So, here we are, 2023! The last few years have been tough for everyone, and whilst we can’t promise things will get easier, we do know that taking action for the climate can help to improve our mental health as well as benefit the environment – it’s a win win! With that in mind, we asked some of the Curious.Earth team to share their New Year Resolutions to give you some inspiration…
Victoria
I’ve been vegan for the past 4 years since trying Veganuary and I would massively recommend it! Veganuary offer loads of support, with meal plans, shopping lists, and recipes, and after pledging for the month I never looked back. Going vegan is one of the biggest things you can do for the environment (on a personal level) and it’s much easier than you might think.
I would also recommend getting involved in a campaign group like Extinction Rebellion, Greenpeace, or Friends of the Earth. Taking action as part of a community helps reduce climate anxiety and makes you feel empowered to make real change. And the work they are doing is having a real impact in helping tackle climate change.
Elin
To learn something new about people / global society, nature or climate each day and to pass what I have learned onto a friend or family member. There are so many resources out there, such as, Outrage and Optimism podcast – we have the power to solve the climate crisis, Sounds Like a Plan podcast – can music save the world?, and WaterBear – inspirational short films. My favourite podcast last year was Sustainability Agenda’s interview with Kenyan conservationist Dr Mordecai Ogada on conservation trends in Kenya
Hayley
My new year’s resolution is to reduce the number of plastic bottles I have in my home for cosmetic and household products. I began making these changes in 2021 by buying hard shampoo and conditioner from LUSH and ordering cleaning products from smol such as laundry detergent and anti-bacterial spray.
Juliet
My new year’s resolution is to buy less stuff, and to try to buy second hand if I really do need to buy something. I already buy most of my clothes and furniture second-hand, but I’d like to further reduce my overall consumption by stopping before I buy anything to ask myself whether I really need it. Can I find something suitable to wear in my wardrobe, or borrow clothes from a friend? Can I borrow tools or DIY equipment from a neighbour or hire them instead of buying? Can I get things repaired instead of replacing them?
The best part of this is that it requires much more engagement in your local community, as repair shops and tool libraries are often independently run, plus you’ll be talking to your neighbours more if you’re sharing a lawnmower! Edinburgh Tool Library have a huge collection of tools that can be borrowed, and the Edinburgh Remakery run workshops teaching you how to repair or upcycle their belongings
Beth
My new year’s resolution is to get out into nature more, and spend my weekends exploring the natural beauty that Scotland has to offer. I’ll take a plastic bag with me, so I can pick up litter along the way!
Bunmi
Come 2023, I am going to be very intentional about spreading the ‘gospel’ of the effect of anthropogenic activities on climate change. It’s a symbiotic-codependent relationship between a healthy earth and a healthier human; starting such conversations occasionally to build information and enlightenment would be the front burner of my daily activities.
Helen
My new year’s resolution is to make sure I take time everyday to appreciate the small bits of nature in my local space. It’s easy to forget what amazing things are around us, and feel connected to nature when living a busy life in London. I also want to try and repair more of my clothes/electronics/items – I’m really bad at DIY and sewing etc so this will be quite the challenge…!
Jonny
To move my pension pots to a pension provider that has set a net zero goal, ask what it is doing to meet that target, and encourage 5 friends to do the same. The Make My Money Matter campaign says that by greening our pensions, we can cut our carbon 21 times more than going vegetarian, stopping flying, and switching energy providers.
And my second resolution is to read one fiction or non-fiction book a month about climate or regeneration. First 2 on the list are:
- Less is More: How Degrowth Will Save the World by Jason Hickel
- The High House by Jessie Greengrass
Annie
My new year’s resolution is to walk and cycle around my local area more. It’s a great way to save money on transport and get your body moving.
Titilayo
I plan to enjoy nature (the beach in particular) and walk more this year. As well as to get more involved in climate change conversations and actions.
Make 2023 the year you take action
If one of these ideas took your fancy, then why not make it your 2023 resolution? Research has shown it only takes 66 days to form a new habit and, even better, missing the odd day here or there doesn’t make a difference. Give one of our ideas a go or commit to your own action for the New Year – maybe something as easy as signing up to our weekly newsletter, or following us on social media?!
And if you’re struggling just remember – you have three homes: Earth, your body, and your mind, and the most important resolution you can make is to take care of them.
