Sustainable New Year’s Resolutions You’ll Actually Keep

We hope your year is off to a great start! We’re excited to see what 2022 will bring for Emily Jones. One thing we know for sure is that we’ll be continuing on our mission to make our brand as sustainable as possible, and we’ve already started off strong with our shiny new RCS certification (more on that here)!

If you’re hoping to adopt some sustainable habits this year, we’re cheering you on. Resolutions can be hard to keep, so we’re giving you our best ideas that are sustainable for you as well as the planet. Start small. 

1.Break up with fast fashion.

Challenge yourself to a year of conscious purchasing. Yes, slow fashion is often pricier, but it often is better quality and more durable. The other plus side to having less pieces is that it is actually easier to get dressed. Consider building your dream capsule wardrobe this year. Your closet and the planet will thank you. 

2.Up your recycling game.

Make this year the year you learn more about exactly what can be recycled and how. There’s a lot to recycling beyond just sorting paper and plastic, and it can be tricky because the rules are not always the same in every region. Listen to that questioning voice in your head every time you dispose of something—what should I do with textiles, electronics, broken glass, plastic wrap? — and take the extra step to find how to dispose of it properly. We promise you, by 2023, it’ll be effortless. 

3.Challenge yourself to a low waste kitchen.

Meal planning will not only help avoid waste, but it’ll also make your life so much easier. At the end of the week, take stock of your fridge, and think of what you can make using the ingredients and leftovers you have that need to be used up. It’s actually pretty helpful to have that starting point because coming up with meal ideas out of the blue can be a bit draining. 

4.Use less water.

Pick one way (or several if you’re feeling ambitious) to cut back on water usage. It can be collecting water from heating up your shower to water your plants, turning off the water while brushing your teeth or washing your face, turning off the water while scrubbing plates clean—whatever feels doable to you. Small steps, big impact.  

5.Reuse.

From reusable water bottles to shopping totes to silicone food storage bags, try to use sustainable materials instead of disposable. You don’t have to go out and buy a bunch of new things either. Some of the best containers are the ones you have in your recycling bin. Jelly or pasta sauce jars make perfect containers for snacks, sauces, or leftovers. Takeout containers can be washed and reused for cold leftovers or salads (we don’t suggest heating them over and over or putting them in the dishwasher). Besides storing food items, you can also use recycled materials for organization purposes. Shoeboxes can be covered in pretty paper to use as drawer organizers, and small cardboard boxes are great for holding hair ties, for example.

 Want more eco-inspiration? Head on over to our 10 Earth Friendly Habits for more ideas. Wishing you a wonderful year ahead!