One Thing Challenge for the New Year!
OK, I know I am feeling it. January. Lots of pressure to somehow remake yourself. New year, new you as they say. But when it comes being more sustainable that all-or-nothing perspective can feel overwhelming. Like where do I even start?
So this year, instead of making a long list of eco-resolutions, let’s just all try one thing. Make one small change in one area of your life to create a little less waste.
Let's call it the “One Thing” challenge. Pick one way to create a little less waste in your everyday life, and try it for a month. No guilt if you forget. No pressure to do everything exactly perfect. Just one habit, practiced most of the time.
If enough of us do that, it adds up, right?
PICK YOUR ONE THING!
We all know that waste is a problem. But we also know that we all come to this from different places. Some of us already compost and refill our water bottles and repair our clothes. Others are just beginning to notice how full the trash can gets each week. Or are seeing more news stories about single use plastic floating in our water bodies. So here are a few ideas to get you started on “One Less Thing.”
Out and about:
Keep a reusable bag in your car so it’s there when you need it.
Use a reusable water bottle (your water stays colder!) and avoid the microplastics you consume with plastic disposable bottles.
Bring your own mug (coffee stays warmer!) or your own container for restaurant left overs.
Say no to plastic cutlery or napkins when you don’t need them.
Ask for a digital receipt instead of having the store print one (receipts aren’t even recyclable and they shed microplastics!)
Turn off your car in the pick up line for less emissions (see amazing video on Engine's Off below)
When at home:
Switch one product—hand soap, dish soap, cleaner—to a refillable or reusable option.
Skip paper towels for one regular task and use reusable Swedish-type cloths instead.
Unsubscribe from mail that you toss straight into the recycling.
Switch to a pour-over or french press rather then use plastic pods for coffee
Ditch the dryer sheets. (These are single-use disposables loaded with chemicals.) Choose a reusable wool ball instead.
Fix something instead of replacing it, if that’s an option (and look for Repair Fairs in the area!)
Bring out your cloth napkins to use every day rather than paper (plus, its fancier!)
Restyle an outfit you already own rather than buy fast fashion
With kids:
Talk about why you’re making these choices and have them think of ways they can participate in the One Thing challenge
Send them to school with lunch in a metal bento box rather than ziploc bags or other packaging
Rather than buy something new, go to a thrift store together, or mark down the next date for the SportSwap (March 22nd if you want to plan ahead!)
Choose one, and voila, a new year's resolution you can keep!
Small changes can feel insignificant, but they’re how bigger shifts start. They reduce waste, save money, and make use more aware about how things are made, used, and thrown away.
If you participate in the One Thing Challenge, drop us a line and let us know what you changed. Reach out at info@gogreenglenellyn.org
And here's another way to make your new year greener -- join Go Green GE for our new monthly Walking Club! This month we are hitting Panfish Park. If you fancy some fresh air and even fresher conversation, come on out on January 27th at noon. We will meet every fourth Tuesday at Noon at a different park, so check here, our website or Facebook for details!
Here’s to a new year with less waste, more intention, and room for all of us to keep walking the talk!
