What are your goals for the new year? If giving back to our planet is on your list, you will want to check out these 10 ways to have an eco-friendly lifestyle.

The most significant resolution to stick to this year is to do more for the environment. The Cop26 conference back in November reminded the world of the major challenges we face today. But have no fear! There are small steps we can take every day to make a difference.

Recycling and waste management company BusinessWaste.co.uk reveals 10 simple ways for a greener and more environmentally-friendly year to get you started. Check out the list below.

• 1. Buy products that are biodegradable

  It’s not possible to control if the products you dispose of end up being recycled or sent to a landfill, but you can buy products made of biodegradable materials instead. Nevertheless, biodegradable products dissolve in time and do not harm the environment.

• 2. Plan Ahead

  Write a list before you go shopping to help you to stay organised and buy exactly what you need rather than buying excessively which will ultimately help your pocket and also the environment.

• 3. Support your local milkman

  By signing up to your local milk round your glass bottles can be reused up to 40 times, therefore avoiding plastic milk bottles and cartons whilst also supporting your local community. Here is a link to one in Charlotte.

• 4. Eat Less Meat

  Meat consumption contributes to climate change and has significant environmental impacts. Consider swapping meat for meatless substitutes and plant-based dishes at least three times a week.

• 5. Buy refillable toiletries

  We use over 800 shampoo bottles throughout our life and the cosmetic industry is generating tonnes of packaging for landfills. If you purchasing home care products like shampoo and soap, then make an environmentally friendly purchase and buy refillable bottles.

• 6. Donate Clothes

  Take advantage of the new year to organize your wardrobe and donate any clothes you no longer wear to friends, family, and local charities. Someone else’s wardrobe can give something you haven’t worn in a while a new lease of life.

• 7. Start Composting

  Composting is an easy way to reduce the food that would usually go to landfills. This will make use of all the leftover food bits that we can’t eat such as vegetable peels and eggshells. When composting you will be surprised at how little will end up in your black bin and with all that nutritious compost on hand your plants and garden will be very happy!

• 8. Make use of leftover food

  It’s shameful to throw away food that we have cooked or purchased in excess. Every year, we throw away more than 4.5 million tonnes of food as a nation, so it’s imperative that we all do our part to reuse leftovers. From soups to pies, there are plenty of recipes out there, and why not get your family involved to make a fun meal together?

• 9. Wear a reusable face mask

  Every day, over 50 million face masks end up in landfills. This is dangerous and will destroy our planet and its wildlife. Purchase fabric face masks that are the most eco-friendly way to keep yourself and your loved ones safe, as well as prevent an increase in single-use waste.

• 10. Use eco-friendly cleaning products

  Many cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that are bad for the environment and our skin. To avoid these problems, try to use non-synthetic products.

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