We all know that when the new years rolls around we make resolutions to work out more, to eat better, to be more sociable. Most of these resolutions are discarded a few weeks into January but here are three New Years Resolutions that don’t require much work, but are healthy, both for you and the earth.
- Participate in Meatless Mondays: Throughout the world, people have taken the pledge to omit meat from their diet one day a week. Cutting out meat even one day a week will make you a healthier person as a large amount of meat processed in the United States are made with growth hormones and are fed with GMO grain. In addition meat can have a lot of fat which is bad for you. In addition, meat takes an enormous toll on the environment to produce. Every minute 20 football fields worth of rain forests are cleared mainly for the meet industry. Likewise, meat takes an enormous amount of water to produce. One single hamburger patty requires the same amount of water as you would need to shower for two months straight.
- Walk or Bike to work, school, or to visit friends: Biking is a great alternative to driving a car especially for short trips made in the warmer months. So as long as the route is biker friendly, biking is a great way to get from place to place. In addition to getting a great workout, you will not be contributing carbon admissions into the atmosphere.
- In the colder months it can be tempting to crank the thermostat up to keep warm, but by keeping it lower you will not only save a ton of energy, but you will save a significant amount of money on your heating bill. Wear sweaters, and keep blankets around for family members to use. Also if you live in an older house, check to ensure that your duct system is up to standard and the heat you do use can move around the house properly.
Three simple things you can do in the New Year to benefit both yourself and the environment.