NY Resolutions For Your Home

The New Year is an excellent time to reflect, refresh, and reassess your direction for the months ahead. The old year has past, and with it we can allow old habits to retire and embrace new, positive changes. While you're determining your direction for the new year, consider how you can make some small, easy updates to keep your home more environmentally friendly. Not only will these changes make you feel proactive, but they can even save you money! 

1. Composting 

In many cities, composting is required just like recycling. While you may not have outdoor space, there are plenty of community gardens and organizations who can put your food waste to good use. Compost bins are very affordable, and if you do garden, are an amazing way to feed your plants. It may seem a little gross at first, but it truly does benefit the Earth and can even help make you aware of exactly what is going to waste. 

2. Speaking of Community Gardens...

If you aren't lucky enough to have outdoor space to plant and grow, consider swapping out your usual fruit and vegetable shopping at the grocery store for things grown in a local community garden. Or look into renting a plot of land for you and your family! But even if you don't have a green thumb, supporting community gardens is an awesome way to keep your local economy going, and to reward biodiverse gardening practices. If your city doesn't have one, consider looking into starting one. All you need is a plot of land, some hardworking likeminded friends, and gardening supplies. If you're a parent of a school aged child, consider suggesting a garden as a class project and encourage other parents to participate and bring their compost. 

3. Re-use 

The new year is a popular time to purge unwanted items, which is a great way to start 2016 with a clean slate--but what about when you need to buy some new things? Most cities have a center for re-use or recycled household items that are in good repair and just looking for a new owner. In the last year, I picked up fabric for a Halloween costume, some camping gear, a bookshelf, and loads of craft supplies from my local re-use center. Not only does this save money, but it cuts down on superfluous packaging trash. You might not always find exactly what you're looking for, but visiting re-use centers can inspire DIY projects. 

4. Create quiet space 

You might not have a ton of extra space, but there is definitely a place in your home you can earmark for quiet time. For me, it's my bathroom. I spent time considering how I wanted to create a place of peace, relaxation, and rejuvenation. I made some simple scented bath salts, added a few candles, and committed to keeping it extra clean. While this isn't necessarily an environmentally focused task, giving yourself a place to unwind does wonders for your mental and emotional health. By creating this space, I noticed that I felt more calm while getting ready in the mornings and had an easier time unwinding in the evenings. This was like giving energy back to myself, which in turn helped me focus on other pursuits. 

5. Kick bottled water 

Bottled water creates huge amounts of waste, not to mention encouraging unprofessional business practices in the case of certain beverage companies who were caught siphoning public water supplies. Find an eco-friendly re-usable bottle, like a Camelback, and get a nice water filter if you are concerned about drinking tap. You'll save tons of money and know that you're keeping waste out of landfills (not all water bottles are able to be recycled.) While you're at it, consider ditching canned soda and mineral water for a Soda Stream, which allows you to make your own fizzy beverages without piling up bottles and cans. The initial investment isn't too bad, and if you look around you can always find one on sale. If you're a soda drinker, the cost savings will add up quickly! 

6. Skip machine drying clothes 

Even if you live in an apartment, there are ways to hang dry your clothes and save energy. Ideally, a clothesline in an outdoor space is best, but even if you just add a laundry rack in your kitchen or bathroom, you can still allow your clothes to air dry. In addition to saving energy and money, it will actually keep your clothes looking newer longer. Simply switching your clothes to air drying is a huge change, so don't worry if you don't have room to air dry larger things like sheets and blankets. Small changes make a big difference. 

7. Swap out old light bulbs 

In the past, energy efficient bulbs have been a bit more expensive than traditional ones--but not anymore! Do a quick inventory of your lights and begin swapping out the old bulbs for CFLs and LCDs. Not only do they last up to 25 times longer than traditional bulbs, but they use up to 80% less energy.