyone is wrapping presents and preparing for the countdown. The classic end-of-the-year dilemmas come knocking at the door again. “Who will I kiss at the stroke of midnight?” “Is black actually my color?” “Could I be more sustainable?” While 2021 taught us to never take anything for granted, it also gave us back the hope we needed to take a step. The time has finally come to look forward. What better start than 10 tips for being more sustainable in 2022?
1. Stop driving and start walking
Did you know that 60.7% of total CO2 emissions from road transport in Europe come from cars? To start the year with a more sustainable lifestyle, walking is at the top of the list. In fact, moving on foot is a great way to connect with the environment around us. What else? It is free, good for our health, and counts as exercise! For long distances, public transportation is a sustainable alternative to the car. Other eco-friendly ways of transportation include the electric scooter, roller skates, skateboard, and of course the bicycle. In many European cities, you can temporarily rent electric bikes and scooters right on the street, just by downloading an app! One last tip is to install a pedometer on your smartphone or smartwatch and set yourself a daily starting goal of 10.000 steps.
2. Choose brands with low environmental impact
Given the dramatic climate changes already underway and predictions for years to come, a brand’s environmental impact has become a quality indicator. Supporting businesses that have a green concept at their core means demonstrating an active interest in the planet. We suggest choosing products with little packaging and checking if they have a certification that they are environmentally friendly. Starting with personal care to food and clothing: everything has a green side! With every single purchase, you can play a part in creating a more sustainable marketplace. Isn’t it exciting?
3. Try menstrual cup
Three words: reusable, undetectable, sustainable. This revolutionary device has already positively changed the lives of many women. Unlike tampons and sanitary napkins, the menstrual cup does not absorb the flow but only collects it. It is also washable and can be left on for up to 12 hours, before being emptied and reinserted. At the beginning and end of each menstruation, it is recommended to disinfect the cup in boiling water. Costs range on average from 10 to 30 euros and should normally be changed once a year. You can find it in pharmacies and also in some progressive supermarkets. A gift to yourself for this all-sustainable 2022!
4. Trains instead of planes
2022 could be the year people finally start traveling again. And maybe with this newfound freedom, we might even consider changing our concept of travel. Why trains instead of planes?
- First reason: time. Reach the airport; check-in and security controls. Take-off time, landing time, waiting for the shuttle. General delays. Imagine having to go to the train station instead. Show your ticket and you are done!
- Second reason: comfort. Being able to get up and move around with freedom. Some trains offer food services and cabins for overnight travelers. And last but not least, you can bring many bags!
- Third reason: sustainability. On average, trains produce 5 times less CO2 equivalent than airplanes; and usually, you do not even need to drive to the station! While observing the landscapes, you can breathe fresh air and know that you are taking part in a fight against climate change.
5. Bring your shopping bags from home
Aren’t they stylish? That could be debated. But are they sustainable? That is a certainty. You can find reusable shopping bags in all supermarkets, in different shapes and sizes. I have a feeling they will be the new fashion trend sooner than we imagine. After all, the fruit bag has already made the rounds with influencers. You can reduce your daily plastic consumption by bringing your own bags with you when going grocery shopping. A trick to not forget is to put them near your bag or next to the door. You can also reuse pouches or bags you already have, and even create one by deconstructing a durable garment and sewing it back together. Do you know that old pair of jeans?
6. Make a list of what you need before buying
Have you ever walked into a store with a vague idea of what you need and walked out with a bag full of random items? This habit can be a major blow to your wallet, but also to the planet! To become more sustainable this year, try making a list of what you really need to buy before you go shopping. Many products have an expiration date and it often ends up having to throw them away. Also, if you make a list before buying, you will make it quick and have more free time! Saving money and time; fighting waste; caring about the environment. What could we do to be even more sustainable?
7. Decluttering
Are you familiar with this concept? From the English word “clutter”, decluttering deals with making saturated spaces liveable again by eliminating the unnecessary. You can declutter at home, in your workspace, and even in your closet! You can watch tutorials on youtube or entertain yourself with documentaries. Tidying Up With Marie Kondo, for mentioning one. By reselling items that you do not need, you will help fuel the circular economy and reduce waste. Apps like Wallapop and Vinted are in vogue lately, precisely because more people are choosing to maintain a more sustainable lifestyle. You can also do an act of solidarity and donate the result of your decluttering to those most in need.
8. Buy from local trade
Being more sustainable sometimes means thinking outside the box. Choosing to support local businesses is a great way to learn about the area and preserve the planet. A big plus is purchasing directly at the source, but you can also just buy in-season and locally grown products! Sustainable companies take into account the environmental and human impact of their products. They aim at minimizing their environmental harm from factors issues related to the supply chain; f.i. water consumption, waste production, and energy usage. When we choose to get the seasonal vegetable rather than the exotic fruit or buy at the 10-minute in-store rather than order online, we are doing our part as consumers in pursuing this goal.
9. Adopt a plant
Do you want to start the year with an act of love? Taking care of another living being will make yours one of the central values of sustainability. Will you grow hot peppers, or will it be a beautiful basil plant? Will you adopt a tree from a distance, or create your own vegetable garden? It is completely up to you! In addition to being a vibrant splash of green to our space, plants are the main source of oxygen on the planet. You could make a donation or, if you want to be more socially active, take part as a volunteer in a reforestation charity or similar. Plants are also an evergreen gift for all your friends and family. There are even search engines that are committed to the cause. Make an act of love this year: adopt a plant!
10. Learn & Share more about Sustainability
If you have made it this far with at least as much enthusiasm as you began with, 2022 might actually be a more sustainable year for you! The world of sustainability is so diverse and amazing, you can never get enough of it. Follow the topic of sustainability on social media and through other mass media; take part in a volunteer project that benefits the environment; discuss it openly during social gatherings. These and many other chances to fight for a better world will make the difference as time goes on. We must act immediately and not miss a single opportunity, because, as we know, there is no Planet B. Let’s make this year matter!
